This guide explains everything you need to know for successful fishing and bathymetric mapping with your Deeper MAX and a bait boat or RC boat. You’ll learn how to set up Bait Boat mode, get accurate scans, and avoid the most common connection and mounting issues.
Using Bait Boat Mode with Deeper MAX
Bait Boat Mode is designed for mapping and scanning when your Deeper MAX is deployed by an RC or bait boat.
How to enable:
1. Check the alignment. Before placing Deeper MAX in the water, make sure the waterproof marks on the device are perfectly aligned and the unit is sealed tight.
2. Put the sonar in the water. Attach Deeper MAX so that the water level is between the very bottom of the sonar and the orange or black seal in the middle. The sonar should not be fully submerged, and the top part must always remain above the water surface.
3. Open the Fish Deeper app and connect to your Deeper MAX.
4. Select Bait Boat Mode in the scanning options.
5. Deploy your bait boat to scan and map. When you finish a run and retrieve Deeper MAX from the water, the app will process and update the depth map.
Beam Angle Selection and Sonar Settings
- Wide beam (47°): Best for quickly scanning large areas and locating the general presence of fish.
- Limitation: Lower detail and accuracy. Not recommended for sizing fish or for bathymetric mapping.
Note: Wide beam is not suited for scanning shallow water (less than 2-5 m / 7-16 ft). For shallow water, switch to Narrow beam.
- Mid (20°) or Narrow (7°) beam: Use for precise fish identification and bathymetric mapping. Mid/narrow beams show more detail and let you estimate fish size accurately, but cover a smaller area.
Note: Narrow beams are sensitive to water disturbance - choppy conditions may cause visual artifacts.
- Fish Icons: Set OFF for more accurate interpretation.
- Sensitivity: Start at 70–100%. Reduce if the water is murky or you are only targeting large fish.
Beam performance guide. Use the wide beam for fast area scanning and fish detection. Switch to mid or narrow beam for detailed imaging and precise mapping when you’ve found an area of interest.
Correct Mounting and Positioning of Deeper MAX on a Bait Boat
Proper waterline position: The water level should be between the very bottom of Deeper MAX and the orange or black seal in the middle. Never allow the sonar to be fully submerged; the top part must always remain above water.
Mount away from motors and propellers. Avoid attaching the Deeper near motors, as this can cause both signal interference and inaccurate sonar readings.
Do not attach to the side of the boat. Mounting on the side will make the boat lean and affect both scanning and steering.
Positioning: Try to position the Deeper at the front of the boat, instead of the back. If attached at the back, it may be submerged by the current from the motor, causing connection or data issues.
Keep the unit balanced and upright. Use a compatible bait boat sonar holder or attachment.
Avoid fast speeds. Use a slow, steady trolling speed to avoid waves or current pushing the Deeper under water.
Maximizing Connection Range and Reducing Interference
- Keep your phone at least 1.2 m (4 ft) above ground. Hold your phone/tablet high, or use a rod or bank stick mount.
- Remove any metal phone case. Metal can block Wi-Fi signal - use a plastic or silicone case if needed.
- Adjust phone Wi-Fi settings:
On iOS: Disable "Mobile Data" and "Wi-Fi Assist" (Settings → Mobile/Cellular Data → scroll to bottom).
On Android: Disable "Mobile Data." Also disable "Smart network switch," "Wi-Fi+", "Auto network switch," or "Adaptive Wi-Fi" if available.
- Inspect Deeper’s contacts. If there is any corrosion or discoloration on the metal contacts, clean gently with a rough sponge and WD-40.
- RC controller interference:
Keep your bait boat controller as far away from your phone as possible to reduce interference.
If possible, use a controller with AFHSS or other interference reduction, or switch your RC system to 5.0 GHz.
Avoid attaching Deeper MAX to the side:
Attaching to the side will make the boat lean and be harder to control.
Connection with RC Boats: Important to Know
Deeper MAX was not originally designed for RC bait boats. Using it is possible, but interference from RC systems - especially on 2.4 GHz - can limit connection range.
If you experience frequent dropouts: Try every tip above, especially keeping the phone/controller apart, using a compatible controller, and ensuring perfect mounting.
Interference reduction: Always use RC controllers with interference reduction features when available.
Summary & Key Reminders
Enable Bait Boat Mode in the Fish Deeper app for GPS mapping.
Always attach Deeper MAX at the front of the boat, away from motors, not submerged, and never to the side.
Keep the water level between the very bottom and the orange or black seal.
Keep your phone high and Wi-Fi settings optimized for best connection.
Move the bait boat slowly and steadily for accurate scanning and mapping.
Use a compatible controller and mount to reduce connection issues and get the best results.