Sonar for Dummies! Fish Finder Explained for BEGINNERS! (L6)

Fish Finder Screenshots Explained for Dummies is a series in my Sonar Screenshots Explained collection helping those new to using sonar. I will slowly increase the amount of information on each screenshot moving forward. How to read a fish finder. How to use sonar.
THIS IS LESSON #6 IN THE SERIES.
LINK TO THE FIRST “SONAR FOR DUMMIES” LESSON: • Sonar for Dummies! Fis...
LINK TO THE SECOND “Sonar for Dummies” LESSON: • Sonar for Dummies! Fis...
LINK TO THE THIRD “Sonar for Dummies” LESSON : • Sonar for Dummies! Fis...
LINK TO THE FOURTH “Sonar for Dummies “ LESSON: • Sonar for Dummies! Fis...
LINK TO THE FIFTH “Sonar for Dummies”LESSON: • Sonar for Dummies! Fis...
MY SONAR SETTINGS; • Sonar Settings YOU SHO...
MY SIMRAD DISPLAY: amzn.to/2GY9QPn
MY CHIRP TRANSDUCER: amzn.to/2BsVMud
MY SIDE SCAN TRANSDUCER: amzn.to/2ErP9ug
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND GIVE THIS VIDEO A THUMBS UP!

[@user-fd9vc3dd1e]

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.

[@onepunch9203]

Thanks again, Mike. I, being a dummy, appreciate this series. 👍🏼

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!👍

[@richardsamsung4612]

Thanks Mike, I've learnt more watching your videos in past couple days than the past couple years looking at sounder videos. (watching from Australia)

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I love you boys from down under. My second most viewers in the world are from Australia!! 👍👍👍❤️

[@WilliamHall-sn5qu]

This guy is great. If you want to understand how to use and read you fish finder watch all of this guys videos. Thanks for your help, much appreciated!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thank you William!!! I really do appreciate that brother 🙏🙏🙏😁🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

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

[@shurlandlayne9337]

I'm being schooled and I'm enjoying these classes. Thank you.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

If you don’t have a touch screen use the ARROW PAD to float the cursor over the mark.

[@markhovis7862]

This series is fantastic! I really appreciate your excellent work.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@thilagadebeyer2559]

Thanks mate! Great videos. Thank you for your time and effort :) I am now enlightened into the sorcery of fish finding! Tight lines and full buckets! Also from Tasmania, Australia!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thank you brother!! I appreciate it!!👍👍😁😁

[@joeprinsen1717]

found a fellow Tasmanian!! hello 👋

[@glennwhite5187]

I literally catch fish now using my sonar due to your help Mike,thanks!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

YES!!! I love it!! Thanks brother!!!

[@splintchesthair100]

don't you need a rod and reel though?

[@glennwhite5187]

@@splintchesthair100 hell no,I am so good they just jump in the boat,wooooooo!!!!

[@spoutdoors9520]

Thanks for sharing. I just became a better fisherman without having to cast a line. 🎣 😂 Joking aside. Very educational and useful tool. On the market for one this helps. Appreciate it.

[@BDCKavalaGroup]

Thank you for your service ! Your videos are very well explained.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!!😁😁

[@jonnyboy513]

Great vid! Thanks again Mike.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!👍👍

[@simtsoz4905]

The fish are laughing, all those arches you see on the display are smiles 😅😅

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🤣🤣

[@wildeshark]

thank you for the videos , really i have learned a lot from you thank you again boss

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Appreciate that!

[@leehall1920]

Great lessons thank you

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@grantdegi]

Keep it up i am learning a lot from you

[@MichaelKaal-TriFisher]

Always appreciated

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!

[@tattoo8689]

2nd again, Thanks for the video !

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍😁😁

[@BritishBeachcomber]

To sum up... *Wherever those fish are, they're not where you are now* and *wherever they were, they're gone when you go back.*

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yep. I VERY rarely try to target individual fish that I mark. I fish the pattern and not the exact fish. See em hanging suspended 10 feet down in 40 feet of water so stay in 40 feet and attack 10 down in same areas.

[@larryhobbs8769]

Gotta love it when the screen light up and the rods go to bending. Good video

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Amen!! Thanks brother

[@guitarchy]

thanks again for the whole series. I'm obviously binge watching right now! My main issue on the kayak (saltwater lure fishing and jigging in the gulf) is when I see something on the sonar I'm not sure which direction to cast the lure! with vertical jigging it's simple but not sure if I can rely on the sonar for lure fishing? any tips brother?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

If the fish are suspended I don’t normally try to cast to them. If they are on the bottom I WILL cast to them, but I rely heavily on side scan for that. Fish on bottom tend to stay put longer than a suspended fish.

[@jeremiahlavoie7998]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS I’m looking into side scan. What do you prefer about it for fish on bottom? Thanks mate

[@Gillesgip]

Thank you for sharing!! Very informative! Nice setup. I'm looking at getting a floater caster. Maybe the Garmin GPS. Location to fish, northeast Ontario.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother. I’m glad you liked it.

[@jahseminole]

Great video Mike. Your pause and comment 2:12 was typical of an A$$hole of Lanier! We're outnumbered every weekend these days, but the fishing has been great! Your videos help a lot with that!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@hagengrubbsfishing]

I would love to see one of these videos all about fish sizes on sonar 👍thanks for the information brother.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! That is a tricky one. Each of my transducers show returns different sizes. One shows Crappie as huge arches and others show Crappie more like Shad. I can do that for side scan for sure. 👍👍

[@hagengrubbsfishing]

Mike Smedley that would be awesome 👍

[@hagengrubbsfishing]

But after thinking even what you explained in the comment would be a very helpful video for a lot of people. I get that question all the time on my videos about fish sizes. I will definitely point them in your direction if you decide to do a video on the topic👍

[@teetimeaz]

Using side scan will be a big help.

[@garymeierhenry3223]

I will have to go look and see if my Carbon has the 'feet away' part in the box when you touch/make a waypoint. Seem to always pick up a little something each time. tks

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Your Carbon does have that feature 👍👍

[@bthph88]

Mike, that's a question I had a while back. Thanks for answering!! Also, was that a cooling mist system on your boat?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother! And yep. It’s a mist system that I thought I would never use, but it’s killer on 90 degree days.

[@MrMallen1315]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS is the misting system a seapro option or an aftermarket?

[@joeprinsen1717]

@@MrMallen1315 easy to make them yourself from irrigation hose and hydroponic 'fog' sprinklers.

[@thinklikeido]

I thought I knew what I was doing with my evo3. Thanks

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍👍

[@thefisherman1610]

I'm trying to figure out my new Simrad go7 with 3 in 1 transducer. Recently went out to public Reef numbers and saw good hard bottom with rocks. Anchored, cleared screen and saw no structure on my screen. I will try advice from this video to locate. Structure better

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

When the boat is still you stop “seeing” structure in the same way as when moving. In some cases you stop seeing it altogether. The “scanning” aspect needs the boat to be moving to completely show the area like it actually is. Touch the screen on two spots, one on either end of the structure and set waypoints on them. anchor in between them. That really helps.

[@utkukaraarslan4059]

Does these sonars work while moving backwards? For example would I see a passed object again if I pedal back on a pedal propeller kayak?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sure. As long as there is no air under the transducer it will work.

[@utkukaraarslan4059]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS One Q about side imaging: Will sonar show front and back of the boat if you flip the transducer 90 degrees? Thanks

[@fishinmagician3960]

I feel like my garmin is way more clear at night than during the day how do I fix this problem? I fish at night a lot but most hours are spent in the sun.

[@andyschlau6333]

When using a fish finder and sonar how can you tell which side of the boat the fish is on?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

With 2D sonar like this you really can’t. You need side scan to know what side it’s on the quickest.

[@theluckystrike6371]

🙂👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

😁👍👍👍👍

[@joelamantia2080]

Heres a dumb question. Why does your readout still move progressively if your boat is at idle?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

The history will always scroll. Think of it like your transducer is snapping picture after picture after picture and the pictures are moving out of your way and to the left. Whatever is in the A scope is in front of the lens.

[@TF2Scout..]

what does the sonar depth range depend on?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Most people just leave it on auto so it will show some bottom on the screen. In big water you can set to jut show the top section where your line are. There are lots of different reasons different fishermen use the range for. In water less than 200 feet just leave it on auto to start.

[@Jason-kg4rs]

New to the fish finder here. If I'm stationary/anchored and I'm getting a lot of fish in the history is that a sign I'm over a schooling area?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

In many cases fish and baitfish especially will gather up under a stationary boat. The longer you sit the more you see on the screen sometimes. Go to your down scan page and stomp on the deck. You will see the fish all react together. That’s a sure fire way to tell if it’s life or just crap in the water. 👍

[@OrcaAngler]

what model of simrad is this ? i cant trace the arches using my cheap lowrance hook reveal model, have to upgrade i guess.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Here ya go!! This is a big jump up in ability from the Hook. amzn.to/2GY9QPn

[@OrcaAngler]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS its above my budget can it be done on simrad go9 xse?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

This is a great way to go too. It will give you great arches. Get this one with this exact transducer. The other 3 in 1’s aren’t the same as this one. amzn.to/3sEmjN8

[@OrcaAngler]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thanks buddy will check it out cheers

[@coachrandall8190]

What direction are the fish swimming when they go past your under your fish finder

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

That’s something we can’t know with this type of sonar. Side scan shows us what side the fish are on, but not where they are headed to. The Active Target live sonar actually shows us where the fish are swimming to. Stuff gets better all the time 👍

[@AM-el4iv]

I fail to understand what's the usefulness of the A scope. Wouldn't it be the same thing to look at the rightmost point of the screen with A scope off? Is there a delay between what shows up on the A scope and what it would show up on the far right side of the screen with it off? I'm honestly confused. Always turned it off, but I might be missing something.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You’re correct. You can do either. The Ascope just helps some people understand better.

[@almighty3372]

I am a dummy, I like this video series.....🤣🤣🤣

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! 👍👍👍🙏😁

[@whiskergetter1986]

Could you do a locating catfish on sonar video?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sure, down scan in particular works really well for finding BIG catfish because they have such a distinct body shape. You can really see a difference in comparison to other fish. I’ll try to get some footage. Thanks

[@whiskergetter1986]

Awesome buddy!!!! Love the series

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I appreciate that!!👍

[@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

[@pedrocaceiro3936]

HI Mike. Im looking for a new fishfinder with chartploter , does the one you own have sidescan? Can you compare to garmin echomap? Thanks

[@KarlOtterman]

Could’ve just said they’re either behind and to the sides of you. If the fish was swimming in the direction you’re headed the arch would look more like a line because the fish is staying underneath the scope, granted ya don’t know which side it’s on, but it’s somewhere.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sure I can stay beneath the scope going the same direction, but transducers with extra wide cones used in deep water can make you THINK the fish is directly under the transducer, but in reality it could be 40 feet to the right, left, forward, or back if the fish is at the edge of the cone. The cone can be huge in deep water. 👍👍

[@neilmcmahon9668]

if my sonar cone is 30 ft in diameter how do I know if the fish was on the left side, right side, or directly under the boat?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

With this type of sonar you won’t ever be able to know what side of the boat the fish is on. You will only kntow where the fish is when you are actively marking the fish in the a acope (when the fish return is on the furthest right side of the screen). Once the return moves left, it’s now only shown in the history and is no longer within the transducer cone. If you check out my other videos on side scan you will see how we can tell what side the fish is on.

[@werkdocs]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Thanks Mike. I've been trying to get this explanation forever.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@werkdocs i understand that one! That’s the number one most common question I get. By a long shot. 👍👍👍👍😁

[@toycollector2611]

What is the purpose of the A-scope? Seems like it is not usefull. Your vids are awesome. Thanks !

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! It’s to help understand what’s under your boat in real time. It’s great for tracking your jig and running on plane in shallow water. You see the bottom come up much faster.

[@simtsoz4905]

It's actually one of the most important tools on your sonar, learn how to use it.

[@stuartbreslow7951]

I have a 30’ Robalo CC with twin Garmin. I can’t figure out for the life of me how to use them. These videos go too fast to understand. Any suggestions?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

This has everything you need. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ-mgIR_rNWXnqM

[@dbszepesi]

I love the series, love all the knowledge, but we are fisherman, you gotta let us live through seeing those fish! Three fish on and we didn't see any of them? Brother.......

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Ha!!! That video is coming soon!! Thanks brother!!

[@jacobdonahue-grossman3280]

So whats the point of a fish finder if you dont know where they are at the point in which you want to cast?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

It’s used to put patterns together. It’s a very common misconception that if you have a fishfinder you’re doing some kind of cheating because the fish can’t hide from you. In reality you have to have a good idea where to look first. The fish finder just lets you know if you’re right. Then you dial in what depths they are hanging at and other patterns like what they are relating too bait, current, structure, etc. Fish finders do not do anywhere near the work most people think they do.

[@ManBoncroot]

Can we know fish in left or right side?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Not at first glance with this sonar type unfortunately. Check out my sonar for dummies compilation in my fish finder playlist. The last few lessons show tricks for locating those fish. Thanks!!

[@bluegill2030]

Why are the fish in a Arch shape???

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Great question! 👍👍 TECHNICALLY you see an arch for several reasons with ping deflection and cone angle heavily coming into play. I wanted to avoid ALL of that technical jargon in this SIMPLE video. The basic point is this: when the fish passes thru the “PINGS” you see an arch, when the fish stays UNDER the “PINGS” you see a worm. The faster you move over the fish the tighter and smaller the arch looks. The slower you go, the opposite is true. If you go very slow the arch can be completely flat. Wider cone angles also produce wider arches in due partly because of the ping being deflected.

[@bluegill2030]

@@michaeljharary no I would not

[@jessicaolive7388]

So what's a wave point?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Waypoint. It’s an exact set of coordinates on a gps chart. An exact spot you can return to.

[@jessicaolive7388]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thank you! Love these videos

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@lakemarine484]

This should say how to read a simrad?

[@joestrummer9507]

It's NOT "just a still picture that's moving away". It's a fish and since you have no idea if the (marked) fish is swimming or stationary, you go fishing. Find it, make casts, catch it. The boat's moving so it's obviously behind you somewhere. The more and faster you move the farther away the fish is so cast past where you think it might be based on your boat speed or instinct. The fish was within the sonar signal cone which is 5' - 30' wide? It depends on the depth and sensitivity settings of the unit so cast 12 o'clock then 9,3,10,2,11,1. Doubtful the fish is following the boat so casting far covers if it's swimming away from you, 12 covers center (stationary), 9-11 covers swam left, 1-3 covers swam right. 7 casts to these areas is your best chance at getting your bait within the strike zone. Nada after 7? Try more, give up, whatever.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sure. The most common question I get is “exactly where is the fish, where do I cast”? I say “don’t target individual fish, look for patterns”. Use sonar to determine what the fish are relating to, and set a pattern based on that. Actually, I believe we covered everything you mentioned in your comment. Thanks!

[@yotasteve]

Call me a dummie again and see what happens!!! :)

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

😂😂😱

[@officialWWM]

That won't work when you don't have a touch screen sounder 🙄

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sure. Just use the arrow pad to move the cursor.

[@officialWWM]

Mike Smedley I'm not sure I can set a waypoint like that, I'll have to go check 🤔

[@clydesharman2053]

You made a video to say You don’t know where they are at Got it

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Exactly. The truth is the truth. I know that’s extremely rare these days so it can be hard to spot. This video points out the fact that it doesn’t matter if you can pinpoint an exact fish to “cast to”. What matters is the pattern the fish are holding in. If I mark all of the fish suspended at 10ft deep THATS the area to get your baits to.

[@andrewleigh3]

That was pretty useless info. What's the point of a fish finder if all it does is show is history that we can use. You did not tell us how to go back and find the fish.

[@hebdomadist]

He told you exactly what to do. Add a waypoint on your chartplotter then go back to that spot. If it’s not there anymore because of its fins, well…at least you tried….

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!!!🙏🙏😁

[@stevengadeke1200]

Dumb comment!

[@spoutdoors9520]

Smh 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@andrewjarvis7777]

LMFAO is it honestly not obvious? Here you go: pick a number randomly from 1 to 360. Less if there are variables that make it impossible or improbable to go that way. Then go that way. Your last option is to stay put. Unless! You have a helicopter or submersible, then congrats you have yet a whole ‘nother axis to explore in two more directions. Enjoy and tight lines!!!

[@ssgyates]

Not helpful

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🥲

[@ucuttmyballz2210]

I'm not a dummy...I just haven't been on a boat yet to actually use a fish finder sonar 😂😆😂

[@user-bf5rf4hs8v]

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.