How to Find Fish with Electronics

How to Find Fish with Electronics

Finding fish consistently starts with understanding what is happening below the surface. Modern electronics like Garmin sonar and LiveScope make that possible, but only if you know how to use them correctly.

In this guide, you will learn how to locate structure, identify fish, and position your boat for better casts. These steps follow the same system used by pro angler Cody Huff to break down water quickly and efficiently.

Why This Technique Matters Right Now

Fish relate to structure year round. The challenge is finding subtle changes that hold them.

Key factors electronics help you identify:

• Depth changes like drops and ditches
• Bottom composition such as hard spots or soft areas
• Fish positioning on edges or suspended
• Hidden cover like rocks or brush

Using multiple sonar views together gives a complete picture instead of guessing.

Pro Staff Tips from Cody Huff

According to Cody Huff, success comes from combining tools and keeping things simple:

• Use multiple sonar views at once
  Side scan, down scan, and 2D sonar each show something different.
• Focus on irregularities
  Small changes like ditches or hard spots often hold fish.
• Mark everything with waypoints
  This lets you return and fish precisely.
• Let LiveScope confirm targets
  Use it to see fish position and movement in real time.
• Keep settings simple
  Factory settings are already effective. Adjust only gain and contrast when needed.

These steps reduce wasted time and help you fish high percentage areas.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Scan with Side Imaging and Mapping

Idle over areas using side scan and mapping.

Look for:

• Ditches running through flats
• Drops or depth changes
• Hard spots and rock
• Fish shadows or bright returns

These are high percentage areas.

Step 2: Identify Fish and Structure

Use down scan and 2D sonar to confirm what you see.

Fish often appear:

• On edges of structure
• Suspended just above bottom
• Grouped near cover

This helps separate fish from debris.

Step 3: Drop Waypoints

Mark every key area you find.

This allows you to:

• Return with precision
• Line up better casting angles
• Stay off the fish and avoid spooking them

Accuracy starts here.

Step 4: Move to the Bow with LiveScope

Once marked, move to the trolling motor.

Use LiveScope to:

• Confirm structure location
• Track fish movement
• Adjust your distance

Keep your boat far enough away for a natural presentation.

Step 5: Position with the Wind

Boat control matters.

Best practice:

• Keep the wind in your face
• Approach targets slowly
• Maintain casting distance

This prevents drifting over fish and improves presentation.

Step 6: Make the Cast

With everything lined up:

• Cast directly to the waypoint
• Watch your bait on LiveScope
• Adjust based on fish reaction

This is where electronics turn into bites.

Recommended Gear for This Approach

To get the most out of this system, use:

• Electronics: Garmin ECHOMAP with LiveScope
• Transducer: LiveScope LVS34 system
• Rod: Medium heavy for control and hooksets
• Reel: 7:1 gear ratio for versatility
• Line: Fluorocarbon for sensitivity or braid in heavy cover

Shop fish finders and sonar at Bass Pro Shops
Browse Garmin electronics at Cabela’s

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over adjusting settings
  Constant tweaking creates confusion. Keep it simple.
• Ignoring subtle structure
  Small changes often hold the most fish.
• Getting too close to fish
  This spooks them before your cast.
• Not using waypoints
  Without them, accuracy drops.
• Scanning too fast
  You miss details when idling too quickly.

When and Where This Works Best

This approach is effective in many conditions.

Best situations:

• Flats with subtle changes
• Offshore structure fishing
• Post spawn and summer patterns
• Clear to moderately stained water

Ideal targets:

• Ditches
• Ledges
• Hard spots
• Rock piles