Fish Finders For Dummies! Sonar Explained for beginners. Down Imaging. Down scan. Simrad and others

[@billreddochoutdoors5968]

For years about all I understood what my fish finder was showing was the depth. Then I found your sonar for dummies videos and I began to understand what I am seeing on the screen! Thanks captain Mike!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

That’s awesome Bill!! Thanks brother!!! I appreciate your continued support!!🙏😁

[@jelissitah]

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.

[@AmbitiousAnglerFishing]

Great video Mike! All your sonar videos are beyond helpful at making me a better fisherman!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I really appreciate that!!🙏🙏😁👍

[@wt5417]

At time hack 2:09 to 2:13 what are all of the lines on the 2D? Downscan does not show any lines?

[@tedcross4540]

Super appreciate how respectful you are to your viewers. Very valuable info freely given. Well done.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Ted! I appreciate that brother!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏👍

[@rolandogarza1151]

Great video capt ! Always enjoy watching your fish finder for dummies videos. Very helpfully and educational. Keep up the good work ! Tight lines brother!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Rolando! I appreciate your continued support brother!

[@paulbutter1317]

Great info, like always thanks, brother always learning 👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!!!🙏🙏🙏😁

[@xxpandderrxxpandderr6591]

Great examples, thanks!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!👍👍🙏

[@scottpetrie8707]

Awesome as hell. Always dig the content.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! 👍🙏😁

[@nickmitricka1556]

I wish i could get my scans so clean.

[@okitailsnscales1707]

Thanks for the info I have a triple shot I use in my kayak just the other day I went over a school got past it turned around threw a spoon first cast caught a 25.5" 9lb hybrid pretty fun in a 8' kayak good tips buddy

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

NICE!! Awesome!👍👍👍

[@yotasteve]

I think in know where that rail road screen shot came from :) Good video Mike

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

😛😛😛👍👍thanks brother

[@keithvellone851]

Awesome videos. You really take time to explain everything. Appreciate it

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thank you Keith!! I appreciate the feedback! Glad you like it. 🙏🙏

[@lillianavillalobos7340]

This is the exactly right video that I need. Thank you for share

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad to hear it!!! Thanks!!

[@stevenpendergast2932]

Really helpful stuff! Still my favorite fishing channel

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Steven!! I appreciate your support brother!

[@tonnyblake21]

Thanks for great educational videos, Mike!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I’m glad you like them brother!!! Thanks for the support!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏😁😁😁😁

[@michaelzimmerman7646]

I love the clarity of your videos and how you explain them! I would love to have you ride with me and set up my Garmin.... I am still trying to figure it all out!🙂

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Mike!!! I appreciate that brother! 🙏🙏🙏

[@jasonmoretz4988]

Another great video Captain Mike! Thank you!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Jason!!! I appreciate your support!

[@Jake-ky9ed]

Oh yeah I’d have put a net on most of those! Love the vids Capt appreciate them

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Ha! I’ve lost many nets over the years on lakes. Never in salt, but MANY in lakes 😆

[@zeke1eod]

This video was very helpful with the interpretation of the screens. I would like a tutorial on how to set your screen up like this because I'm new to side/down scan

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Zeke!! Check out my sonar fishfinder playlist for side scan setup. 👍👍. Let me know if it helps. 🙏

[@BigTpark]

Really appreciate your sonar videos. Thank you.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! I appreciate it!!🙏😁

[@commeloa6608]

Thanks for doing these videos. They are super helpful

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks!! Glad you like them. 🙏🙏🙏

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks!! Glad you like them. 🙏🙏🙏

[@davepelneault1916]

Thanks for all the great info Mike, exellent work

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@RiverRat3030]

Awesome 😎👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!😁🙏

[@jimmylowe1233]

Great information Mike thank you.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! I appreciate it!!🙏😁

[@rustycarpenter4200]

Really cool and informative

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! I appreciate the support!!🙏😁

[@timconnors3211]

Thanks for sharing Mike... makes me realize that I really should learn to master my fishfinder... stay safe brother

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Tim!! I appreciate it brother!

[@scottcooner-fr9el]

Thanks Mike for the video

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🙏🙏👍👍

[@slange455]

Nice always learn something from these videos

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@heatherborchers1789]

Good advice thanks

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🙏🙏😁👍👍

[@BobBohner4851]

Fantastic fantastic. Need ALL but forward seeking

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!👍🙏

[@jwebb4659]

This is great information

[@chuckpeck8323]

Very helpful!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Glad you like it!!👍👍

[@andrewburrell5814]

That explains alot of what I'm seeing thank you great educational videos

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@viper171]

Thanks for that Mike! Great information. :)

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Keith!

[@Chrisfo967]

perfect analysis thank you from greece

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like it! Thanks you!!

[@MuskratAdventures]

Great tip ! very important tool to use.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I agree!👍😁

[@glennwhite5187]

It is awesome,if your not sure what it is on your chirp,switch to down scan and I am betting you will understand and know what is there,just experimenting on different objects in the water will definitely help be a better sonar user,!!! Thanks Mike

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You said a mouthful my brother!!! Thanks!🙏🙏😁👍

[@evanebersole8916]

thank for the help

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍👍😁

[@darrenloveless7401]

Good video

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! I appreciate the support!!🙏😁

[@perrypotter1640]

Thx Mike! I enjoyed that!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@josephgnolfo7805]

Great stuff

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@seanfalconer7182]

Thanks Mike, I'm setting up a Bote Rackham Aero iSUP for fishing, and I think I might have a way to hang a smaller sized unit off of it. I'm going to be paying special attention to your channel from now on!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! I appreciate the support!!🙏😁

[@allenstinson608]

Incredible video once again

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!!🙏🙏

[@jonstokes3122]

Outstanding!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Jon!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@mitch7046]

Great Video thank you

[@FreshwaterSouL]

DownScan split screen 2D is the best way to learn fish and structures 👌

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Definitely!!! 👍👍

[@robertbennett6418]

I use two units. Hummingbird Helix for 2D and Navigation, Garmin Striker for down scan. 2D on garmin is too cartoonish. Both work well together. Wish I had Side scan but $$$ tight these days.

[@NewVisionLCS]

Excellent video!

[@matthewackerson7861]

A great video as always. I fish the Pacific NW in tributaries and most anglers don’t use sonar very well. I hope with all of these videos I will hone my skills. Thanks for all you put into these videos

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Matt! Side and Downscan really are great tools. They absolutely catch more fish for me.

[@MattBankstonHunt]

Very helpful

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! I appreciate the support!!🙏😁

[@magnusstromwall4374]

Great vid :)! Do you have any plans to make a video explaining how to understand whats om the sonar if fishing just a few meters deep? We often have a lots of weed and stuff and its kind of difficult to see the fish from all the grass and djungle rising up from the bottom...

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Check out my sonar for dummies videos. One video has first 6 lessons and another has all 11 lessons. Lots of freshwater sonar on those videos. Let me know how you liked them and if they helped. 🙏🙏👍👍

[@stebarr70]

Great info! Some of that footage looks familiar! Lol

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You know it. Our trolling vid is doing well still. Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@herbertbisbey215]

Another great informative video. I learn alot but just don't get enough practice time on the water. My boat trips are 2-3 weeks apart and alot changes in 2 weeks. But I keep SPOONING away at it 👍

[@r.bouth.6457]

Hello.. You answer is so good as what I won't to hear. I remember to have search the Simrad reasently and he is goooood above many.. What is the Simrad model you use to make this video ?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@r.bouth.6457 NSS Evo 3

[@ChrisB-uw6ou]

Another great video Mike! I can see a lot of small differences between your evo and my GO series Simrad, i hope to get one some day!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@johnleavell5562]

Slammin info😎

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!🙏🙏🙏👍😁

[@dtrain1476]

Awesome video

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I appreciate your support 🙏🙏🙏👍

[@JohnSmith-rs6mp]

Really cool and helpful

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@JohnSmith-rs6mp glad you like it!! Thanks! 🙏🙏

[@JohnSmith-rs6mp]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Thanks! I lowered my transducer.375” and now I can easily mark fish and see the bottom at 20mph Tested yesterday! Great tip!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@JohnSmith-rs6mp hell yeah brother!!! Keep me posted! I’d love to see any screenshots you will have. Email them if you have time. Thanks!!![e-mail]

[@JohnSmith-rs6mp]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS for sure! Watching more videos, learning a lot haha Thanks!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@JohnSmith-rs6mp 🙏🙏😁👍

[@terrykizer3621]

Thank you!

[@timwoody8689]

Yeah I got a depth finder I can’t get it set up right you got any tips

[@r.bouth.6457]

Wilm i get this unit wil I get it complete with sounder for 2D and down scan & also site scan for that price listed with those unit in the internet ?

[@williampruitt8420]

awesome vid

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks William!! Your continued support really helps us out in the days of “shorts videos only” get recommended. 👍👍🙏🙏🙏

[@alexgilio7050]

Thank you

[@davidwatson8677]

Another great video, at what depth do you switch from 800 to 455 on downscan ?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother. 800 for everything with Active Imaging 👍👍👍

[@Viktorg35]

nice video, TY

[@antonmartinov5280]

Thank ypu

[@r.bouth.6457]

Hello there Mike. I did and still analize your video's as i did and still do findnl something new and interesting in them them. What about you suggest me the best brand and model of fishfinder for matching this video ? I mean a fishfinder that can reach a depth of 100 feet or more searching the fish by 2D and down scan ? Waiting to know that or those mashine that can give me.that benefit. Till your soon answer..

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@r.bouth.6457 Hey brother, I’ve been using and working with Simrad from very early on. I do some testing for them and Airmar transducers so I have tons of experience with Simrad, but not much with other brands. I know many people that have, but they all say my machines are way better than what THEY are using. I strongly feel that Simrad gets you the most for the money. I use the highest end Simrad gear. I don’t know what your budget is, but the Simrad Go series with 3in1 Active Imaging Transducer is killer for the money. It’s entry level, but the list of features is twice as long as some other brands I’ve seen and you get side scan and downscan right out of the box.

[@russellanderson876]

great video! question---Why 105 kHz on sonar and 455 kHz on downscan?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I like 105 is shallow water sometimes, but use HIGH CHIRP mostly. 455 is best in shallow water with every side scan transducer except for Active Imaging transducer.

[@robertwestrom6878]

How do you get such clean readings in saltwater environment?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

The Simrad Evo3 is the best display you can get. The Airmar 175 high wide transducer is the best Sportfishing transducer I’ve ever seen. 👍👍👍

[@tasmizitas1319]

if i overlay use downscan 445khz and traditional high chirp is that correct setting because i fishing with kayak saltwater shallow around 60 or 100ft. sry if my english not good 😅.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I wouldn’t do that. Instead, turn on fish reveal in your down scan menu. 👍👍

[@valringwelski9429]

What conditions do you use each screen such as sonar down imaging and side scan just bough a garmin and trying to gather as much information as possible

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@valringwelski9429 If you’re fishing in less than 50 ft of water leave side scan on all day. Your D2 Sonar (the one in color in this video) is best for marking fish at higher speeds, like when you’re running out and looking for schools. Once you drop off plane and move slower, your down scan will give you the best detail. So priority for me is side scan when not planing. Then 2D sonar all the time. 3rd is down Scan for detail.

[@PopPopJoe]

So are you saying that you have both screens (down scan & 2 D ) up at the same time?? or you are just going by "down scan" since you get more detail??

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yes, I’m using both at the same time. Down has better detail, but isn’t as fast as 2D.

[@josegamayo]

Hello, I would like to ask you a question. My friend has a Garmin GPS and he gave me the fishing spots that he has on his map but he gave them to me in an sd memory. and I would like to know if I can transfer it to the simrad thank you

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Great question. It’s worth a try. Pop the card in and pull up the files. I have transferred from Lowrance to Simrad this way, but they have similar operating systems. You might need to pull up the numbers from each waypoint and enter manually.

[@straightwhitemale5753]

I just bought a helix 7 MDI g4. I almost got a simrad but the focuses on the down imaging.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@straightwhitemale5753]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS You're videos have helped me so much. You were the FIRST person to teach me anything about a fish finder.

[@treecutter116]

Have a question looking for answers I’ve got 3 lowrance finders on a Ranger bass boat cockpit is a Hook 9 and a hook 3x on the front is a lowrance elite5ti all lowrance the 5ti is at the trolling motor a minn kotta torrova the previous owner said one was not hooked up as fish finder that it needed an extra wire he never said witch finder any ideas how to find out I’m really just a throw and go fisherman I set the boat up for catfishing but I do a lot of crappie fishing when the wife allows I’ve messed with the finders a little would like to know witch one it is my only guess is he was using the hook 9 as navigation and gps any comments would help

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

The Hook displays can’t be networked together so I guess he’s using it as a chart plotter only. There really isn’t a wire that will change anything. What he was probably hesitant to tell you, was that you need an additional transducer for it if you want sonar as well as chart plotter GPS.

[@carybruton7284]

yes sir

[@jimmyholmes6164]

Are you using the simrad active imaging 3 in 1 transducer?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yes sir. I actually still have a pre-production transducer. 😛

[@utkukaraarslan4059]

Hey, what is the maximum depth for down scan with 455-800 khz 3 in 1 transducer?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@utkukaraarslan4059 it will show bottom up to around 400ft, but it will scroll VERY Slowly and not show fish much.

[@WorkoutWerewolf]

I’ve had my boat about 6 months and it’s an older Lawrence on it but I can’t get the arches. I only get blobs never arches. Why is that?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

It could be many things, older transducers don’t always show arches on every display. Newer CHIRP transducers seem to always show arches. You might also have interference filters on. Those are the two most common reasons. I’ve had displays with older technology and transducers that never showed arches no matter what. You could mark fish, but they were always blobs.

[@WorkoutWerewolf]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS the unit it’s that old only about 2015.

[@SCBullterriers]

What brand spoon do you use and where can I get them? Thanks

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

We use Ben Parker spoons. There is a link in the description 👍👍we use mostly 8” in team old school copper and gold.

[@hunterbaxley3197]

What setup are you using in this video?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Simrad Evo3 active imaging transducer.

[@robertrusso2122]

Total scan or 3n1 active imaging transducer. Set on 455 ?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Active imaging. It only has 800. Any other side scan I would use 455.

[@Greataviator1]

How do u select palets

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@Greataviator1 go to your regular sonar page. Upper right menu will have it in advanced settings.

[@SCBullterriers]

What spoon do you suggest for freshwater?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I use the same in lakes. 8” copper and gold/chrome mostly but all chrome and yellow are great too.

[@kenl.3298]

So why even use the 2d sonar?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Speed. It’s the fastest. It show’s returns in real time with no delay. It also marks fish on plane best.

[@timmartinatsihoucom]

Good stuff Thank you