Denny & Chad Brauer - Professional Bass Fishermen

Article 28...

Electronics In Fishing
By Chad Brauer

Technology isn't mentioned often in the context of bass fishing, but it's a part of fishing that can pay big dividends.

Finding Cover and Structure
Your electronics are basically your eyes beneath the surface of the water. They allow you to visualize the structure and cover beneath you. And while we seem to use our electronics more when we fish deeper, their importance is equal in all depth ranges.

For example, to a shallow-water fisherman the role of electronics may seem limited. But finding small depth changes, inside grass lines, brush and other things are just as important when you're fishing in 5 feet and shallower as it is when you're out in 20 feet of water.

In this capacity it can be said that electronics are primarily a tool to help us find cover and habitat that bass use.

Finding Fish
We also use electronics to locate fish. Often these are situations when bass are following schools of baitfish. And once you find the baitfish, you can stay around them by watching your electronics.

This is truly an art form. Fishermen on lakes like Table Rock in Missouri are masters at this, and have a great working knowledge of their electronics.

Navigation
During the past few years, navigation has also come under the electronics umbrella with the increased use of GPS (Global Positioning System) devices. Through the use of satellites and your GPS receiver, you can be sure of where you are at all times.

A GPS also allows you to find your way back to spots where you catch fish. This proves especially helpful in situations where you're fishing a long distance from shore. In tournaments, a GPS is a huge time saver.

My Set-Up
I have four electronic units on my eAngler Ranger boat, two units in the bow and two at the driver's seat.

The two on the bow are a Zercom In-Dash Flasher and a Zercom LPG 2000. I use the flasher to find depth changes, and the LPG to find grass and other cover.

The two at the driver's seat are another flasher and a Humminbird NS-25 GPS. I use this flasher for navigational purposes, to monitor depth while running on plane, and I use the GPS for finding my way around. A cool feature of this particular GPS is that it's equipped with sonar capabilities for looking at structure while idling.

Electronics Can Improve Your Catch
The bottom line is that no matter what your fishing style or where you fish, if you learn how to use electronics properly and how to interpret what they're showing you, electronics can improve your catch.