Your 100% on with what your doing. I fished the NWT on Sakakawea the first day a run and gun FFS. The second with a BB method. Both very educational. However Duane won again with another FFS game. Your right on alot of your technique with FFS. I will text you with more info. I would not like to discuss here. thanks for another good Vid. See you next time.
@BloemendaalFishing2 күн бұрын
Thanks so much, and sounds good to me!
@DomBroda4 күн бұрын
Im in my first open water season with livescope. Used it a couple of times on the ice last year. There is an obvious advantage to finding and fishing fish, but I honestly think the biggest advantage is to finding and fishing structure. Rock piles, weed lines, drop offs, humps, etc. I can find structure 10x faster and will often cast even without seeing fish. There are many times I do not see a fish in the structure before I cast, but then pull them out. Incredible searching tool. I've also learned more about fish habits and behavior than i could have learned over a decade of fishing. It was a big financial investment, but I feel like its a fraction of the cost to what I would have learned by hiring guides. I know it can be an unfair advantage over those who cant afford it, but you can say the same thing about a boat owner vs a shore fisherman... And that is often 10 to 20 times the cost. Nobody seems to get their undies in a bundle over that.
@BloemendaalFishing3 күн бұрын
That’s what I’ve been saying too…it’s way cheaper than a boat! And yeah, being able to zero in on those little sweet spots is pretty handy too.
@davidruffalo99975 күн бұрын
If you choose to use ffs then you should catch and release only by law Truly an unfair advantage!
@BloemendaalFishing5 күн бұрын
That's the most interesting suggestion I've heard for sure.
@Mymevan6 күн бұрын
Similar debate when side scan came out. Give it a years or so and this will all die down.
@BloemendaalFishing6 күн бұрын
I suspect you’re probably right. This one may have a little more steam, but probably not enough to last forever.
@iceholepower80127 күн бұрын
Hit me up if you want to get more run time out of that unit. 20ah is a not the preferred battery for those systems.
@BloemendaalFishing7 күн бұрын
Does more ah get you something beyond more run time? It works for me so far dabbling as I do. I get at least six hours if not more.
@davidtisch52377 күн бұрын
Which launch do you tend to use
@BloemendaalFishing7 күн бұрын
Spent a lot of time launching at Deepwater last couple years. Though some of the last few videos were at Douglas and Ft Stevenson.
@davidtisch52377 күн бұрын
@@BloemendaalFishing Thanks That’s a starting place On my bucket list to fish before we get into waterfowl season
@BloemendaalFishing7 күн бұрын
Hope you make it!
@blueheronlaketours41718 күн бұрын
How do you find the height of the two captains chairs? I took one for a cruise, and the black frame windshield was right in my main line of sight. I don't think I could adjust those seats up or down....
@BloemendaalFishing7 күн бұрын
Same issue for me, but I’m somewhat tall at 6’3”. It would uncomfortable to sit any lower, though.
@adhall7778 күн бұрын
Great video. Appreciate all the info. FFS is fantastic but ultimately in the end it is just another tool in the tool box. Just because you have a nice hammer doesn’t automatically mean you can build a house.
@BloemendaalFishing7 күн бұрын
Well said.
@bobosterday33508 күн бұрын
Can I use dynamite now? Same thing right?
@BloemendaalFishing7 күн бұрын
Haha! I honestly can’t tell if you’re serious or sarcastic, but it made me laugh either way.
@valringwelski94298 күн бұрын
Thanks for your reply I am thinking about getting one and trying to gather as much information as I can
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
Welcome!
@valringwelski94299 күн бұрын
The people I see using it are casting too a certain fish what way would you fish if you had two or three people in the boat
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
I'm still trying to figure out how, if at all, to use it for guiding multiple people. I think it's obviously best used for casting, and I think it helps at least keep tabs on which direction fish are sitting as they move around the boat. So I think if I can locate schools, not individuals, and at least keep an eye on them while spot-locking, that's helpful. Otherwise, it's a taking turns thing which I don't think is super beneficial and slows you down (unless you have money for two or three of these things).
@nabohac9 күн бұрын
This is my first full season open water/ice that I have had FFS. It has been a very useful tool to find fish more efficiently but what people dont understand that dont have it is that it still doesnt catch the fish.
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
Extremely true.
@rippinglipsadventures9 күн бұрын
FFS has made the days when I ran my trolling motor batteries down to nothing turn into even longer days on the water now because I'm confidently pulling through pods of fish with lures (and I have lithium batteries, ha, ha). It's a bit of a confidence boost that's for sure. I'm also getting better at leaving tight-lipped fish after this summer. Especially after throwing a good variety of baits at them and not getting a thing.
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
Yeah, I think it has the steepest learning curve of all technologies too, not literally how to use the machine but how to use it as a tool and integrate it in your fishing system as a whole. The first few days with it for me would be considered wasted days from a fishing perspective because I was very inefficient. But now that it's more second nature, and I know what my goal is, it has a place for sure.
@TheSaneRider9 күн бұрын
One way I’ve been very productive with livescope is a simple slip bobber with a jig and a leech. Helps keep the bait in the strike zone better. Have found casting it’s a little harder to do that especially when it’s windy. I do wish the beam on the transducers for ffs was a little wider so it would be easier to see your bait and not have to make as many adjustments to the pole.
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
Yeah, I do want to try some power-corking with this thing, but 100%...it would be so much better with a wider beam. It's a heck of a lot of work keeping that thing on a fish or a bait, even for the duration of the fall.
@blythebloemendaal3009 күн бұрын
Super interesting, great video
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
Why thank you!
@danward24909 күн бұрын
I have lived in Tennessee and Alabama my whole life and for most of my life the south has been Humming bird country. 2.5 weeks ago I started to work for bass pro selling marine accessories, including electronics. I am selling Garmin probably 5 to 1 over hummingbird and it is all because of live scope. It is not going anywhere, there is too much money involved so we might as well embrace it.
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
Yeah, if money were no object, I'd buy Livescope for sure, but I also like running all the same brand electronics, and I'm in no position to swap everything out for Garmin either.
@danward24908 күн бұрын
@@BloemendaalFishing that would be crazy to swap everything out. But some people have more money than they have sense
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
I'm aware (haha)!
@billkeller60239 күн бұрын
I appreciate your honest feedback on learning FFS. I don't have much time to dedicate to staring at my screen to go through the whole learning experience. But, everytime I go out I try to learn something new and Hone my skills.
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
Why thank you. I definitely don't think it's for everyone, and even I don't want to use it every day. And for sure you can still get better without it.
@rippinlips80319 күн бұрын
You make some very good points but I think it’s still cheating! Mainly due to the fact I do not have it yet!! 😂
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
HAHAHA!!! That's hilarious.
@michaelupchurch37699 күн бұрын
Is that the number 9 Berkeley finisher
@BloemendaalFishing8 күн бұрын
It was actually a #7. I only bought two. I think I should go get some nines, though. I kinda know how to work them now.
@dkmd92279 күн бұрын
I find the FFS helps me understand how fish relate to and move around structure. Also, if I see a different species while scoping for walleye, I’ll often grab a rod and make a cast. I like catching fish… don’t care what kind.
@BloemendaalFishing9 күн бұрын
Yeah, they may not move a ton, but they do a lot of shifting around the structure or even coming up and down the breaks. And sure, catching fish is fun no matter what!
@davidtisch523714 күн бұрын
Yes life and weather definitely this year has gotten in the way of fishing started this spring with very little water in the rivers down hill ever since Tstorms too
@BloemendaalFishing13 күн бұрын
So many storms
@davidtisch523712 күн бұрын
@@BloemendaalFishing So 4th of July we headed to Milacs Lake MN four day trip 1.5 days of fishing TStorm kept us off the lake but forth the trip to learn a new lake
@BloemendaalFishing11 күн бұрын
Holy crap that’s frustrating!
@davidtisch523714 күн бұрын
If you’re not changing and learning in 2024 with all this new technology then your left stuck in the past. I watch guys on the water everyday so I can get better although I only fish my days off year round. Between fishing, hunting, and duck calling year round watching successful guys drives me to put walleyes in my boat
@BloemendaalFishing13 күн бұрын
I agree! Learning is the most rewarding part.
@davidtisch523714 күн бұрын
It’s beeen a minute brother Summer gardening chores got me away from the lakes but wanted to ask you a ? Best time to fall fish lake Sakakawea I need to work on throwing puppet minnow and snap jiggin
@BloemendaalFishing13 күн бұрын
Could be mid to late September this year. Most years I like middle of October.
@davidtisch523712 күн бұрын
@@BloemendaalFishing Always enjoy you videos learning a lot
@scottrouwhorst88116 күн бұрын
Nice
@BloemendaalFishing15 күн бұрын
Thanks.
@crappietoutdoors215916 күн бұрын
Nice job bloom. After my week there all too used to bringing a half eaten crawler in.
@BloemendaalFishing15 күн бұрын
Glad I’m not alone.
@rippinglipsadventures16 күн бұрын
I'm glad to have Mega Live in my boat because it works, but man... it's no wonder people love the Garmin more. I can't wait to upgrade to that at some point in life. Ha, ha! Until then, hopefully we can train ourselves to be as good with Mega Live so the eventual switch make us next-level-gold with the better system. 🎣
@jam206AR16 күн бұрын
I think they are pretty close. I have the Garmin LVS34 and it seems a little faster for jig tracking. Part of the issue it is that some Garmin graphs let u screen record which transfers better for KZfaq, etc,
@BloemendaalFishing15 күн бұрын
Yeah, I get it. I have found that if I use a jigging rap, tracking is really close or even using tungsten jigs I’ve dabbled in lately. But it would be even better yet then on Garmin.
@BloemendaalFishing15 күн бұрын
Screen recording would be awesome, way better than my sun glare!
@rippinglipsadventures15 күн бұрын
@@jam206AR Yeah, if Humminbird doesn't come out with a cheaper alternative for attaching a screen recording devices and/or inserting and recording on an SD card in the next few years, I'll be switching to Garmin just for that reason alone. I have seen the Mega Live exponentially improve in clarity over the last few years, but after one time with the LVS34 and a Garmin unit, my mind was blown seeing my 3/8 jig with a crawler at 75 feet and also the line trailing down 30 fow while in wind and 2-4 foot rollers. That is only dreamed of with Mega Live.
@joshrobertsdahl898315 күн бұрын
I wasn’t disappointed that they didn’t release a new version at I cast? Maybe I am missed it and haven’t seen it yet
@adhall77716 күн бұрын
Very cool seeing you figure out the ins and outs of mega live. I’m a livescope guy myself but can absolutely relate to the learning curve.
@BloemendaalFishing15 күн бұрын
Yeah, learning is the same. But I think livescope is more sensitive anyway.
@jimordway928716 күн бұрын
just gotta fish where they are.
@BloemendaalFishing15 күн бұрын
I mean…I agree?
@danward249016 күн бұрын
Good video!! Live scope is so much clearer.
@BloemendaalFishing15 күн бұрын
Thanks. And I agree.
@blueheronlaketours417117 күн бұрын
Great vid. I'm in the "same boat"...I'm a guide on Lake of the Woods, Canada. I am currently in a 2025 Impact XS. Good guide boat, but looking to switch up to glass. Thanks for the review, it was just what I was looking for.
@BloemendaalFishing16 күн бұрын
Awesome, glad to hear it!
@user-sl9lk3lb4u18 күн бұрын
I'll just stick to multiple batteries lol
@BloemendaalFishing18 күн бұрын
Go with your gut!
@lancehoff410119 күн бұрын
Is FFS going to be the normal for your videos now?
@BloemendaalFishing19 күн бұрын
No, but I'll possibly use it heavily the next few as I get used to it. Eventually I want it just to be another tool for me, not necessarily the be-all, end-all thing.
@rdenney1820 күн бұрын
This is the best video ive seen on FFS. The reality is there is a huge learning curve. Please keep making videos like this.
@BloemendaalFishing19 күн бұрын
Dang, thank you! Will do!
@mattcampbell387621 күн бұрын
And there goes your soul, sold to livescope, congrats on disappointing your grandpa
@BloemendaalFishing21 күн бұрын
I guess so!
@d.Cog42022 күн бұрын
Did you add the weight of the trailer to the boat when you did your weight calculations? Also any gear inside the boat when you were towing? Thanks.
@BloemendaalFishing21 күн бұрын
I did, yes.
@wyatthans753622 күн бұрын
Glad you got it together! FFS is a lot of fun, definitely can lose yourself in it!
@BloemendaalFishing21 күн бұрын
I’m sure, trying not to lose it entirely!
@dionbrandt617622 күн бұрын
The bird mega live is so far behind Garmin, I do run 4 birds on my boat , FFS is Garmin
@BloemendaalFishing22 күн бұрын
I do agree. If I had the money and didn’t get a good deal on this used one, I’d get Garmin.
@brandonbloemendaal381422 күн бұрын
Wow, that was crazy informative for setup and troubleshooting. That contrast/sensitivity stuff is super important. Nice video!
@BloemendaalFishing22 күн бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@adhall77723 күн бұрын
Awesome video. Thanks for putting it all together and showing us the entire start to finish process.
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
Well thank you for watching!
@dankrupp32123 күн бұрын
If you put the other units on standby while you're using the mega live, the sonar wave you're getting will go away
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
I figured it would, but I don't really want to do that...I like using both!
@dankrupp32122 күн бұрын
I get it, but just to let you know if you hit any button on the standby unit, it comes right back on. So it's easy enough to put on standby and take off. Just FYI
@BloemendaalFishing22 күн бұрын
I’m aware. I suppose that’s probably just fine when I’m spotlighted using the live scope, but I could quickly turn it back on to do some scanning if I start trolling again.
@larryanderseniii623221 күн бұрын
@@BloemendaalFishingHave you tried not using mega frequency on the other transducers while using live? Tom Boley recommends setting the angle at 70 (7 clicks up) to improve showing where the bait hits the water, seems to help.
@BloemendaalFishing21 күн бұрын
I haven’t. I’ll try that.
@ryanbiscobarnes23 күн бұрын
I was surprised as a youtuber and guide that you didn't have this before.
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
$$$...I don't got much!
@caseyjohnson842723 күн бұрын
One thing I’ve learned is keep your distance at a constant and depth somewhat constant you will learn what size and species fish your looking at A lot faster great videos!!
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
Yeah, that definitely makes sense, especially for the down mode
@TheSaneRider23 күн бұрын
Ffs is amazing. You learn a ton about how fish react and it makes your outings way more efficient. Find myself doing a lot less dragging and more sharp shooting specific schools of fish with it. One tip that helped me a lot was the shorter the distance forward you set on the screen the easier it is to see fish on the screen because the marks are bigger. Same with depth. Set depth just a few feet below bottom.
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
Yeah, I’ve been setting my range a little longer just to see more stuff inside of that stupid sonar wave interference that I get, but if I can figure out how to fix that, I definitely want to set a shorter range!
@stnn1pie23 күн бұрын
I’ve been contemplating one myself. Necessary for targeting big fish in a tournament but not so much for just finding and catching fish. I’m going to hold out for now.
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
I definitely don’t think it’s necessary for just catching fish, it just might make it more entertaining if you like that style. Although if you are on a spot locked, casting bite, it helps to keep tabs on fish around the boat.
@rippinglipsadventures23 күн бұрын
Glad you got the issue resolved. 90 percent of the time it works every time. It would have sucked to watch the remainder of this video with it sideways/skewed. :)
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
No kidding! I was starting to wonder if I was ever gonna finish this video when that problem came up!
@brendavanorden955023 күн бұрын
I hope you have better luck with the yak mounts than I did. They were cheap plastic and wobble bad. Then break.
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
Already tried...I agree. Can't run with them, but easier to take out and the extension arm is nice getting it up for viewing. I'm just setting it on the floor for now. Want to get a Stow-away mount, but I can't take out when I don't need it (guiding days), and it's expensive! Though I may have an idea to mount it on a track with some sort of quick release bracket. Still working it out.
@crappietoutdoors215923 күн бұрын
Atta boy bloomy
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
I'm getting used to it. Next video is a step forward. Eventually graduate to identifying hogs :)
@brett_Thorpe23 күн бұрын
Hey Brett. Good video. Have you tried different colour pallets ? You will find some are better on the eyes than others and show detail better. Mega live is awesome. I have it also. I find contrast at 12 and sensitivity at 12 as well to work best for me. I use the blue back ground pallet, I think it’s 12 or 13? Not sure. I also had mine on a pole. But I bought the quest ultrex and I have it mounted on the trolling motor now. Much easier now ( for me anyways ) and less crap to set up using the pole etc. Well enjoy you mega live. Only other thing I could recommend, is getting a 12” unit for reading mega live. Yup the spending never stops now. lol. Enjoy bro.
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
Thanks, Brett! Lots of good ideas, but yeah, money! I'll see how the year goes and maybe retool some things next year. I've tried the other pallets some, mostly the green one, and so far I like orange, but I'll keep tinkering as always.
@brett_Thorpe23 күн бұрын
@@BloemendaalFishing That’s a good idea. Go slow , enjoy the mega live. It’s an awesome tool. 👍
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
Need time to digest :)
@valringwelski942923 күн бұрын
The video I been watching on different shows seems like casting to the fish is the best way to use FFS or do you think pulling spinners would work just as well
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
I think it’s biggest advantage is with casting, but I plan to try pointing it at my bottom bouncer to see when fish follow. Or you could point it ahead of your boat to steer towards fish before you get to them.
@gregdutton821923 күн бұрын
@@BloemendaalFishing When pulling spinners I was surprised how many fish would follow and not bite. Another thing was how many suspended fish would move down the water column to follow.
@BloemendaalFishing22 күн бұрын
I’m sure I would see a ton of interesting things once I do it!
@cowboyjack32823 күн бұрын
You’ve been through much of what I’ve found. If you have 2 open ports on your network, networking your ML will clean up your sonar interference. I extended my power cord and have a TKI mount on a lund track mount. Can move it anywhere in my boat and use any graph. At times the mask helps a ton. Don’t stick it on. Stick it to a piece of 3M no residue duct tape. Tape it over the ML window with a small piece of the duct tape. It’s stays on for weeks and is removable. You can also make a foam mask from a can coozy cut to size. If found the short mask and transducer at 50 degrees “5 clicks up” gives me best jig tracking. Good luck. Have fun
@BloemendaalFishing23 күн бұрын
Thanks, Jack. I don’t currently have a network box and hoping I don’t have to buy one, but good to know it may help if I do.