Am I the only one without sonar?

[HuskerBen]

Here here.

I know that there are a lot of devices that will actually help a person catch more fish. But "need" is perhaps too strong a word. I think that there are a lot of skills that we don't get a chance to develop if we become too dependent on technology.

That being said, if I had a couple hundred bucks lying around, I'd probably get a flasher. The point is that I fish without one, and I still have a good time. And that's why I fish: to have a good time.

[Nick Kuhn]

You don't need one. If you know a lake well you should be able to position yourself without electronics. And the old drop it to the bottom, and slowly fish farther up until you get a bite always works. A bobber stop (you don't even need the bobber, your hand is way more sensitive) will help you mark the depth you want to be at. Or you just don't use the reel and pull the line in by hand, that'll keep you the same depth too (used to do this when anchored deep panfishing).

[eyebjim]

I don't think anyone is saying you need anything. You can go out and fish with some line and a hook and catch fish. As most of us started out with as kids. It is more of things to look forward to getting to catch more fish. I don't think any of us really need a lot of what works very well for us. It just makes things easier and more efficient. I think the perception that kids think they can't afford to fish comes from adults who maybe dont want to take the kid fishing. It could even more liekly come from a Adult who does take the kid fishing but doesn't explain ways that the kid can fish without the fancy stuff the adult has. The key is to make it understandable for them so they could go out alone and catch some fish without the equipment. If they can't or if they think they can't they won't go. It can make it seem pretty intimidating if you thnk you need all the goodies right from the get go. More people should be getting kids into fishing so they can enjoy it for lifetime. At any rate I don't think we are turning kids off simply by recommending things to fellow fishermen. At least I hope not.

[Sandmannd]

Well said Hammer Handle. I never tell anyone that they NEED this stuff. Does it help? Yes. It took me a few years to get my gear together. With limited time to fish it's nice to be able to locate fish, mark your spots and be warm in a portable. I fished many years when I was young with a $3 ice rod (basically a wood stick) a bobber and a hook and caught fish. Not as many as I do today, but for me it's still about getting out with friends and being away from everything. I have a good time when I go out and don't catch a thing as well.

[CrappieAttitude]

 Originally Posted By: Hammer Handle

I think the "need" to fish with all this high tech equipment is driving the younger generation from fishing.

It is about getting out there and getting away from it all. And, finding and catching a fish is MUCH more rewarding when you do it yourself.

Hammerhandle

I agree and disagree with your last post. Kids now days are surrounded with technology and I would have to say that technology would only add to their interest level in the sport.

As far as getting away from it all... I couldn't agree more. With a sonar, you can get away and catch more fish. It's kinda a win win. You still are doing it yourself, a sonar doesn't send soundwaves to the fish telling them to swim up your hole, you still need to get them to bite.

CA

[Hammer Handle]

The equipment is nice and CAN help.

But, learning the basics if much more important.

Your first car doesn't have to be a Corvette for you to like to drive.

I was stunned when a 14-year-old told me he was to poor to fish. The things we learn from kids. Then, a 17-year-old says...it was a great day and my dad and I were catching fish...when the fish locator quit. We then quit for the day.

What?

[Dooley87]

if you are looking for a cheap flasher go on to hsolist and type in lowrance lo-k-tor. this is one of those "green box flashers" there always seems to be quite a few on there for sale and they never seem to be over $30 i think i saw one at $40 or $50 but it was mint never used. easy cheap way for a flasher. i have never used the green box but they appear to work just like a vexilar, even comes in its own carrying case, in fact i am thinking of picking up a cheap one for guys i fish with that don't have them because it is so much easier to be succesful on the ice with a flasher

[Grant]

I use a green box- but in all honesty I probably wouldn't if it hadn’t come with my boat...

IMHO, I think that one should learn the sport without all the fancy tech, then after the knowledge is gained, go out and buy all the technology you want to. It's like when I learned to ski years ago, I had to learn on a basic set of rental skis and without poles- the instructors didn't want me to learn to use the poles as a crutch. the same can be said for fishing- all the technology available can be used, but it becomes a crutch and a hindrance to success if one gets to depend on it too much.

(this isn't about anyone in particular, just a general observation)... It's unfortunate, but there are a lot of people today that just simply never learned how to read the water, be it lake or river without the sonar and GPS, and have become so dependant on their electronics that they cannot do without.

All the info a person needs to do without is available publicly- from lake maps to air photos and topo maps- ( yes this is easier with a computer, but very available in hardcopy from the DNR and the county recorder's offices ), as well as talking to the bait shop and resort owners. the locals are sometimes the best resources; the key is being wise on what to ask and what _not_ to ask- if you're respectful most anyone will give general guidance, just don't ask the fellow launching his boat to divulge his exact honey holes . Sure, this isn't as fast or as spectacular, but in my opinion there is greater satisfaction in making the discovery for one's self than standing on the shoulders of giants.

anyway, enough rambling for now. I suppose my bosses are wanting me to do the work they pay me for...

[DTro]

Again, it’s one of these deals that comes down to personal preference. I’m not going to think any less of a person that doesn’t want to use technology, or can’t afford it. It is what it is.

I go both ways on some of these issues. For example, I think the muzzleloader season was created for the “classic” muzzleloaders, and now you can pretty much use one that is darn near as accurate and dependable as a modern rifle. IMO that wasn’t the intention, but that is just me (whole different argument so I digress) .

However, if someone is going to ask, “What should I buy, or what should I use?”

Why wouldn’t you recommend a valuable tool?

Fishing without a flasher is like walking through the woods in the dark without a flashlight. Sure you’ll find your way, but there’s a good chance you’ll bump into a few trees getting there.

[Dooley87]

i agree with dtro, fishing with out sonar is like drilling holes through steel with a hand crank drill versus a power drill or even a punch press, why do things the hard way when there is technology to help people be more effiecnt now a days, you don't rely on it but why set up shop on a spot with no fish, or even if there are fish they may be coming in ten feet above your lure, a person doesn't learn anything without using sonar other than how to get bored when you aren't catching anything, even if there aren't anyfish beneath me i still stare at that screen watching my jig go up and down and anticipating a fish coming onto the screen, better than staring at a freezing ice hole or a motionless bobber. why be stuborn about being old school or doing things the classical way when you can take todays technology and apply it to make you more succesful? after all who doesn't want to be more succesful? just my .02

[sjburnt]

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[FishOn!]

I would love one but with a 3 year old and one on the way, i cant buy one. would be great to have one, but i feel i do great without one and have a ton of fun not focusing on electronics the whole time. ive fished with friends who have cameras, and its great to see how fish react but i lose the essence of fishing the way i love to. as for suspended fish, i get on them just fine by adjusting the knot often until i get on them! but god id love to win one or find a steal on one!