Livescope thoughts

[West Basin]

Yes, the newest versions of sonar technology (fish/depth finders) can be very helpful on Lake Erie. The abilities these unit have to show what’s in the water column and what the bottom and structure look like is getting amazing. It won’t be long, maybe as short as s few years, when affordable sonar units will be able to tell you nearly everything, in unbelievable detail.

What these units do is the same things people have always wanted to know. They just do it much more effectively and with a lot more detail than previous units.

1. Find out the depth.
2. Find the fish / identify the fish (species and size).
3. Find out where they are in the water column.
4. Find out what they are doing (find actively feeding fish).
5. Find structure and get details on it, if that is important.

The latest units do all this in incredible detail. IF you learn how to properly use them. The "live imaging” systems show what’s in the water around you, in front of you, or below you, in real time, like watching a video. You can actually see individual fish moving around as well as groups. These features work best on calm water where the transducers can stay pretty level. They do work on Erie, you just have to compensate for any wave action – understand there is an impact when you have waves, such as on a good drift wind day. Once you learn how to use these systems correctly, and that takes a good deal of time, they can be a great tool for increasing not only your catch numbers but also catch rates. It won’t take as long to “zero in” on the fish and start catching them.

As far as brands and models, I don't have nearly enough experience with the various units to offer any info. There are plenty of videos and other fishing forums out there to learn about the various units. I'm sure a few on this site will help with that. I can tell you to make sure you understand the "mechanics" of how each unit and transducer work. That is not always explained clearly.