Sonar Basics: How to Find Fish

Ever wonder what Fish look like on your fish finder? In this video Tim explains what to look for and breaks down the basics of today's Sonar units. Understanding your sonar unit, the transducer, and "Cone Angle" is very important to painting a complete picture below the surface. 

Today, most sonar unit's default frequency setting is 200kHz (Purple Beam). At this frequency, the bottom area that the sonar cone is covering is approximately 1/3 or 33% of your overall depth. An easy number to remember is at 30 feet deep, your sonar cone is scanning 10 feet wide. Another example - at 15 feet your sonar is scanning a 5 feet cone. In a later video we will explain how to change and adjust these frequencies. 

Here is the gear Tim is using...

Unit- Humminbird Solix 12: http://bit.ly/2pAkXr2
Mapping- Lakemaster Chip: http://bit.ly/2wAZ8ZJ
Glass Cleaner- Peregrine: http://bit.ly/2wJgRP1
Precision GPS Antenna: http://bit.ly/2LUgR38

Budget-Friendly options...
Humminbird Helix 5: http://bit.ly/2fsOu1I
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Matt Buys A New Boat!

Watch LIVE as Matt buys a bass boat. After 2 months of searching Matt found the EXACT Champion 210 bass boat he was looking for but it was half way across the country. This is what its like to make a major purchase across state lines. 

Our good friend Coop drove over from Arkansas and put the boat through the ringer. He inspected it, did the test drive, talked extensively with the seller, before handing over payment on Matt's behalf. Buying across state lines isn't complicated but you have to know the right steps to keep yourself as protected as possible. 

Its a 2008 Champion 210 Elite in phenomenal shape, and completely stock. Below is a list of upgrades Matt intends to make to the boat. We'll do some very extensive videos in the near future showing Matt inspecting the boat for himself, as well as upgrading the components in the boat to make it reliable and travel ready. 

Matt will be upgrading to the following...

Hot Foot Throttle: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Ultrex 112 Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Solix 15 Electronics front and back: http://bit.ly/2pAkXr2
Talon 15' Shallow Water Anchors: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hydrowave Feeding Stimulator: http://bit.ly/2BCrdVx

This is just the beginning of the upgrades. When working with an older hull, you're able to pour more of the budget into dialing in the boat exactly how you'd like it. This is one of the benefits to be weighed while deciding between purchasing a new or used boat. We'll also be making upgrades to the trailer, wiring, charging system, and more so be sure to follow along. 
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Cheap Vs. Expensive - Best Fishing Rods

Before you buy new fishing rods check out this video! What are you really getting for your money? Are all of these different rods worth it or are some a better value? Matt explains his 4 favorite rod lines (from cheap to expensive) and what sets each one apart. 

When choosing the best rod lines to invest your money Matt used the follow criteria... How sensitive are the rods? How consistent is the entire line? Do they make enough models to cover the average angler's needs? Is this the best all-around rod in its class? 

Dobyns Colt Series: http://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

The Colt is a great line of rods in the $80 price range. They cover all of your basic techniques with fairly slow actions that will help you land fish. Quality is excellent for the price and best of all, they seem to be consistent. 

Standout Models...
7' Medium spinning- All around finesse
7' Medium Heavy Crankbait - lipless and deep cranks
7' Heavy- jigs, Texas rigs, small swimbaits

Dobyns Fury Series: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

The Fury line covers everything from finesse to giant swimbaits. Its a true "do everything" line of rods and you can do if for $120 a piece. These are fantastic rods for the price which some great models to choose from. 

StandOut Models...
-7' Medium Spinning - Finesse Fishing
-7' Medium heavy - all around
-7'3" Extra Heavy - Frogging
-8' Heavy- Big Swimbaits and Glidebaits

Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

The Expride is currently our favorite rod line on the market. They're incredibly light and sensitive and perform along side rods that cost nearly twice their price. At $279, these rods are amazing!

Standout Models...
-7' Light + Spinning- Dropshot, Ned Rig, Tubes
-7'2" Medium Heavy- All Around topwater, Texas rigs, reaction
-7'3" Extra Heavy- Frog fishing
-7'11" Extra Heavy- Best Flipping Stick On The Market (at any price)

G Loomis NRX: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

The NRX is the industry standard for sensitivity and ultra light performance. These rods are second to none and offer a variety of amazing models. If you're looking for high-end performance that you can rely on year after year, the NRX is for you!

Stand Out Models...
- 802S JWR: Light Dropshot and Ned Rig
- 852C JWR: Shaky Head, small keitech, worms, finesse
-853C JWR: Light Jigs, Texas Rigs
-894C JWR: Heavy Jigs, Texas Rigs, Jig Head Swimbaits, big spinnerbaits

Matching Reels...
-Casitas 150: http://bit.ly/2geKxsp
-Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
-Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB
-Metanium MGL: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB
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Best Fishing Line: Braid, Mono, or fluorocarbon?

When should you use mono? What about braided line or Fluorocarbon? Matt explains what each line is for, how to use it, and when to avoid it. We also discuss leader materials and how to tie connection knots. 

This video goes in depth about all 3 fishing lines. We ignored copolymer for the sake of time as its really just an "in between" between fluorocarbon and monofilament. All of these different styles of line are important. Each one has a place and will increase your success while fishing. But use the wrong line for the wrong purpose and it will drive you insane! A perfect example that we forgot to cover in the video is that fluorocarbon sinks. Use it for topwater and it will drive you insane! But use it in ultra deep water and it will make it easier to keep bottom contact. 

Below is a break down of the different lines that we use on a regular basis. 

Braided Line...
Power Pro: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b
Power Pro MaxCuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Sufix 832: http://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Monofilament...
Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9
P-Line CXX: http://bit.ly/2alLm0l

Fluorocarbon...
Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
Seaguar AbrazX: http://bit.ly/2aaBBDX
Seguar Red Label: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

Connection Knots...

 Blood Knot- This is my core knot for all connections between braid and mono or braid and fluoro. If connecting to fluorocarbon its CRITICAL that the knot is wet when cinching up or the fluoro will be burned. 

Blood Knot Video: https://youtu.be/XKn9Pgl1sYI

Nail Knot- This is an extremely strong knot but requires an extra tool or straw to tie it effectively on the water. 

My applications...
Finesse in crystal clear water: 10 lb braid (use 15 lb if on a low end reel) to 5-8 lb fluoro
Finesse in clean water: 10 lb braid to 6-10 lb mono
Texas Rigs: 40 lb braid to 12-17 lb mono
Finesse Jigs: 30 lb braid to 10-15 lb mono or 12-15 lb fluoro
Jig Fishing: 50 lb braid to 15-20 lb mono
Crankbait option 1: 12 lb fluorocarbon (Assassin)
Crankbait option 2: 20 lb Braid (Sufix 832) to 12 lb mono
Swimbait: 80 lb braid to 30 lb mono
punching: 65 lb braid (no leader)
Frogging: 50-65 lb braid (No leader)
Jerkbait option 1: 20 lb braid to 10 lb mono leader
Jerkbait option 2: 12 lb fluorocarbon
Shaky Head: 30 lb braid to 10 lb mono
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