Wayne P.

All properly installed 2D transducers are pointed straight down. The distance it displays from the center of the sonar pulse is variable according to the depth. The shape of the sonar pulse is a somewhat inverted cone shape and gets larger as the depth increases. That means it can "see" 360 degrees around it at variable distances horizontally. A 20 degree cone pulse covers about 1/3 the depth. You can do the math to get the distance ahead it will show at a particular depth.

You are experiencing "Ghost Drag". Install the braid correctly using some material that gives it grip. Either tape on the spool or some mono backing.

For the best installation on a trolling motor is to use a transducer that is designed for that purpose. Some adapt a transom transducer for the trolling motor and end up breaking off the attachment arm---quite common with the Lowrance/Eagle torpedo shaped transom transducer. I use the same unit model at the bow and console. I want the same information at both locations.

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Magneta/RRTX2.html

The 561 has a quick disconnect mount that holds all the cables. You can purchase an additional mount, power cord, and transducer to use the display at another location quickly and easily. Such as at a boat console and bow or on two different craft. Any unit can be portable with the proper accessories-there is a carry case with battery pack that is used for ice fishing. Refer to the Humminbird web site in the accessories listing. I have a Humminbird 798ci SI that has that same mount and I had my boat setup with dual mount stations so I could use the Side Imaging technology where I was in the boat. I have since purchased more SI units, but I still have the versitility if I want to use it. I have a mount beside my computer for doing waypoint management, unit updates, reviewing settings for trouble shooting on-line, etc.

When I use Slider heads--Spider Slider or Pro Slider-- I use the Slider worms. If I want to use another type of worm, I use a different rigging method.

Between those two, I'd choose the Garmin for higher vertical pixel count----shows smaller stuff better. The Humminbird is more versitile if you want to use it several ways like, bow, console and ice fishing.

The Lowance DSI units are good companions for a regular sonar unit if you fish. Pretty much worthless while fishing. The imaging technology takes movement to "scan" so it you "just troll around to see what i can see", it works well. If you want a single unit that has the down imaging and regular sonar, then the Humminbird DI units are the way to go. They are available in screen sizes: 3.5", 4,5", 5", 7", 8" and 10.4"

Walmart, Bass Pro, Cabelas. Dicks, Gander Mt.. probably has one in stock. Pay attention to the model number--MKP-32 http://www.northland...Prop2091160.htm

http://www.navionics.com/lakes/LakeList_HMPremium.asp?RegionID=3

The space between the hook point and hook eye of the finesse wide gap hook being very close causes missed hook sets and weak hookups. A better hook design is the Octopus hook. It is not available with a weedguard so I put one on them. Size 4/0 Gammy #02414 Also if you rig the hook parallel with the Senko (rubber O ring style), the most plastic is in place to block hook penetration. Do it this way with 3/8" electrical heat shrink tubing (no heating required) to make the Senko last longer:

The Platinum and Premium have the same contour mapping. Just the Platinum has the extra satellite and 3D features. The 300, 500, and 700 series Humminbird units will not display those extra features so it is no use paying the extra $50 or the Platinum version.

Not only YES, but HELL YES. I catch over 1,000 bass that way every year-some years over 2,000. I rig them just like the Trick worm in my avatar. Present it near a bass and you have will have a catch. All the bass over 9# I have caught have been with a weedless wacky rigged Zoom finesse worm.

No, not necessarily. The Navionics software has locations that are just scanned maps for other sources, it has maps that they did the surveys that do not have details on them but do have contours, and they have locations that have been updated that may or may not have details other than contour lines. The contour lines can be several graduations depending on the map source. The highest contour detail is 1' increments and the lowest can the 20' or more. You have only one choice for your area and unit. Navionics Hotmaps Premium East. You can check the Navionics web site for the list of included waters in your area/state. Any waters in your area with a HD designation have the 1' contours, but single line creek channels like on a paper topo map probably won't be shown.

This is using aluminum strap that is formed to fit over a fiberglass bass boat transom--I use duct tape to secure it. There are lots of variations you can come up with if you take the time. I use the large round board due to the weight of the unit. It is a 10.4" display unit.

I have a set up for a Humminbird 1198c SI for portable use if needed. I demo sometimes as well as SAR, so I have the accessories to use that unit in most situations. You can do the same with any unit. As far as the transducer, all you need is a large hose clamp (accommodate a 3"-4" diameter motor) and trolling motor mount adaptor to just attach your transducer to the rented motor. Power is the next thing. You can connect the unit power cord to the rented trolling motor battery or get a small deep cycle battery like used with alarm systems to power it. Attaching the transducer to the trolling motor can be done in less than a minute. There are clamp-on transducer mounts available, but that is an extra cost if you choose. Just mount the display on a board so it will stay upright and you are all set. If you get a simple Lowrance unit, you can modify the transom bracket slightly to accommodate a hose clamp. A hose clamp will fit in the slots of the metal brackets. No extra cost for that except for the hose clamp. Lots of unit choices based on your budget. This is using a transom mount trolling motor bracket and shaft that fits aluminum boat transoms:

I agree with 3dees. While a DSI unit is a good unit for navigating to show want is on the bottom and in the water column, it's functionality when actually fishing is very low. It is worthless for vertical presentations. They make a good companion unit with a regular 2D unit for fishing purposes. Humminbird has Down Imaging units that do dual frequency 2D and dual frequency Down Imaging. They are less expensive than the Side Imaging units. The Down Imaging units have DI in the model number. They have DI models with screen sizes of 3.5", 5", 7", 8" and 10.4". Your Lowrance unit has a 3.5" display. The smaller ones are available with or without GPS. Review the Humminbird web site for all the models in the 300, 500, 700, 800, 900, and 1100 series.

Transducers don't get good accuracy or readings through aluminum, EXCEPT a transducer that is made for that purpose. Google "Alumaducer". I use one in my Tracker hull. You can also install a thru-hull transducer that requires drilling a hole about 1"-2" in the hull to have the transducer face on the outside. Most sonar brands have that type of transducer available.

Chips, I answered your emal.

You don't have to have a map for a GPS unit to work. GPS is separate from mapping. The mappiing is just a background for reference on a plotter screen. The GPS functions work the same with or without any background.

You can use the same carpet that you recarpet the boat with to cover the bunks. Be careful with your carpet selection, you do not want to use looped carpet for boats. Those are hook magnets. That picture of the Tracker PT 170 TX without the side guides is an idiot decision by Tracker. All boat trailers should be equipped with some sort of guides. I have that same boat/trailer and the first thing I added was the side guides. I use the roller type rather than the long board type like you have. Even the larger models come with a somewhat worthless side guide. Quite patethic for a boat company.

I did a web search for "free lake contour maps". There are several sites. Google is your friend.

Well that is kind of obvious. A hand controlled bow mounted trolling motor is very popular in some parts of the country and for saltwater fishermen.

The Big Foot switch increases your fishing time and lessens your boat driving time.

I use the Horny Toad Hook and I put the hook bend between the legs and "skin hook" the point in the top of the body. That keeps the Toad from taking up hook bend space, allows the Toad to swing away from the hook when setting the hook, and allows for better hook-ups.