Modern fish finders are complex computers with high-definition displays similar to a laptop or home television. But what’s different is where they are used; outdoor environments are constantly changing, so adjustable fish finder mounts are critical to achieving the best view possible. Mike McClelland delves into the transformation of boat setups over his 40-year fishing career and shares his insights on optimizing fish finder mounts from Beatdown Outdoors to enhance the viewing experience.
FEATURED PRODUCTS (retail links)
- BOW MOUNT – Beatdown Outdoors Ultimate Shorty Double Stack Sonar Mount: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOW PLATE – Beatdown Outdoors Leveling Plate – Ranger R Boat: Check out at BD Outdoors
- CONSOLE MOUNT – Beatdown Outdoors LocDown Console Mount: Check out at BD Outdoors
*Additional boat setup links at the bottom.
UNDERSTANDING MODERN FISH FINDERS
The evolution of fish finder technology has been monumental, from basic flashers to large-screened multifunctional liquid crystal display units featuring various technologies such as side imaging, down imaging, 2D and forward-facing sonar, and built-in mapping. Simply put, we have game-changing technologies at our fingertips, so clear screen views are essential to interpretation.
Also, see our list of the best fish finders on the market.
OPTIMIZING FISH FINDER MOUNTS
McClelland emphasizes the importance of rugged, sturdy, and adjustable mounts. He provides a walk-through of his Beatdown Outdoors system, starting at the console and then the bow, which offers unmatched adjustability. This system allows anglers to slide units in and out, rotate them to reduce glare and adjust them precisely to improve visibility and utility, regardless of the sun’s angle.
ADVANTAGES OF FORWARD-FACING SONAR
Forward-facing sonar has emerged as the most transformative (arguably) technology, particularly for pro and enthusiast anglers who demand a clear screen view. McClelland’s adjustable mounts provide flexibility for optimal positioning, making it a breeze to spot bait, schools of fish, your lure, and underwater structure and cover effectively.
DURABLE AND SECURE MOUNTING SOLUTIONS
The Beatdown system offers unparalleled flexibility and rock-solid stability with its leveling plate that seamlessly integrates with a wide range of boat models, such as McClelland’s Ranger Commanche. This ensures the fish finder remains secure even at high speeds, providing peace of mind about your investment. This robust setup empowers McClelland to fish at his peak, equipping him with the best tools to compete successfully.
By integrating these advanced fish-finding tools and mounts, anglers greatly enhance their ability to locate and catch fish with unprecedented precision.
FISH FINDER & MISC.
- FISH FINDER – Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv Chartplotter/Fish Finder Combo: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Garmin LiveScope Plus LVS34 – Livescope + LVS34 System: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOAT – Ranger Z521R Commanche: Check out at Ranger
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Power-Pole Blade 2.0 Shallow Water Anchor, 10′: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MOTOR – Mercury 250hp Pro XS: Check out at Mercury
