12-16-2011, 12:46 AM
[cool][#0000ff]I have the 5.6...going into my second year with it. Bought one of the earlier models and did not like it. But they reworked a lot of the electronics and functions and my current model is all I need. Unlike a lot of "TV watchers" I only use the electronics for two main purposes...checking depth and finding fish. After that I swiss cheese the ice and play musical holes...not taking my sonar with me. I fish mainly one rod and fish it with finesse and my complete attention. I catch plenty of fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the great things I like about my Showdown is that I can shoot through the ice to quickly check depth and fish presence without having to drill a bunch of test holes. I park my sled, take the sonar and a jug of warm water and start testing random spots to find contour lines, humps or rockpiles, weedbeds...and fish. When I find a promising spot I leave the Showdown and jug and go back for my sled and auger. Can't believe how much easier that is than having to drill a bunch of holes just to check depth...or look for fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, when the fish are touchy and you gotta play with them, the Showdown comes into its own. You can set the zoom for the bottom few feet and watch how the fish are responding to different presentations. Then you can change your game to find something that works. Much better than fishing fishless water...or giving up on a spot that holds fish just because you ain't gettin' any.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]What should you get? That is a very personal thing. I suggest you hook up with some guys who have different kinds and have them show you how they operate. Better than buying something on price...or just to have "something"...and then kick yourself every time you go fishing. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Buying a sonar is no different than choosing a rod, reel, line, lures, etc. Different strokes for different folks. We all have our own ideas of what we like best...for our own personal reasons. Best to get something you like and can feel confident in using. Fishing with confidence is more important than what is on the end of your line...or flashing colored lights at you.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the great things I like about my Showdown is that I can shoot through the ice to quickly check depth and fish presence without having to drill a bunch of test holes. I park my sled, take the sonar and a jug of warm water and start testing random spots to find contour lines, humps or rockpiles, weedbeds...and fish. When I find a promising spot I leave the Showdown and jug and go back for my sled and auger. Can't believe how much easier that is than having to drill a bunch of holes just to check depth...or look for fish.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But, when the fish are touchy and you gotta play with them, the Showdown comes into its own. You can set the zoom for the bottom few feet and watch how the fish are responding to different presentations. Then you can change your game to find something that works. Much better than fishing fishless water...or giving up on a spot that holds fish just because you ain't gettin' any.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]What should you get? That is a very personal thing. I suggest you hook up with some guys who have different kinds and have them show you how they operate. Better than buying something on price...or just to have "something"...and then kick yourself every time you go fishing. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Buying a sonar is no different than choosing a rod, reel, line, lures, etc. Different strokes for different folks. We all have our own ideas of what we like best...for our own personal reasons. Best to get something you like and can feel confident in using. Fishing with confidence is more important than what is on the end of your line...or flashing colored lights at you.[/#0000ff]
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