I dont know if this question can be answered over the forum or not, but I need help in reading a depth finder. I lost my book for mine and I also fish in other peoples boat and watch thier depth finder. Do most sonars read the same? How much can a depth finder tell you?

If you post the brand and model I'm sure someone can help you with the settings.

I have a cheapo one (under$100), but I still find it extremely helpful. Not only for locating structure, depth and underwater weedbeds, but it allows me to keep notes of water temp and where the fish are relating to the bottom on that day in the water. I always keep mental notes and write them out in my personal weblog after the trip. Without the depthfinder, I'd be just noting how many fish I caught at a particular spot on that day.

There are about 4 or 5 articles on this site on electronics that you may find helpful for a few tips

http://bassresource.com/fishing/features.html#equipment

scroll down until you see Get Serious about Depth Finders

Check out http://webpages.charter.net/abshire5078/Chart%20tutorial.doc  even if you don't have color.

Jim

Step one:

If the LCD depthfinder has the fish ID feature, TURN IT OFF IMMEDIATELY!  

Even the instruction manuals will state the finder can't distinguish between branches, air bubbles, debris and fish.  The listed articles will give you an idea on how to read a true fish arch and BTW,  the advertisements showing those brillantly arched fish hanging over structure are more fiction than fact.  Most of the time you don't arch fish as wonderfully as the manuals or advertisements show.

Reading a old style spinning type depthfinder is more difficult.  That takes time on the water to truely understand what you're seeing on the dial.

A Lowrance 332C has a feature that allows watching the old style flasher display and comparing it to the LCD screen objects. It doesn't take long to catch on. Then use the flasher display for motoring across a lake getting instant data instead of waiting for objects to draw out on screen.

Jim