Fishfinders

[Marc Martyn]

Hewes-
Great information. My fish finder does have the arch mode. I have played with it a couple of times, but never really tried it seriously. I guess that I am lazy and like a kid, I like the little "fishies" coming on the screen. =p~ I will have to do some field trials with the arch mode.
The structure theory I am aware of. On many lakes I have found that when the bottom is covered with weeds, many times the fishing will be more productive. That makes sense, since nymphs and so on need cover and food. Hard rocky bottom areas seem to hold less fish. Muddy bottom areas with cover produce more fish. This is most of the time true with the exception of rock slide areas that are great habitat for crawdads, ie., the rock slide at Amber.
My brother who lived in SD and fished heavily for Walleyes, told me that the arch mode is the only way that he could locate them.
Fish finders are, as you say, only a tool. If one does not pay attention to the surroundings, your chances of a productive day is reduced dramatically.