Thread: Taking it for granted that others know

Noticed yesterday when a buddy and I fished together. He has ran a SI unit longer than me but runs a Low unit and watching him led me to getting one. He knows his unit very well. He was asking about structure that I was marking and pointing out. I didnt under stand how this didn't just pop out to him once he saw it. It's all in what you are used too and makes me see the Q's that pop up about interpretation of SI for a new user in a new light.

I went through the same learning curve as us all but will try to be more detailed in helping others if I can when these Q come up.

Was thinking about posting shots that shows the bottom and how we read them to help us find fish and structure. A shot like this with markings depicting what we are looking at.



I can then add info as to what I see as in this shot. This will not only help others just starting but helps me in case I'm reading it wrong so we can learn the unit better.



Just a thought but wanted to see if others would be interested. let me know

Originally Posted by vic n

slabbacks, this can only help me and others. Seeing great pics is neat, and picking out some of the cover is easy....but why does one piece of structure stand out more than other? Is there something on a channel edge that attracts fish, and can you spot it?? Anything to help understand not only what I'm looking at, but why should I ignore it or mark it is one of my biggest questions.

vic, crappie relate to different parts of the lake at different times of the year. In the shots I posted I marked these for winter locations due to being in or at the river channel. Just use that frame of thought (time of year you will be fishing it) when looking for new structure or fishing spots.

Finding a channel edge is good but points of the flat that comes out and forms a bend in the channel is even better. Two creek channels coming together and going out into the lake is something I look for as well. They will follow that channel going to deeper water like a hwy...put something on there to hold them for a while. Spotting it with the aid of SI/DI and 2d will let you know they are there. so answer that part of your Q yes, it can be done.

Other reasons I like SI is to find where I want to drop new structure. This is based off areas that look the same as other places I've found holding fish so I try to duplicate that in the spots I find. When looking for fish it's not so much of running around the lake looking for a school of white dots. Look for the structure that should hold fish then go back to it and get a better look with a lower range to the side to see if it is holding them. Structure in the right area for the time of year and bait close by will put you on fish if they are biting.

Most of this you already know but in case some just starting read it I added more detail. No expert by any stretch of the word but have found that this is what works for me. Good luck