Fishing

Top 5 ActiveTarget Tips for Better Sonar Performance

Bass Pro Shops — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:27:08 +0000

Top 5 ActiveTarget Tips for Better Sonar Performance

Bass Pro Shops Mon, 03/23/2026 - 16:27

Media Path

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTnANJHgzbw

Top 5 ActiveTarget Tips for Better Sonar Performance

Forward facing sonar is one of the most powerful tools in fishing, but small setup mistakes can limit what you see. Many anglers deal with cluttered screens, poor clarity, or inconsistent casting accuracy.

In this breakdown, Major League Fishing pro Edwin Evers shares five key ActiveTarget tips that help you clean up your image, read fish more clearly, and make more precise casts.

Why These ActiveTarget Tips Matter

ActiveTarget shows fish in real time, but your settings control how useful that image really is.

Dialing in the right adjustments helps you:

See fish and bait more clearly
Reduce screen clutter and interference
Improve casting accuracy
Make faster, more confident decisions

Even small changes can make a big difference.

1. Keep Your Software Updated

The easiest way to improve performance is running the latest update.

Updates can:

Improve image clarity
Add new color palettes
Enhance surface tracking
Speed up adjustments like range and depth

If your unit is not updated, you are not getting the best performance out of it.

2. Run a Consistent Range

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is constantly changing range.

Edwin Evers runs his ActiveTarget at 100 feet and keeps it there.

Why this matters:

Fish and bait appear consistent in size
You learn casting distance faster
Your brain builds better visual reference

Changing from 60 to 100 feet makes everything look different and harder to judge.

3. Maximize Your Screen with Proper Depth

Your depth setting should use most of your screen.

A good rule:

Keep the bottom at about three quarters of the screen

This helps you:

See more detail in the water column
Track fish more easily
Avoid wasting screen space

Quick depth adjustments are key as you move.

4. Use the Right Color Palette and Contrast

Color and contrast control how well fish stand out.

Evers’ go to palettes:

Palette 6 for clean, clear viewing
Palette 9 to help identify bigger fish

For contrast:

Run higher in clear water
Lower it in dirty or plankton heavy water
Typical range falls between +2 and +8

Too much contrast creates clutter. Too little hides fish.

5. Clean Up Interference and Power

A clean image starts with clean power and fewer signals.

To reduce interference:

Turn off side imaging, 2D sonar, and down scan when not needed

To improve power:

Use direct wiring to the unit
Run heavier gauge wire
Keep voltage strong and consistent

Poor wiring and extra signals will reduce clarity fast.

Bonus Tips for Better Accuracy

These small adjustments help you get even more out of ActiveTarget:

Use a zero degree transducer mount for tighter, more accurate targeting
Add a simple casting pointer aligned with your transducer
Practice casting at visible targets like docks or buoys
Learn exact distances so you can hit fish consistently

When These Tips Work Best

These adjustments are most effective when:

Targeting suspended fish
Fishing offshore structure
Casting to fish you can see on sonar
Fishing in clear to moderately stained water

They are less effective in heavy cover or very dirty water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Constantly changing range
Running multiple sonar systems at once
Ignoring contrast adjustments
Using poor wiring or weak power

Each of these reduces your ability to clearly see fish.

Get the Right Gear for ActiveTarget

Upgrade your sonar setup and fish with more confidence on the water.

Shop trusted electronics, batteries, and accessories at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's.

Find a Store Near You

Talk with experts and see the latest electronics in person.

Use the store locator to find your nearest Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s location.

What range should I use for ActiveTarget?

A consistent range around 80 to 100 feet works best for most situations. It helps you judge distance and fish size more accurately.

How do I make my sonar image clearer?

Turn off unused sonar sources, adjust contrast to match water clarity, and make sure your wiring provides strong, steady voltage.

What color palette is best?

Palette 6 is a strong all around option. Palette 9 helps highlight larger fish with more color separation.

Does voltage really affect sonar performance?

Yes. Weak or inconsistent voltage can reduce clarity and introduce noise. Clean wiring and proper battery setup make a noticeable difference.

Edwin Evers is a Major League Fishing pro with decades of tournament experience. He is known for his expertise with electronics and forward facing sonar and is a member of the Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff.

Type

YouTube

Category

Fishing

Video URL

Spring Drop Shot Tips from Dustin Connell

Bass Pro Shops — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:27:40 +0000

Spring Drop Shot Tips from Dustin Connell

Bass Pro Shops Mon, 03/16/2026 - 08:27

Media Path

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f50QaC6Fg3o

Spring Drop Shot Tips from Dustin Connell

Spring fishing often pushes anglers toward big moving baits. But many of the biggest bass in the lake still respond to a finesse approach.

Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff angler Dustin Connell relies on a drop shot during the spring, especially for pre spawn fish relating to bait. In this guide, you will learn his exact setup, where he looks for fish, and why this technique helped him win two tournaments.

Why This Technique Matters Right Now

During spring, not all bass rush shallow at the same time.

Many pre spawn fish:

Stage in pockets and drains
Follow baitfish into small bays
Pause before committing to the bank

A drop shot keeps your bait in front of these suspended or slow moving fish longer. That extra hang time often triggers bites from larger bass that ignore faster presentations.

Pro Staff Tips from Dustin Connell

According to Dustin Connell, success in the spring comes down to a few key decisions:

Do not overlook finesse when everyone else is throwing big baits
Target pre spawn fish relating to bait in pockets and drains
Use forward facing sonar to locate fish before casting
Commit to the right line setup for strength and stealth

He pairs his drop shot with a soft plastic jerk bait, which gives subtle action while staying in the strike zone.

Connell won two tournaments in one season using this setup alone. Confidence in the system plays a major role.

Step by Step Breakdown

Step 1: Locate Staging Areas

Focus on:

Drains leading into spawning pockets
Small bays holding baitfish
Transition areas just outside shallow flats

Use electronics such as forward facing sonar to identify fish that have not fully moved up.

Step 2: Position on Active Fish

Once you see fish relating to bait, stay off them at a distance.

Make precise casts past the target and work the bait back through the zone. Keeping the bait above or at eye level increases bites.

Step 3: Work the Drop Shot Slowly

Let the weight hit bottom.

Shake the rod tip lightly without moving the weight much. This keeps the soft plastic jerk bait moving in place while staying natural.

If fish are following bait, they often respond to subtle movement rather than aggressive hops.

Recommended Gear for This Approach

Dustin Connell’s spring drop shot setup is specific:

Rod: 7 foot 2 inch medium heavy Favorite Hex spinning rod
Main Line: 15 lb Seaguar Flash Green braid
Leader: 12 lb Seaguar Gold Label fluorocarbon
Bait Style: Soft plastic jerk bait on a drop shot rig

The braided main line improves sensitivity and hooksets. The fluorocarbon leader adds stealth in clear spring water.

Shop drop shot weights, hooks, and soft plastics at Bass Pro Shops:

Browse spinning rods and line at Cabela’s:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fishing only shallow when not all fish have moved up

Some pre spawn bass stage deeper and never see your bait.

Moving the bait too much

Overworking a drop shot pulls it out of the strike zone.

Ignoring baitfish activity

If there is no bait nearby, bass are less likely to stage there.

Using the wrong line combination

Heavy line reduces action and visibility benefits.

When and Where This Works Best

This setup excels:

During the pre spawn phase
In pockets and small bays
Around drains leading to spawning flats
When bass are relating to baitfish

It is especially effective for fish that are transitioning but not fully committed to shallow cover.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Put these proven spring drop shot techniques to work.

Shop online at:

Or find your nearest store: https://stores.basspro.com

Visit a Store Near You

Find your nearest store: Store Locator.

Is a drop shot good in the spring?

Yes. A drop shot is highly effective during the pre spawn when bass stage in pockets and drains. It keeps your bait in the strike zone longer than moving baits.

What line setup is best for spring drop shot fishing?

A braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader works best. Connell uses 15 lb braid to 12 lb fluorocarbon for strength and low visibility.

Where should I look for spring drop shot fish?

Focus on drains, small bays, and transition areas near spawning flats. Look for baitfish presence and use electronics to confirm fish location.

Can a drop shot catch big bass?

Yes. Connell won two tournaments using this setup. Larger bass often stage slightly off the bank and respond well to finesse presentations.

Dustin Connell is a Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff angler and multi time national tournament competitor. He has multiple professional wins and is known for his versatility with both power and finesse techniques. His ability to adapt during seasonal transitions has helped him secure major victories on tour.

Author Bio: This article was prepared by the Bass Pro Shops Content Team in collaboration with Pro Staff insights to deliver seasonally relevant fishing education.

Type

YouTube

Category

Fishing

Video URL

Fall Fishing Tips with Mark Zona: Catch Big Smallmouth Bass Using Big Baits

Media Path

videos/109/Tdl5TjAKTAI.mp4

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Type

Video File

Duration

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Category

Fishing

Locating Structural Elements, One Boat Network

Pros4- 1Source — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 06:10:48 +0000

Locating Structural Elements, One Boat Network

Pros4- 1Source Sat, 02/23/2019 - 00:10

Media Path

videos/189/m38QBAH2H4H.mp4

Pro Angler Joe Balog shows how his Aqua-Vu camera, Humminbird fishfinder, and Minn Kota trolling motor rigged ride helps locate, break down, and better understand fish holding structural elements.

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Video File

Duration

244

Category

Fishing

Drift Paddle Tips With Tommy Skarlis

Pros4- 1Source — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 18:08:26 +0000

Drift Paddle Tips With Tommy Skarlis

Pros4- 1Source Sat, 09/15/2018 - 13:08

Media Path

videos/189/cUcG0n0IQoF.mp4

Attaching a Power Pole Drift Paddle for total boat control can be as easy as a one two three. Pro angler Tommy Skarlis shows us how easy it is to attach the Drift Paddle to the Power Pole.

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New Berkley Shallow Flicker Shads

Pros4- 1Source — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 00:00:49 +0000

New Berkley Shallow Flicker Shads

Pros4- 1Source Tue, 08/28/2018 - 19:00

Media Path

videos/189/ZS3pnIFHNPv.mp4

Professional angler Keith Kavajecz giving us a look at the new for 2018 Shallow Berkley Flicker Shads. These baits come in two different sizes and are perfect for trolling and casting.

Type

Video File

Duration

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Fishing

Fishing

Top 5 ActiveTarget Tips for Better Sonar Performance

Top 5 ActiveTarget Tips for Better Sonar Performance

Why These ActiveTarget Tips Matter

1. Keep Your Software Updated

2. Run a Consistent Range

Why this matters:

3. Maximize Your Screen with Proper Depth

A good rule:

4. Use the Right Color Palette and Contrast

Evers’ go to palettes:

For contrast:

5. Clean Up Interference and Power

To reduce interference:

To improve power:

Bonus Tips for Better Accuracy

When These Tips Work Best

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Get the Right Gear for ActiveTarget

Find a Store Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

What range should I use for ActiveTarget?

How do I make my sonar image clearer?

What color palette is best?

Does voltage really affect sonar performance?

About Edwin Evers

Spring Drop Shot Tips from Dustin Connell

Spring Drop Shot Tips from Dustin Connell

Why This Technique Matters Right Now

Pro Staff Tips from Dustin Connell

Step by Step Breakdown

Step 1: Locate Staging Areas

Step 2: Position on Active Fish

Step 3: Work the Drop Shot Slowly

Recommended Gear for This Approach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fishing only shallow when not all fish have moved up

Moving the bait too much

Ignoring baitfish activity

Using the wrong line combination

When and Where This Works Best

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Visit a Store Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a drop shot good in the spring?

What line setup is best for spring drop shot fishing?

Where should I look for spring drop shot fish?

Can a drop shot catch big bass?

About Dustin Connell

Author Bio

Fall Fishing Tips with Mark Zona: Catch Big Smallmouth Bass Using Big Baits

Fall Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips with Mark Zona: Big Baits, Big Results

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