Understanding the Basics
A Lowrance fish finder is a valuable tool for anglers, providing insights into underwater structure and fish activity. To effectively use your fish finder, you need to understand the key elements displayed on the screen.
1. The Display
The primary display shows a sonogram or fishfinder image. This image is a representation of the water column beneath your boat, with depth displayed along the vertical axis and distance from the boat along the horizontal axis.
2. Depth
The depth reading, typically displayed in feet or meters, indicates how deep your transducer is sending sound waves.
3. Bottom Contour
The bottom contour is the line at the bottom of the screen that represents the lakebed or ocean floor. This line can be irregular, showing changes in depth and underwater features.
4. Fish Symbols
Fish symbols appear on the screen as arches or lines, representing potential fish targets. These symbols are generated when the transducer's sound waves encounter a target with different acoustic properties than the surrounding water.
5. Water Temperature
Some Lowrance fish finders display water temperature. This is often displayed in a separate window or overlay on the main screen.
Interpreting the Display
1. Depth Range and Sensitivity
Adjust the depth range to match the fishing depth. A wider range may show more bottom details but may make it harder to identify fish targets. Sensitivity controls the strength of the signal, allowing you to fine-tune the display for clear fish identification.
2. Bottom Structure
Study the bottom contour to identify potential fish-holding areas. Look for:
- Drop-offs: Sudden changes in depth that can attract fish.
- Points: Projections of land into the water that offer cover and ambush points.
- Humps: Elevated areas on the bottom that create structure.
- Reefs: Rocks or hard bottom that offer cover and attract baitfish.
3. Fish Identification
Fish symbols can vary in size and shape, depending on the size and type of fish.
- Larger fish produce stronger returns, appearing as larger arches or lines.
- Smaller fish may produce less defined symbols.
4. Water Temperature
Monitor water temperature to understand fish behavior. Different species prefer different temperatures.
Additional Features
Advanced Lowrance fish finders may offer features like:
- Side-scan sonar: Provides a wider view of the bottom, revealing structure and fish targets.
- Down-scan sonar: Provides a highly detailed image of the bottom.
- GPS mapping: Allows you to create and follow fishing routes, mark fishing spots, and see your location on the map.
Practicing and Learning
Reading a Lowrance fish finder takes practice. Start by exploring known fishing spots and comparing the display to what you see through your boat's side-view. As you gain experience, you'll develop the skills needed to identify fish targets and maximize your fishing success.