The Lowrance HDS does not have ICON only choice like the LCX/LMS models. The ICON method in previous Lowrance models saved ICONS differently than waypoints, you could identify the ICON only by symbol so you couldn’t find them in a list like waypoints, you couldn’t navigate to them like you can with a waypoint and they couldn’t be used in map software like Google Earth like waypoints are.
You can save waypoints without names by selecting Icon instead of Icon and name when you press the WPT button once.
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Knowing how to level out the StructureScan transducer is important for side scan sonar. Notice in this image it is brighter on the right side but does not see as far to the right side. The transducer is not level so the right transducer crystal is shooting more straight down than the left side. This is an easy fix by adjusting the right side a little higher. Remember that the boat is not level when you add two 250 lb anglers on one side and you leveled the transducer for just one person. I hope this quick piece helps you to understand how to level out StructureScan.
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Learn how to get the most out of your HDS.
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Read magazine article by Bruce Samson about structure maps. How will it help you catch more fish?
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The DownScan and side scan both have wider cones than the 2D. The difference between the DownScan and side scan is the DownScan is aimed straight down like the 2D sonar and the side scan is aimed to the side so it "sees" out farther. Learn more about side scan range settings in this article.
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If you are using the StructureScan™ the HDS is recording information for playback. If you activate the cursor with the arrow button, you can scroll back in memory of the display that has disappeared (TrackBack). If you used the sonar cursor on LMS/LCX models as demonstrated in this video (link to sonar cursor video), you could stop the screen and move the cursor to a fish and create a waypoint on a fish that is on the display. New for the HDS, you can use the left arrow to view memory that is not on the display.
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HDS Sirius Weather Review
I have the Sirius Weather for my HDS this year. I was pre-fishing for my last tournament and saw a storm to the south.
The storm appeared to be moving west and it looked like it was clearing to my west. I calculated that the storm would miss me.
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I have an easy and quick way to show you how to find new fishing spots. All you need is a boat, buoys, and quality electronics. I search for fish with my sonar until I spot fish, throw the buoy, and then drive around the area to understand the contour, the content of the bottom, and where the fish are. The fish are usually on the best spot! Remember that for future use. I use to do this with an old Eagle flasher.
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Looking for fish near weeds can be difficult because the fish and weeds look similar with sonar. Whether you have DownScan or not, these examples will help you understand your sonar better. My understanding of using sonar to fish near weeds has improved with the DownScan feature on my Lowrance HDS. The cone is narrower with the DownScan and the transducer is a higher frequency so you get improved target separation. I would not be surprised if Lowrance offers DownScan only instead of traditional sonar in the future.
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The following article describes uses of weights to get lures to the depth of your target. The target is usually suspended walleyes so its time to begin trolling for walleye using weights.
Walleye anglers troll these setups directly behind the boat or use planer boards to spread out the lines. (Off Shore boards are preferred by walleye tournament anglers). My friend Mark DeDeker wrote this tip for the site. He says he has more crankbaits and spinners than Cabala’s!
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