queensland Sounder Settings Advice

[davostephens]

Hi all

anyone had much to do with the Lowrance hook 4x small unit 150-170$  bought couple years ago.

its got chirp and downscan.

i fish usualy 20 meters deep.

any settings of frequency I should be running. Basically for slow looking round or what’s under the boat. Fish wise mainly. I can see structure no probs.  Just not sure on the fish finding part.

Would you advise to split screen for both types view of downscan and traditional?

what frequency etc..

 

any advice be appreciated.

I usually just pick my spot anchor nearby and fish to see if they are there or not. However minimising my waste of time by seeing if they are around before anchors down would be good.

thanks

 

[Junky]

Down scan is a waste of time when looking for fish IMO. 

I prefer the traditional view for all structure and fish sounding activities. This can take me over an hr when I go out. Like you say...no point fishing a deserted spot. 

If you find a strange return that may resemble a wreck or something then yes switch to downscan for a better picture but for general sounding I find the traditional is the go. 

 

Can't help with settings as I do not use that brand but I'll pass on what I would do. 

From a guess you have 2 frequencies.

200khz is a 20deg cone and 50khz/80khz is a 60deg cone.....or thereabouts. 

200khz is for shallow water with more pings.

50khz is for deeper water with fewer pings. 

Want to hear the pings? Pour water onto a flat sheet of glass, dining table works well.

Power up the unit and plug the transducer in. Sit the transducer in the water on the glass. It will tick away (this is how to test a transducer if you think it is not working). Now set it to 50khz. Pings should be noticeably less. 

 

I would try them both frequencies together, then try 200 on its own. 

 

The gain should have an Auto setting. 

If the screen is still cluttered when set on auto  then dial it back manually. You only need to go back enough until the screen clutter disappears. It's a fine line but you should have a clear screen with good returns of fish and structure.

 

LEAVE FISH ID OFF. 

Do not use this. This function will not decipher between junk in the water and fish. All you get is a screen full of little fish pictures. 

A piece of weed or plastic bag will throw a different return than a fish. So leave the fish ID off. 

 

 

Cheers.