Noah Schultz demonstrates how to optimize casting accuracy and reduce spooking fish by setting up range rings on your fish finder mapping and MEGA 360 Imaging (if equipped). Schultz walks viewers through his efficient tournament electronics setup, incorporating three touchscreen Humminbird units, each serving a unique purpose and helping him quickly break down new lakes.
Boat Setup
Fish Finder: Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 Fish Finder/GPS Chartplotter
360 SONAR: Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging Transducer – Ultrex
Live Sonar: – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
Boat: Skeeter ZX200 Bass Boat
Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″
Shallow Water Anchor: Minn Kota Raptor, 8′
Fish Finder and Mapping Setup for Maximum Productivity
Schultz uses one fish finder exclusively for mapping, another for 360 Imaging, and a third for forward-facing sonar. His LakeMaster mapping setup features customizable casting rings that match his boat’s length, helping him visualize approximate casting distances. The mapping rings align with the 360 Imaging range rings so Schultz can quickly assess his distance from waypoints and structure/cover elements, improving his ability to target fish efficiently. At the same time, knowing the distance to the target helps reduce spooking fish by maintaining the necessary offset.
Strategies for Dirty and Clear Water Conditions
Fishing conditions play a crucial role in Schultz’s approach. He can commonly get as close to 20 feet to fish in dirty water without spooking them. In contrast, he usually maintains a distance of 60- to 80 feet in clear water to prevent alerting fish to his presence. In both instances, forward-facing sonar teaches you the required distance through real-time fish behavior monitoring. By combining mapping with 360 Imaging, Schultz keeps his targets at a specific range for making effective casts and staying stealthy.
How To Configure Range Rings for Seamless Operation
Schultz goes through a quick menu walkthrough to show us how to customize the range ring settings, such as the number of rings, spacing, and distance increments. These step-by-step instructions make it easy to replicate his setup or customize them to your preferences.
