Topic: 999ci Si newbie question

[fireguy32]

I first off want to thank you for any suggestions and patience you will have with me. So, I live on Lake Pierce, lake wales Fl. Its a shallow lake max depth of 15ft over 5200 acre lake. I have been seriously fishing for about 2yrs and now have this 999ci si KVD unit on my boat to help locate fish and structure. Its really the only lake I fish because its so convenient to drop boat in water and pull back up on boat lift. So how do I set my unit up to best fit a shallow stained lake with what I think is sandy bottom because unit is showing a bright return. I have tried doing research on this just so you dont think I expect you to fill all the blanks in for me. Heres what I got make corrections/suggestions where its needed.
Sonar Tab-Beam Select- 200khz/83khz
Side View Frequency-455khz
SI range set to 100ft? Should I go smaller for better image?
SI sensitivity to 12
My lake has a lot (my buddy calls it) pepper grass its large clumps about 20ft from shore very tight. I was hoping to see fish in or on the outside of it will the unit be able to do this? I wish I could give you photos to help you help me to decipher these images! Is there a way? Is that alright to do or frowned upon? I hate being such a newbie at this but I need to ask...
Fireguy32

[Trout Bum]

I'm still learning SI as well.

However, I would try lowering the sensitivity. 12 is kinda high for a max depth of 15 feet. When I'm running in 8-12 foot depths, I'm usually at about 8 sensitivity. The setting also depends on water clarity and will vary form clear to stained/dirty water.

Also, try lowering the side distance to maybe 70 or so, at least until you get some experience on adjustments and understanding of you are actually seeing.

[rnvinc]

The SI Sensitivity setting is used as a "brightness control" for the SI image...

Several Enviromental conditions can affect how much of the sound pulse is reflected from objects in the water...including water depth/clarity...as Trout Bum mentioned...

When viewing SI...press menu 1 time to open the SI Xpress menu....then choose "SI Enhance"....

This will overlay a small popup control window at the bottom of the SI image...giving instant access to SI Sensitivity...and a few other settings...

As your boat moves over different depths and compositions of bottom ...adjust the SI Sensitivity up or down to keep the brightness of the SI image to a level that works well for yor eyes...

And (also as TB mentioned)...bring the SI Range in to about 65-70ft....sometimes even less when in really shallow water...

Rickie

[fireguy32]

Awesome! Will try...having a hell of a time deciphering what I'm seeing. Getting quite frustrated, my Lilly pads look like fish, haven't spotted a fish yet on it (at least I don't think) even when I know I'm in a good spot! Grrrrr!

Fireguy32

[rnvinc]

Awesome! Will try...having a hell of a time deciphering what I'm seeing. Getting quite frustrated, my Lilly pads look like fish, haven't spotted a fish yet on it (at least I don't think) even when I know I'm in a good spot! Grrrrr!

Fireguy32

Post some screenshots....

If there are fish present...we will show you how to spot them...

Rickie