Simple Lowrance Active Target Settings for the Simple Bass Fisherman

Here are the settings I use on my lowrance HDS system for my active target. They work on every body of water I have been on and when I get on a Buddys boat and plug in these easy settings, it works for them and I hope it works for you!
Video filmed on a GoPro Hero 9 Black
Follow me on Instagram: JodonFishing
Contact me at: [e-mail]

[@xmansuperhero6206]

One of the best explanations I’ve seen so far for this system. Thanks for the info!

[@jodonfishing5609]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deweyknight3969]

Thanks, this is probably the most helpful videos I have seen on Active Target

[@jodonfishing5609]

Thanks for the feedback! I sure hope it helps with your fishing!

[@nybbhUSA]

I watched this video the other day and went on the water and used all of your suggestions and everything was much better. Thank you!

[@jodonfishing5609]

That’s awesome! So glad I could help!!! And thankyou for the comment and good luck out on the water!!!!

[@flippenstick1]

I second Dewey Knights comment. The information you provided got me on the right track and I had a blast watching my bait and watching the bass hit it.

[@jodonfishing5609]

That’s awesome thankyou so much for the comment. I’m really really happy my info was able to help you!!!!

[@user-km6vp4wp5u]

Thank you. Straight forward and clearly depicted!

[@jodonfishing5609]

thankyou!

[@robertfrancola8887]

Jodon, nice work. Clear and simple instructions. Pleasent speaking voice.

[@jodonfishing5609]

WOW thank you very much, first time anyone has ever said that to me lol. thanks

[@tonyhanna1392]

Brilliant - thanks Jodo

[@sssrp80]

I'm excited to get out and try these settings. I'm in a little deeper water than you, but I'm sure this will get me closer. Thanks for sharing.

[@jodonfishing5609]

yep should work just adjust your depth setting on the unit according to the depth of water you are in

[@coachmozer8099]

Thanks for this video, as mentioned in a previous comment, I was worried about using it on a HDS 9 but looks great on your setup!!

[@jodonfishing5609]

works perfectly for me

[@donnylane2464]

Great Video... ty... It truly helped me alot..

[@lindalawson4947]

Thank you good information for us beginners with active target.

[@jodonfishing5609]

your welcome hope it helps!!

[@georgemauries7462]

Just ordered a new 10” HDS Pro and Active Target 2 going to try your setup. Thanks great info

[@jodonfishing5609]

Let me know if it works!

[@jeffchandler684]

Great video, thanks.

[@FishOn1]

Using a level is a great idea/tip.

[@gregk4517]

Great video 👍

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

👏👏Awesome video,I’ve had Active Target since day one it came out and I’ve never heard anyone mention about using a level,that’s so brilliant or maybe I live under a rock 🪨 🤣 anyway when in forward mode do you leave the range always in (80) and just adjust the depth of water? Most of my ponds here in my Massachusetts/Rhode Island area are 10-15 feet so should I leave it in (80) and adjust my depth based accordingly? PS 😂 I hope I making sense with my gibberish thinking God help me and you when you read this 🤣😂

[@NathanWallacePoolPlayer]

If you turn off 2d, side, and down, and only run AT you can hear the transducer. If all the others are off then you turn off AT, my transducer stops making all noises. I did this while in the garage playing. I think what you’re hearing after you stop it is the other functions still running? But man some great info here! Thank you!

[@RonnieSprangerJr]

I noticed you have a Stratos 285 pro XL. I have the same boat 2006 Repowered with the mercury 2014 150 4 stroke. Nice boat for sure 👍🏼

[@jodonfishing5609]

I had a 2007 294 ProXL actually traded it in last year for a 21 ranger RT 198P aluminum boat that I love

[@scottc8459]

Do you need to physically change the orientation of the transducer when you want to use scout mode? This is the most informative and helpful video found to-date on the active target system. Thank-you

[@jodonfishing5609]

Yes

[@scrimmy8857]

i Just got good deal on 3 carbon 9's i was worried the 9 be to smalll for active target but sounds like its good

[@jodonfishing5609]

I don’t have any problems with the nine be too small and I actually use split screen with 2d sonar and active target quite often

[@kernlkajun1]

Very helpful instructions. I have a 7 live unit working on my PA14 360 with separate GPS puck and considering AT while pricing is discounted. Will a 7” HDS live provide adequate returns that are interference free? Do you recommend a single battery network or separate power for transducer module?

[@jodonfishing5609]

I use dewalt 20v lithium batteries to power my active target..

[@petethomasson3619]

Good info. Question can AT create a waypoint if we touch screen out in front or boat like side scan does?

[@jodonfishing5609]

Great question, I am not sure never tried it. I wouldn’t trust it tho even if it was possible. There’s no way for the lowrance unit to accurately know which way the transducer is facing to be able to give an exact waypoint out away from the boat. Side imaging transducer are in a fixed position…. When I find a brush pile or something I wanna waypoint on my active target once I’m done fishing it I will use the trolling motor to get directly above the point of interest and drop a waypoint so it’s extremely accurate

[@RonnieSprangerJr]

Great info, can you do an on the water scout mode in depth settings. I got forward down really well, but scout mode has thrown me for a loop. I need all the help I can get. Thank you!

[@jodonfishing5609]

Sure can I don’t use scout a whole lot but I can def do that next time I’m on the lake where I am using scout a lot

[@JR-ho5qm]

Great video! Do you have much experience with the Active Target 2, do you think it’s much better? I know that the latest update for the Active Target really helped the bottom stitching. I also really like the new colour palettes 👍🏻

[@jodonfishing5609]

I haven’t, I set one up but haven’t got to fish using one yet. I want to very badly

[@franktiboni8610]

Where you from, great video...

[@louz8745]

Great Video, got my new boat set up from factory and have a message no source. Looked at the Active Target box and the power light is flashing green/orange. Any ideas what to check

[@jodonfishing5609]

Make sure connesctions are all good between active target box and the unit. If that’s not the issue make sure there is sufficient power going to the active target box. I’m no expert but I bet it’s a power issue

[@johnosullivan856]

I have the same Lowrance unit that you show in the video with active target. I had my transducer originally mounted to tge trolling motor (not on the shaft). Since I use spot-lock often when fishing brush piles for crappie, I don't have control over what I'm pointed at. I am moving the transducer to telescoping fiberglass poles that pivot in a stationary mount. How important is the leveling of the transducer with this type of installation. Note: I will have a handle on top of the pole that aligns with the transducers forward direction Thank you Ed O'Sullivan S.C.

[@jodonfishing5609]

well you will just have to make sure that the transducer is completely in line with the indicator on that mount. you shouldn't have a problem

[@johnosullivan856]

Thank you for taking time to reply

[@scottd8753]

Great video. One exception, I have heard from Lowrance that if you Stop Sonar on A.T., it does stop the A.T. transducer from pinging. (Does not power down the A.T. control box.) Maybe you heard that pinging coming from your 2D sonar or Structure scan transducer on bottom of trolling motor. ??

[@scottd8753]

Ok, I just verified it in my garage. I stopped sonar on both 2D and Structure Scan. Then I put it on A.T. and could hear pinging....then Stopped Sonar on A.T. and it did stop the A.T. ducer from pinging.

[@jodonfishing5609]

yes since I uploaded this video lowrance fixed the issue and any unit with up to date software this is not an issue anymore

[@mikewebb911]

Jordon, does your flashlight on your Active Target screen work with your Ultrex trolling motor? Mine does not point in the direction of my trolling motor.

[@jodonfishing5609]

neither does mine. I totally ignore it.

[@michaelferguson167]

Good stuff. Bass arn't my primary target but lots of good information nonetheless.

[@jodonfishing5609]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billgoetz5223]

With your trolling motor up should your beam direction be pointing straight

[@jodonfishing5609]

You want the trolling motor and the transducer lined up evenly up or down.. I don’t pay attention to the beam direction on the unit, never seems to work. I look at my trolling motor to know what my active target is looking at. That way there’s no room for error, if the trolling motor and the transducer are even with one another

[@yt_iceboy8118]

How u change the screen

[@FalconsATL]

I have the Elite FS9 unit and when I turn on Stable view the lake bottom on the monitor is on an angle (like 45 degrees) so I have to keep it off.. Why? I’ve tried everything!

[@midiowafishing]

Might have to adjust your view angle like -10 degrees

[@garryrogers8071]

When I go to change my down range to 30 ft, it will not take it and it stays on the default of 60. I changed all the rest to match your settings without any issues. Thoughts? And thanks.

[@jodonfishing5609]

wow that is very unusual I am always adjusting my depth setting, usually a few times a day. that doesn't sound right I would call lowrance tech support and see what they suggest

[@andrewduncan2070]

Do those settings save for each mode? Or would I have to change each time I change the mode?

[@jodonfishing5609]

they do not you must adjust them everytime when switching from scout to forward mode.

[@genesnider6671]

Helpfully information... except for the prop in or prop out... the transducer is still pointing forward ...it just been mover over 3 or 4 inches... so why flip view?... Wouldn't that make the tree on the left side of the boat appear to be on the right side?

[@jodonfishing5609]

the transducer has two sides both with a insert for the mount, depending on how you install the transducer and which side is up(based on the trolling motor postition) you may or may not have to put the active target into flip view for scout mode. that's why the option is there

[@genesnider6671]

@@jodonfishing5609 Right... I either missed you saying flipping thr settings for scout mode depending on if your transducer is mounted prop in or prop out.... or you didn't state such (I'd have to go back and reread). Anyway thanks for the replay.

[@greggibson3491]

I noticed that on your screen the directional “beam” is in the upper right. On my HDS 12 carbon it is in the upper left side?

[@jodonfishing5609]

I may be wrong but I do believe your software is older then mine. I think if you update your unit it’ll switch to the right. I wish there was a way to turn it off, I don’t even look at mine. I feel like it is just in the way

[@greggibson3491]

@@jodonfishing5609 Thanks for the quick reply.

[@jessemoore1733]

How far from the trolling motor in inches is the transducer bracket supposed to be?

[@jodonfishing5609]

I believe its one inch above the tip of the trolling motor blade

[@billdalacos4505]

What about if you are not attached too the trolling motor and are using a down pole.

[@jodonfishing5609]

No idea. Settings should be close but as I don’t use one nor ever set one up on one I can’t say for sure

[@Thoneycutt34]

Great info. However when I hit stop sonar my transducer actually does stop pinging and clicking.

[@jodonfishing5609]

Huh that’s interesting my still pings even if my unit is totally off I’ll have to do some research on it.

[@razewyd8743]

@@jodonfishing5609 gotta download the new Lowrance updates, and it will fix it

[@jodonfishing5609]

I will do that mine is over due for an update

[@brandisnyder6311]

Does these settings and the way you use a level on transducer apply to active target2?

[@jodonfishing5609]

yes. the default settings on the AT2 is much more accurate then the AT1 but to make sure youre dialed in I would see use these guidelines!

[@brandisnyder6311]

Thank you for replying. However I get my trolling motor leveled but my transducer is not I tried getting it level through the bracket you mentioned it doesn’t change anything.

[@armandsmith7676]

Are these settings good for crappie fishing also

[@jodonfishing5609]

Yes

[@geejustfishing916]

What year did that graph come out I’m looking for it.

[@jodonfishing5609]

2018 I think

[@jodonfishing5609]

2018 I think

[@mikemcclusky8244]

How do you power on your active target transducer?

[@jodonfishing5609]

I use a dewalt 20v lithium battery

[@andrewduncan2070]

Have you found the new update helped clean up the active target?

[@jodonfishing5609]

I have not updated mine recently but I do know that the more up to date software has better default presets then when I made this video. the default settings now are much closer to the setting I mention in this video. thanks for your comment Andrew

[@andrewduncan2070]

@@jodonfishing5609 thanks. Good clean video

[@mikegalate5182]

Will theses setting work on the 9FS?

[@jodonfishing5609]

Hey Mike thanks for the comment and to be honest I have no idea. I have never got to play with a FS unit yet but I certainly would think they would. I’d say try it and see how it works for you and I’d sure be interested to know how it worked out for you!

[@mikegalate5182]

@@jodonfishing5609 Thanks for the info. I"ll give it a try snd let you know

[@tomaszkordacz1792]

Can I ask for Polish subtitles?

[@mynameisfukit9827]

Your tickers staying on . Can hear it

[@jakeblaha9233]

Simple fisherman don't have livescopes.