Best Beam Type for Snapper in PPB?

[Smelly]

Hi Team!

Yes....me again...

I am curious and want to know what others would consider the best beam type for snapper in reef stuff - particularly on PPB..

Below is an extract form a link I found on Beam types:
http://www.fishingmonthly.com.au/fea...sounders2.html

BEAM TYPE: There are a variety of shapes of beams and within that, the beams’ coverage can be at varying angles. Also, there can be multiple beams that your sounder uses to assemble the picture on the screen, and each type has its own consequences on the data you see.

Angles: Broadly, for bass and barra sounders, it’s beneficial to have a wide beam (for instance, a 20° rather than an 8° beam), as a wider beam offers greater coverage of the water column in the relatively shallow waters we fish.

Shapes: Single, conical beams (like an upside-down ice cream cone) generally show you arches as you idle over fish at the expense of accuracy of bottom definition. The broad cone averages the bottom readings to give an overly smooth features. The advantage, however, is that they do pick up fish over quite a wide area.

Flattened cones give coverage that’s wide but not deep. You’ll see fish across a wider area, but they will disappear more quickly as they pass out of the beam.

Multiple Beams: Dual cone beams generally utilise a narrow beam to detect and draw the bottom structure and a wider, conical beam to display fish and anything else suspended off the bottom.

Tri-beam units utilise a narrow beam to detect and draw the bottom structure and a flattened cone pointing out each side to detect fish to each side of the boat, as well as underneath.



Any thoughts are appreciated...

Smelly

[PeterT]

Hi Smelly, I have done a bit of fishing on PBB. Definately a wide beam unit has the advantage in shallow conditions. You can survey a wider strip of bottom that way.

I was using a Humminbird Matrix 35 (current model is a 37 I think) The matrix gives a side beam view that looks out to 45 degrees either side as well as a down view. This allows you to see structure, fish etc on the down view and the side view tells you which side of the boat it is on, something down view can't do. They are made more for sussing structure along banks etc and are excellent for lure casting in rivers and oyster leases etc. But a very good unit for shallow water as the cone is maximum width at 90 degrees, 45 either side. I also found it good for pelagics like spaniards and could belt a lure out to where the fish were.

I am not up on the current models, I am doing different things and have a Lowrance LXC 25c chart/sonar. If they have colour and you can afford it - get it because it is infinitely more seeable in bright light. I am seriously thinking of buying another matrix for the shallow rivers up here so I can side view the collapsed mangroves etc that hold fish.

regards pete

[Smelly]

Great post Pete - Thanks.

Sounds like the side view aspect is a great addition to our arsenal - never thought of it before..

I just bought a boat (currently in storage 6000km away) with a Humminbird sounder.

I do not know what model it is at moment but it appears to be about 2 years old I think..

This sounder has the letters "W/view" or something similar and thinking you may be able to help with the model number. From what you have stated, it seems like it may have the side view capability..

How important do u rate defintion over viewing angle?

Smelly

[PeterT]

I would rate definition higher for down view out deep and ability to look sideways higher to see structure along banks etc. I am never real concerned that I can't see arches or fish. My current sounder clearly shows 14 lb fireline and jigs, lures sinkers and bait etc. It is interesting to watch a fish being hauled from a reef. Most of us don't do that because we are too busy perving into the water to see colour.

At one wreck I fish, detail such as rails can be made out on my Lowrance colour, but are less discernable on the temporary replacement b&W 17.

From memory severl Hummers have a wide view, so not sure of the model.

Pete