Managing Waypoints

[Splash]

Hi Team.

Best way to manage waypoints on GPS unit (I have GARMIN 292C) and MapSource sw??

I have around 200 points and want to be able to quickly find the points I want when on water.

Also, some tips on efficient use of GPS unit?

Thank you.

Splash

[2DKnBJ]

G'day Splash

I have a Garmin GPS 72 and i have about 350 marks.I am currently using
"EASY GPS" to manage my waypoints.Basicly i have sorted the points out in the areas that i fish this way when i head out i download the file with all the marks for that area.Saves alot of stuffing around looking for your marks.
Best of all it is free.
Cheers Dazza

[Splash]

great idea - what other tips can you give?

how do u anchor up at waypoints (what do u take into account)?

Splash

[2DKnBJ]

When approaching a mark i usually watch the sounder and once i am on my piece of ground i will pull up and see which way the boat will drift.Once i have this sorted i will motor back over the mark and drop the pick.The distance from the mark that i anchor is determined by the amount of current, wind etc.

Cheers Dazza

[Splash]

How do u ensure u are exaclty over your mark when anchored up?

Or - is this impossible?

THanks

[2DKnBJ]

It is a bit easier if you are fishing a ledge or large formation and there isn't alot of wind or current you can watch the sounder but when trying to anchor on a small formation i will usually do a few drifts and try to work out how far past the mark i need to go before dropping the pick.If you are not sure if you will be on the mark just let out more rope and keep an eye on the sounder.Once you are right on the mark just motor foward a little and shorten the anchor rope so you will be fishing right on your mark.Hope this makes sence.

Cheers Dazza

[Splash]

thANKS.

Do u think what u see on the sounder is more accurate than what u see on the gps - in terms of accuracy of waypoint co-ordinates?

Splash

[stevos]

Of course what you see on the sounder is where you should be fishing. Only rely on your GPS to get you within X metres of your intended spot and find the best looking bait or bottom on every day using your sonar. GPS is after all prove to some error - I have been sitting on mark that I have and wondering why I could notfind anything down below only to have the waypoint move 50m when the GPS finally picked up a better satellite.

I would suggest that the only way to get right in the zone is practice - but dont forge that any current will also pull your line out behind the boat and hence you will need to position your boat further infront of the mark again.

Good Luck,

Steve

[Splash]

Good point Steve. Thanks. How often do your waypoints "move" due to poor satellite tracking?

What is a good way of measuring current, strength and direction?