In 47 minutes you taught me more than I’ve learned in all my years combined. Unless your an expert on sonar do yourself a favor and invest your time in this series! It just might be the very best time investment you can make! It’s rare to find someone who will share their life long learning with you. Thank you! My day at the lake will be much different now!
@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS I have a Garmin, and a simrad. Both are not working on depth finder. They both just up and quit. Both are hull mount transducers. Any idea what may be causing it?
Hello from New Zealand. I'm very much an amateur fisherman who has bought a good quality Garmin and Have no idea how to read it properly. Absolutely love your tutorials. You've taught me so much. I can't wait to get back onto the water to put all my newly acquired knowledge into practice. Thank You. 😊
Hey, thanks for taking the time to make these great videos. I’ve been using sonar for 30 years and after watching this I realise I didn’t have much of a clue, I feel so much better informed and will be practicing my new learned techniques. Thanks again. Liked and subscribed.
Having said that, I’ve had a chance to use my chirp sonar and only been able to see the lead jigging one one occasion. It certainly helped me to target the fish that time but I’m left wondering if the ability to detect the lead and fish is dependent on depth of water or maybe salinity/algal blooms?
GREAT video. I’ve been a serious fisherman for 36 years now and have been using sonar for the last 25 years. In spite of that, this video taught me a ton and I will put it to use tomorrow!
2 year old video and I've learned so much. I'm 37 and just got into a fishing boat of my own for the first time. I bought a hook 2 7x hdi. And this video has taught me so much. Thanks.
Thank you for this series, especially joined together as one video! I recently bought my first sonar ever: a cheaper Garmin with CHIRP. But I wasn't naive, and already knew I had a lot to learn--which is why I went the low-frills route. My first time out yesterday, I did learn a lot, but also walked away with many new questions. This series has so far proven VERY helpful. Thanks again!
Thank you for this video. Everyone wants to show you how to set up your system but no one wants to explain the screen. I can read instructions. Great video, I now feel that at least I know what I can look for on my screen. I haven’t turned it on in 2 years
Great video series for a "dummy" like me. I'm buying my first boat and was curious on how to use the electronics. This series made it easy to understand, and know what I'm looking at. Thanks for doing this!
A good friend recently gave me his old fish finder. I’ve never used one. After 25 years I’ve finally moved back to the gulf coast and one of the main reasons is to be able to fish again like I did when I was young. Thank you very much for contributing your knowledge!
I just ordered my first fishfinder/gps. I watched hours or videos about every conceivable product available and I still didn't really know what I was looking at! Your video taught me so much in a short period of time. I finally feel like a have a firm basic understanding how to use my new fishfinder. Thank you!
You and I the same. Definitely learned a lot and now being on the water looking at my fish finder and what it shows I will be able to analyze exactly what I need to be doing in order to be more successful on the water.
Great series. I have been fishing for 20 years and used my electronics to get depths, temp, and maybe look for structure. Now I can use my electronics more effectively and hopefully increase my catches.
I’ve been fishing my entire life 56 years i was born in Windsor Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 and this is the first year I’ve ever bought and used a depth / fish finder and you answered every question I ever had in just a short period thank you so very much ,, much love brother god bless and tight lines
Thank you very much I watched about 50 videos on fish finder and was still dummy until I found your channel now i know what iam looking at . Thank you 🙏
Having purchased my first fish finder (Lowrance Reveal 5) these vids helped me get a handle on this. Too many others assume you already know about how these work and this series is great. Thanks.
Absolutely the most educational demo on the entire internet on how to read sonar feed..thank you so much..you took your time and you explained every detail beautiful.. excellent job!!
In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.
TECHNICALLY you see an arch for several reasons with ping deflection and cone angle heavily coming into play. I wanted to avoid ALL of that technical jargon in this SIMPLE video. The basic point I’m making is this: when the fish passes thru the “PINGS” you see an arch, when the fish stays UNDER the “PINGS” you see a worm.
If the arcs are the fishes airbladder, the sonar must be smart as hell ;) as far as i know, trees dont have airbladders, but we can still see them on the sonar. Jokes aside, great video.
4 yrs l8ter I have to give thanks to you for making this series. I'm a ff dummie. I've Never used a ff while fishing so this helps me out when I decide to get one. Bravo 👏
Incredible content and knowledge thank you!! I've watched almost all of your videos since the beginning of this year's striper season and I can tell you 100% your the reason I caught my first!! Thank you!
this is by FAR FAR FAR the best explanation of sonar i have ever seen. Mike you are a rock star and i THANK YOU for taking the time to do this. Happy fishing brother. Doug Groom
Certainly appreciate your teaching and kudos to you for two other things which are important to me. You do not feel the need to obscure your graphics with a pip of yourself, and you do not feel the need to make the narration difficult to hear by overlaying any kind of music. Just the information, clear and concise. This got you a like and a sub, I will be back to watch more often until I absorb this great information.
Agreed. He Mike gets to the point, and doesn’t belabor it. This past weekend I was looking for a simple explanation for engine trouble codes, found a video (different guy) and filtered through a 45 minute video with a dozen tedious stories, and anecdotes. Not sure that particular vlogger got out much, and I don’t mean fishing.
Really very good series. To better understand the concepts of what “targets” are in your beam at any time, it is valuable to know the width of the sonar beam with respect to depth for your transducer. For instance, my CHIRP medium transducer operates in a frequency range of 95 KHz to 155 KHz (95,000 - 155,000 pings/second). At 95 KHz, the beam (cone) angle is 26 degrees and at 155 KHz the angle is 17 degrees. Using some trigonometry: Beam diameter (width of cone) at Depth Depth 17 degrees 26 degrees 10 ft. 3 ft 4.6 ft 20 ft. 6 ft 9 ft 30 ft. 9 ft. 14 ft 40 ft. 12 ft. 18.5 ft 50 ft. 15 ft. 23 ft Knowing the characteristics of the transducer is useful! Helps you know just how big of a “column” you are seeing in that water column view on the screen, especially with regards to the A-Scope view, and to understand better the “target” (fish) density.
Excellent info!! My old Northstar units (before they became the new Simrad’s) had the bottom coverage right in the tool bar. Would be cool to see that come back.
I can't thank you enough!!! I haven't been fishing in 20 years.. I'm originally from Florida but I lived in Indiana for the last 40 years.. I just recently moved back to Florida 3 months ago.. When I lived in Indiana all I ever did was fish off the bank of creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes.. I recently just bought a feelfree lure 11.5 V2 and a Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 74sv Fish Finder/Chartplotter with GT54 Transducer and I literally know nothing about sonar/fishfinder.. your video has helped me out so much and explain so many different things that I knew nothing about... Again Thank you!
Thank you Mike for having the good sense to post these, and giving us newbies, all your time and effort, in putting these together. Bless you. Stay safe yourself!
i can thank you enough! Im a59 year old man that got back into fishing as i have more time. i have never really been confident in my fishfinder. Now I am WAAAY more schooled.
Thank you Mike. This series is phenomenal! I/we really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and perspective. Your attention to detail is top notch..you answered every question I had on each still shot. ..have spent countless hours searching for someone who can thoroughly explain exactly what is happening. Again, Thank you!
Thank you so much!!! I have a Lowrance in my kayak and have been searching for awhile for help reading it. This video is amazing. Really explained everything in a clear concise manner and covered a variety of topics. Super helpful!!
I watch some big channels that put a lot of time into their stuff but I still end up browsing jigs on amazon instead of listening. This video felt like 10 minutes. Excellent!
Thank you so much for the great videos, they helped me understand my fish finder a lot better. I'm 62 and fished for years the old fashion way. Now I'm excited to learn the tech stuff to fishing.
Wow. I am only half through this full video and feel a strong desire to tell you how much I appreciate that you have linked this series together and the quality of your selfless content. I have watched so many videos trying to understand my finder and you have simplified this for me. Seriously! Thank you!
Thanks Mike!!! I really appreciate that brother!! I’m really happy that you found it useful!! If you look at my newish uploads you will see another version of this with 5 more episodes added. Let me know what you think of it if 🙏🙏you have time to check it out. Thanks!!
As of today June 19, 2022. I will officially be the 1,242,872 dummy to watch this video. This was a great video for people like me wanting to get properly educated on a $500 piece of equipment from which I have no idea how to use it.. good job Mike. Look forward to more videos.
Getting a boat and fish finder chart plotter to go with it. Been using fish finders for years on other people's boats, never quite knew what everything meant real time. This series has been the best at explaining it. Thanks for the videos.
Good job on explaining everything from 2D to sidescane. Also appreciate the live videos that show the screen in real time especially when catching fish. You’re gonna teach a lot of people how to interpret their sonar units including me. I’ve been using sonar for years and have watched several how to/sonar schooling videos on here and so far have learned the most from your videos. Keep it up buddy. You’re doing good things.
Just bought this unit today for my Kayak. I've never owned one, and to be honest I hesitated because technology and I haven't always been the best of friends. I can't thank you enough for doing this video! My confidence level has just soared from watching it through one time! Mine will be here tomorrow, and I'll watch this again with mine in hand...thank you Sir!
With 0 experience on fish finders. I actually feel confident after this video with buying my very first one and knowing what I am looking at. Thanks mate 👍
You almost lost me with the length of the video, but I really couldn’t stop watching from one video to the next. Thank you for taking your time to do this and it really taught me a lot about fish finders.
I had so many questions about what I was looking at on the fish finder and how to utilize the data. Your videos have increased my knowledge immensely. Looking forward to putting this to practice this year. Thanks!
hey Mike i would love to see how to differentiate between a sandy and a weed bottom. i fish for squid offshore perth australia and at the edge of the weedbeds get whiting and flathead. thanks in advance
We used to have a monochrome unit on our old diving boat. I can’t remember the brand but it would beep and show a little picture of a fish with a number next to it to show the depth
Actually, many of the color units today still have that option. You can select the fish icon next to the arch with or without a depth number next to it. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️😁.
The new “live” sonars remove all doubt. You actually see the fish swimming all around the screen. They are shaped like a fish too. You can see tails and fins. Only down side is that it only shows a small section of water and you must move slowly. Check out some of my videos on it if you want. Simrad Active Target.
Really love the compilation! I have never used a fish finder before, and this has so much useful information. Shared with my partner, she'll love it too!
I'm getting ready to buy my first fish finder and came across your video.Not only did it answer all my questions about what you see on the screen but it was described in a clear and concise manner. Great video!!! I also don't object to the title. When it comes to fish finders I am a dummy.
Thank you for clear and eloquent explanations. I just bought a Helix 7 and appreciate your clarification of sonar operation. Very much appreciated and very professional!
The live video is amazing. I will looking a lot closer at mine. When out in the ocean I can see our bottom rigs going down. Looks like a long line on the screen. Great video!!,
Nice! Watching them again and I head something in the first one I didnt remember hearing. About more arches you might see when in deeper water with the cone being wider with depth.
Ok I may have commented too early as I was only half way through the tutorial and did not properly express how great this video is and what an easy and intelligent way Mike explains everything. Now that I've seen the live video my mind has been totally blown! Not only have I learned so much but I feel confident that I can achieve simular results with that knowledge. Thanks again Mike. Love ya bro!
Love that last video ❤️. U went over that ledge and all them fish were just hanging out at the top....fish on...fish on.... lol. That’s awesome when that happens. Love when u can see that on the screen 👍❤️
2 screen shots in and I've learned more than I ever knew. Thanks for making these. I fish from a kayak got it new in '17 with a RayMarine Dragonfly 5 pro and want to upgrade to larger screen and side scan. Also use GPS Motorguide Xi3 and want something compatible with motor. I've promised my wallet not to get one until I learn how to use what I have for something other than depth and temperature. Any suggestions on units to look at and how to learn more about what unit I'm using now? Also how do I upgrade charts haven't use feature much?
I appreciate that brother!! I use the Simrad Evo3’s and absolutely love them, but Simrad has such great combo deals on these units here amzn.to/3zmWWTV I find myself recommending these over anything else. You won’t find a better deal with any other brand.
Year before last I bought a 2017 195 tournament edition tracker with a 150 Mercury and two hook five chirps. Up until now the only thing I've learned is the water temperature, the depth the speed and that's about it. I kept telling myself I was going to commit to learning how to use these fish finders, but when you're trying to fish, that just didn't seem like a good time to learn to read the finder. This series has given me the greatest education in the world. You make it easy to understand.! I want to see all of your videos!
Mike, Being a new boater your videos have helped me so much understand the blob mess I used to look at. Now I can ready my fish finder with some understanding. Thanks much for your time and effort in your videos.
Amazing video! Incredibly informative. Thank you! As a novice with sonar, I'm running a Hummingbird Helix 5 off my kayak. I fish in a bay complex on the Texas Gulf Coast with a max water depth of about 6 feet but most of the areas I work are 3 give or take. Do you have any setting recommendations that may help me out like what frequency would be best in that depth? Thanks in advance!
I'm a yakker too. It's been a year since your comment. How do you feel about the Helix 5 after a year of ownership? I'm looking to get a 4-5 inch unit and looking for input.
@joshuagibson2520 Personally, I like it. I don't use many of the features since I am barely in more than 5 foot of water but locating fish as well as structure is very easy.
The term dummy is exactly why I watched this video, which by the way is very informative, I truly appreciate you spending your time to put this together. I feel like lm well on the way to knowing what I’m looking at now instead of just guessing. You’ve gained a new sub sir!
I just bought my first fishfinder unit and installed it today. This video put me way ahead on my learning curve for going out in the water tomorrow. Thank you so much! Excellent videos.
I just bought my first fish finder for my kayak and this was the best video i have watched for any type of information in a really long time man 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I use my fish finder more and more everytime I go out. But this has to be one of the best videos on youtube, on most aspects of using a graph for different situations. I love learning more about reading these images, great job!!!
I am glad that I have found your video! You explained everything so clear and with a lot of details! Thank you a lot! I have a deeper pro+ sonar and now I am learning how to interpret the readings from it!
Cant wait! Just settling in. Bought our first boat an 88 ranger 393v have a lowrance eagle 9. We have tried to place the trans in several different spots and got mixed readings. The one spot that seems it would be correct is blocked by the live well in/outlets we have it close. The boat not only has a V bottom but a step setup I guess you call itm I can't get arches alot of times, most of the times it's just dots, blobs and some times half arches. Can't wait to see what I will learn. One person said I would have to build a bracket special made to fit the trans where it's supposed to go. Don't know if I want to go through all that. I'm just a hobbiest and that's my only electronic on the boat. Mainly use it for GPS and bottom scanning
I can’t wait to get back out this weekend. Until watching this video, my “fish finder” was just a tool to see depth and to find my way back to the dock. Now, I feel like I understand what I am seeing.
I just bought my very first ever sonar its the tpod sonarphone, just found out its an old brand but thats ok because an old brand is good and easier for us beginners to use i would imagine. I agree with mike, im at 12 minutues and already have learned soo much and invested alot of time yesterday learning about it leaning into the next day. I absolutly appreciate you ALLLOT for having this video out there to help not just me but others like me out there. Thank you so very much man
Just bought a Lowrance hook 2 x4 and really didn't have any idea how to read the thing. We do river fishing here in our area. So I want to find the deep hole's for big cat fish. After watching your videos I think I am more prepared for our next trip. Been a awesome series. Thanks.
I'm at camp, watching this, with my boat parked next to the trailer. The very first thing I learned was, if you're getting half arches, the transducer needs adjusted. I've never got full arcs. Pause the video. Walk over and check. Sure enough, my transducer isn't level! The learning just kept coming after that! You make everything so easy to understand! I know how the cone works, but the flashlight analogy... the light 💡 popped on!
Ive been searching all day for info i was a dummy on the lake this past weekend didnt have a clue what i was looking at that changed in 47 minutes thanks for this video you gained a subscription from me!
My dad and I just got a new boat and a fish finder. It was SO much fun going out and learning all about the lake and the honey holes. we found an amazing spot for bass and slayed. I also caught a Northern Pike which is invasive here and a mandatory keeper! These things are amazing tools. Thanks for this video I really enjoyed learning more about these.
Thanks brother!! Congratulations on the new boat! You are the reason I started making these videos. Fishing has a way of bonding fathers and sons like nothing else I’ve ever seen. 👍👍👍👍. Please keep me posted on your trips.
Great video, I start using sonar first time 4 years ago and all I knew was the fist on large portion of the screen already passed, I understand better now. Thanks.
I caught three nice spotted bass today using your techniques. I was able to see the fish attacking my bait ! What a thrill ! Thanks again for this great video series.
I'm 71 years old and thought I knew enough to use these electronics. I was wrong. Thanks for putting these out there, I'll be going back and reviewing them again.
This is the best explanation on how to read a sonar i have seen this is all you need to know this is golden very very well explained thank you you just changed the way i fish from now on
@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS i really appreciate you for taking time to make this its hands down the best video on UA-cam on how to read a sonar love catfishing
Thankyou Thankyou it took me an hour or more to find you but so glad I did, you’ve taught me more than anywhere else on UA-cam. I might be able to cancel my university degree now I’ve been educated by you 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼
I've never been a fan of "fish finders", because I could never really figure out what I was seeing on the screen; so I always relied on natural "signs/strategies" to find fish. Your videos Mike, have made me want to use a sonar every time I go out. My biggest misconception was that the activity on the screen was only about covered surface, when in fact, it's more about passing time than territory; I just never realized that so I was always trying to figure out where the fish were in relation to the direction of the boat. Great video series; incredibly valuable tool!
Here is a bottom coverage calculator for any model transducer. www.airmar.com/bottom-calculator.html. For my transducer, which has a 25 degree cone the bottom coverage is a little less than half of the depth. So in 100’ of water the bottom of the cone is around 45’ in diameter.
I would like to say thank you. This information is perfect in every form. I bought my first paper graph in the mid 80's. A lowrance. Most expensive, technically advanced pain in the ass! OMG probably paid $500 back then. Your information is awesome. Thanks for sharing! Keep me posted as I am about to put some scanning devices on my kayak.
In 47 minutes you taught me more than I’ve learned in all my years combined. Unless your an expert on sonar do yourself a favor and invest your time in this series! It just might be the very best time investment you can make! It’s rare to find someone who will share their life long learning with you. Thank you! My day at the lake will be much different now!
Thanks Mike!!! I really appreciate that!! 👍😁😁
+1
Agreed!!! Absolutely Awesome videos!
@@rcajun8902 thanks brother!
@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS I have a Garmin, and a simrad. Both are not working on depth finder. They both just up and quit. Both are hull mount transducers. Any idea what may be causing it?
Hello from New Zealand. I'm very much an amateur fisherman who has bought a good quality Garmin and Have no idea how to read it properly. Absolutely love your tutorials. You've taught me so much. I can't wait to get back onto the water to put all my newly acquired knowledge into practice. Thank You. 😊
Hey, thanks for taking the time to make these great videos. I’ve been using sonar for 30 years and after watching this I realise I didn’t have much of a clue, I feel so much better informed and will be practicing my new learned techniques. Thanks again. Liked and subscribed.
Having said that, I’ve had a chance to use my chirp sonar and only been able to see the lead jigging one one occasion. It certainly helped me to target the fish that time but I’m left wondering if the ability to detect the lead and fish is dependent on depth of water or maybe salinity/algal blooms?
@@andrewbazeley6057 that live scope panoptix or active target you need for that
Thanks Mike, just saw one of you other videos explaining this very thing.
GREAT video. I’ve been a serious fisherman for 36 years now and have been using sonar for the last 25 years. In spite of that, this video taught me a ton and I will put it to use tomorrow!
2 year old video and I've learned so much. I'm 37 and just got into a fishing boat of my own for the first time. I bought a hook 2 7x hdi. And this video has taught me so much. Thanks.
Awesome! Glad you like it brother!
Thank you for this series, especially joined together as one video! I recently bought my first sonar ever: a cheaper Garmin with CHIRP. But I wasn't naive, and already knew I had a lot to learn--which is why I went the low-frills route. My first time out yesterday, I did learn a lot, but also walked away with many new questions. This series has so far proven VERY helpful. Thanks again!
Thanks brother!! I’m glad you liked it👍👍
Thank you for this video. Everyone wants to show you how to set up your system but no one wants to explain the screen. I can read instructions. Great video, I now feel that at least I know what I can look for on my screen. I haven’t turned it on in 2 years
Awesome. Thanks brother!!!
Great video series for a "dummy" like me. I'm buying my first boat and was curious on how to use the electronics. This series made it easy to understand, and know what I'm looking at. Thanks for doing this!
A good friend recently gave me his old fish finder. I’ve never used one. After 25 years I’ve finally moved back to the gulf coast and one of the main reasons is to be able to fish again like I did when I was young. Thank you very much for contributing your knowledge!
You’re very welcome!!😁😁👍👍
I just ordered my first fishfinder/gps. I watched hours or videos about every conceivable product available and I still didn't really know what I was looking at! Your video taught me so much in a short period of time. I finally feel like a have a firm basic understanding how to use my new fishfinder. Thank you!
Most
Comprehensive video on using a “fish/sonar finder” I’ve ever seen!!! Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to do this video! Incredible!!!
Damn. I went into this video with zero idea on what I was looking at and now I feel like I have a good idea. Thank you so much.
That’s awesome brother. Thanks!
I’m in the same boat love your comment.
You and I the same. Definitely learned a lot and now being on the water looking at my fish finder and what it shows I will be able to analyze exactly what I need to be doing in order to be more successful on the water.
Thank you brother!!! I love hearing that!
Great series. I have been fishing for 20 years and used my electronics to get depths, temp, and maybe look for structure. Now I can use my electronics more effectively and hopefully increase my catches.
Thanks brother!!! 👍👍
I’ve been fishing my entire life 56 years i was born in Windsor Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 and this is the first year I’ve ever bought and used a depth / fish finder and you answered every question I ever had in just a short period thank you so very much ,, much love brother god bless and tight lines
❤️❤️ Thank you Ken!!! I really appreciate that brother!! Especially from an old salt like yourself 🙏🙏🙏
*explains things in literally the best way possible* "I hope that's not too confusing" wow you are a phenomenal teacher/explainer!!
Thanks brother!! I appreciate that!
Thank you very much I watched about 50 videos on fish finder and was still dummy until I found your channel now i know what iam looking at . Thank you 🙏
Thanks brother!! I appreciate the comment!!👍👍
Man that was the best video on anything i've ever seen on UA-cam.
Thank you,
Dummy
Awesome tutorials. No stone unturned. I appreciate the comprehensive presentations and the way you tie it all together.
Thanks Mark!!! I appreciate that brother!
Having purchased my first fish finder (Lowrance Reveal 5) these vids helped me get a handle on this. Too many others assume you already know about how these work and this series is great. Thanks.
Awesome! Glad you like it brother!
Absolutely the most educational demo on the entire internet on how to read sonar feed..thank you so much..you took your time and you explained every detail beautiful.. excellent job!!
Best fishfinder/sonar instructional iv seen. Thanks for breaking it down. Ive Learned so much.
In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.
TECHNICALLY you see an arch for several reasons with ping deflection and cone angle heavily coming into play. I wanted to avoid ALL of that technical jargon in this SIMPLE video. The basic point I’m making is this: when the fish passes thru the “PINGS” you see an arch, when the fish stays UNDER the “PINGS” you see a worm.
If the arcs are the fishes airbladder, the sonar must be smart as hell ;) as far as i know, trees dont have airbladders, but we can still see them on the sonar. Jokes aside, great video.
😁😁👍
4 yrs l8ter I have to give thanks to you for making this series. I'm a ff dummie. I've Never used a ff while fishing so this helps me out when I decide to get one. Bravo 👏
I’m glad to hear that!! Thank you!!! 🙏🙏
Bro, I have been fishing for over 40 years. By far the absolute best video description of how to read your fish finder. Thanks much.
Incredible content and knowledge thank you!! I've watched almost all of your videos since the beginning of this year's striper season and I can tell you 100% your the reason I caught my first!! Thank you!
this is by FAR FAR FAR the best explanation of sonar i have ever seen. Mike you are a rock star and i THANK YOU for taking the time to do this. Happy fishing brother. Doug Groom
Thanks Doug!!! I appreciate that brother!
Certainly appreciate your teaching and kudos to you for two other things which are important to me. You do not feel the need to obscure your graphics with a pip of yourself, and you do not feel the need to make the narration difficult to hear by overlaying any kind of music. Just the information, clear and concise. This got you a like and a sub, I will be back to watch more often until I absorb this great information.
Thanks brother!! I really appreciate that!! 👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Agreed. He Mike gets to the point, and doesn’t belabor it. This past weekend I was looking for a simple explanation for engine trouble codes, found a video (different guy) and filtered through a 45 minute video with a dozen tedious stories, and anecdotes. Not sure that particular vlogger got out much, and I don’t mean fishing.
Thanks Joe!! I appreciate it brother!!🙏🙏🙏😁
Really very good series. To better understand the concepts of what “targets” are in your beam at any time, it is valuable to know the width of the sonar beam with respect to depth for your transducer. For instance, my CHIRP medium transducer operates in a frequency range of 95 KHz to 155 KHz (95,000 - 155,000 pings/second). At 95 KHz, the beam (cone) angle is 26 degrees and at 155 KHz the angle is 17 degrees. Using some trigonometry:
Beam diameter (width of cone) at Depth
Depth 17 degrees 26 degrees
10 ft. 3 ft 4.6 ft
20 ft. 6 ft 9 ft
30 ft. 9 ft. 14 ft
40 ft. 12 ft. 18.5 ft
50 ft. 15 ft. 23 ft
Knowing the characteristics of the transducer is useful! Helps you know just how big of a “column” you are seeing in that water column view on the screen, especially with regards to the A-Scope view, and to understand better the “target” (fish) density.
Excellent info!! My old Northstar units (before they became the new Simrad’s) had the bottom coverage right in the tool bar. Would be cool to see that come back.
I can't thank you enough!!! I haven't been fishing in 20 years.. I'm originally from Florida but I lived in Indiana for the last 40 years.. I just recently moved back to Florida 3 months ago.. When I lived in Indiana all I ever did was fish off the bank of creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes.. I recently just bought a feelfree lure 11.5 V2 and a Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 74sv Fish Finder/Chartplotter with GT54 Transducer and I literally know nothing about sonar/fishfinder.. your video has helped me out so much and explain so many different things that I knew nothing about... Again Thank you!
Thanks David!! I really appreciate the time you took to comment. Thank you brother!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍
Affordable version of my Simrad fish finder used for this video including side scan and CHIRP sonar amzn.to/3IwLhsl
How does the sonar do in shallow water. 0-8 feet?
Thank you Mike for having the good sense to post these, and giving us newbies, all your time and effort, in putting these together. Bless you.
Stay safe yourself!
Thanks you so much Stuart!! I appreciate that brother!
You Wizards need to advertise classes!!!!! I learned so much on this vid!!!
i can thank you enough! Im a59 year old man that got back into fishing as i have more time. i have never really been confident in my fishfinder. Now I am WAAAY more schooled.
I have been using sonar since 1976. long before it was digital .. and i am obviously still a beginner. I learned a lot from this. Thank you.
Thank you Mike. This series is phenomenal! I/we really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and perspective. Your attention to detail is top notch..you answered every question I had on each still shot. ..have spent countless hours searching for someone who can thoroughly explain exactly what is happening. Again, Thank you!
That’s great brother!!!
I’m so glad you like it!!👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you so much!!! I have a Lowrance in my kayak and have been searching for awhile for help reading it. This video is amazing. Really explained everything in a clear concise manner and covered a variety of topics. Super helpful!!
Thanks brother 👍👍😁😁
Not a Dummie anymore! Thank you.
😁😁😁😁🙏🙏🙏👍👍
I watch some big channels that put a lot of time into their stuff but I still end up browsing jigs on amazon instead of listening. This video felt like 10 minutes. Excellent!
Thanks brother!!!! I appreciate that!
Thank you so much for the great videos, they helped me understand my fish finder a lot better. I'm 62 and fished for years
the old fashion way. Now I'm excited to learn the tech stuff to fishing.
Thank you!!!
Very helpful thanks Mario A.
I have learned a lot.
Wow. I am only half through this full video and feel a strong desire to tell you how much I appreciate that you have linked this series together and the quality of your selfless content. I have watched so many videos trying to understand my finder and you have simplified this for me. Seriously! Thank you!
Thanks Mike!!! I really appreciate that brother!! I’m really happy that you found it useful!! If you look at my newish uploads you will see another version of this with 5 more episodes added. Let me know what you think of it if 🙏🙏you have time to check it out. Thanks!!
I never knew what I was looking at. Great video.
As of today June 19, 2022. I will officially be the 1,242,872 dummy to watch this video. This was a great video for people like me wanting to get properly educated on a $500 piece of equipment from which I have no idea how to use it.. good job Mike. Look forward to more videos.
Thanks brother!!! I’m glad you liked it!! 😁👍
Getting a boat and fish finder chart plotter to go with it. Been using fish finders for years on other people's boats, never quite knew what everything meant real time. This series has been the best at explaining it. Thanks for the videos.
This video goes right into my Watch Later file. Thank you for posting.
I appreciate that brother!!
This video was awesome. Much appreciated. I watched all the ads so trying to do my bit to give back.
From down under 🇦🇺
Heck yeah!! I appreciate that brother! For real. 😁
Good job on explaining everything from 2D to sidescane. Also appreciate the live videos that show the screen in real time especially when catching fish. You’re gonna teach a lot of people how to interpret their sonar units including me. I’ve been using sonar for years and have watched several how to/sonar schooling videos on here and so far have learned the most from your videos. Keep it up buddy. You’re doing good things.
Thanks Brother!!! I really appreciate that!
Just bought this unit today for my Kayak. I've never owned one, and to be honest I hesitated because technology and I haven't always been the best of friends. I can't thank you enough for doing this video! My confidence level has just soared from watching it through one time! Mine will be here tomorrow, and I'll watch this again with mine in hand...thank you Sir!
Thanks Kevin!!!👍👍
With 0 experience on fish finders. I actually feel confident after this video with buying my very first one and knowing what I am looking at. Thanks mate 👍
Awesome!! Thanks!!
Love from Germany!! Thank you so much for the series
Love back to you Niklas!! 😁😁👍👍
I know I've commented several times already. That was an awesome review and learning experience 👍 Thanks so much Mike!
Thanks brother!! I appreciate that. 👍👍
Thanks so much! This is just what I needed!!!! Can't wait to get out on the water with my fish finder!
Awesome!!! Glad you like it brother!
You almost lost me with the length of the video, but I really couldn’t stop watching from one video to the next. Thank you for taking your time to do this and it really taught me a lot about fish finders.
Thanks brother!! Glad you liked it!!! 👍👍
Best 47 minutes invested in fish finder education ever! Thanks!
I appreciate that brother! Thanks!😊
I had so many questions about what I was looking at on the fish finder and how to utilize the data. Your videos have increased my knowledge immensely. Looking forward to putting this to practice this year. Thanks!
Great series. I just got my Lowrance Hook Reveal, so these are awesome!
Roger, The Smiling BassHole
Thanks brother
@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS do I need an sd card for my fish finder
Thank you. This is the best video I've seen on sonar.
Thanks brother!! I appreciate the comment!!👍👍
😁😁😁😁
I gavel this’ll be be app the the on the doubt
Completely agree
Thanks 60plus year old fisherman 1 st time using sonar great help for beginners
I cant tell you how helpful this was. There is nothing out there of this quality, I feel like I can catch anything out there now. Thank you so much!
hey Mike i would love to see how to differentiate between a sandy and a weed bottom. i fish for squid offshore perth australia and at the edge of the weedbeds get whiting and flathead. thanks in advance
I’ll see what I can do, but that’s actually an easy one. If the bottom appears rough at all it’s usually weeds.
wonder when they will build a fish finder that actually says, hey dummy that's a fish
We used to have a monochrome unit on our old diving boat. I can’t remember the brand but it would beep and show a little picture of a fish with a number next to it to show the depth
Actually, many of the color units today still have that option. You can select the fish icon next to the arch with or without a depth number next to it. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️😁.
The new “live” sonars remove all doubt. You actually see the fish swimming all around the screen. They are shaped like a fish too. You can see tails and fins. Only down side is that it only shows a small section of water and you must move slowly. Check out some of my videos on it if you want. Simrad Active Target.
It’s called live scope. Base model 2500$
Excellent vids mate. Thank you! No Stripers down under... but your info is still fantastically relevant. Subbed. Cheers 🍻
Really love the compilation! I have never used a fish finder before, and this has so much useful information. Shared with my partner, she'll love it too!
Awesome!! I’m glad you like it!!!
I'm getting ready to buy my first fish finder and came across your video.Not only did it answer all my questions about what you see on the screen but it was described in a clear and concise manner. Great video!!! I also don't object to the title. When it comes to fish finders I am a dummy.
😁😁🙏thank you!
Thank you for clear and eloquent explanations. I just bought a Helix 7 and appreciate your clarification of sonar operation. Very much appreciated and very professional!
Helped a lot
Glad you like it
The live video is amazing. I will looking a lot closer at mine. When out in the ocean I can see our bottom rigs going down. Looks like a long line on the screen. Great video!!,
Thanks brother!!
Nice! Watching them again and I head something in the first one I didnt remember hearing. About more arches you might see when in deeper water with the cone being wider with depth.
Love hearing that brother!! Thanks for the comment.
Ok I may have commented too early as I was only half way through the tutorial and did not properly express how great this video is and what an easy and intelligent way Mike explains everything. Now that I've seen the live video my mind has been totally blown! Not only have I learned so much but I feel confident that I can achieve simular results with that knowledge. Thanks again Mike.
Love ya bro!
Thanks Mike!!! I appreciate that brother!! Love ya!! Mean it!!
Love that last video ❤️. U went over that ledge and all them fish were just hanging out at the top....fish on...fish on.... lol. That’s awesome when that happens. Love when u can see that on the screen 👍❤️
I've been fishing along time but this was very interesting and informative
Thanks brother!
2 screen shots in and I've learned more than I ever knew. Thanks for making these. I fish from a kayak got it new in '17 with a RayMarine Dragonfly 5 pro and want to upgrade to larger screen and side scan. Also use GPS Motorguide Xi3 and want something compatible with motor. I've promised my wallet not to get one until I learn how to use what I have for something other than depth and temperature. Any suggestions on units to look at and how to learn more about what unit I'm using now? Also how do I upgrade charts haven't use feature much?
I appreciate that brother!! I use the Simrad Evo3’s and absolutely love them, but Simrad has such great combo deals on these units here amzn.to/3zmWWTV I find myself recommending these over anything else. You won’t find a better deal with any other brand.
Outstanding video
Thanks William! I appreciate that brother!
Love this series.
Anything about fine tuning the manual settings?
Thanks brother!! The last sonar for dummies has all of my settings 👍👍
Year before last I bought a 2017 195 tournament edition tracker with a 150 Mercury and two hook five chirps. Up until now the only thing I've learned is the water temperature, the depth the speed and that's about it. I kept telling myself I was going to commit to learning how to use these fish finders, but when you're trying to fish, that just didn't seem like a good time to learn to read the finder. This series has given me the greatest education in the world. You make it easy to understand.! I want to see all of your videos!
WOW!! Thank you brother!! That’s very kind of you to say. 🙏🙏🙏🙏. I’m glad you like it 👍👍😁
Mike, Being a new boater your videos have helped me so much understand the blob mess I used to look at. Now I can ready my fish finder with some understanding. Thanks much for your time and effort in your videos.
Thanks Don! I really appreciate that brother!! 😁
Amazing video! Incredibly informative. Thank you!
As a novice with sonar, I'm running a Hummingbird Helix 5 off my kayak. I fish in a bay complex on the Texas Gulf Coast with a max water depth of about 6 feet but most of the areas I work are 3 give or take. Do you have any setting recommendations that may help me out like what frequency would be best in that depth? Thanks in advance!
I'm a yakker too. It's been a year since your comment. How do you feel about the Helix 5 after a year of ownership? I'm looking to get a 4-5 inch unit and looking for input.
@joshuagibson2520 Personally, I like it. I don't use many of the features since I am barely in more than 5 foot of water but locating fish as well as structure is very easy.
@@chexlemeneux4907 thanks for replying. Much appreciated.
@@joshuagibson2520 No worries!
fantastic tutorial. I've been trying over a year to learn and understand my fish finder. finally I can enjoy my fishing with grand kids.
Awesome!! Thanks Paul!
I'm definitely a dummy so this dummy for sonars is perfect for me I definitely would watch more if you make them Thanks it's really helping me a lot
The term dummy is exactly why I watched this video, which by the way is very informative, I truly appreciate you spending your time to put this together. I feel like lm well on the way to knowing what I’m looking at now instead of just guessing. You’ve gained a new sub sir!
Thank you sir!! I really appreciate that!! I had reservations about using that term, but I know I always look for it myself. 😆👍👍👍
This will be my first time using a fish finder ever ! I really appreciate the time you have taken the time to help us dummies ! WOW !
Awesome!!! Glad you like it! 🙏🙏😁
I just bought my first fishfinder unit and installed it today. This video put me way ahead on my learning curve for going out in the water tomorrow. Thank you so much! Excellent videos.
That’s great Kevin!! I appreciate your support!🙏🙏🙏
I just bought my first fish finder for my kayak and this was the best video i have watched for any type of information in a really long time man 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks brother!! 👍👍😁
I use my fish finder more and more everytime I go out. But this has to be one of the best videos on youtube, on most aspects of using a graph for different situations. I love learning more about reading these images, great job!!!
Thanks brother!! I really appreciate that! 👍👍
I am glad that I have found your video! You explained everything so clear and with a lot of details! Thank you a lot! I have a deeper pro+ sonar and now I am learning how to interpret the readings from it!
Thank you for this series. I’ve used a fish finder for years but never understood it the way that you explained it.
Thanks brother!! I’m glad you liked it!! I really appreciate the comment!! 👍👍😁😁😁
Cant wait! Just settling in. Bought our first boat an 88 ranger 393v have a lowrance eagle 9. We have tried to place the trans in several different spots and got mixed readings. The one spot that seems it would be correct is blocked by the live well in/outlets we have it close. The boat not only has a V bottom but a step setup I guess you call itm I can't get arches alot of times, most of the times it's just dots, blobs and some times half arches. Can't wait to see what I will learn. One person said I would have to build a bracket special made to fit the trans where it's supposed to go. Don't know if I want to go through all that. I'm just a hobbiest and that's my only electronic on the boat. Mainly use it for GPS and bottom scanning
I can’t wait to get back out this weekend. Until watching this video, my “fish finder” was just a tool to see depth and to find my way back to the dock.
Now, I feel like I understand what I am seeing.
@@russellhoguephd7925 that’s awesome brother!!! I’m glad you like the videos.
I just bought my very first ever sonar its the tpod sonarphone, just found out its an old brand but thats ok because an old brand is good and easier for us beginners to use i would imagine. I agree with mike, im at 12 minutues and already have learned soo much and invested alot of time yesterday learning about it leaning into the next day. I absolutly appreciate you ALLLOT for having this video out there to help not just me but others like me out there. Thank you so very much man
That’s great Richard!! I’m glad you like it brother! Catch em all!
Just bought a Lowrance hook 2 x4 and really didn't have any idea how to read the thing. We do river fishing here in our area. So I want to find the deep hole's for big cat fish. After watching your videos I think I am more prepared for our next trip. Been a awesome series. Thanks.
I'm at camp, watching this, with my boat parked next to the trailer. The very first thing I learned was, if you're getting half arches, the transducer needs adjusted. I've never got full arcs. Pause the video. Walk over and check. Sure enough, my transducer isn't level! The learning just kept coming after that! You make everything so easy to understand! I know how the cone works, but the flashlight analogy... the light 💡 popped on!
Thanks Mike!! I really appreciate that brother!!! I’m glad you liked it!
Ive been searching all day for info i was a dummy on the lake this past weekend didnt have a clue what i was looking at that changed in 47 minutes thanks for this video you gained a subscription from me!
Thank you!!! I’m glad you liked it. 😁😁. I have a few newer versions with added lessons on the end. Appreciate the subscription!
My dad and I just got a new boat and a fish finder. It was SO much fun going out and learning all about the lake and the honey holes. we found an amazing spot for bass and slayed. I also caught a Northern Pike which is invasive here and a mandatory keeper! These things are amazing tools. Thanks for this video I really enjoyed learning more about these.
Thanks brother!! Congratulations on the new boat! You are the reason I started making these videos. Fishing has a way of bonding fathers and sons like nothing else I’ve ever seen. 👍👍👍👍. Please keep me posted on your trips.
Great video, I start using sonar first time 4 years ago and all I knew was the fist on large portion of the screen already passed, I understand better now. Thanks.
Thanks Mike. I am from Papua New Guinea. We hardly use nor own Fish Finders. Been thinking of investing in one. Your lessons are invaluable.
Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏🙏👍
I caught three nice spotted bass today using your techniques. I was able to see the fish attacking my bait ! What a thrill ! Thanks again for this great video series.
Awesome!! Love it!! 😁😁👍👍👍
I'm 71 years old and thought I knew enough to use these electronics. I was wrong. Thanks for putting these out there, I'll be going back and reviewing them again.
I appreciate that Joe!!! Thanks! I have another video up with 5 more lessons added. “Sonar for dummies all 11 lessons.” 🙏🙏🙏😁👍
This is the best explanation on how to read a sonar i have seen this is all you need to know this is golden very very well explained thank you you just changed the way i fish from now on
That’s awesome! I really appreciate that!! 😁😁😁👍👍👍
@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS i really appreciate you for taking time to make this its hands down the best video on UA-cam on how to read a sonar love catfishing
@@adventures223 I’m very happy that you like it!! Thanks for the kind words! 😁👍👍🙏
Thankyou Thankyou it took me an hour or more to find you but so glad I did, you’ve taught me more than anywhere else on UA-cam. I might be able to cancel my university degree now I’ve been educated by you 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼
Wow!! Thanks brother!!! I’m glad you like it!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏👍😁
I've never been a fan of "fish finders", because I could never really figure out what I was seeing on the screen; so I always relied on natural "signs/strategies" to find fish. Your videos Mike, have made me want to use a sonar every time I go out. My biggest misconception was that the activity on the screen was only about covered surface, when in fact, it's more about passing time than territory; I just never realized that so I was always trying to figure out where the fish were in relation to the direction of the boat. Great video series; incredibly valuable tool!
Great comment Fred!! I appreciate it!! Thanks brother!
@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thanks Mike. As I think more about the vids, how do you know how wide [ft] your A Column is?
Here is a bottom coverage calculator for any model transducer. www.airmar.com/bottom-calculator.html. For my transducer, which has a 25 degree cone the bottom coverage is a little less than half of the depth. So in 100’ of water the bottom of the cone is around 45’ in diameter.
@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Great info Mike; thanks!
I would like to say thank you. This information is perfect in every form. I bought my first paper graph in the mid 80's. A lowrance. Most expensive, technically advanced pain in the ass! OMG probably paid $500 back then. Your information is awesome. Thanks for sharing! Keep me posted as I am about to put some scanning devices on my kayak.
Thanks Harry!! I appreciate that!
I am not good at reading manuals. God bless you for these videos and making it easy for us dummies to figure out.
Ha!! Thanks Dave! 😁😁