Down imaging

[rifleman]

I just purchased a new hummingbird 596c hd di, and was wondering if the down imaging will actually show you a big catfish laying on the bottom like it does the bruch and timber? Or if the images it shows are preset. Also will it pick up the PVC trees?

Thanks,
Rusty

[CharlieM]

Yes, it should show you anything between you and the bottom. If it is on the bottom I am not so sure, but I think it would. It is a huge step up from the old cone. I do not have that model but I think they would all work the same. I have had down imaging and side imaging for a year now. Wish I would have bought in much sooner. I think you will love it. Good luck!
Charlie

[rifleman]

Thanks for the response Charlie and welcome any other input from anybody else.

[crappiecaster]

Rifleman, I have a 798 w/upgraded transducer. HB claims the798 has the most clear screen (also the smallest) of any unit they have. I have watched some of the videos on you tube on fine tuning the unit. Fish show up as white specks, but I have yet to see any on the bottom. My answer is no, it wont show big fish on the bottom. On the side imaging it will show suspended fish w/shadows on the bottom. I don't really even look @ DI anymore. I've never been able to get it to show pics like whats on the side of the box. Kinda like when you order that meal thats in the picture on the counter & when you gey it, it doesn't look like the picture. If it's not to late, exchange that unit for something w/side imaging. That will change your fishing life. Well worth the money. Opens up a whole new world.

[rifleman]

That's really disappointing to hear that I figured if it was scrolling across the screen with those images on the simulator mode that it would work like that. It is too late to exchange plus it was a couple hundred more for the side imaging, and it took some real sweet talking with the old lady to get this one seeings as I already have two fish finders. They came with the boat but I would guess they are seven to ten years old. Is there anyone else that can chime in on this topic? I appreciate your response and time crappiecaster.

Rusty

[KAG]

I have a Lowrance DI and I am able to periodically see white specks that are supposed to be fish. I have amazing DI of structure but to be honest a really good color fish finder / Chart plotter will help you catch way more fish....just my opinion.

I am presently saving my pennies for an upgraded color fish finder and have scrapped for now my plans of going SI.

[rifleman]

Mine is a color model do u think that will be any better, it also has sonar.

[Kansasoutdoorsman]

I have the 597 Di and LOVE it. I has changed my fishing completely and put a lot more in the boat. It very clear and yes I can see a lot of detal. I did just have a transducer go out on me. I want to cabela's and bought a new but before I put it on I called humminbird. The lady on the phone was AWSOME, sent me a new right away... Great product and great service for me so far.

[KAG]

What model color ff do you have? If its 7 - 10 years old the technology since then has advanced. Especially the software. I am completely sure your color fish finder is more than gtg though. A chart plotter / GPS is very very handy for me. A friend that lives down the gravel road from me fishes for walleye with old b&w very low end electronics and a 30yr old low hp boat, he catches them when hardly anyone else does. But he knows the lake as he has been fishing it since impoundment and he can just flat out fish. He always knows where they are. Modern electronics simply help you find fish, then its still up to you to catch them.

I mainly in the past chased bass and only used my electronics for depth and temp as I have always had a good grasp on bass patterns. The other species I am now trying to learn so I rely on my electronics to help me find them. Then apply my limited knowledge on them to try and catch them. I am wanting to upgrade to a really good color FF / GPS combo more out of want than actual need as this is not a job for me but just pure pleasure. Once my experience and time on the water increases chasing these species I am sure the electronics will have less importance. I use my DI to help me get a good look at brush piles and bottom structure, it does that very well.

Just my opinion though

[KDAVID1]

with the smaller screen the fish won't be as clear (will more than likely be bright dots) but the cover should be pretty good.