Lowrance SPOTLIGHT Update

**Okie Bob** · 05-07-2014, 06:23 AM

SPOTLIGHT update.

I now have several hours under my belt with the 'spotlight' transducer and I have to report that I don't care much for it.
The problem is that you have to continually rotate your trolling motor to get any display. I didn't realize this when I bought it and it is a deal killer for me.
I was hoping that with experience, it would be a great addition to my electronics. So far, that is not the case.
Here is an example of what I'm talking about:
The way I fish for crappie is primarily done by locating brushpiles, marking them with a waypoint, throwing out a marker buoy and jigging vertically while holding the boat in position with my trolling motor.
If I'm approaching one of my waypoints with the 9Touch, I have a three panel display up with the chart (showing the waypoint), down imaging and spotlight.
As I approach the waypoint I'm trying to see it before I arrive at it with spotlight but, in doing so, I have to continurally rotate the tm to get the spotlight display. Well, even if I take my foot off the motor control button and then rotate, slowly, the tm, I have a real difficult time getting into position.
When you factor in current, wind, waves, etc, these things are just too distracting to keep any concentration on actually fishing.
IF spotlight would give me a display without turning the tm constantly, my disappointment would go away! I am able to get some really great screen shots with spotlight and MAYBE I'll grow to be able to use it successfully.
Questions?

**Redge** · 05-07-2014, 07:18 AM

Very good info! I am sorry you found out the hard way!

I hadn't thought about the progress onto the brush pile. I thought I could just go to the pile, spot lock on it and then look to see where the fish were exactly at. Now with the info that you have posted, I see why it wouldn't work for me. I had been contemplating using a HB SI in the same manner. Really want the 360 though. I appreciate you pointing out exactly how it works/doesn't work for you. We fish exactly as you describe about 95% of the time. I realize that the HB 360 is like Radar and I don't have to turn it, it scans itself. (Well at least I think that is how it works) if that is the case it sounds like a better option for me.

**GroutScout** · 05-07-2014, 08:02 AM

Yep, the constant sweep is total BS.

**Okie Bob** · 05-07-2014, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by GroutScout

Yep, the constant sweep is total BS.

Scout, I assume you mean the lack of a sweep? If so, I totally agree.

**kosmo** · 05-07-2014, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Redge

Very good info! I am sorry you found out the hard way!

I hadn't thought about the progress onto the brush pile. I thought I could just go to the pile, spot lock on it and then look to see where the fish were exactly at. Now with the info that you have posted, I see why it wouldn't work for me. I had been contemplating using a HB SI in the same manner. Really want the 360 though. I appreciate you pointing out exactly how it works/doesn't work for you. We fish exactly as you describe about 95% of the time. I realize that the HB 360 is like Radar and I don't have to turn it, it scans itself. (Well at least I think that is how it works) if that is the case it sounds like a better option for me.

Redge,the 360 will do what your wanting.ive been using mine for over a year now,doing what okie bob desscrived,that he wants from the spotlight. When I realized how the spotlight opperated,I new there would be some that weren't going to be all that thrilled.the spotlight would serve its user, better if it were mounted to something other than the trolling motor,so the user could keep control of his boat at all times ,while using the spotlight on another apparatus that could be turned.

**kosmo** · 05-07-2014, 09:32 AM

I don't wont to hi jack this thread,but I want to add one more thing.yes you can see fish with forward looking sonar,but the best use is to use the technology to locate fish holding locations and to be able to postion your boat in relation to the structure(it helps to keep you from getting hung up if your vertical fishing) without the need of dropping a marker(theres no need for a marker . You'll always no were the structure is)

**Redge** · 05-07-2014, 10:22 AM

Kosmo, thanks for the input! Your killin me though brother. I need to spend some more money on electronics like I, well you get the idea! I have settled on the 360, just have decided to turn loose of the money!

**Okie Bob** · 05-07-2014, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by kosmo

I don't wont to hi jack this thread,but I want to add one more thing.yes you can see fish with forward looking sonar,but the best use is to use the technology to locate fish holding locations and to be able to postion your boat in relation to the structure(it helps to keep you from getting hung up if your vertical fishing) without the need of dropping a marker(theres no need for a marker . You'll always no were the structure is)

If you don't mind continually turning your tm while sitting still. Suggest you try it before buying. The screen only updates when you turn the tm and only the amount you turn it.

**brettw** · 05-07-2014, 06:07 PM

SOLUTION!
so simple,
Mount 2 trolling motors!
1 for moving the boat
1 for scanning for those increasingly expensive crappo's

**Cane Pole** · 05-07-2014, 07:49 PM

Give me that piece of junk spotlight. I can make it work without a trolling motor.

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