GPS and finding shallow water structure

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03-03-2009, 07:53 AM
atfish

GPS and finding shallow water structure

I have a Etrex legend and have a problem using it to find structure in shallow water. In the springtime I fish a lot of shallow water and have a lot of mats/stakebeds marked but they are VERY hard to find using the Etrex along with my depth finder. The GPS gets me to the location but I have to use my depth finder to pinpoint the location. By the time I troll around trying to pinpoint the location I have run off all the fish. I don't have much of a problem in deeper water (10 ft. plus) since the depth finder cone angle covers a much larger area. Anybody have any suggestions/hints??? I have tried using the transducer attached to an extension in front of the boat with moderate results.
03-03-2009, 08:07 AM
akmoose40

hello.....i would ask mr canepole on that question....if anyone can help it be him....
03-03-2009, 03:56 PM
chaunc

Have you tried to align yourself up with a marker on shore to help put you in the basic area where the mats are. That has cut down a lot of moving over shallow spots for me.
03-04-2009, 01:23 AM
beenfishin?

Try tilting the transducer up about 15 degrees. should pic up the structure a little quicker.
03-05-2009, 06:31 PM
atfish

Thanks akmoose40, chaunc, and beenfishin? for the suggestions. Hopefully GPSs will get more accurate and faster in the future.
03-05-2009, 08:16 PM
slabbandit

I have the very same problems. Our shallow flats are usually less than 8 feet deep way out from the banks. I think that I'm going to start dropping a marker when I'm within 10 to 15 feet on the GPS. Then I think I am going to anchor and cast Sliders or Roadrunners to pinpoint the exact location. Then, finally move up and vertical jig it before leaving.
I know that now we spook a lot of fish off of our brush and stakebeds as we move right up to them to jig fish.
03-05-2009, 09:58 PM
Cane Pole

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenfishin?

Try tilting the transducer up about 15 degrees. should pic up the structure a little quicker.

yep.......
03-05-2009, 10:12 PM
Cane Pole

real time side sonar

Thiis is real time sonar (RTS) where side imaging is not.

I made this rig to find fish in the shallow brush. It works..

You can do the same thing with choke or throttle cables.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z..._varxducer.jpg
03-05-2009, 10:13 PM
jaxsprat

Be sure Etrex has WAAS turned on, postion or hold etrex at 45 degree angle to sky to get clear shot of satellites. If U are goin in towards shore with tall trees always approach from center of lake going in towards shore as etrex will have better view of satellites. 20 degree transducer cone is 36 inch view in 10 feet of water, not much in eight feet maybe only 24 inch view? I would look for some shoreline objects to help with location, cause you are only getting a large "pizza size view". Etrex's are good units.
03-05-2009, 10:19 PM
Cane Pole

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaxsprat

Be sure Etrex has WAAS turned on, postion or hold etrex at 45 degree angle to sky to get clear shot of satellites. If U are goin in towards shore with tall trees always approach from center of lake going in towards shore as etrex will have better view of satellites. 20 degree transducer cone is 36 inch view in 10 feet of water, not much in eight feet maybe only 24 inch view? I would look for some shoreline objects to help with location, cause you are only getting a large "pizza size view". Etrex's are good units.

Yep. I use line of sight, but if in open water, it is hard to guess, but not impossible. Triangulate and gps works fine.
03-05-2009, 10:44 PM
NIMROD

I find mine by stopping 15 or 20' short and use my 12' jiggin pole and 12' of line. I toss out my large (1/8 oz) jig and arc it back in till bumpin cover. Sometimes catch fish before even hitting cover.
03-06-2009, 12:13 AM
jaxsprat

akmoose40

Quote:

hello.....i would ask mr canepole on that question....if anyone can help it be him....

Yes good idea! so I see you -atfish are from TN, so is, I believe, Cane Pole so just invite Cane over to fish with you and ask him to bring the side looking thingy 997 with. problem solved................;):D
03-06-2009, 05:18 AM
speckfinder

The etrex is a good unit. I don't own one but have fished with a friend who does. Shallow or deep water does not make a diference. You don't even have to use your sonar, the gps will get you within 15'.
03-06-2009, 07:38 AM
poppop

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Thiis is real time sonar (RTS) where side imaging is not.

I made this rig to find fish in the shallow brush. It works..

You can do the same thing with choke or throttle cables.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z..._varxducer.jpg

You are just plain slick Canepole.....what a great idea