Inshore Kayak Fishing with the Deeper Smart Sonar Pro+ Fishfinder Review
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- This Deeper Fishfinder review of the Pro+ looks at how to use this portable sonar fish finder for inshore saltwater / brackish water fishing on a fishing kayak and points out the pros, cons and a few workarounds to deal system limitations including how to set up the deeper app. I review it by showing how to use a fishfinder on a kayak. In this deeper review I show how the smart fishfinder (the deeper pro plus), coupled with the deeper application on a smartphone provides key capabilities to the inshore angler not available on a traditional fishfinder like the Humminbird Helix series.
Note to brands: This was an early cooperation video. My video production skills have significantly improved since this was recorded!
More fish finder installation options: • Kayak Fish Finder Inst...
00:00 Introduction
00:21 Use History
00:41 Installation and setup
01:19 Guidance on using it while moving
01:38 Comparison to PiranhaMax
02:02 Test against Helix 7
02:47 Kayak fishing - needs?
03:24 Weight Comparison - Helix vs Deeper
03:45 Deeper Display Settings
04:36 Smartphone tip!
05:19 Depth
05:32 Deeper Frequency Settings
06:14 Tip to increase coverage
06:32 Sensitivity Setting
07:26 Boat Mode Best Practice - Shallow
07:52 Final tip
08:12 Another use option
08:43 Disadvantage
09:05 Searching for fish
09:57 Boat mode to cast mode
11:50 Inshore fishing
12:20 Using with docks
13:33 Conclusions
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The Kayak Hacks Fishing channel covers ebike, kayak, wading, shoreline, spin and fly fishing. It features gear mods to make kayak fishing more comfortable, efficient and enjoyable. Also, I share many tips, tricks and "how to's" for spin and fly fishing regardless of whether you are fishing from a boat or on your feet. Please subscribe! Thanks!
Steve's CatchGuide series of fishing books is available on Amazon:
Wade and Shoreline Fishing the Potomac River for Smallmouth Bass - amzn.to/1FwhvjG
Maryland Trout Fishing - amzn.to/1L0fAEb
Wade Fishing the Rappahannock River of Virginia - amzn.to/1L0fFb8
Wade Fishing the Rapidan River of Virginia - amzn.to/1L0fH2z
Wade Fishing the North Branch of the Potomac - amzn.to/1ViIzK7
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Any product link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Other product links may be as well as I develop relationships with sellers. I appreciate your support in using those links since the small commission generated offsets the cost of the stuff I test for the channel. Thanks!
Liability Disclaimer and Warning:
In short, you accept all risk of using any ideas presented in this video.
Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance, function or structural integrity of your kayak. You must determine if the ideas are appropriate for your boat and we disclaim any responsibility for your actions and decisions.
Nothing in this video creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantees a result. You are responsible for the safe operation of tools and any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of those tools as well as from the information contained in this video is 100% your responsibility. We shall not be held liable in any way or manner for errors, misleading or incorrect information. If you find an error, please notify us right away using the contact form for the channel.
It goes without saying that fishing is dangerous as a result of the fast water, slick rocks and other hazards that occur in random, unexpected places. You need to exercise caution, particularly in the spring when the water is high or during rapid changes in tide before you fish anywhere. You should always wear a life vest when fishing. Also, a wading staff will help you keep your balance as you walk on the shoreline or wade.
The bottom line is that you must make a judgment regarding acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on the opinions expressed here. The regulations governing legal access to fishing locations may change at any time, and it is your responsibility to understand the law. Nothing expressed should be construed as encouraging you to trespass on private property or violate a regulation. - Sport
More fish finder installation options: czcams.com/play/PL8egn41J7Go80EC7VgwwA58dume-25vuM.html
I used go stingray fishing... last 26 days I spend 7,8 hours on beach.. one spot.... now I fed up... and if I get any fish finder I can find easily... and I can search where they .... so looking fishing finder... and ur experience which is work out???
@@worldwidefishingbuddies8206 I recommend against this on the beach. The waves will block the signal.
Wow my first time finding your channel and I'm impressed by your so detailed review of this "Deeper" fish finder. I watched a lot of them today just trying to decide whether it's worth buying or not. You have the best review that I found so far. I was so impressed that I subscribed to your channel right away. Looking forward to watching your other videos this weekend. Tight lines brother!
Thank you very much! More good videos in the works!
Great video man. You've got me convinced.
I just found video, thank you so I informative. Never considered to anchor my kayak and cast of the sonar thank you for this and the other advice .
Great tips. Thank you!
great review. thank you .
thx
I have been using the deeper pro for several years and had not taken into consideration using it by docks or similar situations. Thanks for the advice. I have mine on the bottom of the hull and find that works getter then over the edge.
I need to try it there! Thanks!
Great video!.. I think one solution to keep the deeper in the water while having it connected along the side of your kayak is to not directly connecting it to the attachment but secure with a line and have it loosely float along your kayak.
That sounds like a good idea. I'll try it. Thanks!
I've been holding my phone horizontal on my kayak and couldn't understand if the reading was showing me current view or previous because the graph just kept reading. I'm excited to try this using my phone vertically!
All I can say is I liked that Red at the end of the video LOL.
Come on back!
Great information, does it affect how the kayak tracks in the water?
Not at all
I have been using a Deeper Pro like you do. I haven't used it in a boat yet. I will this weekend, and I am wondering whether I can just troll it behind the boat for using it as a depth gage.
I have not done that much, but do know you cannot go very fast or it just cants. Instead of boat mode, put it in casting mode and go slow... not a problem for me in a kayak!
Excellent, detailed review! I just got one for Christmas. I am mostly a shore fisherman (for carp). I took my Deeper Pro + out on Dec. 27 and did a lot of fan casting around a local apartment lake. I was amazed, after a night in the 30s, just how barren the entire lake was! Found a half-dozen large schools of baitfish (and larger fish) in several deep spots. I'm looking hard at getting into kayak fishing, and I think the Deeper Pro + would pair well based on your review. Thanks for making and sharing!
I appreciate your kind words. I have another vid I am working on for shore Deeper fishing now.
Will this work in lakes? I'm thinking about being able check under and around docks and other structure.
absolutely! You can read other reviews of it in freshwater, but the deployment method is basically the same
I had a deeper for a while and it worked great. The battery life was good it last about 3 hrs or so. Mine was a first gen and used blue tooth so it only had a 30 foot range but that was cool.
Unfortunately after about a yr and a half it broke. The battery charging led indicator started blinking red (that's bad) I think the water proof seal gave out a little and water went in to the device or the battery died.
It was out of warranty so I was out of luck. They offered me a refurbished pro plus for 145 tho. I will rebuy when I have the chance.
Ouch. Sad to hear that.
Question? Can you do video or brief exaplation on. 1. When my deeper chip is cast out and States pretty much stationary, the screen moves from right to left. When I get alerted of a fish, I know theres at least 1 fish. Then I keep getting alerted of fish at same depth same size, so how would you know if theres multiple fish when screen is moving from right to left...Is there only 1 fish stay stationary.....Thank you. PS. I bank fish
Sure. The screen moves because the Deeper is continuously sending back the signal. So, if it is in the same place, it continues to report what is just below it. The fish is the same fish since both the fish and the Deeper are in the same place.
I am confused about how do you locate fish location. Deeper is drifting and sending you alarm but how do you know where it has drifted relative to your kayak. Another question, can you use it like jigging around a timber to see any fish activity? Thank you.
You have to keep an eye on it to know where it finds the fish. A hack you could use is to put a bobber on next to the unit for increased visibility. The Deeper will see any fish between it and the bottom or an obstruction. So, you could drift it around the timber.
So at what depth can you use the wide beam? Is the narrow beam any good? I'd love to use this for holes in the creeks I fish
It's not really usable unless the water is at least 3 feet deep. Given my use in shallow water, I never use the narrow beam since I want as wide a footprint as possible. I expand the footprint by wiggling the unit to make the beam search a wider area.
So the wide beam works in 3 feet deep?
Yes. I have picked up fish that shallow when floating it down a channel. However, it can be off and on at 3 feet. It is more reliable on the wide beam at 4 feet and up. I think the Deeper Start model will work at 2 feet, but the beam width is fixed and is not as wide as the Deeper Smart models.
Are you using the Native Ultimate FX 12 in this video ? How do you like it vs others you have used ? Good for longer distance paddles ? Thanks
It was the Ultimate 14.5. I would never buy it again because it is not recoverable if you flip. You have to swim it to shore. On the plus side, it had plenty of room. This video shows what I tried on recovery - czcams.com/video/-V_QNbIWoac/video.html
For really long trips, it would be good since a longer kayak cuts through the water easier. But... I love my current pedal kayak for the long hauls (no rapids) since leg muscles last longer than arms!
Thank you !
Great video. You don't even need that 1 lb unit to record waypoints and hotspots. Download Navionics on your phone. It will be the best $10 (one-time fee) you'll ever spend.
The Anglr app that I use does the same thing and it is free.
Kayak Hacks Fishing I will give it a try. Thanks.
Enjoy your videos. I like the idea of using a cheap cell phone to display images sent back from Deeper. What brand cell phone are you using? I went to Walmart and target and found the choices very confusing.
I just got the cheapest smartphone I could find. It ends up being android, not iPhone. Here's one I see at Best Buy for $25. As long as the phone supports Google play, wifi and bluetooth, you should be good. www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?_dyncharset=UTF-8&id=pcat17071&iht=y&keys=keys&ks=960&list=n&qp=currentprice_facet%3DPrice~Less%20than%20%2425%5Enocontractunlocked_facet%3DNo%20Contract%2FUnlocked~No-Contract%5Enocontractunlocked_facet%3DNo%20Contract%2FUnlocked~Unlocked&sc=Global&st=android%20phones&type=page&usc=All%20Categories
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
Another great video and fine review. I have the FishHunter, but haven't completely mastered that yet. Any suggestions?
Keep 'em coming!
Roger, The Smiling BassHole
Sadly, no - I am not familiar with that one.
Fish hunter good product? You have issues with the connection?
Nice videos good work , I need to see fish hunter pro it's well must be better than deeper no so bad connection issues
I need to look at that option - thanks!
Hi,, Ist work out beach fishing? Plan to stingray... but waves there so Ist workout
I tried it on the beach, but the waves blocked the signal.
@@KayakhacksFishing thank you ur reply.... if not tht much waves it’s work?? U mean how many height waves block???
@@worldwidefishingbuddies8206 Right. As long is there is clear line of sight it works fine. So, on a calm day, it would be ok as long as your phone is elevated above the wave and can directly connect
@@KayakhacksFishing yes me worldwide fishing buddies guy.... I got ... did u see our beach on my CZcams.. if see thts my location... we dnt have 10 feet waves we have 5 feet ...tht waves cut signals? And if I stand beach sea below only.. I mean our beach 3,4 feet high from sea level ...
Are you able to connect multiple phones to it at the same time?
I have not tried that. I am done kayak fishing for the year.. I'll try it next year. You could always send them a note and ask.
How often does the app need updates, and how much is , there are almost always paid updates
I have been using this for years and the app has always been free because the Deeper will not work without the app. It does update periodically
Now that this video is a couple of years old do you still use this? It looks cool but I am on a very restricted budget and can't afford a gimmick that will be left home after the novelty wears off.
Yes, I still use it - especially when investigating new areas. I need to post another video on how I typically use it. It's not about finding fish, it's about finding where to fish given the shallow water I fish in. I use it to find the channels where I can ambush fish as the tide changes.
What if you tried a tablet to view the results from the deeper?
I have not tried that. I assume it would work since the Deeper connects with an app to the device wifi.
Hi KHF - here is my take on the sonar. Like any 'normal' fish finder, be it boat or portable, the manuals advised to not use the Fish ID for more accurate readings. The boomerang sign for sure are fish. The first part is very true with this sonar. My cell phone displays so much fish icons (on all my fishing trips at Castaic lake) yet never caught any. I agree that this doesn't mean there is no fish there (and this is lots of time, every time). But for those trips that are wide open and we were catching 4-7 lbs stripers one after another, my phone display shows NO sign of fish. I would return the product if I could. It was already pass the 30 days when I realized (tested and confirmed) that this is not useful/working. I saw in your video you used the Fish ID and the audible alarm. It would be interesting if next time you go out fishing and untick the Fish ID and when you do catch fish, see if your phone display shows any fish mark. Thank you and tight lines.
I will do that. The downside of turning it off is you have to look at the display.
Kayak Hacks Fishing True. Thank you Sir.
Great Channel! This video convinced me to get one of these. They have them on sale right now at Dick's. The water you're fishing looks like the NC Coastal water. I've always wanted to fish that but the water during the tides scares me. It rips like a large rapid during the tide changes.
I fish the marsh off the ICW or Cape Fear River. The tide is not too bad. A bit of current, but not a real issue.
Do you know anyone from the Triangle Fly Fishers? I mainly fly fish and would love to know more info about fishing that area.
The Sonar no longer comes with the arm you have to buy it separately.
@@CrazyBoutFishin2380 thanks for the update
@@CrazyBoutFishin2380 No, I am a member of the local club - Cape Fear Flyfishers.
You say in the video it comes with a Lug to connect it to the kayak track. I already have the deeper and looking for a mount. I would like it to connect to the track but I don't see any packages that mention the lug and I don't see it in the parts pic. Just wondering what one I would buy so it would have that. Thanks for any advice.
Here is what I use - amzn.to/2HZiJY4
BUT! I looked at the package under magnification and it does not look like the flexible arm has the lug any longer. Let me see if the thread on the screw is standard 1/4-20. If so, you could get a lug.
I just went out and looked. The thread does not fit the standard lugs I have for my track. I'll send a note to the Deeper guys and ask about this.
Kayak Hacks Fishing thanks man! I didn't see it came with it. I would love that option.
I sent them a note. If you look the version 2.0 of the arm on Amazon, they show it connected to a utility track iif you look at the kayak pictures. Let's see what they say.
amzn.to/2HPP6e0
Kayak Hacks Fishing thanks. It does show that. I didn't notice that. Hopefully it comes with it!
Advice:
always clean the deeper from algae and debris, if the two metal sensor are dirty may not work properly (it happend to me)
I used to carry a tripod and an external battery backup for my phone.
Do you like it?
Well, is a "Love and hate" relationship...LOL. I paid 200 USD my unit (is a little expensive for a tennis ball)
I am fishing fresh waters and from shore many times.
Is a great resource to know the structure, depth and water Tº...but...
The fish detection thing is a random utility...and sometimes becomes disappointing.
Example: you may know "there is fish", you ignore the size or kind of fish...you end trying the wrong species, no result.
You ignore if the fish is coming to you or going away...
You cast the device and the "splash" will scary fish around (they may come back by couriosity or may not)
Sometimes, your deeper is not showing fish activity but you catch fish (¿What? oh yes...it happens very often)
But I agree sometimes it worked as a "promised miracle" I cast over the device when detecting a fish an had a Hit!!!
So, as you see...I'm still trying to understand the real thing behind, is great to detect bottom structure (even weeds) but...if the fish is still will not be detected.
And, what about service? What happens when the battery needs replacement or the USB port is not working properly like mine?
I'm not fully convinced so far ...is a 50/50 situation.
Fred.
PD: Steave, have his butt clean always, salty water may corrode the sensors and he is gone...
Thanks for the advice!
Does this work if you don't have cell phone service where your fishing?
Yes. The wifi is between the phone and the deeper unit. I use a throw away cheap phone without cell service. That way, if it gets wet and dies, I am only out $20.
Kayak Hacks Fishing you have got to be the smartest guy out there. I had a feeling you could answer me .I have now ordered one
Smartest? lol
we need more videos with deeper pro plus i have i pad so i hope work with that
If your ipad has wifi, it should work. I'll keep using it and reporting
I believe it connects to Bluetooth not wifi.. I've connected mines to multiple devices...so yeah it will wotk on an IPad.
I was considering the deeper, but the striker 4 is king for cheaper sonars.
I am not familiar that one...
but the striker 4 in shore fishing for example, is absolutely useless.
You can cast this tennis ball size thing and have a good idea of the bottom in places tou can't get any other watercraft.
I'm surprised there is no discussion on price point it seems if this was a device i'd consider it would have to come in pretty cheap I get very discouraged at things with poor connectivity
The Deeper comes in different models at different price points. They did solve the boat mode connectivity issue with the new version 2 attachment. I review that on Sunday.
looks like trails end park =)
Yes, I fish from there frequently.
How it performs in choppy water. Are you loosing WiFi connection.
Yes, if the unit is out of the water for a long time, it cuts off. As long as it is damp, it connects.
What is long time in this case. I just ordered one unit and mount arm. Do you need water perfectlly calm , A@@KayakhacksFishing
@@frantisekbotko6846 No, there can be waves. I think the wifi cuts off after 10 seconds or so. I have not measured. With the flexible arm, you can push it into the water about 2 inches to keep it running. As long as the top is above water, it works.
Isn't this just going to alarm all the time with mullet ?
It will alarm on any baitfish.
I've got a few questions:
1- How fast does it kill your smartphone battery?
2- Will the fish alarm send a notification when you turn off the screen?
3- (Maybe I missed this in the beginning) Does this have an internal battery or an external charge port, and how long does its charge last?
4- Can any commenters report on its deeper water (to me, 40'+) accuracy?
Thanks for sharing!
Well, I have the deeper pro (first edition, not plus)
Deeper sonar has an internal battery, charges in a couple of hours thru a mini usb port.
When deeper hits the water starts to work, my phone doesn't turn off the screen because is receiving the information continuously.
Removing the deeper from the water and stops working in few seconds...
1. I have not had an issue with the smartphone battery, but I did not look at that specifically.
2. I did not test that - I will.
3.It has an internal lithium battery that lasts between 5 - 6 hours of continuous use. It will turn off and on when you have it out of the water (like for casting), so that translates to a bit longer fishing time. It has an internal charging port connected via USB and takes maybe 2 hours to fully recharge.
4. Max I used it was 20 feet.
Gary - I asked the Deeper guys about questions 1 and 2. Here is their response: 1. It really depends on the smartphone battery. Usually, it takes around 3-5 hours which also depends on how do you use the app itself - how bright the screen will be and etc. So every case is different, and there is no clear answer to this. 2. No, it won’t send you a notification.
I got a deeper pro plus I use the product and the battery life was 40 minutes they said it’s a softwere issue I change the product and they send me an open box used product back, I never meet in my life a company with so bad costumer service in my life. Never!!!
That is a shame. You should put something on their FaceBook page to complain.
You have to fix your sound quality dude...otherwise, great vid
Working on it!
I thought sound was great
Too bad it does not come with its own display panel. I hate to drop my phone in the water.
Yes, I agree
Buy a 10.00 dollar water proof case they float. That what I did.
Might be useful for Unknown areas but for home "turf" it would not be needed.
If you know the water, you are good to go
Do you still use the deeper??
?
Yes, I use it under docks on the ICW. I drift it under to look for action.
Kayak Hacks Fishing I fish for crappie under docks and i think it would be a good option for me...