Navionics/HDS5 First Time out

[Bass Tracker]

must say the definition is just great.







I do wonder this though,







So I paid $200 for a navionics Platinum Chip 2009. Region 7



Maybe I was expecting to much BUT, i thought the Navionics chips were top of the line, .. I wanted to fish a ledge line of about 10-20' quick drop offs...







So i headed for the contour lines on my map, and I was clearly ON the spot on my GPS that "showed" 20' and was only in 10' ..







In other words, what the map "showed" for the "lines' of depth, was not correct.. again, maybe i was expecting to much, I know this wasnt one of the HD maps, but it was a "listed" map. Shouldnt it of atleast been very very close??







Thanks all

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Did you motor around and find out how close it was? There is a margin of error which is why they tell you not to use your GPS for navigation!! Silly but true.



TOXIC

 

[Mini]

What lake? Was it an impoundment with fluctuating water levels?



What was your EPE (Esitmated Position Error)?

 

[Jim B]

My experience is that qwhat Tox sas is true, there is always some position error and te mape arent perfect either. They are just a guideline, they will get you close but you will still need to find what you are looking for with the sonar. Even the HD maps are that way, i use mine all the time on places like Winni to look for humps and underwater points. The map gets me close and i can find it on my own easily. If i didnt have the map on the GPS it could take me hours to find what im looking for......



Im curious to see what you think of the 3d maps?? For me there was about 5 min of gee wiz factor followed buy a why did i spend an extra $100 on this:wacko:

 

[Bass Tracker]

Ok, Im not sure what my EPE was. But I wanted to make sure I wasnt the only one getting the "false reading". It was Lake Attitash in Merrimac, MA. Yes it was close, but again, i just wanted to make sure nothing was wrong.



Jim B,



As far as the "3d" view goes, Ireally didnt get to play with it that much. but i will agree now that is just plain sucks. atleast on the maps i used it for. i was looking at it and it almost looks like somethings way off. But again, I havent used the "3d" part for more than about 2min. I will have lots more time hopefully in the following weeks to play with all the functions..



The main thing on my to do list, is to try to find what "pallete" I like. I seem to like the default #13 but I have to spend more time with it. One thing I do notice now though, Is I really need to get another cheaper unit for the front of my boat that has GPS and can be "linked" to the HDS5. Because once I Mark a spot with the GPS. It is hard to find it again with the trolling motor once i go leave the console. However, I did put it on the "RAM MOUNT" so, when i go by myself this week I will give it a "swirl" and see If I can make it out from the bow.. I think I will be fine..

 

[Bass Tracker]

Jim,



Quick Question, Do you know of any good SmallMouth waters close to my area? Billerica,MA besides the Merrimack River? Just wondering. Thanks



-jason

 

[Jim B]

The only good smallie waters close by that i can think of would be Masabesic in Manchester NH. That lake has some decent fishing in it otherwise id travel north.

 

[Bass Tracker]

Thanks Jim,



Do you mind providing me with some directions to the Boat Ramp? Thanks

 

[Greg Duggan]

Jason,

look at the schedule page at bubbaBass.com.

click on the link for the massy tourny. it will provide with a lake map and directions to the ramp.



As far as smallies close to Billerica?

go north, check out Bow lake in Strafford, Northwood lake in Northwood, Canobie lake in Salem, Massy is ok just watch your speed and do not touch the water! speed limit is 35mph and the water is off limits. the enviro police will write you up if you get caught putting any part of your body on the water.

one of my favorite lakse is Webster lake in Franklin, there are some really nice large and small mouth in that lake.



Like i posted a few days ago, the Platnium chip was not worth the extra cash, you will get used to using the GPS/Navi chip. it is extremely helpfull in locating off shore structure and mid lake humps. if you start fishing some of the deeper bigger lakes in NH you will find that it is a must! It will not provide you much extra info on lakes like attitash, it is a small lake that is relativily shallow. That being said, Attitash is one of my favorite lakes in Ma.



GregD

 

[Eric Aasen]

I have found the contour lines to be less than useful in CA. Our water levels fluctuate so much, that depth can never be trusted by lines on a map. I've had maps that say I should be in 10' of water and it's dry ground!



NoCAL

 

[Bass Tracker]

Wow. So Masabesic is patrolled alot? And what about "touching" the water lol. You mean you cant "lip" a bass to pull into your boat you have to "swing" it in?



and I forgot all about Canobie Lake, They got good smallmouth in there as well huh? Any low parts or big rocks to look out for? Any map online or boat ramp directions?



Just seems closer than driving to manchaester for friday.. Thanks

 

[Greg Duggan]

Jason,

Massy is the resivor for Manchester and they watch it very closely. Fish and game told me that you should net all fish. they cliam that it is easier to clean the oil from the outboards than the waste/germs from people. I have seen them right tickets for touching the water while trying to put the boat in the water.

The fishing however can be very good. Watch you navigation, there are plenty of hazards. They are all well marked.



Canobie is also a resivoir. your not supposed to touch the water, but it is not patroled like massy. the fishing at Canobie is also very good. the ramp is a little tricky. you can not leave you truck and trailer at the baot ramp unless you are a Windham resident. so, you will need to have a buddy with you. drop your boat in the water and have the other guy drive you truck down the street and park at the salem pump house. there is parking for 6/8 trucks in the lot. the pump house is located on N policy rd.

the ramp is at Hayes Hart Rd in Windham.Do a search on google maps for salem NH.



GregD

 

[Bass Tracker]

Thank You Greg. Going Solo on Friday so Canobie is out of the question i guess. which sucks. But o well I will find somewere to go local.