Make sure your sonar is waterproof. If you are using Deeper CHIRP or PRO models, always make sure the top cover of your Deeper is attached properly. ‘Water’ and ‘Proof’ marks should align perfectly. To do so:
1. Put the cap on the Deeper case by aligning the waterproof marks, but don't screw it just yet;
2. Carefully screw counterclockwise till it dips in;
3. As soon as it dips, start screwing clockwise. Close it tightly until the “water proof” marks align perfectly.
Initial connection:
- Put your Deeper Sonar in the water close to the shore, up to 5 meters / 16 feet from your smartphone.
- Go to the Wi-Fi connections (settings) of your smartphone. In the list of available Wi-Fi connections, find your Deeper Sonar and connect to it. If it asks for a password – it’s 12345678
- Then, open the Fish Deeper app and connect to your sonar. Make sure that the app is granted access to determine your location, and GPS is enabled on your phone.
- If you are using a Deeper PRO model – enable Scan only fishing mode:
- If you are using a Deeper PRO+ or CHIRP+: enable On-shore GPS Fishing mode:
If you are using the Deeper PRO+, it is recommended to use Narrow beam (290 kHz) for higher accuracy of the mapping. If you are using the CHIRP+, we recommend using High CHIRP or Mid CHIRP for higher accuracy of mapping.
Recommended settings for shore fishing:
- Sonar display: Detailed (Raw)
- Wide beam (47°/55°) is good for quickly scanning larger areas and getting general information on fishes, depth and bottom structure, but the accuracy and detail will be lower. You will not be able to accurately determine the size the fish using Wide beam, but due to a large area covered by the beam, you'll be able to locate the presence of fishes faster (for example, if you're looking for schools of bait fish).
ⓘ Note: We recommend using Mid or Narrow beams for bathymetric mapping.
ⓘ Note: Wide beams are not suited for shallow water scanning. If you are scanning waters shallower than 2-5 meters (7-16 ft), we recommend switching to Narrow beam.
- Narrow or Middle beam (7°/15°/20°) is much more accurate when determining the size of the fish, so if you see a thick arc or line when using this beam - the fish is big. Narrow beams cover a smaller area, so it may be harder to locate the general presence of fish.
ⓘ Note: Narrow beams are very sensitive to water disturbances, so you may see visual artifacts if there are a lot of waves. Narrow beams are best-suited for bathymetric mapping.
- Fish Icons: OFF
- Sensitivity: 70-100%, but can be reduced if the water is murky, or if you're targeting big fishes only.
Casting out
-Attachment points: For shore fishing, make sure you attach your line to the bottom attachment point of the 3 attachment points on your Deeper (this does not apply to the Deeper START, which only has one attachment point). Using one of the other attachment points will result in the sonar sitting in the water at an incorrect angle.
- Line: All our sonars are tested to cast using line from 6lbs / 2.7kg test monofilament up to 20lbs / 9kg test braided line. Always ensure your line is in good condition - not frayed or worn – before casting out your Deeper Sonar.
For extra safety, we recommend 25 lbs / 11 kg braided line, or even stronger line.
- Rods: Deeper Sonars are suitable for casting with heavy action and medium action rods. With heavy action rods you can cast your Deeper overhead. With medium action rods, cast your Deeper using a side cast technique.
Reeling in
When reeling in your Deeper Sonar, the most important point to remember is to retrieve it at a slow, steady pace. Here’s why:
- Reel in slowly: Reeling in too quickly can cause your Deeper to rock from side to side. If this happens, the sonar readings will be less reliable. For example, if the sonar is tilted to one side, the sonar signal will have to travel further before it hits the bottom. This will result in the depth being shown as deeper than it actually is.
- Reel in steadily: Retrieving your device at a steady, continuous speed is also important. Remember that your sonar is constantly scanning. This means if your device is stationary, the bottom will appear flat on your screen because the sonar is just repeatedly sending the same depth reading. If you start reeling in your sonar and the bottom remains flat on your display, then you know it really is a flat bottom. As the depth changes, for example if you are reeling in over a drop off, it is important to keep a steady speed. If you slow down your reeling speed, the slope will appear more gradual on your display. Speed up, and it will appear steeper. By maintaining a steady speed, you will get an accurate indication of how steep the depth change really is.
Shore fishing in different conditions – Piers and docks, river fishing
You can use your Deeper Sonar for fishing from the shore, from piers, docks and bridges (including in salt water), and on rivers. But you will need to adjust your set up and approach.
For casting from docks, piers and bridges
Make sure you attach your line to the middle attachment point of the 3 attachment points on your Deeper (this does not apply to the Deeper START, which only has one attachment point). Using one of the other attachment points will result in the sonar sitting in the water at an incorrect angle.
Deeper Sonars are suitable for use in salt water, so go ahead and use yours off a dock in calm conditions. If the sea is rough, this may affect connectivity to your smartphone.
Note: after using the sonar in salt water, make sure to clean it off with drinking water (regular water) and wipe it off with a cloth.
For casting in rivers
Deeper Sonars are suitable for finding depth levels and features in rivers, provided they are not very fast flowing. Use the same attachment points you would use for lake fishing (bottom attachment point from the river bank, middle attachment point from a bridge or pier).
The most effective use of your Deeper Sonar when river fishing is for finding depth and features – when the currents are fast, accurately marking fish can be difficult. Using the current to drift your Deeper Sonar down the river is often an effective way to cover areas of your river. If you are using a Deeper PRO+ or CHIRP+, we recommend using the Onshore GPS mode (Settings > Onshore GPS), as this will give enable you to map the depth of the river as your sonar drifts.
If you are using the Deeper PRO+, it is recommended to use Narrow beam (290 kHz) for higher accuracy of the mapping. If you are using the CHIRP+, we recommend using High CHIRP or Mid CHIRP for higher accuracy of mapping.