03-03-2010, 04:51 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Right you are. I probably rely as much on the temp readings as the fish marks. As you suggest, the fish you mark are not the fish you will catch in most cases. They merely serve to let you know at which depth the fish are cruising.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the most difficult concepts to get across to sonar newbies is that the electronics are not just "fish finders". I have to laugh whenever the nonanglers argue that the use of sonar is unethical because it removes the element of chance from fishing. Yeah, right. If they were experienced fishermen they would know that you certainly don't catch everything you see on the display. In fact, there are days when you see a lot of fish but can't catch diddly. Sonar becomes a liability...to your sanity.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I must add that there are some kinds of fishing I do in which I rely heavily on the fish finding function. One good example is vertical jigging for bass, walleye, perch or trout when they are hugging the bottom or cruising just off the bottom. You cain't ketch 'em where they ain't and finding them is the first order of business. Then, once you find them you can observe their reactions to your presentations...or how they are orienting to different structure, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For some kinds of fishing you can get by with the most basic electronics. For others you really learn to appreciate the refinements and the fine tuning options. Diff'rnt strokes and all that.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the most difficult concepts to get across to sonar newbies is that the electronics are not just "fish finders". I have to laugh whenever the nonanglers argue that the use of sonar is unethical because it removes the element of chance from fishing. Yeah, right. If they were experienced fishermen they would know that you certainly don't catch everything you see on the display. In fact, there are days when you see a lot of fish but can't catch diddly. Sonar becomes a liability...to your sanity.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I must add that there are some kinds of fishing I do in which I rely heavily on the fish finding function. One good example is vertical jigging for bass, walleye, perch or trout when they are hugging the bottom or cruising just off the bottom. You cain't ketch 'em where they ain't and finding them is the first order of business. Then, once you find them you can observe their reactions to your presentations...or how they are orienting to different structure, etc.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]For some kinds of fishing you can get by with the most basic electronics. For others you really learn to appreciate the refinements and the fine tuning options. Diff'rnt strokes and all that.[/#0000ff]
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