Lead Core Line Depth Calculator App

Hi All
I found myself viewing this and several other forums in the past looking for leadcore info, because I troll for bass and trout with lead core.
That was a long time ago, and I got some good information. Now I want to share something that might be useful.
I’ve trolled for many years on the same lake with lead core line, and have always wanted to get more accuracy on actual depth.
So I decided to do something about it. I created a simple App based on actual depth readings so that it could assist me.
The App is on my phone so it’s always there when I need it, and it’s been serving me well.
I just placed that App on Google Play for .99 cents, partly for the fun of it, and to maybe recoup some of the tests cost.
I believe it’s pretty accurate and figured might be useful to some guys who troll. My phone is Android based, but I think it’s compatible with most devices.
Anyway if you’re curious or might find such an App useful search Google Play for fishing lead Core line. I had a good year and believe this App improved my catch.
If anyone uses it and feel it was helpful that would be cool.
It doesn’t take any water current into consideration.
I plan on doing more actual depth checks next year for verifying accuracy, but currently I believe it’s pretty accurate.
If you do use it be kind, I know it’s not fancy, but it is useful and very easy to use.

Is it available for Apple?

How did you determine your depth readings? And does it factor in all different types of cranks? If so, I’d be interested.

Awesome. I have been darn tempted to start doing speed tests and dive curves for lead, but walleye fishing kind of fell off the map for the time being.

Kudos.

If I run 12 lb Suffix Advanced Lead Core 820. Your app is set for 18 or 37 lb lead core. How would your app help me?
Thanks,
Al

That an excellent question. I’ve found that using 18 or 37 lb test the difference in amount of sink is extremely slight. I was very surprised and search for the answer as to why. I found articles stating basically it is due to the lead content being almost identical and only the nylon being different. Whereas 37 lb test nylon is larger and heavier the floating surface is greater and it balances out/etc. Originally I created the App with 4 different lead core lb tests and 6 different Lure weights. However I was even more surprise to fine a 1/2 oz lure sank almost the same as a 3oz umbrella rig less than 2 feet difference to the point I grouped the lures weights.
When I use diving lures I only use the ones that are rated 3 or five feet dive and add the amount on, but I haven’t tested with one on yet.
What did make a very big difference was both speed and colors out.
Now as of date I’ve only tested down to 38 feet and had to apply the calculation for beyond that range. I will tell you that the effect of speed/ color aren’t linear and some claim lead core at 2.5 mph will flat line at about 37′. I plan on testing in 90 feet of water next year to confirm and get more data. I was testing this year in 45 feet of water and did not want to lose the electronics on the bottom
I’m also looking to add an auto GPS speed input as a feature which will be a free upgrade. However I questioning the accuracy of the speed values on phones. On the other hand you will be able to turn the feature on and off and it will be a free upgrade.
So search lead core sink rates and your find lots of feedback but it’s talk that’s why I created the App. I wanted more.
As to the 12 lb test I can’t swear it will be the same however I did do a lot of testing with 18 lb and some with 37 lbs. For me it’s been a real nice tool an I’ve caught more and bigger bass this year than I have in a long time. So I hoping it made the difference. I found I haven’t been letting out the same amount of colors and really adjusting for my speed. Finally if your happy with the results your getting now then stick with what you’ve been doing.
You should consider the App as something that has possibilities nothing more at this point until more people try it.

In Answer to your question on how did I determine the depth readings. I used a device call Fish Hawk. This is the first year it came out with a max depth reading. The device rides down the lead core and when you feel it hit you rig you must reel in quickly to prevent any additional sinking. You have to do this enough times to be satisfy with you reading. There’s no such thing as to many times. You then place all the colors out with various speeds, and depth on a spread sheet and mathematically come up with rules you can apply. You do this until 95 percent of all data is usable, and all data outputted agrees within at least 92 percent of the test data and most of which must agree by 98% or better. The first four weeks out on the water this is what I did. I own an I-Pilot so the speed was around my neck within tenths. Still it’s not easy and I will continue to tweak it if needed. So is it 100% accurate – No – is it more accurate and better what I was using before DIFINATELY. Will it be as useful for someone else – I hope so.
As a side note I searched two years hoping someone would developed an App for this. If they had for sure I’d never would have.

Is it available for Apple in – Answer to that question Google play will display before you purchase if it is compatible with your device. I think it is with new Apple devices, but not owning an Apple i can’t say. My granddaughter just got a new iPhone and will be over this weekend I’ll have her check.

Is it available for Apple in – Answer to that question Google play will display before you purchase if it is compatible with your device. I think it is with new Apple devices, but not owning an Apple i can’t say. My granddaughter just got a new iPhone and will be over this weekend I’ll have her check.

Sorry guys I didn’t realize forum offer separate responses

Most Test done with Phoebe lures and 5 plastic bait umbrella rig.

“You should consider the App as something that has possibilities nothing more at this point until more people try it.”
That was my line of thinking, so I bought your ap this afternoon. I’m looking forward to updates on the ap in the future.
There is another ap out there, that I’ve had for over a year. The ap is “AcuLead+Copper”.
Al

“You should consider the App as something that has possibilities nothing more at this point until more people try it.”
That was my line of thinking, so I bought your app this afternoon. I’m looking forward to updates on the app in the future.
There is another app out there, that I’ve had for over a year. The app is “AcuLead+Copper”.
Al

Thanks Al
I appreciate your giving it a try.
Honestly my biggest reward will be hearing that it served you well and that you find yourself using it often. I will be doing additional tests at the start of next season to insure the Apps accuracy and tweek if needed. I plan on adding a new feature as well. I,ve used it on a regular basis and have actually become a bit dependent on it. I totally agree with you that its worth can only be determined by it,s users.
Hoping it helps improve your fishing catch and enjoyment.
Mark

Your welcome, Mark. I do think your app had more upside than the other one I have. That one hasn’t been tweaked or updated since it came out.
Al

How would I locate this App and try it on my iPhone? Thanks.

Haven’t been able to test on new Apple 6 phone yet. Here a direct link

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=fishing%20lead%20core&c=apps

, but it is Android based so it’s not likely it will be compatible. In any case it will show you if your device is compatible before purchasing. If you check it out report back please if it was or wasn’t compatible.
Thks

Hi
FYI
My granddaughter game over Sunday has a new Apple 6S went to the App, and App posted she had no device that would run it. So in short App will not run on Apple base devices.

Mark

Mark,
Thanks for checking on this.
WC99

Al Case wrote:

“You should consider the App as something that has possibilities nothing more at this point until more people try it.”
That was my line of thinking, so I bought your app this afternoon. I’m looking forward to updates on the app in the future.
There is another app out there, that I’ve had for over a year. The app is “AcuLead+Copper”.
Al

Hi AL
FYI
Just added to The Lead Core Depth Cal App – Auto GPs speed usable with line depth display. Speed Averaging included to smooth change in line depth with changes in speed. Average auto restart timer for maintained accuracy.
Latitude, Longitude, and GPS speed displayed.
Fine tuned, extreme upper and lower speed limits using extended algorithm for base accuracy results – but still need to do more verification on extreme slow and fast trolling.
Corrected 37lb test to 36lb & displayed used LC brand.
Slight adjusted to line test, and lure weight effects.
Will be doing at least 75 to 100 more depth tests and checking for flat line effect this coming spring.
If your device did not auto update you should be able to do so with this link.
Keeping in mind I created the App for my personal use it’s likely it will improve as time goes on.

Sorry link may not have taken

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=fishing%20lead%20core&c=apps

Thanks for the update, Mark. My boat is put away for the year. But, I’m looking forward to using the app next spring. Thanks for working on and improving the app!
Al

Thanks for the update, Mark. The update was already there when I opened it after seeing your post. My boat is put away for the year. But, I’m looking forward to using the app next spring. Thanks for working on and improving the app!

Al

Great that’s what should happen. Like you I’m still patiently waiting for spring again. When it does arrive I plan on doing another 70 to 100 checks at extreme slow and fast speeds and will be looking to see if there is a flat line effect.After which I’ll make any adjustments if needed. Because I actually use it my goal is to make it as accurate as possible and improve it in general. If it works out for you be sure to give it a good rating and enjoy. The reward is knowing it was useful. Let’s hope it’s a short winter.

Mark

I’m looking forward to trying it in the spring, Mark. Have a good one.
Al

Hey Al
Just wanted to get back to you and let you know I gave some thought to the questions you posed concerning the Lead core Depth Cal App. You asked (If I run 12 lb Suffix Advanced Lead Core 820. Your app is set for 18 or 37 lb lead core. How would your app help me).
As you likely know I’ve been adding New features to the App which should have Auto updated on you device. In any case I gave a lot of thought to your question, and basically knew it would be too costly and time consuming to test every brand and test weight, so I added a feature called Brand Compensator.
The App description describes how it works, but not in the detail the next update will include.
Here how it works.
If you determined your Lead Core Brand has a different sink rate per color. You can compensate by selecting the difference in feet per color from minus 1.5 feet to plus 3.25 feet. Here’s what to do. If you know the actual depth at any given Colors Out / Speed just enter the speed, and your Number of Colors Out into the App, and get the App’s Current Depth. Take the difference in depth of the two, and divide by the numbers of Colors out to get the average per color. You now have the difference of depth per color. If your line went deeper you Select the closest plus number of your average in feet. If less than the minus amount closest.
I use Sufix Performance (It’s a lot cheaper), but if your using the Sufix Advance it’s going to have 1.5 to 2 feet more sink per color so you would compensate plus 1.5 or 2.0 or maybe more. The speed and lure weight affect should be similar or an extremely small difference..
Technique of bottom bouncing/hooking likely can establish a close number to work with.
The Compensator could be used for very heavy non diving lures as well.
Thanks for the question, it’s a fun project still to be improved and fine tuned.
Have A Great Day.

Yesterday, I stumbled upon your lead line app and immediately bought it. I’ve not seen anything like it and it should be very helpful in trying to determine the depth of my lures. I use 12 lb. Suffix 832 Advanced Lead Core with a 10 foot mono or braided leader tied directly to the lead core line (no swivel, etc.). On the app, there are 3 settings that I’m unsure of how to use and I’m hoping you’ll help me understand them so I can get the best use from the app:

GPS Speech interval;
Set Minus/Plus Feet per Color; and
Select Default On or Off

What a great app!!! Thanks, Mark.

Hi Terry
Thanks for your interest
Please email me at [email protected] and I will respond to your questions – I’ve been asked by forums not to discuss App.
Thanks

Mark

I bought the app to check it out.

Unless I’m using it wrong, I’d say it’s not accurate at all…..

I have a FISHHAWK TD and have checked various depths in the past myself.

Your app says 7 colors of 18 lb lead will hit 49.1′ at 2.2mph. There’s not a chance in hell it will get down that far.

It’s not even in the same ballpark of what I’ve tested myself.

In the real world 7 colors will be around 35′ down at 2.2

Where you’re magically coming up with another 14′ of depth is beyond me??

Uninstalled…..