The fishing world has witnessed a technological revolution, and Lowrance Active Target has emerged as a game-changer for anglers eager to elevate their experience. As a cutting-edge live sonar technology, Lowrance Active Target provides real-time, high-resolution views of underwater structures and fish movements, enabling anglers to make informed and strategic decisions on the water. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of how to use Lowrance Active Target effectively.
From installation and calibration to interpreting the live sonar imagery and optimizing settings, mastering this technology opens up new dimensions in the pursuit of fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to enhance your fish-finding capabilities or a novice eager to harness the power of modern sonar, this guide will unravel the intricacies of utilizing Lowrance Active Target for a more productive and immersive fishing experience.
Importance of Using Active Target for Fishing
Fishing is an activity that has been around for centuries and continues to be a popular pastime for many people. With the advancements in technology, fishing has become more efficient and enjoyable. One of these technological developments is the Lowrance Active Target.
Lowrance Active Target is a tool designed specifically for anglers who want to take their fishing experience to the next level. It provides real-time sonar imaging of fish and structure in the water, allowing anglers to see more clearly and accurately. With this advanced technology, it is easier to locate and catch fish, making it a valuable tool for any fishing trip.
Proper Placement for Optimal Performance
Once you have your Lowrance Active Target set up and ready to use, it’s important to make sure it is placed correctly for optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to properly place your Active Target.
Mounting Your Transducer
The first step in proper placement of your Lowrance Active Target is mounting the transducer in the right location. This will ensure that the sonar beam is pointed in the right direction and can accurately detect fish and underwater structures.
When mounting the transducer, make sure it is positioned just below the waterline and parallel to the ground. This will allow for maximum coverage of the water column and eliminate any interference from air bubbles or turbulence.
Adjusting Angle and Rotation
Once your transducer is mounted, it’s important to adjust the angle and rotation for optimal performance. The best angle will vary depending on your boat’s hull design and the water conditions you are fishing in.
As a general rule, a 10-degree angle is a good starting point for most boats. From there, you can make small adjustments until you find the best angle for your specific setup. It’s also important to rotate the transducer slightly up or down to fine-tune the beam angle and coverage.
Avoiding Interference
One common issue with fishfinders is interference from other electronic devices on your boat. This can cause false readings and make it difficult to accurately detect fish and structures.
To avoid interference, it’s best to keep your Lowrance Active Target away from other electronics, especially those that emit a strong magnetic field. If possible, mount your transducer on the opposite side of your boat from these devices.
10 Methods How to Use Lowrance Active Target
1. Understand the Basics
Before diving into using Lowrance Active Target, it’s important to have a good understanding of the basics. This includes knowing how to mount and connect the transducer, as well as navigating through the menus and settings on your Lowrance unit.
2. Adjusting Settings for Optimal Performance
To get the most out of your Active Target, it’s important to adjust the settings based on your fishing conditions. This includes adjusting sensitivity, depth range, and frequency to better target fish in different water depths and clarity. In this section, we’ll go over how to adjust these settings to optimize your Active Target performance.
3. Utilize Live Mode
Live Mode is one of the most powerful features of Active Target. It allows you to see real-time images of fish and structure below your boat while you are moving. Make sure to take advantage of this feature by adjusting your boat speed accordingly. The ideal speed for Live Mode is between 2-3 miles per hour. If you are going too fast, the images may become distorted and difficult to interpret.
4. Use DownScan Imaging
Active Target also has DownScan Imaging capabilities, which provide a more detailed view of what is beneath your boat. This can be especially useful for identifying bottom structure and vegetation that may be hiding fish. To use DownScan Imaging, simply press the “down” key on your keypad. This will switch your view from SideScan to DownScan.
5. Combine with Traditional Sonar
For even more precise targeting, try combining Active Target with traditional sonar readings on your Lowrance unit. This will give you a complete picture of what is happening below your boat, making it easier to locate and catch fish. By using both Active Target and traditional sonar simultaneously, you can get a more accurate understanding of the size, shape, and movement of a particular school of fish.
6. Try Out Forward Scan
Forward Scan is another unique feature of Active Target that allows you to see what is ahead of your boat in real-time. This can be particularly useful when navigating through shallow or unfamiliar waters.
7. Adjust Color Palettes
Lowrance units offer various color palettes for displaying sonar readings on screen. Experiment with different options to find one that works best for you based on lighting conditions and personal preference. To adjust the color palettes, press the “Menu” button and navigate to the “Display” tab. From there, select “Color Palettes” and choose a specific palette from the list. Use the directional pad to preview how each palette looks on your screen before making a final selection.
8. Create Custom Views
With Active Target, you can create custom views that display multiple screens at once, such as traditional sonar, DownScan Imaging, and Forward Scan. This allows you to have a comprehensive view of what is happening below and around your boat.
9. Use GPS Mapping
Many Lowrance units come equipped with GPS mapping capabilities, which can be extremely helpful when using Active Target. You can mark waypoints and create routes to easily navigate to productive fishing spots.
10. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any new technology, it takes practice to become proficient at using Lowrance Active Target. Take the time to experiment with different settings and features in various fishing conditions to become more comfortable and successful with this powerful tool.
Things to Consider When Using Lowrance Active Target
Lowrance Active Target is a revolutionary technology that greatly enhances your fishing experience. It provides high-quality real-time sonar images of fish and structure, making it easier for anglers to locate and catch their target. However, for first-time users, using this technology can be quite overwhelming.
Familiarize Yourself with the Interface
Before heading out on the water, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the user interface of Lowrance Active Target. This will help you navigate through various menus and options quickly and efficiently. Spend some time going through the device’s manual or watching tutorials online to understand the basic functions and settings. This will save you time and frustration on the water, allowing you to focus on catching fish.
Choose the Right Mounting Location
To get the most out of your Lowrance Active Target, it is important to mount it in a spot that provides an unobstructed view of the water. Ideally, it should be mounted facing straight down, so you can get a clear view of the structure and fish below your boat. You can also mount it on a trolling motor or the transom for a different perspective. Experiment with different mounting locations to find what works best for you.
Adjust Settings According to Water Conditions
Water conditions play a significant role in the performance of Lowrance Active Target. Factors such as water clarity, depth, and speed can affect the sonar’s signal strength and quality. It is important to adjust your settings accordingly for optimal results. For example, if you are fishing in shallow water, lowering the ping rate will help reduce clutter on the screen. If you are fishing in murky water, increasing sensitivity levels will help detect fish hiding in cover.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have covered everything you need to know about using Lowrance Active Target. We have discussed the features and benefits of this innovative technology, as well as provided step-by-step instructions on how to properly set it up and use it in different fishing scenarios. From its high-resolution imagery to its real-time tracking capabilities, it’s clear that Lowrance Active Target is a game changer for any angler looking to improve their fishing experience.
We hope that this blog post has been informative and helpful in giving you a better understanding of how to use Lowrance Active Target. Now it’s your turn to put what you’ve learned into practice! Don’t hesitate to try out the different settings and techniques we’ve shared, and see for yourself just how much of a difference it can make in your fishing trips.