Depth Finders

[jp]

I need some help on utilizing depth finders. I utilize a 125 lowrance with a 20 degree cone. What does the picture on the depth finder represent? 10 ft in front of me?? Any help is appreciated...

[DaveR]

with a 20 degree cone you will see anything that is within the 20 degree cone, if an object is within the transducer's cone of view it will show on screen and you have no way of knowing if its in front of you, or beside you. The distance around you that the transducer is picking up is directly proportional to the depth of water you are in, the deeper the water the bigger area a 20 degree cone will cover. (20 degrees is really pretty tight in water less than 30 feet deep.) Go to Lowrance.com and try to find the tutorial info, read it a few times and you'll learn alot. You can also download the manual for an X 125 and take the time to read it and understand it better to get the most out of it. You should be able to lower a 1/2 ounce lead lure down 10-15 feet and see it (as a line on your screen) Don't hit trolling motor, because you might get the line wrapped up.

[saltcraw]

I was always told that you were seeing approx. 1/3 of the total depth of water you are in. 30 ft. of depth = 10 foot circle of the bottom.