Soliciting Advice nd Opinions!
OK, first things first. I am frugal! Frugal to the point of cheap! I don't necessarily buy the cheapest, but usually I buy 2 years ago latest and greatest at a discounted / closeout price. The info I am seeking concerns electronics. Last June I bought my first boat which is a 1988, 17' Javelin Bass Boat with a '79 Evinrude 85. Flashy? No! Functional? Yes! Dependable? So far! Out the door, $1650. I have made some minor improvements, but have not put a lot of money into it. It serves my needs. The boat came with a 170 HB B & W fishfinder, which I have now moved to the bow, TM mount. I purchased a HB 398ci SI that I have mounted on the console. I still am learning the units and only using basic features. OK, enough background.
I have both units set using the "fish icons" and beeping when they "see fish." Is this preferable or is the "traditional arch" better in finding the "truth"? Yesterday I fished Loudoun for a couple hours. I found an area that was covered with "icons" and so many beeps it was almost constant. Both units showed the fish 12-25 ft in 30 fow. I was spider rigging 3 rods and casting a 4th with a slip float. End result, 3 catfish. Although I could ask 1,000 more questions, I will stop with this. How can I have an idea that I am seeing crappie on my electronics? Although no time on the water is wasted, I don't want FL catfish!