Knowing the depth of the water you are fishing is crucial for successfully locating and catching fish. Humminbird fish finders are equipped with sonar technology that allows you to see not only fish, but also the bottom contour and depth. There are a few key things you need in order to get accurate depth readings on a Humminbird fish finder.
Transducer
The most important component is having a transducer that is capable of transmitting and receiving the appropriate sonar frequencies to get an accurate depth reading. Most Humminbird units come with a transducer that has both 200 kHz and 83 kHz frequencies. The 200 kHz sonar gives you a very detailed view of what is directly under the boat, while the 83 kHz sonar gives you a much wider beam and depth capability. Having both frequencies is important for coverage at various depths.
You’ll also want to make sure the transducer is mounted properly on the boat in a location that is submerged in the water at all times. Transom mounting is the most common. It also needs to be pointing straight down. Having the transducer mounted properly ensures you are getting accurate readings.
Sonar Settings
You’ll need to make sure you have the right sonar settings configured on your Humminbird unit. Under the sonar menu, you’ll want to ensure the following:
– Sonar is turned ON for both 83 kHz and 200 kHz (if available)
– Sensitivity is turned up enough to get a good sonar return, but not too much as to create noise. Around 80% is a good starting point.
– Your depth range is set appropriately for the waters you are fishing. Having too narrow of a range means depths beyond that range will not show up.
– Any fish id+ or other sonar interference is turned off. This ensures you are getting a clean sonar return.
Reading the Sonar Display
Once you have both the transducer set up and the sonar settings dialed in, reading the depth on the sonar display is straightforward.
The key things to look for are:
– The bottom contour will show up as thicker bands indicating changes in depth
– The numerical depth readout indicates the direct depth under the transducer.
– Any fish, structure or other objects will appear between the transducer and bottom.
Being able to distinguish the bottom vs other objects takes some practice. Bottom tends to appear as thicker bands spanning the display while objects are usually arches.
Setting Up Depth Alarms
Most Humminbird units also give you the ability to set depth alarms. This can be very useful for safety to avoid running aground. There are two types of depth alarms you can set:
Shallow Water Alarm
This allows you to set a minimum depth that if crossed over triggers the alarm. For example if you set the shallow alarm for 10ft, any readings less than 10ft will trigger the alarm. This is great for tipping you off that you are approaching shallow water and need to be careful.
Deep Water Alarm
The deep water alarm does the opposite, and lets you set a maximum depth which if exceeded will trigger the alarm. This alarm can be helpful if you are fishing in very deep waters and want to ensure you don’t go deeper than what your gear and boat are capable of.
Using Down Imaging and Side Imaging
Higher end Humminbird units also offer advanced sonar technologies like Down Imaging and Side Imaging. These can provide even greater detail on the bottom contour and depth.
Down Imaging Sonar
Down Imaging uses a very thin high frequency sonar beam straight below the boat. It provides a picture-like image of structure and bottom with excellent separation between targets. Having the ultra clear image makes it very easy to distinguish the bottom.
Side Imaging Sonar
Side imaging uses dual beams that scan a wide swath to each side of the boat. This allows you to see even more of what is around you. Side imaging makes it possible to see very gradual slopes and contours that may not be as obvious on standard sonar. The overall image gives a highly detailed look at the bottom.
Conclusion
Getting accurate depth readings is easy with Humminbird fish finders. Make sure you have a capable transducer, dialed in sonar settings, and learn to interpret the sonar display. Additional technologies like down imaging and side imaging provide even greater detail. Use the display, numerical depth readout and alerts like depth alarms to stay informed of the water depth while fishing and navigating to safely avoid running aground. With a properly set up Humminbird, reading depth becomes second nature.
| Sonar Technology | Frequency | Depth Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Sonar | 83 kHz | Over 500 ft |
| Standard Sonar | 200 kHz | Around 200 ft |
| Down Imaging | 455 kHz or 800 kHz | Around 150 ft |
| Side Imaging | 455 kHz or 800 kHz | Over 150 ft |
Tips for Better Depth Readings
Set Sensitivity Higher in Deep Water
The sonar signal attenuates and weakens as it travels deeper. Increasing the sensitivity helps the return signal stand out better, giving you a better depth reading.
Use Wide Beam Angles in Deep Water
Wide beam angles like 83 kHz propagate deeper than narrow beams like 200 kHz. Switch to the wider beam or a combination of both for maximum depth.
Calibrate Depth Regularly
Depth readings can drift over time due to temperature, speed and transducer location. Occasionally manually calibrating it or having the transducer auto-calibrate ensures maximum accuracy.
Look for Hard Returns
In muddy or silty waters the bottom can blend together. Look for the hardest return which usually indicates the true bottom.
Upgrade Transducer
Some transducers transmit and receive better than others. A transducer upgrade might be needed if you are not getting reliable readings in deep water.
Troubleshooting Depth Issues
If you are having issues getting reliable depth readings on your Humminbird, some things to check:
Sonar Interference
Make sure you don’t have other sonar frequencies like fish ID+ activated that could cause interference.
Transducer Installation
Inspect transducer location and angle – remount if necessary to point straight down. Clean debris off transducer.
Damaged Transducer
Check for cracks or damage to transducer. Replace if damaged.
Bad Connection
Check transducer wiring connections for corrosion or damage. Replace cables if needed.
Sensitivity Too Low
Depth readings may drop out if sensitivity is set too low. Try increasing sensitivity settings.
Bottom Too Thick
Thick bottom returns can obscure the true bottom depth. Adjust sensitivity and try different frequencies if possible.
Unit Software Update
Bug fixes and improvements could help – update fish finder software to latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I not getting any depth readings at all?
Most likely causes are the transducer not making good contact with the water, faulty wiring connections, interference from other sonar frequencies, or having the sonar turned off in the settings.
How accurate are the depth readings?
Most quality transducers today provide depth accuracy in the +/- 1 foot range under good conditions. Various factors can impact accuracy.
Can I get deeper readings by upgrading my transducer?
Yes, higher powered and more sensitive transducers can increase the depth capabilities of your fish finder in many cases.
What speed should I be moving to get the best depth readings?
2-4 mph is ideal. At higher speeds the sonar signal can become scattered and less clear. At very slow speeds you may not get as wide of coverage.
How often should I calibrate the depth?
It’s a good idea to calibrate every few trips or at the start of each season as a precaution. Some transducers auto calibrate.
What is the best depth for fishing?
It depends on the type of fish you are targeting and season. 15-30 feet is a good starting point to find active fish. Adjust based on the fish finder info.
Is deeper always better?
Not always. Fish will move depths depending on factors like time of day, seasons, forage location and temperature zones. Try different depths to find where fish are.
Advanced Sonar Tips and Tricks
Here are some pro tips for maximizing your Humminbird sonar and getting even better depth readings:
Use Long Pulse Lengths
Long pulse lengths help the sonar signal propagate deeper by transmitting more energy. Use the longest pulse length conditions allow.
Customize Display
Remove clutter and arrange panels to focus on key info like the digitsl depth readout and bottom returns to make it easier to interpret depth changes.
Learn to Read the Grayline
The grayline indicates the effective sonar range in current conditions. Pay attention to depth where it first appears.
Note Steep Dropoffs
Use the depth display to find and mark sharp contours and dropoffs which often hold fish.
Watch the Second Return
In very deep and clear water you may get second returns near double the true depth to watch out for.
Use Depth Highlighting
Humminbird’s depth highlight feature can really help the bottom stand out, especially in problem areas.
Conclusion
Getting accurate and reliable depth readings is critical for your success and safety on the water. Mastering your Humminbird fish finder’s sonar capabilities takes your fishing to the next level. Correctly install the transducer, optimize the settings, learn to interpret the returns, and take advantage of advanced features. Being able to read the depth opens up new opportunities to find fish and structure at a glance. With some practice, you’ll be navigating and fishing with confidence over your favorite spots, putting you over top of the fish.
