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Fall 2023
page 52
depth, is running correctly, and if fish are reacting positively or negatively to your offering. Watching a fish strike a split second before you feel the strike adds to the excitement.
CONFIGURATIONS
Dual live sonar units can be accomplished with all brands, though this may require some innovative mounting for the transducers. Lowrance has answered the call of pros by designing features specifically for mounting dual transducers and displaying both images simultaneously or combined, on the same screen. The HDS Pro units allow two Active Target 2 transducers to be merged into a single display screen. Or you can display both transducers separately in two different panes on the same screen. You can run each transducer in any of three configurations (forward view, scout view, or down view). Another key feature Lowrance incorporated is “ping synchronization” which prevents annoying cross-talk interference on your display that masks fish and structure returns. Each power cable for Active Target 2 units has a blue wire, which when connected to a second AT2 unit’s blue wire synchronizes both units to ping without interference.
Your choice of dual transducer configuration will vary depending on the water you fish and your style of fishing. In deep reservoirs when fishing bass the single most important view is “forward mode.” If you fish shallow flats, the scout mode may be more useful. Because I fish both, having dual units allow me to configure one transducer in “Forward Mode” and the second one in “Scout Mode.” The wide coverage of the scout view is useful for spotting weed beds, structure, and cover. Forward view is best for keying in on a narrow and detailed view. If you see bass in forward mode and then lose them, often you can track their movement and direction by looking at your scout panoramic image.
The HDS Pro has two special screens specifically designed for dual transducers to be combined together on a single screen. “Scout Wide” mode allows two AT2 transducers mounted in an optional dual bracket at specific angles that allows seamless coverage greater than 270-degrees. The second screen is called 180-view, which allows you to point one transducer forward and the second one straight back. This screen shows your boat position in the center of the display and allows you to view both forward and backwards at your selected range. Now when people say most of the bass are behind you, you will be able to see them!
MY SETUP
My current setup utilizes one AT2 transducer in Forward view, and the second in Scout view. This allows me the best detail for spotting fish and my lure in the Forward screen, and the Scout view lets me see where the fish moves when it disappears from my Forward view. The Scout view also shows me the structure around me. Even with an HDS Pro-16, this specific configuration is viewed on a single screen with dual images. Most often I have the Scout view on top, and the Forward view across the bottom of the same screen. In some cases, I add a third panel containing my chart so I can follow the map and waypoints. All fit my
screen and the more I use this setup the less I rely upon traditional 2D sonar, DownScan and Sidescan. Of course, those options are also always available when desired.
My bow Dual AT screen can be shared with my console unit as well by ethernet connection. Having dual live sonar at the console is especially important in fishing team tournaments so both anglers can search for bass and structure. I use the live sonar image at my console when utilizing an underwater camera to verify the fish species and learn how to interpret the live images.
Dual live sonar transducers can be mounted in a variety of ways to suit your fishing style. For simplicity while learning, I mount both transducers to the shaft of my Ghost trolling motor. My Scout mode transducer sits above my Forward mode transducer. This provides the best coverage for fishing deep water. When I plan to fish shallow flats, I prefer to mount the Scout transducer directly on top of my Ghost motor housing. Because the Ghost is a brushless motor, you don’t get interference on the signal, and mounting on the motor allows the use of a zero-degree mount (included) for better shallow-water coverage. This is the current mounting trend of many touring pros.
Others prefer to mount their live sonar transducers on a pole mount so they can independently search for bass while on anchor lock. This is an effective way to employ dual live sonar, but does come with complexity in operation and additional weight and stress on your trolling motor, particularly if you run and gun or fish rough water. Some anglers use one transducer on their trolling motor, and another on a pole. Others mount two on the transom looking out opposite sides for live side-scan, and as mentioned others mount them on the transom or pole to point backwards and forward at the same time. The options are many, and years from now I predict we will use multiple live sonar units in many new ways. I fully expect a 360-degree live sonar to eventually emerge. For now, dual live sonar units is the next best thing.
TOOLS NEEDED
To utilize dual live sonars, you do need two complete units (box with power cable, ethernet cable, and transducer). This requires careful consideration for mounting two boxes where you have adequate protection, cooling, space, and ability to run cables. View the embedded video to see where and how I mounted two Active Target 2 units, ran the cables, and mounted both transducers on my Ghost trolling motor. It is important to label each box, transducer, and ethernet cable during installation to help you keep straight which unit you are operating at any time. Like me you will likely find the configuration you use tomorrow will be different from the one you use now, and without labeling your units you will get confused which unit you are working with. Labeling helps with troubleshooting also if a problem occurs.
Conclusion: keep an open mind towards the possibilities. Bass fishing is fascinating, and our learning continues to evolve with technology. Having dual live sonar units doubles your learning and your pleasure. This evolving technology can only become more powerful and useful in ways yet to be determined. •