04-30-2003, 11:00 AM
[cool]Ain't modern technology wonderful? Us old guys remember when sonar was not an option. I recall some of the skippers on the boats in past times that earned their keep by being able to take a compass heading, look at their watch and run out to a spot in the middle of nowhere and put everyone on fish. Today, with GPS and "foo-foo" sonar systems, it would seem the fish don't have a chance.
But that brings up the old question "Art or Science?". Non fishermen, or those not experienced in using sonar, often voice the opinion that using electronics is unfair and should not be allowed. What they fail to realize is that finding the fish is only part of the equation. Getting them to open their mouths can be difficult, even when you know the fish are there and how deep they are, etc.
I have probably suffered more humiliation BECAUSE of sonar than I would have without it. It's downright embarrassing to see a school of fish under your tube and to fail to get them to hit any of your lures or baits. But that's why they call it fishing and not harvesting.
After having used sonar for about 15 years, and going through several different systems, I would really feel handicapped having to fish without it. And, again, it is not just being able to watch fishy cartoon characters swimming by on the screen, but knowing the depth of the water and the contour and composition of the bottom...as well as the location of underwater structure. In short, sonar is my window into the watery world below be. I would be fishing blind without it.
By the way, JR, I did enjoy and appreciate your review of the FB III. I recommended it to a guy in Utah who specifically asked for my input on them. I always say..."Ask the man who owns one."
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But that brings up the old question "Art or Science?". Non fishermen, or those not experienced in using sonar, often voice the opinion that using electronics is unfair and should not be allowed. What they fail to realize is that finding the fish is only part of the equation. Getting them to open their mouths can be difficult, even when you know the fish are there and how deep they are, etc.
I have probably suffered more humiliation BECAUSE of sonar than I would have without it. It's downright embarrassing to see a school of fish under your tube and to fail to get them to hit any of your lures or baits. But that's why they call it fishing and not harvesting.
After having used sonar for about 15 years, and going through several different systems, I would really feel handicapped having to fish without it. And, again, it is not just being able to watch fishy cartoon characters swimming by on the screen, but knowing the depth of the water and the contour and composition of the bottom...as well as the location of underwater structure. In short, sonar is my window into the watery world below be. I would be fishing blind without it.
By the way, JR, I did enjoy and appreciate your review of the FB III. I recommended it to a guy in Utah who specifically asked for my input on them. I always say..."Ask the man who owns one."
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