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Get started fishing where there are more "catchable fish". Pay close attention to the details of this page and you will instantly become a better fisherman. I know because proper sonar use changed the way my dad and I fish and greatly increased the number and size of fish that we catch. See you on the water, Chris
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The Dumb Ones
Fish that are suspended are easy to see on sonar and usually easy to catch (view Image). They should be your primary target every time you go out. If you don't see them on your screen keep driving. On Erie they are usually about half way between the surface and the bottom. Once you find them, it's just a matter of getting your lures to the right depth. Use your Precision Trolling book and experiment constantly with the lure type and amount of line you let out. Inline weights, jet divers, and flat line crankbaits are the ticket.
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Bottom Dwellers
Fish that are on the bottom can pose a few challenges for new anglers (view image). They can be neutral fish not interested in feeding and they can be hard to see on sonar. If they are active and visible you can get a lure in front of them quickly and consistently with bottom bouncers. Speed is usually less of a concern since you can keep your bait on the bottom by increasing the size of the bouncer or letting out more line. Crawler harnesses produce consistently from April-October with fish that are tight to the bottom. Experiment with blade size, speed, and bead color.
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High Riders
Open water fish often roam the top 5-10 feet of the water column (view image). They can be the most difficult to find because they rarely show up on your sonar. When they do they're mixed in with surface clutter or schools of bait and it takes practice to pick them out. The solution is easy and requires two things. Always run at least one line 5-10 feet down from the surface and always send it way out from your boat with an inline planner board (80-100 feet). If the fish are near the surface they will move away from your boat right to where your lures are.
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More info coming soon on sonar techniques to put more fish in the box.....
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