Uncover More Walleyes With Sonar Technology: Tips For Success

Mille Lacs Lake fishing guide Brad Hawthorne of Hawthorne's Guide Service shares his process for breaking down water to find prime walleye fishing spots using today's sonar technologies. For Hawthorne, fish finders are not just tools but his secret weapon, helping him relate prime structure and cover to fish. Once you understand the right habitat, it becomes easier to establish a pattern and stay on the fish.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR ELECTRONICS
Hawthorne explains how to employ side imaging to map habitat and fish off to your sides. Unlike down-looking sonar (2D and down imaging), side imaging can cover a much broader swath of the water column. But like any imaging technology, successful use requires practice to understand and interpret what you see. What might appear as mere pebbles on the screen are often significant underwater features, like boulders, that can dictate the presence of fish. By comparing these readings to known objects, anglers can better understand the scale displayed on their devices.
IDENTIFYING FISH HABITATS
The focus shifts to recognizing prime walleye habitats, from sandy bottoms transitioning into cobble areas and massive boulders. Hawthorne shares insights on the importance of these transition zones, where walleye often gather, and how to identify actual fish in your side imaging readout. The video details locating such spots and when to take to the bow and start fishing.
OPTIMAL LURE SELECTION
Transitioning from sonar tips to practical fishing tactics, Hawthorne discusses his approach to lure selection based on the day's conditions. A jig and minnow presentation is tough to beat in the walleye world. He shares jig color preferences based on the conditions. Hawthorne then starts pitching his jig to individual and pods of fish on forward-facing sonar. The fish's response to his presentation drives informed lure changes when dealing with discerning walleyes.
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[@MrPHATSPEED]

Side imaging is a great technology that most people can get in a great unit for well under $1000. And you can search alot of water with it. Live imaging seems to be all the buzz today, but don't let it over shadow other technology that will help you catch more fish.

[@nybbhUSA]

You’re right! It’s so much fun! I’m 62 and it took me a good year to feel proficient with it. I caught 17 bass two days ago in 3 hours,most were suspended/ cruising. I never would have caught them without Active target.

[@NickLindner]

Killer stuff! Good info Brad 💪

[@KevinMacW]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@Justin_Mooney11]

Son of ah …. Can’t get enough info keep sharing bud keep it comin lovin it every episode helps

[@raygissendanner1476]

Great information thank you

[@patrickethier6190]

Good learning info thanks

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Gumby905]

How did u get such a clear image without interference on your SI

[@mikejohnston80]

I get bad interference on one side. I ordered a mounting block and I'm going to try mounting lower on my boat to see if that helps.

[@tagger1972]

Dedicated power, proper mounting of SI transducer, ensure no cross-talk on same frequencies, and no obstructions (engine tipped up). Running 2 SI transducers with a Y cable gets around the obstruction issue or any interference from water intakes near the transducer.

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Pfff 1 zander about 3ft long, the rest of them (4) are around legal size 😒🙄. Pfff. Next year you dont catch that big one anymore. Somebody took it out of its habitat or it endured to much angling pressure and died of Stress, Greed ($$) or injuries.