Some of the questions I receive on a regular basis have to do with the performance of Humminbird’s traditional, down-looking sonar. How well does it spot fish? How sensitive is it? How does it compare with other down-looking sonars on the market?
As we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words. Here’s a picture that, I think, speaks directly to the questions about Humminbird’s down-looking sonar. This is the thermocline in one of my local lakes, set up at about 24 feet over 40-45 feet of water.
As you probably know, the thermocline is that portion of the water column where temperature changes rapidly, with warmer water above and cooler water below. The densities of water above and below the thermocline are distinct (less dense above, more dense below), and it is this difference in water density that is identified by sonar.
Not only will Humminbird’s down-looking sonar spot fish and structure, but it will also pick out differences in the density of water below the transducer…and that’s plenty sensitive, as far as I’m concerned!