Sonar for Dummies! Fish Finder Explained for BEGINNERS! (L2)

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

For those asking about my Fish Finder, this is very similar, but a lot more affordable. Everything you need in 1 box. amzn.to/3zmWWTV

[@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.

[@ranchermud]

As mostly a pond fisherman trying to get to bigger lakes these ‘dummy’ videos are great info...with only a few striper under my belt guessing what will work and being a terrible cast net thrower and bait fish finder this info helps a lot....just need more time to freakin fish and try things out!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Chuck I appreciate that brother!! Thanks!

[@billbritz]

Thanks for your informative videos. I learned a lot. Your second bottom is always twice the depth as the first. My understanding is that is indicative of a very hard bottom. This is due to the signal reflecting off the bottom, then off the surface and then off the bottom again.

[@ElliotP27]

Great simple info for a beginning Lowrance user. Thanks much!

[@funkehouse]

I'm so dumb lol, I have used one before, all this time I thought it was showing you all the fish under your boat from left to right, I didn't know it was a history of what you have passed over. Pretty cool stuff, great video!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Glad you like it 👍👍

[@bardstables8909]

So I know my sonar but I clicked on this in hopes of picking up a little tidbit I didn't know. Unfortunately for me that wasn't the case. But......I thought you did a great job explaining things. I suspect if I was new to this I would've learned a lot. In fact I wish this video had been around 20 years ago when I was just beginning to learn modern sonar. Great job, keep it up.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@bardstables8909]

My pleasure, it's well deserved.

[@cascapediastjules8796]

Very helpful, went fishing this morning and came to your vids to help me identify what I saw, a great resource, thanks from Ottawa Ontario

[@davidbowers33]

Thanks Mike, I may have to see your settings. I’ve been fooling around with this for a long time and was about ready to give up. After I bought this boat, I would have never got as far as I did with these evo 2’s without watching your videos. Thank you for what you do ! The company who sold me this boat gave me a book to read and 1 hour crash course. I sure appreciate all of your help!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks David!! This may help!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWGwoXqtgLqJhKM

[@verlinleigh9917]

Just got a garmin striker 4 cv for my kayak. Your videos help me understand more about whats going on underestimate me. Keep up the great vids

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks!!!! I appreciate that!!!

[@barking.dog.productions1777]

1st time viewer, and immediate subb and like. :) What great information and presentation style. New to fish finders and finding this video series is like finding gold. Thanks for making them!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Very glad you like it! Appreciate the kind words!! More videos coming!

[@patricksheehan3066]

Also a first time viewer I’ve seen many presentations on fish finders but this has been the most comprehensive one yet great job

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@TheJimmyjam1958]

I just bought a boat with two lowrance units. I have never used a fishfinder so your videos are timely and spot on. I still don’t completely understand where exactly the arches (fish) are. I understand that you are looking at history so everything is behind your boat. What I don’t understand is the location of the fish off to the port or starboard side of the boat. Are they 25’, 50’ etc. off to the side or are they directly behind the motor. I don’t know how to explain this so I hope it’s not confusing. Thanks

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Picture your boat leaving bread crumbs depending on if you are running on plane or drifting. Your transducer only looks down (mostly down) so they won’t be off to the side. Those arches are fish that are in your bread crumb trail. If you are moving a foot per second fish that were in your a scope 10 seconds ago are 10 ft away. This is a very ROUGH way at guessing of course. We don’t know what direction or how fast they are swimming. You don’t really need to know exactly where they are. Once you found them, use methods that cover a lot of that water to catch them. 👍👍. Sonar gets you close, it doesn’t really FIND fish it just confirms what you THOUGHT. 😉😉

[@seaangling]

Thank you for very comprehensive and informative descriptions, I have found them very useful.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Mark!!

[@heyreddin2.0s10]

Thank you. Your knowledge and easy going manner are much appreciated. I'm going to be boat fishing for pike minnow on the Snake and Columbia. These tips will help. I've never used a sonar. Thanks again.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I’m glad you liked it!!! Thanks!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

That’s great to hear. Thanks brother!!

[@thenotsojollyrancher-akate9516]

I never spend enough time learning about a new sonar when I get one. Thanks for giving me a synopsis! Lol. I’ve learned some things and you have confirmed some things I thought. 👍👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Vance Cash Excellent!! Thanks brother!!

[@donburnette9334]

I appreciate these videos you're doing on fish finders. It seems like I learn something new every time I turn mine on. Keep em coming and I'll watch for you on SML

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Don Burnette that's great Don!! I'm glad you like them. I'll keep them Coming!!

[@donburnette9334]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS if really like to see a video on catching bait using your fish finder. I have broadband and downscan, no sidescan. I'm never quite sure when and where to throw the net once I actually mark the bait

[@ricomunroe3684]

Really becoming a sonar smarty from these videos. Thank you so much.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@jfisher101]

Great series...have learned a ton. Thanks and keep em coming!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+J Fisher thanks brother!!!😁😁

[@larrymcfarland6448]

Really great infromation, your videos take a lot of the intimidation out of learning the process well done God Blesx

[@russellmcgarrity]

Thanks. Very concise and informative.

[@zeebao8721]

really appreciate this series of videos Mike, very informative and clear!

[@hashtagjustadad5110]

Very insightful. Thank you.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍😁😁

[@simonb2738]

Great content! Learn a lot from these sonar for dummies videos. Keep them coming :)

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Will keep them coming!!

[@braxtonwhite8208]

These are great videos and answer everything I need to know in the most simple, straightforward way thanks so much!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like them!!!

[@skipyost177]

Thanks again for the series- great stuff to help me catch more fish. Really like the practical approach and not talking over my head.

[@andyschultz7225]

Very helpful. Until now pretty much have on used my sonar for depth and water temp. I have a lawrance on my Nitro z7 and really wasn’t sure what I was even looking at.. thx

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Great brother!! I’m glad you like it!! Check back for more. 👍👍

[@swampybman7741]

Thanks Mike for all your info. I'm new at this and my Hummingbird HELIX 9 has me guessing. You told me about that "surface layer" that has had me confused. A question for you: My depth shows one reading , say 12 feet, and on my screen I see 17 feet or 20 something. I fish the short waters of the Southeastern North Carolina in the Cape Fear river and it gets shallow quickly! So trying to navigate between these readings is a challenge for me right now. Thanks again Mike! Please keep up the good work and I wish you all best of luck and health!

[@geraldpowell2610]

Thank you so much for these learning segments. You do a great job of explaining this information for people with no prior experience in using these amazing machines. Please keep doing them. Nobody does it better than you from the sites I have tried.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I will absolutely keep them coming!!😁😁👍👍

[@theluckystrike6371]

Just want to say thank you for these videos my last unit was a 30 yr. old hummingbird flasher still use it!!! 🙂...I want to buy a new unit for my 16’ 40hp tiller boat fresh water lake fishing up in Pa. and I’m just baffled by this new equipment. I’m sure I can learn a new unit thanks to these videos....but unsure of the different brands etc. looking to invest in the $1500-$2000. range. I’ve a lot of respect of your knowledge and experience with these I think I’ve seen simrads on your boat any thoughts or suggestions on a unit would be greatly appreciated.!!! I enjoy your videos just caught my first stripper this past fall.!!! 🙂 Thanks Joe F. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thank you for the kind words brother!! I too lived or died by the flasher so I have a real appreciation for this new technology!! You will be hard pressed to find a better system than this; amzn.to/2XCVw8g. Especially for the money!! Let me know if you have any questions or need help setting it up. When you use my links I get a few bucks for fuel and you get the best prices and setup help from myself by text. It’s a win win👍👍👍

[@theluckystrike6371]

Mike Smedley hey thanks for getting back I’m sure to have some more questions l’m looking hard at the 9” screen I’ve hit on that link a bunch in the 15 mins. Yep definitely a win win!!! Thanks 🙂👍🏻👍🏻

[@1074jorge]

These videos are so informative and so helpful. I'm hoping to buy my first fishfinder within the next year or 2, and when i do i'll actually have an understanding what's how to use it and what's going on. Thanks and keep the videos coming. Much Appreciated !!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I’m glad you like it. Shoot me an email when you’re ready to buy. If you use my amazon links you get great prices and I give you lifetime setup help. 👍👍😁😁. Links are also in the descriptions. Thanks

[@MitchN9660]

Thanks for this video. My brother just bought a used boat last fall and because he got injured in an accident in January we still haven’t been able to take the boat out and learn about the electronics on it. This will be a head start on that.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sorry to hear about your brother. I’m sure you both will feel a lot better being out on the water together. Glad you like the video!!

[@jaybudd1234]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge makes it easier for us tec dummies lov your work look forward for more from Australia jc

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@GeorgiaTrappingandFishing]

Great job buddy, I really like this series, it’s helping me a bunch 👍👍👏🎣

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@jbarb4954]

Thanks Mike...always straight forward, informative, and practical videos. I’m new to boating and salt water fishing, and your videos help tremendously. I’m pretty sure I saw you heading out of Nissequogue a couple times. Stay safe.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! We fished that area a few years back with Mark Garry. Kid Cochiese. Beautiful area!!!

[@bv.hd883]

First time with the garmin striker 4 on the kayak this morning. I was amazed by the bottom of my lake and your video has been informative for a novice like me. Thanks :)

[@jonathanpartridge8155]

Good info. Thanks for taking time out of your day to make these videos!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I’m glad you like them brother!!! Thanks!!

[@stephenbrunette2581]

Yep!!..This video had my name on it, Sonar for Dummies!!!...I learned so much from the video!!!!...

[@cindydenton6015]

very new at this! all of your videos have helped tremendously! thank you!! keep em coming!!!

[@ADMG76]

Thanks so much, very clear & helpful!!

[@NasTimeAdventures]

That was a good video. I've always struggled understanding these units. Not so much now. Cheers.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!

[@Lovely__Hater]

Hey Mike, Thanks for the tip about the false bottom. I also went ahead and liked your video as they are great and extremely informative!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+PlaYBoz Thanks a ton brother!! Glad you dig them!!

[@johnybigbravo]

REALLY HELPFUL! THX

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@rollycbc]

really appreciate these tutorials. If possible the odd time would be great to see the same information in grey scale. Thanks again

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother

[@vincentgervais278]

Very Helpful. Thanks

[@matthewprather7386]

Informative video! I think the "second bottom" is a reflection from the real bottom (which you point out is hard), and then some of that energy reflects off the surface around the boat, back to the real bottom, and then back to the transducer?

[@Captain_Kdawg]

You do very good videos man I’ve bought a expensive fish finder on a boat I had and I will admit I could not read the dang thang. In the market for one with chirp and your videos are very informative thank you !!

[@wilson6387]

You’re a good teacher!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I appreciate that brother!!

[@bruceclayton5927]

Very clear communication...some time go through finding fish on plane with through hull transdeucer in this type detail...your videos are great

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+Bruce Clayton Thank you Bruce!!! That's a great idea brother!

[@haroldbaade4461]

This is the best video on read the screen I’ve seen. Thanks so much,you helped me a lot !!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Harold!! I’m glad it helped brother!! I have quite a few more on my uploads list. 👍👍👍

[@baldyhead1]

Thank you. This was helpful!

[@boballen6507]

Awesome thanks a bunch 🤠👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like it brother!!

[@boballen6507]

Gonna watch everything you got, 🤠👍

[@jaredbradley4095]

Hey the dummies are the ones not watching the ones that think they know everything. I try to learn more everyday. Unfortunately with my memory I forget to take out the trash. I can remember to smash that like button though! Awesome Video!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Jared Bradley Thank you sir!! I couldn’t agree with you more!! When I was younger my ego held me back quite a bit, now it just holds me back a little, but I’m getting there!!

[@tonypichalski4248]

Mike as usual great job. THis dummy has a real dum question. The colors in the sonar units are they all the same no mater what brand. DO you customize your unit by selecting your own colors. I am very new to all this. I bought a 21' Robalo back in Mar. & still wainting to get the boat. It has all the electronics on it. Your video's are perfect. Thank you for shsring your wealth of knowledge.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+Tony Pichalski Thanks Tony!! Great question. The Evo3 has some great settings for customizing sonar palettes, but these shots are standard colors. There are 2 features called color erase and color marker. You can erase any shade in the palette or swap out any colors in the palette. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX-QqKKbeNemnpo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJKVoWSKra1leMk. It's a fantastic option for those with vision issues like certain color blindness. I posted a few very basic videos on the features, but I will add some more soon. Again, GREAT QUESTION!!

[@bthph88]

Another good one! Thanks Mike.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+Brian Hast Appreciate it Brian!!!

[@asicit6789]

Concise and informative. Thank you.

[@garytingler3222]

Another good video. Always learning.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@danghuynh1611]

I really learned from you. Thanks

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

That’s great brother!! Thanks!

[@RealisticFishing]

I wish my graph looked like this. 😅

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@johninnz]

Look forward to the next video mate 👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!!

[@kevinavis5080]

Thanks for your videos kevin the carp fishermen London

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad you like them brother!!

[@dtrain1476]

Great video Mike, thanks for sharing

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+David Hall Thanks brother

[@marklopez8378]

Awesome video, yes please add more how to's..I'm so lost when it comes sonar, down imaging..I have a lowrence by the trolling motor and a hummingbird near my console Thanks for help👌

[@jodysherlocksr.5481]

very informative old school

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+jody sherlock sr. thanks Jody!!!

[@kshow759]

Loving the new series of vids ... waiting for the next one Keep up the great work

[@cigdemozalpcan4188]

hi from türkiye. thanks alot.

[@masfishing1]

Very helpful. Thk u.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@slungercatoutdoors]

Great explanation and information!! Thanks for sharing.

[@Larry77777]

Thanks for this series ... Thumbed up and subscribed.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@gerardamitranno8837]

Great info Mike , very detail I like it !!!!!!

[@dannyjackson8613]

Great vid, Mike. Question: I am using the go7 and fishing in water from 250 to 550 feet for rockfish. I am having much difficulty getting any kind of reading other than just showing a number on how deep it is. Where do I need to place my settings (frequency, chirp, etc.) to get a decent reading in the deeper water? Thanks so much. Danny

[@edsmith968]

Trying to learn good. Stuff thanks

[@mlinkinsfla]

Thanks for this. I recently started kayak fishing in Central Florida lakes and am considering getting a fish finder for the first time. Do you have any recommendations?

[@mullemertiller573]

Hi Mike thx a lot for your amazing explanings. 1 dummy question i got . Does the second buttom define the structure / hardness of the top buttom? Is it just an overlay created by the depth settings on the sonar? THX al lot mate tight lines

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! The best way to describe it is to think of it as an echo. Sometimes it appears to be an exact duplicate of the bottom and sometimes it looks like a duller copy. I only rely on it for telling hardness personally. Thanks for the comment!!!

[@bobmccall4474]

Mike, thanks for the video, can you explain the chirp transducer? Thx,

[@qzyyyy1]

Love these videos, thanks a ton!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

To see all of my fish finder videos click PLAYLIST “SIMRAD VIDEOS”. Thanks!

[@clipzcasual]

very imformative keep em coming

[@BuckcreekTV]

Awesome video love it!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍

[@overcooked.chicken6977]

Thank you for the knowledge mike

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@toddgreen7928]

Awesome info

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I appreciate it brother!!

[@0017Bulldog]

Mike, great stuff. Keep er comin'!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Will do!!!!!

[@904fishingmusicandadventur9]

Liked, subscribed, notifications, and I like all videos.. you were kind enough to make the video... and I have made a few on my channel (I am horrible at making videos).. But at least, I can appreciate all the hard work that goes into a video.... thanks again!!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

😁😁😁👍👍👍

[@Iknowmorethanuknow]

Super helpful, thanks bro!

[@marshallritter2161]

Great videos Mike...Thanks...

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!!!

[@fishgrubspinners6762]

Nice, thanks 👍

[@misunderstoodtruth1253]

Very educational

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@fishingwithadrian754]

What is the distance from right to left?

[@313JohnH]

Another good one.. well done.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+John Hilderbrand Thanks John!! Decals went out today!! I expect to see pics of them by some beautiful STRIPERS!! 😁😁😁😁😁

[@ssmith9384]

I would like to see how to setup the temperature on the screen I’ve tried everything and still can’t figure it out. And I could also use a couple of your special stickers too. Thanks brother

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Eugene Smith Email me your address. [e-mail] and I’ll get some out to you. In your system menu. Hit echo- transducer installation you can select temperature source.

[@anthonyfoglio8749]

Thank you very much and I talk to you a while back about spot lock and it is amazing I live it for my wreck fishing

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

+Anthony Foglio OH YEAH!!! Glad you like it brother. It's pretty amazing

[@bobseaver7807]

Thanks! Very helpful👍

[@MH-ls1xi]

Keep it up mike these videos are awesome

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

M H thanks brah!!!

[@doughirsch7685]

Good videos, I believe that double bottom you see is really a mirror image artifact. Decrease the gain and it should disappear.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks. Decreasing the gain can definitely remove the double bottom, but it would come at a cost. Every return would be affected in a negative way and I want the double bottom to determine bottom hardness. It’s another tool.

[@dustin6078]

Part about the baitfish was having a hard top good tip

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Glad you like it!!

[@Felixkoifish]

Thank you

[@bendarbyjones172]

Great stuff mate. Big like from me!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@bendarbyjones172]

Mike, i have a new set up on my boat. Its not even been configured from start up yet. I have a s2009 and evo 3 with a tm275 and a lss2 transducers. Also it runs thru a s5100 module. There is vvlink and external gps reciever connected via the nmea backbone also. I wanted to run low chirp on the 2009 and hi Wide chirp and sidescan on the evo 3 so the 2009 was dedicated deep water sonar only. And evo used for general fishing and gps. Im testing it soon, but lockdown has delayed things. Can you give me advise on what settings to put on to get me to where i want it to be? Much appreciated, ben, tasmania

[@timberbucketsphil6818]

Thank you SIR really informative nice

[@southtexasshooter311]

Great info thank you

[@chriscaporaso442]

thank you thank you thank you

[@danielslocum7316]

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.

[@kioawies6044]

Thanks a lot. now i know why my fishfinder have 2 bottom.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍