Hello, all. I came across a good deal on a lowrance hds 12 pro. However, im brand new to fish finders. I have a few questions if any one could possibly help. 

 

1. Can i hook my electronics to my 100 ah lithium battery that i use for my trolling motor and function both at the same time?

 

2. As far as lake maps, im lead to believe it comes with some preloaded lake maps??? But how do i know if lowrance or even navionics etc have my lakes on them?

 

3. When using sidescan, can i figure out the exact distance from kayak to the structure/cover to cast to it?

 

4. Can i make a way point to the previously mentioned structure/cover that will show up on the side scan? I feel like this would make it easier to find it again. I dunno???

 

Im sure i have more questions, but this seems like a good start. Also, im aware ill need a different transducer plate to use sidescan due to the fact mine sits flush to my kayak. 

I too am brand new to fish finders.   What I have found so far this summer with my HDS PRO 10 (should have went 12")...

 

1. You can yes.  That said, tt is suggested/recommended that you connect fish finders to a battery other than that used for the trolling motor to help prevent interference.  I have my head unit connected to a separate 50AH Ionic battery and then my Active Target 2 hooked up to it's very own 20AH Ionic.  The Xi3 trolling motor is on it's own 125AH Ionic.

 

2.  Don't have the links offhand, but if you search (I'll see if I can come up with them) I'm pretty sure there is an analogous web page where you can look up if your lakes are mapped on the navionics card.  Found it, adding on edit - think it's the cmaps that are built in - https://www.lowrance.com/lowrance/type/mapping/c-map-chart-explorer/

 

3.  YES!  tap on the structure on the screen, it'll tell you the measured distance to the point you just tapped on.  It's pretty cool.

 

4. YES/Not Sure. When you tap you can add a way point and give it a specific icon and/or custom name if you want.  I'm not 100% sure if the waypoint shows on the side scan page or just the map page once created though...  I have way points all over now.  I do need to work on a more disciplined use of specific icons for specific types of way points.  You can edit them/change icon/change name after the fact if you want.

Edited November 2, 20232 yr by immortl
added link for cmaps.

19 hours ago, AClark888 said:

I have 3 HDS units on my Ranger so these are my comments>

 

What is a good deal? The HDS Live units are on clearance right now and likely to run out by the end of the year. Also, a 12" is quite sizeable. A 9" will perform very well in your application. This isn't only a cost related comment but also the practicality of having something this large on a Yak. Also, very little diff. between the "Live" and the "Pro" likely no difference if used out of a Yak. Make sure that you get the 3in1 transducer, not the 2in1 transducer which has no 2d sonar.

 

1. Yes! Don't forget the inline fuse on the positive side. I believe it needs to be 5amps.

 

2. Lowrance comes with C-Maps pre loaded and I'm very happy with them. Only reason to add Navionics is if the built in maps don't work on lake(s) you like to fish.  This unit will also record "structure scan" and save it to a micro SD card if you'd like.

 

3.  Yes!

 

4. Yes!

 

Regarding the transducer, you'll need to figure out mounting/protection as they are quite expensive. Also note that the 3in1 that the Pro comes with is quite sizable.

 

Thanks guys. Very helpful! 

 

@Puggz im buying it from a friend. Too good of a deal to pass up is the best way i can put it.

On 11/2/2023 at 2:14 PM, Puggz said:

 

What do you mean by "inline fuse"? I have no clue what ur talki g about here 😆

9 hours ago, AClark888 said:

What do you mean by "inline fuse"? I have no clue what ur talki g about here 😆

It's a fuse that goes between the battery and the unit on the positive wire

It can either be an old-style glass fuse

Or the plastic 'square' like you use in your car

Thqnks guys. Very helpful. So whats up with Fish Reveal? What is it and does it come with the unit and/or transducer? Anything specific you have to do to get it?

Just me, but for me a 12" screen is too big for me and my kayak.  my tiny one gets in the way enough already.  i focus on keeping a big landing strip open for me to get back on board if i fall off.  i practiced with mine and i think i can go to a 7" and still have room for my body to slide past and back on board.  

 

i cant alwasy predict where a fish will hit and where my rod is. i would hate for the line to get up into the screen.