Sonar Basics: How To Interpret Down Imaging Sonar

Рет қаралды 138,348

Күн бұрын

What is down imaging? Is it really going to help you see more fish? Do you need it? Tim walks us through the differences between sonar and down imaging, what the different frequencies are for, and when to use down imaging to your advantage. He shows on the water, real life examples of how it can be used to gain a clearer understanding of what your unit is reading.
Modern electronics are incredibly powerful. Gone are the days of flashers and fish symbols, here to stay is a picture so clear that you can count the fish amongst the branches of a tree. If you understand how to tune your down imaging unit between frequencies it is an incredible tool!
The purpose of today's video is to give you a clearer understanding of what down imaging is and a brief overview of when/how to use it. There is a lot more information on the subject that we'll cover down the road in a more in-depth video. The cost of down imaging units has come way down in recent years, if you're a typical angler getting out on the boat a few times a month, down imaging can improve your angling experience.
Below is a breakdown of Tim's equipment, links to our other electronics videos, and a list of budget-friendly down-imaging units.
Tim's equipment...
Unit #1- Humminbird Solix 15 G2: bit.ly/2Hazsej
Unit #2- Humminbird Solix 12 G2: bit.ly/2AE2YDB
Trolling Motor- Ultrex Mega DI I-Pilot Link: bit.ly/2RqrT4v
Budget-friendly Down Imaging Units...
Humminbird- Helix 5 G2 DI: bit.ly/2TNndFW
Lowrance- Hook 2 Series 5 Sonar: bit.ly/2Y2sjk2
Garmin- Striker Plus: bit.ly/2skseug
Related Electronics Videos...
-Interpretting Modern Electronics: • Interpreting Modern El...
-Sonar Basics: How To Find Fish: • Sonar Basics: How To F...
-Fish Finder Tips: • Check out these Fish F...
-How To Interpret Side Imaging Sonar: • How To Interpret Side ...
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Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: bit.ly/2CMF1NP
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Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero7 Camera: bit.ly/2RsLpjB
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
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Пікірлер: 118

@Mr73cheyenne 5 жыл бұрын

The same 5 or 6 people that dislike these videos every monday Wednesday and friday must be pretty negative about life. What is there to dislike about good quality hard work and helpful clearcut straight to the point info...just dont get it 🤷🏾‍♂️. Good stuff tho tim!! Most of us appreciate and realize the hard work you and matt both do for us.

@charliesteen1136 5 жыл бұрын

Haters gonna hate...they just jelly they can't catch a damn fish no matter how much good info they get some people just don't got it lol

@J_pearce01 5 жыл бұрын

Thinking about putting a Garmin striker 4 on my kayak. This was super insightful

@curtisdaub2167 5 жыл бұрын

I went with the Striker 4 CV for my kayak and I couldnt be happier with it. I think you are making a good choice🤙

@johnbracewell3700 4 жыл бұрын

@@curtisdaub2167 i have it aswell and it can get the job done for sure

@WhiteTiger3933 5 жыл бұрын

love your videos! they have so much information in them and has helped me pick out what I want for my future boat

@scottschutte8143 5 жыл бұрын

up graded at the begging of summer to a more advanced electronic unit. Thanks for all the info in you three videos. I've been struggling with all the options. Thanks again for all the great information

@coreyleffert4963 5 жыл бұрын

I recently purchased a Lowrance 7” elite ti2 This series helps tremendously as this is the first unit I have had with the down/side imaging. Thank you for all the info. Corey

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats Corey! Glad these electronics videos are helping.

@johnwhited5102 5 жыл бұрын

I would love to hear the story of how you and Matt met, you guys have by far the coolest most informative fishing channel on KZfaq

@shaunroberts9361 5 жыл бұрын

Outstanding Tim. Thank you so much. That really opened my on down imaging for sure. Great Vlog.

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shaun

@petethehookset7618 5 жыл бұрын

Another awesome video from you guys! You and Matt cover so much it really makes the learning curve very easy for beginner and weekend warrior/tournament anglers to pick up. You guys have also INSPIRED ME to start my own youtube fishing channel as well. Keep up the good work and awesome content! Theres something to take away from every video you guys release! 👍👍👍

@user-bi6sx7ul3o 11 ай бұрын

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

@blackriverboyz17 3 жыл бұрын

This video made me feel like I have a fighting chance at work! I appreciate how detailed, yet to the point you were in the explanation! Definitely a thumbs up and sub from me.

@erniesanders3724 5 жыл бұрын

As usual another great video from the best bass fishermen on the internet. Tactical Rocks. Thanks again from Kentucky. God Bless

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ernie!

@kenmccarthyfishing 5 жыл бұрын

🏆🏆Anyone else notice there growing like 1000 subscribers per video???? Awesome job Tim,please continue this series,it really helpful 👊👊👍

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kenny!

@Twangtown7 5 жыл бұрын

Good stuff as usual, Tim!

@Mjones8383 5 жыл бұрын

Been waiting for this one

@skrimper 3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff man, love your style & attitude

@tonyjones9057 5 жыл бұрын

How to position yourself once you locate fish? Do you back the boat up, turn around, ect?

@Chilly-Cooks 5 жыл бұрын

This is the one thing all of these videos never talk about

@jakeross21 5 жыл бұрын

Marker bouy or waypoint

@kweaver2459 5 жыл бұрын

Thays what I wanted to know, and where is the downscan is relation to the boat? Is it behind?

@jerrywarner9935 2 жыл бұрын

How do you double stack the viewing

@briandifit1447 4 ай бұрын

The only real question that needed answered on a video like this.

@bubbabar13 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Tim. Keep up the good work..

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rick

@MikeSmith-yp4sh 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the DI overview. I bought the Solix 10. Getting used to it. I need to add a unit to the BOW. I'd LOVE to see a video of your bow unit setup using the down imaging for video game fishing (which is something i'm trying to learn how to do. And failing lol) Would be great to see the transducer of the Ultrex working!!!! I might need to upgrade from my Terrova (spot lock sucks for me)

@rogeryoung6245 5 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video. Informative and easy to understand Will you, please, go over the individual settings such as sensitivity and contrast, as well as others? ESpecially how you may change them for specific situations and initial setup. Thanks again.

@mathewmcgrath8767 5 жыл бұрын

Video request! I would love to see a video on fishing strategy, morning vs evening. 6:00 to 9:00 am vs 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Thanks!

@FCPFishing 5 жыл бұрын

Informative video!

@ro-cl2do 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video, Thanks.

@garyvangorder2169 5 жыл бұрын

I would love to fish with u guys, matt u had me hooked after ur fish as a younger man with ur buddies gift that homemade swim bait love u guys true fisherman here fellows

@scottshriver7725 4 жыл бұрын

awesome keep showing depth finder imagine

@HookLife 5 жыл бұрын

Tim this is perfect timing. I am in the market to purchase my first fish finder soon. This helps me understand what I am seeing on the screen. I will be watching all vids in this series to better educate myself. Not sure if you have done a video on side imaging yet. If not that would be great. Thank you and Matt for all that you do for us.

@norcal_angler5310 5 жыл бұрын

He has indeed👍great video too

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Greg! Yes we’ve done a side imaging video too. The link to that video is in the video description 👍

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Here you go Greg kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lbp_a8Kbnd29dqM.html

@jerradbieno6810 5 жыл бұрын

Tim, one thing I've always wondered about is how deep do you usually want it to be if you are driving over your target area with imaging to not spook the fish? I find I'm always afraid to drive over a spot in order to use down imaging for fear of spooking potential fish, so I always end up doing drive-bys with SI.

@randynunez2569 5 жыл бұрын

More electronics vids!!

@Bigu4300 4 жыл бұрын

Hello everyone! Very new to electronics, my apologies for the long comment and if my questions are a bit on the noob side! I’m in the market for electronics for my pontoon. I currently have an entry level helix 5 g2 sonar only.... so needless to say the new unit has to have mapping. This years budget (wife) allows one head unit and one trolling motor. I’ve made up my mind on the TM. With room for expansion in mind for next year and future I-link networking. Should I invest in the mega side/down/mapping at the the helm and add a head unit and mega down to the Bow later? I fish for all species but mainly bass/panfish. Walleye and trolling from time to time. Thanks for sharing of your knowledge with us weekend fisherman. Keep em coming, love all the videos!

@aquaticnut86 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve learned so much from this channel thank you for doing such a great job! This is off topic but what do you do to make sure your baits don’t rust? I just got a handful of jack hammers and I don’t want them to rust! Thanks

@dannyepperson4109 5 жыл бұрын

Once you have found the structure or the drop how do you get to he position to cast to it

@ised8uwell 4 жыл бұрын

Can you comment or do a review video on the HBird 360? Had a Livescope on my last boat. This boat is all HBird. Considering a 360 just for ease of use with Hbird without a complex install.

@anonymous_friend 5 жыл бұрын

Will you compare Garmin's Technology to Humminbirds? Not even interested in Lowrance. Should be interesting when Garmin drops a trolling motor at icast2019.

@davidalejandrogonzaleztrev1764 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, i am looking for a humminbird with mega 360 imaging for my kayak, what model you recomend for me?

@jeremyd5298 5 жыл бұрын

Should the speaker from your hydro wave point away from the boat?

@robertkouns3078 5 жыл бұрын

Im new to bass boat fishing. My question is where is your boat in relation to whats on the screen? Is it in the middle or far left?

@dcrane4 4 жыл бұрын

How fast do you have to be traveling in order for down imaging to work?

@Reddstick225 5 жыл бұрын

Would love to see a more detailed explanation of how to use different settings on electronics, mainly lowrance

@rrrr635 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim, I got the Garmin 93sv. Shopping for Panoptix next.

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Technology has come a long way in a short time.

@rrrr635 5 жыл бұрын

@@tacticalbassin Hard to keep up. LOL

@FishingLakeCountry 5 жыл бұрын

Just done the same, pay off the 93sv, then the Panoptix next. Want to use on my channel for crappie fishing.FLC

@rrrr635 5 жыл бұрын

@@FishingLakeCountry I want the Panoptix for fishing channel ledges for bass. One piece at a time on my budget.

@terryhenson8494 2 жыл бұрын

Ok, I am finding a lot of good video's on how to interpret my sonar, but I would like to see a video of how to actually fish the area or object I've identified on the sonar. For example, my transducer is transom mounted and I find a submerged tree on the screen... Now, how do I actually locate that tree and fish it and catch an actual fish??? do I just cast behind the boat or do I turn and put my boat over the tree?

@SanSabath 3 жыл бұрын

I have a helix 7 and the down imaging has a bunch of cloudy stuff in between the boat and the bottom. Could this be because the water is stained (it’s a pretty murky lake) or is it possible interference with the motor or something?

@richardcline5817 5 жыл бұрын

I do smaller res when I lk at down image there is so many dots I can't tell what is fish or not

@tressbassing 4 жыл бұрын

What do we do about using down imaging in ponds that are only 20ft deep at the deepest and have thick weeds covering 85% of the lakes more shallow areas ? We cant see the bottom contour on di or sonar help us please! We know there are giamts in this pond but cannot find them amongst the immense amount over cover.no structure.just weeds and one deep hole. We have the helix 7 with mega di but no side imaging.

@reelsickfishing2227 4 жыл бұрын

I am running your setup ultrex wise, except I am going to a G3N Helix 12. My down image looks like garage. All it looks like is another 2D scan. Someone told me to level my trolling motor. Also, does Mega DI require you to be moving to get the best pic or can you be stilling still and get those images? I need help, please!!!!

@michaelservolini3250 4 жыл бұрын

Thinking about a hummingbird Unit what’s your comments on a seven mega down and mega side or eight mega down and mega down imaging

@troysappington791 4 жыл бұрын

Getting ready to buy an Ultrex w the 360 imaging. Was looking at the Built-in MEGA Side and Down Imaging model. Can someone tell me if you need the Side Imaging on the bow if you have 360? Thank you in advance.

@ZMacZ Жыл бұрын

Is there a setting that simply gives depth in the horizontal plane for the 1.2 Mhz ? and how deep can it detect ? Maybe a depth representing spectral map ? (where shades of color indicate depth)

@rickgraziano5807 3 жыл бұрын

Will you be doing any videos on 360 imaging.

@crewsy49 3 жыл бұрын

Where is the best place to mount the transducer? Front or rear of the boat?

@panfishdude Жыл бұрын

Say you’re sitting in one spot, on your graph will down image show you structure out front of you? Like I know it’s reading below you. But does it read say 10-30 foot out front also?

@mikebruehl7341 5 жыл бұрын

I have a Helix 7 Mega SI G3N and literally JUST took it out for the first time this weekend. How do you get to the hz settings to toggle between 400, 800, or Mega. I fish from a kayak and a friend suggested I should just use the Mega if I have the battery life. Thoughts? I will check the previous posted as well.

@davidalejandrogonzaleztrev1764 4 жыл бұрын

Mike Bruehl hi, i Also use a kayak and i am thinking ti buy a hélix7 but i what it to have a 360 imaging Does it use the same transducer or do you have yo buy it apart

@jackmountain1814 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Tim I just have a quick question. What are the differences in display for down imaging with a wide, medium, and narrow beam respectively. That's the only adjustment on my Helix 5.

@gearyhewett570 2 жыл бұрын

A narrower beam shows more detail, but covers a smaller area. For your unit, narrow is a 20 degree beam, medium is a 40 degree, and wide is 60 degree.

@straightwhitemale5753 3 ай бұрын

Does it bounce iff the air bladder in DInand LS? I think that is boincing iff the entire fish. Not just the air bladder.

@geerocan 4 жыл бұрын

Im looking for a DI and SI in the same unit. Preferably by Humminbird. Is this possible and is so what are a couple of models that I can look at? Does it take 2 transducers or is it just a touch of a button? My plan is to have the di/si unit at my console and maybe a second di only in the front of my boat. Please help Black friday is upon us. Thanks

@mattford9048 5 жыл бұрын

What’s the main difference in a solix and helix. I have lowrance but am considering switching to birds. Notice some local sticks have solixs but it Defoe and some other pros still run helix. Is it a sales pitch or ???? Thanks for the videos guys

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

The main difference is the Solix is touchscreen and menus. My guess is it’s a confidence thing. I know I talked to Ehrler about it a couple years back. He was hesitant to switch but did and loves them.

@garythompson8867 3 жыл бұрын

Can the helix get the same view of 2d and Di top and bottom?

@CBALLZ666 5 жыл бұрын

I have Side and Down imaging on my Gen 2 Lowrance HDS 7s but I don’t think I have em dialed in right. Especially on side imaging. I don’t see anything. Down imaging is ok. Most of the time I wanna fish and not dick around with my graphs when I’m on the water. Need to designate more time to getting my graphs lined up. Awesome video Tim!!!

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud! Yes it’s hard not to focus on the screen all the time lol. If you’re not seeing anything, I’d start by doing a factory reset. Be sure to save all of your waypoints first. If that doesn’t work check your transducer location.

@savager49 2 жыл бұрын

This has nothing to do with the video but I have a Garmin Striker plus 4 and I keep having a problem with the connection keep coming out of the back of it I have a flat bottom boat and I do offshore fishing so it hammers the waves quite often the connections rattle loose how are the connections on the Humminbird helix

@thedookster4143 5 жыл бұрын

Is there another video, a little more than just entry level? What are your thoughts on the Hook2 9 triple shot?

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Not yet. What do you have in mind? I don't have a lot of experience with the Hook units, but I've been on a boat with one and it worked good.

@thedookster4143 5 жыл бұрын

@@tacticalbassin I bought one for my kayak (cause it was a smoking deal) but havent installed yet and was wondering because you mentioned this was an entry level type video of understanding.

@owennagel7670 2 жыл бұрын

My boat as two transducers is one the 2d and one down imagining

@neilrobinson7615 5 жыл бұрын

It would be great if they could do a bank fishing video using the castable Deeper sonar.

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

Check out the Sonar video we did. That information will apply to the castable sonars too. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/frCbmaukt9-XYaM.html

@pinseeker559 5 жыл бұрын

My dad and I are in the market for a new boat which also means new electronics. What’s going to be the main differentiation between the Helix and the Solix?

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

The biggest difference is the Solix is touchscreen.

@pinseeker559 5 жыл бұрын

TacticalBassin okay sounds good. Thanks for the feedback and all the great content. It’s much appreciated by all of us!

@brettmontey8762 5 жыл бұрын

Is the screen on the right only for mapping? My dad just gave me a new fish finder that has GPS,side scan, and down imaging. I would like to scan the lakes I fish and make way points. Would it be better to start off with side scan and the map or the 2d and down imaging?

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

I usually use the in dash unit for mapping anf the side unit for sonar, DI and SI

@brettmontey8762 5 жыл бұрын

I have another question for you guys. I bought my first boat last year and I'm want to do some upgrades on it. So I have a fish with GPS and side scan. I want to get a nicer one eventually. I also want to get power poles and a trolling motor with spot lock. Which should I get first power poles and trolling motor or new electronics?

@johnblaha5692 5 жыл бұрын

Love tactical you guys are awesome more bank fishing videos please!!!

@kennygreer3946 2 жыл бұрын

Can u show the difference between mega di and 800 di

@madmattfishing 5 жыл бұрын

Iv been looking to get one with down Scan for the front of the boat. Is the Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3N GPS any good? 600 bucks is about my max limit

@clintskala26 5 жыл бұрын

Looking at that same unit be interested in feedback as well

@clintskala26 5 жыл бұрын

@Hollywood T Is it user friendly i have hear the birds can be tough to get around the menus. Thanks for the feedback.

@clintskala26 5 жыл бұрын

@Hollywood T Thanks i think i may pull the trigger on a new Helix

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

That is a great unit. Once you learn the keys and menu you won’t have any issues. We have that unit on a work boat and it works great.

@Cerus98 5 жыл бұрын

I’d personably get an SI unit and get as big of a unit as you can. You can still find the G2 units for sale and could get a much larger screen for a similar price. Sure the G3 has some nice improvements over the G2 but screen size is king especially at the bow. As for the units themselves - I love my HB units. Very easy to use and great images.

@jamesathendune9026 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tim, are you using Gen 3 Humminbird Solix Units? I am waiting for supply to meet demand. I assume yours are linked by ethernet. Your presentations are superb!

@greg9486 5 жыл бұрын

More lessons on how to read the fish finder

@shanestevwingfishing8204 5 жыл бұрын

Do you guys run si on the front or just di?

@tacticalbassin 5 жыл бұрын

DI but we also have 360 up front too.

@shanestevwingfishing8204 5 жыл бұрын

@@tacticalbassin how do you guys like the 360? Do you use it often? So you can hook 360 to a di unit?

@patriot1303 5 жыл бұрын

Maybe its my phone but you can’t see the fish on the DI he’s trying to show anyone else having this problem?

@patriot1303 5 жыл бұрын

Ok nevermind i could see it later in the video

@BorneoFishStation 5 жыл бұрын

Matt Allen and Tim , please take a look at Booyah Prank.

@SanSabath 3 жыл бұрын

I have a helix 7

@roofer69 3 жыл бұрын

i can see the arch better then a spec..

@straightwhitemale5753 3 ай бұрын

It's crazy how the sonar is vertical but the image is horizontal.

@rmusic3350 3 жыл бұрын

From your video I do not see any advantages of downimaging compared to the two D image because I want to identify fish not rocks, and from the your down imaging, I can not even see one fish

@alangrant7349 3 жыл бұрын

I can't fish without it anymore! It will spoil you!

@frankdelmonte2019 3 жыл бұрын

At 2:32 he shows a dead body on the right on down imaging lol

@keatonwilbert8662 5 жыл бұрын

Hey! I have always loved watching these videos and I have always wanted to do these myself. Tim, Matt, and several other youtubers have inspired me to finally purchase a GoPro and I made my first fishing video! Please go check it out and tell me what you think! Thanks!