How to locate Crappie with Side Imaging sonar

How to find crappie with Side Imaging sonar can be difficult when using the system for the first time. I walk through some tips to help find crappie in weeds, brush piles, and suspended over open water. Hopefully you can use these tips to put some fish in the boat.
-FC
#Crappie #FindFish #SideImaging
My Fish Finder Setup
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[@clenilma100]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-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.

[@clintwalker7690]

I have never fished with technology. I have fished since I can remember. That's been a minute! My wife loves to catch crappie. We decided to buy a helix 7. That is our Christmas present to one another.

[@larrybuehler3001]

I got a Hummin bird Helix 7 for Christmas, this video is very helpful. looking forward to your next two videos on that unit,

[@hoangvienvan3689]

Seems to work well and very clear imaging so far

[@stanislawgraniczny9879]

your fishing knowledge and passing it on is beautiful

[@lew2660]

I have learned so much watching your videos. You keep it simple and easy to understand. I am still learning about my side image and now live scope, (what an incredible tool ). Thanks for making these videos and teaching an old man new tricks

[@Mister2You]

Sir, thanks for the video, it helped me tremendously on understanding how to use a Helix. I have a Helix 2 Gen. 2 on a Hobie PA 14. This video will help us locate fish.

[@SetFreeKnights1]

Thank you just purchased and first timer

[@billstadler4140]

I am new to the Humminbird Helix 9 G4N. This video will be a huge help in setting up and understanding what I am seeing!

[@vhf2582]

Very good detailed information regarding side imaging. Thanks for freeze framing the crappies on the side imaging so we know what they look like on side imaging.

[@marshallroth4931]

Davis, great info on side imaging. I'm trying to learn and better understand my electronics and videos like this really help. Keep up the good work, really enjoy your videos.

[@FloppingCrappie]

Marshall Roth thanks!

[@gerardreed613]

Valuable information. See how people are getting an understanding about their electronics, including myself. Like how you're inviting any feedback on what you said or didn't say. Good stuff. keep the film rolling!!!

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thank you!

[@teddylowe4018]

I'm waiting on my Si to come in, thanks for this video, helped me,

[@FloppingCrappie]

You're welcome, let me know if you have any questions on how to use it.

[@roysmith5827]

Love the videos. I would make one suggestion. When talking about a topic stick to it specifically. When you have two images of sonar going and you in the video talking and referring back and forth about all the sonar images and frequencies it gets confusing. It almost sounds like rambling because of there being so much information. For me personally I tend to glaze over mentally trying to absorb everything visually and mentally. Lots of great information. Keep it up.

[@denhaire]

Outstanding. Really helps me learn my Helix 10 Mega!

[@mikebrandon3067]

Good stuff , thanks for taking the time to share.

[@zebco3330]

Keep it coming! I can use all the help I can get.

[@rhinohd]

I can't wait to apply this whole series while fishing on my Kayak after ice out.! Thanks from northern Illinois! I needed this to help with my Garmin SV unit.

[@FloppingCrappie]

Good luck and thanks for watching! Let me know how this works for you!

[@iSAYBOOH000]

Thank you. I just bought a brand new Lund with The Hummingbird Helix 9 so I look forward to your future videos

[@FloppingCrappie]

Good choice!

[@jeffdurocher8669]

Thank you thank you, great help for me.

[@markspliethoff1794]

Very helpful. Thanks. You are a knowledgeable pro.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Excellent video. I'm going to look for the others.

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed. If you go to my homepage, you can find them in the how to find fish playlist.

[@michaelwilburn6156]

Thanks for the information. I have the Helix 10 and your video really identity how the crappie actually looks like in the si view. Thanks again.

[@FloppingCrappie]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@christopherhobby8391]

Thanks for the video. Have a Lowrance elite fs7. Hope to learn it and catch some Specks here in east central Florida.

[@FloppingCrappie]

Good luck!

[@joemartin6439]

Thanks Davidson for all your help

[@SMSCHA]

Thanks for the info. I am looking into purchasing a SI unit and this was very helpful.

[@FloppingCrappie]

You're welcome

[@reggiebrown6493]

Thanks for the. Video it helped me a lot

[@Redneckbulldog343]

These videos are great. I have watched all your videos. You are very detailed and explain things good. I have just purchased the Humminbird G3N 10 MEGE DI for trolling motor and Humminbird G3N 7 MDI SI for dash. What I would like to see is more vidoes of what stuff is. Like the difference between bait fish and crappie, crappie in trees, that sort of stuff. Keep up the videos and thank you!

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thanks for watching! Once I get back on open water I can film more details of what crappie look like on sonar.

[@johnkirkwood3445]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@johngarrie2633]

Hey David thank you for all the info I am getting at the age now where I want to do more fishing and learn how to use a side imaging I will get one for my boat and I watch all your videos and I am learning a lot thank you for the info keep them coming. I am from Louisiana here very shallow about 20 feet of water but I would like to learn how to catch more Croppie and big bluegill and shell crackers to take my granddaughter out and let her fish in my boat

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad the videos are providing value

[@eagerviper]

Thanks a lot for making this informative video and I'm looking forward to the others

[@FloppingCrappie]

eagerviper thanks!

[@cisnerosepy77]

Thank you so much I never used this just got helix7 for my kayak your videos are awesome!!!!!!!

[@FloppingCrappie]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@shaun3366]

Just bought a used helix 10 gen 1. Excited to use it

[@FloppingCrappie]

Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@timbarton5316]

Thanks for making the video 👍

[@randalljohnson6800]

Thanks for the out put helpful

[@mikebryant9493]

Thanks again for a great video!

[@bobbyh177]

how the heck are you wearing a hoodie in 77degrees haha! great video man!

[@donaldmerseal1713]

Great job thats for the info

[@AsleepAtTheReel]

Good video Davis. I learned something!!!!

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thanks!

[@westonsims22]

Great video amigo

[@johngarrie2633]

Thanks for your videos I think they are great I am in the process of picking up a hummingbird for my boat never really used one before but your videos or explaining a lot of questions I am really going to use it for Croppie. Can you make a video on setting up a fishfinder on your boat for those that have never had one to work with it would explain the little details in the correct way to mount one out on a boat.

[@FloppingCrappie]

Ya, I can make a video about that. It might be a while, we still have snow and ice up here in Wisconsin.

[@MzAliH21]

Awesome video!

[@kingben1327]

Great content

[@jimfang2090]

Great info thanx

[@FloppingCrappie]

jim fang thanks for watching !

[@wylyscheibe5870]

Great Video! Im also in Wisconsin

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thanks!

[@tfisadog5260]

It is a really rainy bunch of days here in Southern Iowa and I can't deer hunt. Stumbled onto your site and My wife and I really are enjoying your explanation only videos. You explain it in easy to understand and point it out on the helix are you are talking. I believe we both have learned a few things today. You said in one youu are in Minneapolis Are you fishing on the Mississippi or a local lake? Thanks Again

[@FloppingCrappie]

I fish the St. Croix river which borders WI/MN.

[@mikefromminnesota]

Great video. I can’t wait to get out and play with my two Humminbirds

[@FloppingCrappie]

let me know how they work for ya. thanks for watching!

[@vhf2582]

Thank you sir.

[@FloppingCrappie]

VH F you're welcome!

[@sirronbailey3109]

Thanks so much!

[@FloppingCrappie]

You're welcome!

[@theofulk5636]

thanks !

[@genemyers9194]

good info;like your comments

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thanks for watching!

[@mana-hg9qh]

When going to a marked structure. How do you set distance in the unit for the arrival alarm?

[@joshuavanness6682]

Super rookie question. Once you located a school, how do you know where to cast? Is that image now behind you because the transducer is in the back of the boat? Or is there a rough angle (in feet), like on 2D sonar I heard that if you’re in 30ft of water it’s shooting a 10’ cone. Also is there any settings on the hummingbird for a grid that shows how far away it is from the boat

[@4reelfishing635]

If you was just upgrading from 2d would you recommend the garmin echomap uhd 73sv or the elite ti2 3in 1 from lowrance I like the lowrance for the ease of use I've heard about but I see alot of other kayakers using the 73sv UHD on their bonifide kayaks or maybe I should be looking at the helix I fish a fairly deep very clear lake that fluctuates levels alot over the seasons

[@FloppingCrappie]

I would go with the Garmin 73sv over the lowrance. The 73sv UHD with gt56 transducer produces 1.2mghz frequency which will give a better picture than the lowrance at only 800khz.

[@jovandjukic5923]

Nice video! :)

[@FloppingCrappie]

Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@bradleyharris9022]

I'd like to see a video explaining baring and distance to cursor.

[@BassMonkey]

Can u do a video on just ur settings on 2d di and si and show fish as well thanks sick channel

[@burrrabbit9185]

2 to 3 times the depth of the water works great for side image

[@HG-tr5dz]

Great video, it looks like when using side imaging the center line is always dark colour then it switch to light colour on both sides even when you are on top of a flat bottom and at the same depth, is there a reason for that/ Thanks

[@FloppingCrappie]

The dark line is showing the water column directly below the boat (for the most part). The light color on both sides is showing the bottom (and suspended fish or cover) on either side of the boat.

[@videojoe7]

Nice video! Try this next time you have a "Lincoln Log Cabin" or other detailed structure on screen. First, stop the screen. Second, scroll thru the Color Palettes. Third, watch closely for the best definition/detail. Also, you should try adjusting sensitivity and contrast on the stopped screen. You will be surprised at some of the 'useless color palettes.' For me, with my gen1 Helix 7, the greyscale palette worked good, better then most of the palettes! 👍 Give it a try, pass it on...

[@FloppingCrappie]

Does the contrast adjust when you stop the screen? I though it only adjusted when the screen was moving?

[@videojoe7]

@@FloppingCrappie I'd check the adjustments now if I could. It may be a few weeks before I can check, with screen stopped. Wish I could confirm the adjustments now. Main thing is, try the other color palettes. I was pretty sure you can also adjust contrast and sensitivity while screen is paused.

[@jonathanlinton7056]

If you could only have one SI unit, would you mount it on the console or up front with the trolling motor? I’m looking at investing in one, but not sure which location would be best to mount.

[@FloppingCrappie]

At the console. You will spend majority of time looking for fish while driving your outboard.

[@bakervinci163]

I’ve come back to some old video, because I am not able to pick up sophisticated structure that I am putting out, with gn 3 helix 9. I’ve got to be set up with the wrong transducer mode or something, but with out livescope I can’t find stuff as I am putting it out. It’s a brand new unit.

[@FloppingCrappie]

Have you tried making sure the transducer is level with the water? if the transducer isn't level, the image could be distorted or not show up on the screen at all. Otherwise, try narrowing your field of view with the side imaging. if you know the area that the structure is located, try using 40ft left and right.

[@bakervinci163]

After this last surgery I am going out to try. It’s all pvc, so wondering if it’s lack of density is making it diff to see

[@FloppingCrappie]

possibly, i'm not sure.

[@bakervinci163]

Flopping Crappie I’m gonna guess it’s not level, as I loose depth when I speed up

[@LetsCrappieFish]

Davis, quick question: Garmin Echomap 93SV UHD or HB Helix 8" Mega? I know I'll lose an inch but I am thinking of trading my Garmin in for it. My buddy said trolling with Mega isn't that great on DI.

[@mnboater]

So now that you found the crappies on side imaging, how do you find them with your rod? If you hit mark, does the cursor come up? Then go to the cursor? Is that it? I assume that the school when it shows up on your screen, is abeam your transom by whatever distance it showed. I have a Helix9. Just learning how to use it

[@FloppingCrappie]

yes, once you find them on side imaging, down imaging, or regular 2d sonar, you can set a waypoint by scrolling over the top of them and pressing the "mark" button. You can then trolling over to your gps waypoint. I recommend using 2d sonar (regular) and your map on split screen. you will be able to see the fish in real time when you go over the top of them. once you see the fish, put your motor in reverse to stop the boat and drop your jig or lure straight down. if you don't want to fish underneath the boat, you can throw a marker buoy out and jig or cast around the buoy.

[@Moveon10001]

Do you increase the screen speed to see the pixel details stretched out? Boat speed set to 2 to 4 mph and chart speed set higher to stretch the pixels to see things better at 455 KHz and medium sensitivity of around 10 with distance set to 100 ft or less. More pixels if you set the distance to just 50 ft but you will have to cover more ground to find things on the lake bottom.

[@FloppingCrappie]

I normally round up chart speed by one mph of boat speed. So if you running 4 mph with your boat, i would set chart speed to 5. This is the recommendation on Humminbird's official website. As for left and right distance, if i am searching for structure or cover (brush, weedlines, etc.) i will set my distance between 90ft-105ft. If i already now the structure i am fishing, i set my distance between 40ft-60ft. This smaller left and right window will provide more detail and smaller fish (such as crappie) will show up better. Hope that answered your question.

[@joemartin6439]

SV don’t have yet. Have 2D sonar and CV sonar and GPS. On a glacier deep northern lake with huge weed fats. Caught Crappie in spring. Then they are gone. Why?

[@L2FlyMN]

I just bought a Helix 9 G3N. Does it come with side imaging SI? Or is this some kind of upgrade I need? I can’t seem to locate it, no matter what I’ve tried.

[@FloppingCrappie]

The unit should say Helix 9 MSI G3N on the box. That is the unit with side imaging and down imaging. You may have bought the unit with down imaging or just 2d sonar and GPS. You may be able to return it and get the unit that specifies MSI (Mega side imaging)

[@basstobasscookingbrentbabi5411]

Great video! I’m about to buy this unit, but I’m torn if I should spend the extra money on the Solix 10? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated 🎣👍🏼

[@FloppingCrappie]

Personally, I don't think the solid units are worth the extra money for touch screen technology. I'd recommend the helix models

[@barnett37]

If I buy a helix 10 will it come as a plug and play set up with a transducer? Also I do want Di and Si. Seems to me you do great with a Si set up... I do want to identify fish.

[@FloppingCrappie]

If you're going to buy the helix 10, make sure it says SI GPS on the box . This will include a tranducer and the helix 10 unit. If the box says DI, that means the unit is only capable of down imaging and not side imaging. Also another thing to look out for is if the description says CHO, this means it will not include the tranducer. This is the unit you would probably want : amzn.to/33iZi7n

[@barnett37]

@@FloppingCrappie ok thank you so much. That is the price range I want to spend ... I wonder if I can rig a side mount on the side of the boat like a 360 set up so i can mount and operate on the dash area. ? IDK just thinking . Thanks again love your video s. Thanks Billy from Texas

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@barnett37 you could try it, I'm not sure how good it would work

[@elilambert5281]

I’m buying a new unit soon and trying to decide between the Garmin UHD 93sv and the hummingbird 9” mega si+ do you have any advice or preferences?

[@FloppingCrappie]

Both solid choices, but I would go with the Garmin UHD 93SV. I filmed a series on how to use the Gen 2 Echomap

[@elilambert5281]

Even with the 54 transducer or should I spend the extra money on the 56

[@FloppingCrappie]

@elilambert5281 the difference between the 54 and 56 is the 54 only uses mghz frequency for SideVu. The 56 uses mghz frequency for both sidevu and downvu

[@elilambert5281]

Thanks for the feed back I will mostly will be using it for side image so that’s good to hear

[@jimmycox4864]

I mounted my transducer on the right side of my boat.i mostly scan the right side will my transducer pic up my motor or the other stuff on the back of my boat or will it work fine.i havent gotten to try it yet due to weather work and now this virus.

[@FloppingCrappie]

It may pick up some of your lower unit on your motor, but it will still show you what is on the left side of your boat. It will depend on how far away from the motor you have the transducer mounted

[@jimmycox4864]

@@FloppingCrappie I subscribed to your channel and sent it to my buddy also this was awsome advice I hope he will subscribe as well we are preachers and appreciate good clean language. Thank you for you help.

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@jimmycox4864 you're welcome, thanks for subscribing!

[@joemartin6439]

When you find fish how do you know how to stop right on them. Thanks so much

[@FloppingCrappie]

I will use my toggle keypad to mark a waypoint on the school of fish. I will then circle around driving into the wind at the waypoint I just marked. Since I have a forward looking sonar on my trolling motor (Livescope), I stop before I reach the waypoint. If you only have a transducer on the stern of your boat, like the one in the video, I would slowly idle over the waypoint until I see the school on 2D or DI, then immediately throw it in reverse to stop the boat. You may also want to throw a buoy marker out as well.

[@jpoprock]

I’m about to purchase a Helix 7 SI G3 and it’s my first unit with SI. I was going to get the MDI but so many say SI is where it’s at. My question is, In this vid you spot a big school of crappie at the end of it. Since everything you see is already behind you, how do you know how far back to turn around, and how do you know you’ve located the school or structure you previously spotted? Will watch the 2D vid next. Maybe that is where you explain it? Thanks for the info bro. Tight lines!

[@FloppingCrappie]

Hi Jason, thanks for watching! I get this question a lot and definitely need to film a full video on it. I would highly recommend the side imaging unit, it will also have down imaging capabilities as well. Once you pass of a school of fish, you can use the toggle key pad to move the cursor over the school of fish. At the top of the screen, the distance from your unit to where your cursor is will appear. To make sure you can locate those fish or structure simply mark them with a waypoint. Just remember when you try to find your waypoint again, you will not see the fish until they are under the tranducer. This because most sonar units have the GPS system built in to the display and not the transducer itself. Humminbird does make GPS external unit that looks like a white hockey puck. You can place this external unit anywhere on your boat. So when you drop a waypoint that waypoint is referencing the GPS puck's position. you may have to troll over the top of them to see the school or structure again. Once you find them again, I would throw a buoy marker out to give you a point of reference. I hope this helps.

[@jpoprock]

Thanks for the GPS puck tip! Does that mean I have to buy the G3N networking capable version of the Helix 7 to use the puck?

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@jpoprock I dont believe so. The puck can be used with any generation on the helix models. I think the networking version is if you want to link up multiple helix units.

[@jpoprock]

Flopping Crappie yer the best man! Thank you for the help and advice!

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@jpoprock you're welcome, let me know if you have any other questions

[@FishHardGetLucky]

When you find that school using side imaging.. How do you approach those fish and target them? Especially using a minn kota link. Thanks man

[@FloppingCrappie]

i don't have minnkota link on my boat, but if i see these fish on side imaging i would make a another pass over them with the boat (only if they are in deeper 15ft+ water) and then throw a marker buoy near the school. Since these fish weren't related to any cover the are the hard to target. Casting small swimbaits or blade baits usually is the best option.

[@FishHardGetLucky]

Why only if they are in 15+ feet of water?

[@FloppingCrappie]

if you drive over the school in shallow water, they could scatter and you will have to use side imaging to find the school all over again.

[@curtisanderson5756]

Davis great stuff always . Hey I’ve got new boat with all the Garmin locators linked together and Garmin 126sv . Can I pay you to give me few lessons please I’m in Rockton I’ll

[@FloppingCrappie]

I'm not sure when I'll be that area, but I do offer electronics lessons

[@jameskarr5550]

I’m going to Purchase a Good Depths finder. I fish Mostly Crappie and Bluegill... what would you suggest for choices have today. I’m looking for a good product of course.

[@FloppingCrappie]

What is your budget?

[@jameskarr5550]

@@FloppingCrappie I want Very Good doesn’t have to be the Best I’d say around 2k somewhere close to that + or - alittle...

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@jameskarr5550 you can get a really good unit for 2k. Do you want the unit to match the trolling motor? Do you want forward looking sonar? If you want an all around package, I'd recommend the Garmin Livescope bundle bit.ly/34IwOJ6 . If you don't care about forward looking sonar I would go with a Garmin 106sv bit.ly/3rugqog , Lowrance HDS 9 bit.ly/3LeCmeR or Humminbird Helix 10 MSI.

[@jameskarr5550]

@@FloppingCrappie I don’t know I do know I wanna see fish no guessing game, if that makes any sense..

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@jameskarr5550 then I'd go with the Garmin Livescope package. You will definitely be able to see fish

[@jimwang5447]

what difference btw helix7 si and 9 si? only screen size? the price almost double. Thank you

[@FloppingCrappie]

The transducer is different between the helix 7 and helix 9. If cost is an issue, the helix 7 will do everything the average angler needs.

[@thanhluong6301]

I have a Hummingbird g3 7 will please doing a video how to set up to find crappies please

[@jvf305]

How do you know where you are in reference to where the sonar is showing you. And how do you mark that area so that you know where to fish?

[@FloppingCrappie]

the top center of the screen has a small boat icon. The top of the screen is showing what is directly under the boat (kayak or canoe). As the images move toward the bottom of the screen, they are becoming further behind the boat. When you see a school of fish like I showed on the end of the video, you can toggle over to the school and mark a waypoint. Using your GPS screen on your fish finder, you will see the waypoint and be able to navigate back to the spot you marked. If you don't have a sonar unit with GPS, I would have a marker buoy ready, and soon and you see a school of fish or structure you want to fish over, throw the buoy onto that spot. To determine how far and to the side to throw the buoy, you can toggle (using the keypad or touchscreen) over to the spot you want to fish. At the top of the screen will show how many feet your cursor is from the boat. hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

[@mana-hg9qh]

I fish a very shallow lake. the average depth is 4-8 ft with only the river channel being 20-25 ft. Will Side Imaging work just as good in shallow water?

[@FloppingCrappie]

Yes, Side imaging will work in shallow water. The fish will most likley appear in the (gold) shaded area. you will either see them as brighter color oval shapes or you will simply she a shadow which means the fish is suspended up in the water column

[@tnsteele95]

In 10 feet of water, youd never see 120 feet out from one side to the other. The cone simply isn't big enough in shallow water. In shallow water, I never go further than 30 feet out on side imaging.

[@bubbawoods1203]

great video man i just bought the helix 9 im new to this how do i get that structure screen at 7:17 tx in advance

[@FloppingCrappie]

If you press the view button on top right of the unit, the unit will cycle through all the views. Eventually the view showing at 7:17 will appear. If you want to make this a shortcut simply press and hold one of the three smaller buttons on the bottom right of the unit.

[@bubbawoods1203]

@@FloppingCrappie yeah I'm on my boat right now and I press view so many times and I dont see it u think it has to do with the chater card ?

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@bubbawoods1203 nope, you need to select menu. Right arrow over to views and make sure all views are marked as visible

[@bubbawoods1203]

@@FloppingCrappie okay will try that thanks man great channel love it

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@bubbawoods1203 thanks!

[@earlyretirement1]

i gotta get the mega i have helix 7 first gen great for structure not as easy to see fish

[@FloppingCrappie]

earlyretirement1 ya, the first generations are really hard to see fish close the bottom. If fish are suspended it's easier. I'm still trying to find tune mine for walleye fishing. I can never seem to find them.

[@robertdoyen5434]

I have buddy with side scan and we us it to find shipwrecks too

[@larrymarek9571]

So I had this problem out on the boat today, I hope I can explain it well enough. I have my SI set to display 50 feet in each direction, the depth/water column is 10 feet. I see an object that the scale says is 25 feet from the side of the boat. Here comes the tricky part - that object is really just 15 feet from the side, right? Because you have to subtract the 10 foot water column from the display, right?

[@FloppingCrappie]

I don't think so, if you scroll your cursor over to the object and see that it is 25ft away, then the object should be 25ft away. To my knowledge you shouldn't have to subtract the depth of the water column. I personally would mark a waypoint and circle back until I can see the object on my 2D sonar and then through a buoy marker (assuming the object is rockpile, tree, etc. something I want to fish)

[@mikeries8549]

To solve this riddle you need to toss something in like the boat anchor and watch it on the screen. Maybe just toss a big fishing lure in and watch it and as you reel it in you'll get a feel of what is what.

[@bradbaker956]

Hi. What is the yellow line on the left side of your side imaging. Like right next to the boat on your screen? I have the same thing and don't know what is causing it. Thanks.

[@FloppingCrappie]

The yellow line in the side imaging tranducer picking up the lower unit if the outboard motor. Ideally you would mount the transducer directly inline or slightly off to one side of the outboard motor. Unfortunately on bass boats with a "step down" style transom there isn't enough room on my boat to mount it in this position. So I'm forced to mount the transducer about a foot away from the motor on the starboard side. I have yet to experience any real interference is side imaging other than the yellow line you see on the screen.

[@bradbaker956]

If you trim the motor up does it go away? Thanks.

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@bradbaker956 depends how low on the transom you mounted the tranducer it may going away when trimming up the motor. Mine does not.

[@bradbaker956]

Ok. Thanks. Are you still fishing Cedar once in awhile? Good crappie bite going on but small like usual.

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@bradbaker956 yes, I fished it last week. A lot of 8-9inch fish

[@gohardfast]

Do you have the hd transducer on that unit

[@FloppingCrappie]

are you referring to the mega imaging transducer? I have the regular transducer (no mega imaging). The newer transducers will give a much clearer picture of fish and cover.

[@gohardfast]

Flopping Crappie yeah I was having trouble seeing things and they talked me into the hd transducer it’s a little better but this my first unit

[@Rubo7]

Nice video. Now if you find a school of crappie like that. Do you throw a marker bouy on them? What's your strategy?

[@FloppingCrappie]

yep, this video should explain it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGPZfqBjmqh4oNE

[@Rubo7]

Flopping Crappie ok another question I have is I found the crappie on some structures and some suspended and I would throw a bouy the problem is how do you stay right on them because my boat keeps moving due to some wind. And I feel like im trying to using the trolling motor and staying on the fish than rather catching the fish and its so stressful makes me want to give up. Any tips? I have a regular minnkota trolling motor 55lbs thrust.

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@Rubo7 of the crappie are on a piece of cover and you think they will stay there, throw your buoy to mark them, then throw an anchor within casting distance of your buoy. I have this problem sometimes if there is wind. The thing you can do is anchor and cast towards your buoy

[@Rubo7]

Flopping Crappie ok thank you I will try that next time but with suspended fish you can't really do that? Is it a good investment to get a ipilot trolling motor?

[@FloppingCrappie]

Suspended fish are hard to stay on, I usually use my panoptix to find them if the fish are moving. I have the same trolling motor you do. I plan on getting the Ultrex next year with I-pilot. I would recommend a trolling motor that you don't have to keep your foot on the foot pedal constantly, this way you can troll tubes or crankbaits and move around the boat.

[@jameslavis4660]

problem. you find a school. how do you translate the SI to a general location?

[@FloppingCrappie]

On the humminbird helix units, you can use the toggle key to scroll over the the school you see on the SI screen. Mark a waypoint on that school, the use the GPS screen to navigate back to the waypoint.

[@JR-pp5el]

Can you make a video on how you start targeting the fish once you locate them using side imaging?

[@FloppingCrappie]

Yes, I will be filming a new series on the humminbird unit this next month

[@JR-pp5el]

@@FloppingCrappie Thanks! We just got the Helix 7 and you do a great job of explaining how to use it

[@seektoreason4956]

I have a helix 7 , 3 gen, mega imaging sonar. When I’m running side imaging, I can only see fish in my water column, how do I see fish that’s in my actual side scan ?

[@seektoreason4956]

By the way I fish the river (stained water).

[@FloppingCrappie]

Fish in shaded gold area (like my unit) will appear as bright spots or lines. They may be hard to see if the lake/river bottom is sand or rock. When scanning a hard lake bottom, I look for shadows that are made from the sonar pinging off the fish. The sonar cannot see on the other side of the fish which creates a "shadow"

[@seektoreason4956]

I may have to make some adjustments to get better clarity on my unit because I can’t see any fish or shadows at all. I’m new to using fish finders

[@seektoreason4956]

My side scan appears bright and not shaded very often

[@javaresgilbert2034]

How to find crappie when you looking at side image but they are farther out on the screen lets just say like 30ft out ?

[@FloppingCrappie]

Fish will look like bright white dots are lines when further out on the screen. They are easily spotted in soft lake bottom (mud/silt), but can be difficult to see on rock or sand.

[@charlesronk2989]

I know this is an old video but had a question. Since I know you now have Garmins. On Humminbird units when you have the side scan screen on. Say you see a school of fish 70 feet of to the right. Can you move your cursor over to the school and drop a waypoint over that school of fish. Than have your trolling motor take you to the waypoint. I thought I had seen this done. If this is correct do the Garmins you have allow you to do this same thing. I don't see anything in the manual that shows this. It was always an annoyance for me to see a school in side scan than try to maneuver the boat over that school. I would waste a ton of time trying to relocate a school just 40 feet away. I ended up keeping my slip bobber rig handy. Then when I would see a school say 50 feet to the side i would cast to the spot leave the bail open then just head to my bobber. Hoping to improve this process.

[@FloppingCrappie]

Hi Charles, yes the humminbird units do have that function when pair with an ipilot link trolling motor. You can find the school of fish on side imaging, drop the way points, then use your humminbird unit to tell your trolling motor to go to that spot. I believe you can also do this with Garmin units if you have a garmin trolling motor.

[@charlesronk2989]

@@FloppingCrappie You convinced me to buy one of those garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv units. Just kidding the price convinced me. I look forward to next years videos. Thanks you.

[@josephcoleman2066]

What's the best time of the year to find schooling crappie?

[@FloppingCrappie]

mid summer into fall. The easiest time to fish for crappie is in the spring when they are up shallow.

[@josephcoleman2066]

Flopping Crappie thanks for the response. I've been catching real well all year but lately I can't seem too fond any numbers

[@FloppingCrappie]

I'm struggling right now as well. August can be a tough month.

[@robertszymakowski5561]

Did u ever use the fish id

[@robertszymakowski5561]

I have helix 7 with side imaging 2 yrs old

[@FloppingCrappie]

no, i never use fish ID. Fish ID forces the sonar unit to interpret what is in the water column, and it sometimes isn't the most accurate.

[@hannahhartsoe3041]

Is yours a gen2?

[@FloppingCrappie]

No, Gen1

[@kansastrapper384]

Only other fish I've seen that school up like that are white bass

[@ThatTechJunkie]

i cant find a helix 9 for sale anywhere...

[@FloppingCrappie]

I found a helix 8 msi in stock. bit.ly/3FKe9d1

[@discoveryoutdoorskcfishing236]

If money was no consideration what do you guys think is the best Side Imaging unit on the market?

[@rdonner28]

Discovery Outdoors / Matt-N-Abra , Humminbird. Big screen means that the pixels will be bigger making small details easier to see

[@fishingismydrug1]

Garmin 76xx series.

[@harryduncan6699]

Width of sidescan is width minus depth. 100 ft scan in 20 ft of water you are seeing 80 ft. to the side. To prove this set your sidescan to 30 in 35 ft of water it will not show to side.

[@FloppingCrappie]

I'm confused on if you meant side scan instead of down scan?

[@harryduncan6699]

Flopping Crappie sorry your right I meant side scan, wife had me multitasking while I was writing. Even a Lowrance rep. didn’t realize that was the way it worked, but another rep. Demonstrated it to me at a Bassmaster Tournament on KY Lake. Sorry I misquoted. Try it on the lake or it might show it on Simulator.

[@FloppingCrappie]

@@harryduncan6699 thanks for the tip, I'll have to try it next time!