It now appears as though old man winter has finally released his grip. Most of us are just now dragging the boat out and going through equipment in preparation for the upcoming open water season. This is a good time to take a serious evaluation and inventory of exactly what we have and what should be replaced and upgraded.
I’m not referring to tackle here…that’s easily replaced by the handfuls you naturally acquire during every stop at the baitshop…whether needed or not. I’m talking electronic hardware-the most important pieces of equipment on your boat-after the engine.
If you have models you still accurately refer to as “DepthFinders”-and are only getting that out of them; you should consider educating yourself on what is now available. As with all things electronic, there are ever evolving features you should be aware of. Not just glitzy bells and whistles, but some downright valuable options that will not only help you to locate fish, but make you aware of everything going on underneath you. Not unlike pieces of a puzzle, once you put all of them together…you will ultimately become a better fisherman.
The first and foremost advancement is we now have detectors that you can actually believe. A lot of the older units either do not have enough power to show you everything or…those having sufficient power, do not have the ability to interpret it in a meaningful manner, i.e. cluttered, un-readable screens.
There is another combination of features found on today’s top end models that you will find very attractive and useful. Accurate Global Position System readings and even more importantly, background mapping attributes. This amounts to having an actual two-dimensional lake map complete with contour lines overlaid on the chart plotter. Thus, it will show your current position in relation to the lake bottom. Due to constant updating, these maps are quite accurate and are a great aid in not only identifying potentially fish holding structural elements, but serve in a safety role.
They not only let us find and return from our favorite fishing holes, they can show us the best route. For those of you who fish reservoirs, you’re fully aware of the many dangers lurking just below the surface. There are no trees in the old channel and this is clearly displayed on the background map, safely guiding us to and from our chosen destinations.
Probably the most interesting and potentially helpful tool in your quest to understand not only where, but what you are fishing; is the advent of three-dimensional overlay mapping. This high definition addition will make it easy for even novice anglers to comprehend bottom contours as never before. Most of us do not think three-dimensionally, but can easily comprehend it when visually displayed. Couple this with top down satellite imagery and there will never be any question as to not only exactly where you are, but also what the bottom looks like below you.
The next obvious question is where do you turn to obtain a multi-function unit offering all of this? I have relied on Raymarine’s technological superiority for years and they continue to impress with their E-Series. You can have everything mentioned above; clearly displayed on crystal clear color screens that you can see from any angle-no matter what the sun is doing and are a breeze to master. Nothing to be intimidated about as a once your display pages are set to your preferences, simply power it up and go.
I encourage you to take a little time and explore the possibilities that top shelf modern electronics can open up for you.