Hi All,

 

While fairly new to bass fishing and very new to kayak fishing, I was fortunate enough to be able to pick up a Garmin 53cv echoMAP. I've had it out only three times and want to get proficient with it. My transducer is "in the water" (not shooting through the hull) in a RAM mount.

 

Any tips/tricks/settings that are best would be GREATLY appreciated for this fish finder newb!

 

Thanks in advance!

Best regards - FreddoB

I have one of those also. My best advice is to get out on the water and play with it. For me, reading about how to use it does not help me as much as pushing the buttons and seeing what they do. Start with it on automatic and experiment with the different settings, and screen views to find out what YOU like. I never use the down view function where you may like it better and use it all the time. Some people like the fish ID, some don't. Get used to it and adjust it to suit what you like and what works best for your fishing. 

Like Scott said time on the water. Take the manual and leave the poles at home and read and play around with it.

@12poundbass leave the poles HOME?!?!? I understand what you are saying and @Scott F too.

 

Thanks to both of you. So far I'm finding knowing the depth is great. I'm displaying water temp but not familiar enough with bass behavior vs water temps so that's not a help yet.

 

I want to use the down scan and the traditional sonar side by side. I'm finding that it helps me to see the difference between what are fish and what are weeds/plants/sticks/etc. I suppose I'll have to make a play date with JUST my finder and the manual. Are SNACKS allowed if they don't distract me?

 

Again - thanks!!!

Just start with factory settings and 'play' with it .  The best thing about that unit is that it is sooo easy to use. MENU, BACK, and HOME are your friends.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

1 hour ago, Sprocket said:

Just start with factory settings and 'play' with it .  The best thing about that unit is that it is sooo easy to use. MENU, BACK, and HOME are your friends.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

 

Thanks and yes... Exactly what I'm doing. I suppose time with the unit will be the best approach. I want to learn to mark some spots that have been good producers on lakes I don't yet frequent an aren't that familiar to me for two reasons: (1) to go back to said spot, and (2) coupled with the lake topo, learn where/why those are good spots.

 

It'll all come together and thanks again!