Better to mount the transducer on the back or the trolling motor on the bow?

[ngt]

I was told a long time ago, that when I get an image of fish on my fish finder with the transducer on the back of the the fish that I'm seeing about a few feet behind the boat . So, If I put the transducer on the trolling motor, when I image will of what's right under the boat, right? Sorry if it's a stupid question, but I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to order the trolling motor mount. My worry was, if the trolling motor was turned to the side or turned around, because that's the direction I was going, wouldn't the side images not be of what's on the right sides of my boat? thoughts?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Better to mount the transducer on the back or the trolling motor on the bow?

It depends on what you are fishing for, how deep you are fishing, the model of FF you have, length of your boat, plus a few other things, so you may need to supply a little more info for an answer. Do you have side scan on your current FF.

 

[ngt]

Re: Better to mount the transducer on the back or the trolling motor on the bow?

It depends on what you are fishing for, how deep you are fishing, the model of FF you have, length of your boat, plus a few other things, so you may need to supply a little more info for an answer. Do you have side scan on your current FF.

my current fish finder is a cheap model. my boat is 12ft. I'll be mostly fishing between 10-35 feet, but once in a while I'll be out on a Lake that gets to about 200 and trolling. But for the most part I'll be on smaller lakes and rivers. I'll be fishing for large mouth, trout, striper, sturgeon, etc.. Getting a Humminbird 898c HD SI Combo and a 55 Riptide ST with iPilot Link.

thanks!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Better to mount the transducer on the back or the trolling motor on the bow?

I have a Terrova with iPilot. The transducers for side scan that I've seen are larger than a typical one and you probably wouldn't want to mount it to the trolling motor, the normal sonar transducer can be though. I have not seen a HB side scan transducer to know. Since Minn Kota and HB are working together on these systems they may have a mount for a TM though.

 

[ngt]

Re: Better to mount the transducer on the back or the trolling motor on the bow?

so will the images be altered as far as position since the transducer might be turned in the wrong direction if on the trolling motor?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Better to mount the transducer on the back or the trolling motor on the bow?

Yes, it has no way of knowing where the boat is pointed, only the object it's mounted on, so if you point the motor a different direction the side scan will still be at 90* to the motor, whatever direction that is.

The other part about the transducer seeing behind the boat...no it points straight down, unless you point it slightly to the rear it will see what is directly under the stern. If you mount it on the bow it will still be pointed straight down and see what is directly under the bow. Depending on the depth and type of fish you're after this may make no difference, or be rather important.

Now as the fish arches move across the screen...yes this is old info if you are moving and could be behind the boat, the only part that is new is what’s on the right hand side of the screen just being recorded.

If you are trying to drop baits right on the fish in shallow water, then where it's mounted could make a difference, but if the water is deep you won’t know exactly where in the cone those fish are, so the 12’ may not matter. If you are trolling it really doesn’t make a difference, you can mount it anywhere with the same results.

 

[ngt]

Re: Better to mount the transducer on the back or the trolling motor on the bow?

thank you for the info. i would like to be able to drop lures or flies very close to where i see fish. guess I'll just keep it on the stern since i can't put it on the bow and keep it .steady