JDFishing

I was recently fishing down on the Red River for the Bassmaster Open and would have LOVED to have access to these new charts! Seems River anglers are ready for some quality mapping of their back yard and are combining to make it happen! Available now for download! Navionics SonarCharts - http://www.navionics.com/en/sonarcharts Navionics WebApp (See for yourself!) - http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp The Jungle and The Little Jungle (pool 4) Sullivan's (pool 4) Pool 5

Now you can delete data off your Navionics + and Navionics Updates cards by using the purge function (trash can icon) on the Navionics Chart Installer. Now feel free to download whatever maps you want, wherever they may be and delete when you want. One more step toward making mapping completely customizable! Navionics + - http://www.navionics.com/en/navionics-plus Process is simple. Here's a few screenshots walking you through: Click the garbage can icon. **Note the SD icon shows my current amount a used data. Agree to erase the data. Let the Nav System do its thing............ Walla! The card has been wiped clean and I can start the download process as I see fit! **Note the SD card icon showing an empty disk.

I've done a lot of travel in central Illinois and was told Navionics offers the best detail. I'm a Lowrance guy all the way when it comes to the units themselves but mapping, Navionics offers me more detail and in most all cases, more maps. I believe Navionics is the only map company that allows the public to view their maps before buying. Remember, hundreds of new maps have come out with the introduction to Navionics SonarCharts. When viewing a lake on the WebApp be sure to zoom in and click the small circular button on the bottom left hand corner of the map. Thus button signifies SonarCharts maps when highlighted blue. Navionics WebApp - http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp Navionics SonarCharts - http://www.navionics.com/en/sonarcharts

I just got home from the Red River down in Louisiana and what a rats nest that joint is. Million of stumps and shallow changing water have made that place almost impossible for mapping companies to chart. Since Navionics introduced SonarCharts, now we are starting to get mapping even in the most treacherous stump fields of the Red River. Anglers who fish here are logging sonar while they fish and they're doing it in areas that are impossible for survey crews to get to. I found having these maps were key cause on a River system that is so hard to move around on, the key is finding those small bottom transitions within the stump fields. The ability for me to utilize SonarCharts on my Lowrance was the difference in wasting time looking and hanging my boat up on every stumps and instead made my time much more efficient. Navionics SonarCharts - http://www.navionics.com/en/sonarcharts Heres a couple screenshots better explaining.

Keep in mind that there is a purge function on the new Navionics + and Navionics Updates. Being that you can delete lakes off your card and download new maps makes these cards a good buy for most users.

Hey All, With the excitement around Navionics SonarCharts, there's been lots of new and refreshed maps popping up that are available for all to download to their Navionics cards. These new maps are arriving daily and can first be viewed by visiting Navionics.com and checking out the WebApp. The nice feature of Navionics is you don't need to wait for the next year to get access to their newly introduced maps, they're available immediately to download. Here's an example of the new Lake Chickamauga maps that are now available for download. Old Map New SonarChart

Hey all, I've been seeing some awesome new SonarCharts popping out while I'm traveling to different lakes across the country. For those that aren't yet up to speed, Navionics SonarCharts are a compilation of sonar logs from the Navionics Community making for some of the freshest and most accurate lake maps available. There are literally thousands of logs being updated and the more logs that are submitted of a single body of water, the more the data evolves and stays up with the changes created from environment. It's fine tuning our maps as we know them. Recently I was at Lake Amistad and used the newest SonarCharts to help me find bass holding structure that wasn't near as pressured as ones that were more easily found. I also was able to locate isolated humps that are often missed by survey crews who log sonar in the most economical way possible to be more profitable. Here's a few screenshots from the Navionics WebApp. The first two show the traditional HotMaps layer compared to the new SonarChart layer. Notice the added detail and how the humps have evolved over time. The second set of screenshots show how SonarCharts can be used to map lakes or creeks in this case that haven't yet been surveyed. Here's a video on how to incorporate SonarCharts layer on your Lowrance Touch units.

Working the Navionics booth this weekend at the Bassmaster Classic Expo, there's was much hype behind the Navionics SonarCharts and how it's elevating lake mapping standards by putting anglers closer to the fish in a much more efficient matter. Here's a quick screenshot of one of the many examples on Guntersville where newer, fresher maps show how SonarCharts stays up with lake current and how natural elements effect the lake bottom. Here's the original from when the lake was surveyed. Here's how SonarCharts is shows these changes and also shows where the fish will hide on these main lake ledges.

First off, I always suggest comparing maps of lakes you fish and making you decision based upon that. By far most important. Don't just look at Dale Hollow but also compare your home lakes as well. Navionics allows the public to first view their maps before purchasing, here's the link. http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp I'm going to suggest Navionics especially due to the fact they just released the new Navionics + card. This is the first card to not have regions and instead allows you to download whatever lakes you want, regardless of region. Another added feature is SonarCharts, this is a free addition to the + card and allows users to record their own sonar logs and upload into the Navionics system in which they will turn out a new and up to date map as a separate layer. Wether you choose to contribute or not, you still have access to view. With so many uploads daily this is definitely the way of the future. Here's a few screenshots of what Navionics offers for Dale Hallow. Everything is in HD (1ft. Contours) Hope this gives you perspective on one of your options! Good luck on them GIANT smallies!

Guilty as charged. I actually have two pair. One I use for running in low-light conditions. At early morning and dusk, it's common for debris to be floating in the water and it helps make everything brighter so I can avoid such hazards. Though when it comes to fishing I use the standard deal and that helps me see into the water. Excellent for seeing laydowns that extend way out, or different types of submerged grass or of course spawning and cruising bass. By far the most important feature though is my added ability to see my line move or twitch ever so slightly. The high-quality polarization helps separate even the most invincible fluorocarbons from blending in with the water background. I see that line move ever so slightly and it's fish on! I called in and asked the important questions before deciding on which lens and frame was best for me, they were extremely helpful and spot on. I'd recommend you do the same.

Without a doubt sunglasses are as an important tool as any other piece of equipment out there. You probably didn't notice a difference because your polarized where extremely inexpensive. Inexpensive doesn't alway mean bad but when you notice any other serious angler wearing high-end shades there may be something to it. I used to always wear Costa and they are good but they are expensive. I recently found Amphibia, as I started noticing a lot of big name pros rocking them. I looked into them and was surprised by what I found, price was reasonable but thy offered way more technology than even Costa and best yet, THEY FLOAT! Very important when investing over $100 in shades, cause let me tell you, the rest sink like a rock! If interested Heres a link to check em out - http://www.amphibiasports.com/

Honestly, skipping is more wrist than anything. Thumb is obviously important but if the motion is right, the thumb will be as easy to catch the line as it is with a normal cast. You don't want to use your arms much at all, it's a simple wrist roll. Also look through your target, if you stare at the obstacle, you'll hit it every time. It's like a basketball player, look past the rim or you'll come up short. Ignore the obstacles on the dock and look past the entry point. Rod is important too. I use a G Loomis 844 GLX but I got buddies that use a 843. Not saying you need to buy that rod at all but if you look up the specs that'll get you close. I think the 843 is a little better for the actual skip but now hat I'm pretty seasoned in skipping the 844 is better at getting good uns out from under the dock or lay down. Here's a video I did a couple years back on skipping docks. Practice makes perfect and a lot of using line too! Lol http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WX7fB0S1LvY

Having lived in Florida and fished all over the country I can tell you alligators are more afraid of you than you are of them. You have to remember, they eat squirrels, turtles, fish and in some area nutra rats. Not humans. When in a boat and/or kayak we look a lot bigger to them and bigger wins in the wild. I've seen Florida anglers fish in waders in the Everglades and when a curious gator got to close they simply smacked em on the nose with their rod tip and the gator split. Not saying I'd recommend you chase down gators and smack them up but those that grew up around them are generally not intimidated by them either. Last year after a full practice day on Kissimmee in central Florida, I was loading my boat at dark when I saw a guy breaking down his float tube. I asked if he was just out there fishing and he said "everyday". I had to check and make sure he didn't have prosthetic legs! This float tube was literally that, his legs were on the bottom and he used flippers to move around. He told me at times the gators get curious but he goes his way and they go theirs. Respectable but still I wouldn't mess around. A kayak though, all day everyday! Just be smart but scared is never good either! It's fishing, if you aren't enjoying yourself what's the point?

Are you 100% sold on one of those two units? Wayne is right in my opinion that if you fish you still need traditional 2D Sonar. DownScan is a big deal and I can honestly say that I use both equally and need both equally. Secondly, if I'm not mistaken, neither unit has GPS and mapping? This is very, very important o me for several reasons. One, with mapping (and I know I'm a Navionics guy), I would have no idea where to first find fish and/or fish holding structure. I think this is an area Wayne would agree with me heavily as he is one of the leaders at creating lake maps with the new technology that has hit the scene, such as SonarCharts. Also, when you do find fish you'll want to save a waypoint so that you can catch crappies off that brush pile for years to come. Lastly, screen size may not seem important to you now and after working many Lowrance booths at shows I've heard it a thousand times over and myself included was guilty thinking I didn't need a larger screen but truth be told no matter if you go HB or Lowrance 85% of first time buyers go back and buy a larger unit within a year of purchase. This is simple and as you learn more about the unit and show success on the water, you'll want to be able to get the best detail and function you can afford. If your budget is set in stone than forget all this and enjoy. However, if your looking for input to help you make a educated desicion, take what I say into consideration. I'm not saying you need to run out and buy a $3500 12" Touch Screen (even though I wouldn't trade any of mine in for anything) but there may be some better options available to you or only a couple more hundred and will offer you almost everything you could ask for. My recommendation would be the Lowrance Elite 5 HDI. $499 straight up but I've seen them cheaper from time to time. This gives you mapping, 2D Sonar and DownScan, all with a slightly larger screen.

Minnow - With Lowrance, you can view SonarCharts, so essentially view others work and use in your everyday fishing. You can also use contour depth shading with Navionics as long as you have a newer Lowrance and have done the 2.0 Lowrance update. Unfortunately, at this time Lowrance doesn't allow for you to contribute to SonarCharts and develop your own mapping. I know the option is their's as Navionics has given them the key to do it, though it's in Lowrance's court wether or not they flip the switch. So no time table is available. Me being a Lowrance and Navionics user, I'm happy that I can view as I used these examples on these rivers already this year while participating in tournaments. Though it would be nice to be able to contribute and have the best of both worlds no doubt. On another note, Wayne, you're the man. Always impressive Sir.

Hey Bass Resource! Im in the process of writing an article for a popular publication on how Navionics newest introduction of Sonar Charts is changing river mapping. I figured I'd throw up a little intro on here and get a few perspectives from others to use in the article. For those that aren't aware of what exactly Sonar Charts is, I'll give you a quick run down. Navionics recently introduced Sonar Charts as an additional feature to accompany there industry leading and award winning mapping. Basically, they've made it so you as an angler can record your own data while out fishing and later load it into the Navionics system in which they will turn the data received into a new, highly accurate map available for the rest of the fishing and boating public to download onto their Navionics card. All Navionics needs from you is a recorded sonar single matched with GPS location. If you need a full explanation, please follow link: SonarCharts I instantly saw the benefit of this as the public can do a thousand times what a solo survey crew can do. Once I started seeing the results of powerhouse lakes like Kentucky Lake and Lake Erie, I seriously thought this was the mapping of the future. What I didn't think of right away and what is probably the most significant in my book as a tournament angler, is how this introduction would make mapping major rivers not only possible but largely accurate. Think about it, your traditional survey teams can't get into all the stump flats that are littered amongst any major river, but I can with my Phoenix while I'm cranking them stumps with a squarebill. More so, growing up fishing the upper Mississippi River I know how dramatically a river can change every year, leaving mapping companies to frown on spending the money to survey something that will be highly inaccurate in a few short years. Bottom line, rivers change. Here are some screenshots off Navionics Web App showing what they've already accomplished in a few short months. Imagine how much better it will get as more charts start coming in. Upper Mississippi River (Before and Afters) Arkansas River, OK Alabama River, Montgomery, AL Red River, LA http://i42.tinypic.com/2zny5gi.jpg http://i40.tinypic.com/10p6qn4.jpg http://i42.tinypic.com/20utt9c.jpg http://i42.tinypic.com/2rxjg5c.jpg

I don't think there's any doubt they work. They're not fool proof but with a little understanding, they'll earn every dollar and then some. Bass are extremely competitive, so much that they aren't programmed to just sit back and listen to others feed. They get in while the getting is good. In fact, for you hunters out there, there's not many predators out there that you can't call in.

The Navionics + card is starting to show up at most all major outdoor retailers. Available for Humminbird, Raymarine and Lowrance, etc. the Nav + card comes with Free Freshest Data and Sonar Charts downloads for 12 months! Now, Navionics released Navionics + as an in-App upgrade for their already popular Navionics App available for smart phones and pads. This new upgrade brings lots of new features but highlights both Map Updates and Sonar Charts coverage for select areas now all available from the palm of your hand! More information: Sonar Charts - http://www.navionics.com/en/sonarcharts Navionics Freshest Data - http://www.navionics.com/en/freshest-data-0 Navionics Mobile App - http://www.navionics.com/en/mobile-pc-app

Right though I think you may be referring to Sonar Charts? HB and Raymarine allow their users to contribute to Sonar Charts making users able to load their own recorded data into the Navionics system which in return Navionics turns that around into HD lake maps on another separate and free layer called Sonar Charts. Lowrance however only allows their users to view Sonar Charts....for now, hopefully that changes. Sonar Charts are being loaded everyday and can be viewed by viewing the Navionics WebApp. http://navionics.com/en/webapp

Jeff, Sorry if I was confusing with my post but I never referred to the Pickwick Dam area or the TN River for that matter. I shared the screen shots of the new Alabama River map in Montgomery, Alabama as well a single area of Kentucky Lake that has been improved in more detail via Sonar Charts. Cool to see these big tournament skies getting even more fine tuned! Sorry if I threw ya for a loop!

Hey all! Very excited to show off some of the new Sonar Charts that have been released and are now available to update. Sonar Charts is a free feature available with the Navionics Platinum and the new Navionics + cards. Basically, Sonar Charts allows users to record data and load it into Navionics system and in return Navionics will turn those recordings into an additional map layer allowing their users free and total access to these maps as an above and beyond feature. The process is simple and extremely user friendly unlike other competitors that try to offer similar but at a very high cost and not as user friendly. Being that we are more powerful in numbers, this is the exact reason why this is the way of the future when you start seeing giant bodies of water getting extra fine tuned. We all know that bodies of waters, especially river systems change so dramatically from year to year that to always have access to Freshest Data gives you as a fisherman more for your money. Here's a link to Sonar Charts: http://navionics.com/en/sonarcharts Here's a few screen shots with much more coming! Alabama River (Before Sonar Charts) Alabama River (Sonar Charts) Kentucky Lake (Before, During and After) Also, with the much anticipated "official" release of Navionics + comes lots of excitement in that now you can download any areas you want, no more regions. If you want it download it, simply customize your own card for your own needs. I know my Tennessee River Peeps are stoked about this one!

Zfactor - yes, it's an excellent App. I use mine all the time. Let me know if you have any questions!

Basstrackin - FYI, I just noticed I wasn't overly clear on something. Nav+ has all the same mapping software from what you are a costumed to see with the Platinum cards however the + card doesn't have sat overlay, no panoramic photos, no 3D underwater view whereas Platinum does. Just thought I should clarify my late night and half asleep response.

Nav+ is definitely the future of the company. Essentially you purchase a blank card from your dealer for $179 and then take that card home and upload any data you want from the Navionics main database. All the platinum features along with the newest, Community Edits, Sonar Charts as well as Freshest Data updates. No more paying for data you don't need, simply download what you do need. No more regions. At the same time, the traditional Hot Maps is still a great buy and very popular amongst fisherman. Here's a few links to help you better understand the benefits. WebApp http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp (to view Sonar Charts, click and un click the circular button in bottom left hand corner.) Sonar Charts http://www.navionics.com/en/sonarcharts Navionics + http://www.navionics.com/en/navionicsplus Uploading and Updating Video

Wayne is spot on to date. I see all the focus currently on caught up with SonarCharts as the feature seems to have been met with open arms to the boating/angling public. I'd imagine more user-friendly features to come with in the future.