Question about reading depth finder screen....

[68748Joe]

Hi! I’ve ordered a Garmin Striker 4 to act as an upgrade from my old Strata 128 that I’ve had for years.

I have just a simple 12’ jon boat so I do not need anything real fancy like on the bigger boats.

I haven’t used anything else, so my question is about reading what the display is telling me.

I found this picture online from the manual. In this photo, are the larger arches nearer to the bottom the game fish, and the lighter, smaller looking arches above them the bait fish? I’m assuming this is what I’m looking for, then drop my jig down to around the same depth as the bait fish?

Also then, how do you tell the size of the fish that’s showing up?

Thanks for the help!
Joe




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[Crestliner08]

The size of the arches is dependent upon where in the sonar cone the fish is located, not how deep they are. If your boat is not moving and you see a half arch near the bottom (pic #1), that would indicate to me that the fish is on the edge of the cone angle. Full arches indicate fish, period. They do not define species. Dots & dashes and/or "globs" usually indicate bait. The fish between 10 & 20 feet on the left might just be crappie. The arches around 8' on the right picture are definitely fish. But again, no telling the species. And the clouded marks above those fish appear to be bait to me. JMO!

[Jman5626]

I believe you are correct in what is bait and what is fish. I have the same model that I used back by my console up until this year when I upgraded and moved it to the front. I have always had “fish ID” turned on which basically gives little fish icons on the screen in 3 different sizes. It will also put a number beside them to let you know how deep they are. And I also have the chirp function on so that it makes a sound when it finds fish. This lets me know a bunch of chirps close together is either a school of fish or bait. I can tell which by the size of the icons. I mainly use it for trolling when I’m not keeping a constant eye on my fish finder and just want to hear when I’m going over fish.


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[Jman5626]

here is a picture of how I have mine set up



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[68748Joe]

Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I understand it cannot tell me the species. That’d be wonderful if it could, lol. I wonder if it’s better to use the fish icon or arches......I mostly want it for depth readings and cover I guess.

i didn’t know that about the arches. The new finder came in today, so I’ll get it installed and see how it goes. Probably be a couple days before I can get in the lake. Supposed to be pretty windy. My little boat and trolling motor doesn’t care for the wind.

Much appreciated!

[Crestliner08]

Most of the leading sonar manufacturers recommend not using the fish ID feature, citing that what you think might be a fish, in reality is debris. Both Hummingbird and Lowrance support this theory (no really way to know for sure unless you use a camera), as well as most professional fishermen. This is what I've been told and adhere to myself. If the little fishys work for you, great! It's all about confidence.

[keith prather]

Turn the fish ID off. It is not helpful. You want to see the true soar picture. The more you use it the more you will learn. I know that is a simple answer but as you see images and catch or don't catch fish you will learn.