Will Side Vu / Side imaging on a trolling motor mounted transducer work?

[creekchub]

Learning as much as I can about the different technologies out there - but my question is - is it a waste to have a Garmin Finder with Down Vu and Side VU up in the front of the boat -transducer on the trolling motor - thought I heard SIDE VU / SIDE IMAGING only works at a certain speed....a speed that is faster than a trolling motor will go- is this true,,,or can any GARMIN guys confirm this ?

Thanks Creek

[garym]

It's true that EVERYONE's structure scan is going to be clearer at speeds over 3 mph (up to maybe 10, but I stay between 4-6 while graphing at the console) but that doesn't mean it is completely useless on the TM. I run Lowrance and have a HDI ducer (2d&DS). The down scan isn't as clear as it would be but I like it a lot! Some love having the side vu on the TM but I didn't feel it would benefit my style of fishing. It truly comes down to personal preference.

[Fishton]

There are many users that absolutely swear by it.

I however have spent many hours with the concept, and just can't seem to see the benefit over StructureMap.

The videos I have seen of this technique all leave me thinking - "Why didn't you just use StructureMap?"

[Lkmbjb502]

Creek - I run Lowrance on the TM as well (HDS8G2/LSS1) - 99% of the time I have Map and DS on screen - I personally don't like to fish without it...some of my best DownScan (not SideScan) images are from my TM setup (due to the absolute lack of water disturbance/hull-motor obstructions...see the boat speed on the screen shot).


Good Luck.

-Jonathan

[Fishton]

Yep, DownScan on a TM is an absolute must - SideScan ... Mmmmmmm, not convinced.

But I'm entirely open to being schooled on the topic.

[GhostComanche]

Creek - I run Lowrance on the TM as well (HDS8G2/LSS1) - 99% of the time I have Map and DS on screen - I personally don't like to fish without it...some of my best DownScan (not SideScan) images are from my TM setup (due to the absolute lack of water disturbance/hull-motor obstructions...see the boat speed on the screen shot).


Good Luck.

-Jonathan

That is one of the best screenshots that I have ever seen.......................RR

[deepanchor]

Yes, very impressive. It doesn't get any better then this. Great pic!

[ring fry]

I agree with most. I have DownVu on the trolling motor and love it. I really haven't been convinced about having SideVu up there but that Panoptix has got my attention. Will have to see.

SE Kansas grass grower

[deepanchor]

I agree with most. I have DownVu on the trolling motor and love it. I really haven't been convinced about having SideVu up there but that Panoptix has got my attention. Will have to see.

SE Kansas grass grower

Yea, I have my eyes Panoptix development.

[TroyBoy30]

Si is great up front if you can control screen scroll speed. Lowrance cannot

[prostaff1]

I know others here have been using DI and SS (LSS) on the TM for years with great results, right Grout??? I have had it on my TM since they hit the market. It works extremely well...so much so that I would NOT take it off the TM and replace it with anything else...either HDI or Spotlight scan. The TM mounted LSS can in fact produce better, cleaner pics than the transom mount do to no turbulence, jackplate or hull interference to the TM LSS-1...therefore, cleaner pics.
Tommy
Prostaff Lowrance/Navico
Prostaff Specialist/Navionics

[grout-scout]

I was going to post a few pics Prostaff but I give up! If these guys who haven't tried it are such experts then I'll just let them be the experts. You and I will never be without it; but what do we know? We get attacked for asking other "experts" to post the pics of their "best" graphs ever.

[dean c]

I like to use 2d and down scan on the troll. I like to compare the images. Seems like downscan filters out the clutter and when you see something interesting, it's definitely worth investigating further.

I've read fishtons sonar book, and completely agree if your swinging your troll around a lot your going to get erroneous images on side scan, but if your on a straight line you can still get some pretty good images.

[Fishton]

I like to use 2d and down scan on the troll. I like to compare the images. Seems like downscan filters out the clutter and when you see something interesting, it's definitely worth investigating further.

I've read fishtons sonar book, and completely agree if your swinging your troll around a lot your going to get erroneous images on side scan, but if your on a straight line you can still get some pretty good images.

[deepanchor]

I like to use 2d and down scan on the troll. I like to compare the images. Seems like downscan filters out the clutter and when you see something interesting, it's definitely worth investigating further.

I've read fishtons sonar book, and completely agree if your swinging your troll around a lot your going to get erroneous images on side scan, but if your on a straight line you can still get some pretty good images.

If you need your trolling motor not to move freely to get the type of SideVu results I'd suggest adding Troll Perfect to your TM. It will keep your TM firmly straight by tightening the coupler around the shaft area where wider and thinner part of the shaft come together. Just a thought. I don't use SideVu or Imaging on the TM but that could help.

[prostaff1]

+1. That helps stabalize the shaft movement. Not enough to require more effort for movement but it does make it more easily controllable. I had my doubts but it was cheap and I gave it a shot...Seems to help the tendency to spin on you when you have the speed turned up and hit the button...
Tommy
Prostaff Lowrance/Navico
Prostaff Specialist/Navionics

[Tiger Basser]

So, After reading down in this thread, I have to ask about my situation. I own TWO Gen2 HDS-8 units with the LSS-2 transducer option mounted on the stern of the boat, along with an 83/200. BOTH head units are plugged into the module so they both can read the input. MY question is about a trolling motor transducer. Since the data on screen of the front head unit displays what is being read at the BACK of the boat, is there any point to having something other than a 2D transducer on the TM??? I already have and 83/200 ducer up there, but wondered if a second LSS would give me a 3D DISPLAY downscan or sidescan ON THE FRONT UNIT of what is directly under the trollng motor. That would seem to be the consensus of a couple of the replies here. DownScan imaging is something that I would like to see, but it seems kinda pointless when what I am looking at currently is 20 ft BEHIND me when I am fishing.....

Anyway, if you get time to answer, I appreciat it....

[garym]

So, After reading down in this thread, I have to ask about my situation. I own TWO Gen2 HDS-8 units with the LSS-2 transducer option mounted on the stern of the boat, along with an 83/200. BOTH head units are plugged into the module so they both can read the input. MY question is about a trolling motor transducer. Since the data on screen of the front head unit displays what is being read at the BACK of the boat, is there any point to having something other than a 2D transducer on the TM??? I already have and 83/200 ducer up there, but wondered if a second LSS would give me a 3D DISPLAY downscan or sidescan ON THE FRONT UNIT of what is directly under the trollng motor. That would seem to be the consensus of a couple of the replies here. DownScan imaging is something that I would like to see, but it seems kinda pointless when what I am looking at currently is 20 ft BEHIND me when I am fishing.....

Anyway, if you get time to answer, I appreciat it....

I like having down imaging on my TM. I have a HDI ducer on my 9t. Having side scan, I feel will not benefit me for my style of fishing. Grout and Prostaff have it and love it, so it'll be up to you and your style of fishing. However for you to get SS or DS isn't going to be very cheap, as you'll have to purchase another lss-2 ducer and module or sonar hub and HDI ducer.

[grout-scout]

I guess I should have thrown an asterisk into my rant. I don't think the lss2 would be good for a tm and since Lowrance no longer sells the lss1 then I agree with Gary. The HDI is the best current available option. Now if Lowrance ever figures out a way around the patents and makes a smaller LSS ducer then I'll think that will be the best option; but until then


I tried the 20' behind me thing and I just didn't like it.

[skeeternuthead]

I have an LSS2 on T/M and when I fish ledges and point I have found lots of fish off to the side of the boat, just mark a waypoint and go back and fish it, caught lots of bass that way and without side scan I would not have found them. Mine is always on when on the trolling motor.