Get a news snippet and what ppl onboard had to say.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4264661.stm

http://www.travelserver.net/travelpage/ubb-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=17&t=000014

rough weather sailing.

some of the roughest weather sailing videos iv seen ......
some ave been around for a long time...but it still sends the shivers when you watch them.

Spartacus Spiffington

Spartacus Spiffington
My name is Spartacus Spiffington.I'm dead.
A fact with which I'm not entirelypleased.
I would prefer to be alive instead.
But here I am, quite thoroughlydeceased.
"So tell us", you demand, "what death is like."
But trust me, you don't want to know this yet.
It is like learning how to ridea bike;
for once you know you never canforget.

Copied as usual....i dont know from who.

Some things that can happen with a fish

A fish that drinks like a fish, that is a fish in excess A fish that fishes in troubled waters, that is a fish taking advantage of another fish in trouble A fish that fishes or cuts bait, well, to be or not to be, to retreat or to attack, that is the fishy question A fish that is neither fish nor fowl, is a fish that is neither one nor the other, lacking some convictions feeling no other A fish out of water, is a fish feeling left out, no longer in his accustomed environment Do you have other fish to fry for now? Is there other matter requiring my attention? Poor fish, the lake is finally fished out from his fishy mind. poetry fished out of the www. origional by RIC S. BASTASA

find the real link deep within........... fish hard if you want to or go to bed hungry!

Questionaire

What is the approx size of the catch.

What is the duration of the trip, how much time is spent in the catch?

How does the fisherman identify the fishing ground?

What is the distance traveled? what are the limitations?

How can he return to the fishing ground?

If fishing by trial and error, how many tries are required?

What is the max depth of the net? Does fouling on the bottom play a role in the casting of the nets?

What is the area covered by the trawl (net)?

What is the area covered by the boat? In one trip?

How are the nets deployed?

Do the nets tear? How?

How does navigation happen?

What are the costs involved?

What is the avg literacy of the potential user?

Does he operate a mobile? Computer?

What is the ease of operating electronic equipment?

Are navigational charts used? What about the compass?

Is radio used? How?

What other communication is there?

Who are the stakeholders? Do the fishermen get a commission or a salary?

Are the boats owned or leased?

What sort of fish gets the most reward? Where do these fish lie?

What sort of fishing pattern is the most profitable?

How is communication done with the shore?

How is fuel planned for?

Is there a trip meter?(engine)or how is the total distance traveled measured. Is a dip stick used.

Is power available? What sort.?

Are mobile networks available? how far inside?

How many people man the vessel

What is the education level of the fishermen who use the vessel.

What is the motivation of the fishermen?(commercial)

If the have to use the unit do they need training?

Do they use the www?

What sort of data is given to the fishermen?How do thy use it?

Do they use weather forecasts?How do they analyze it?

What is the cost of investment? Whose investment is it?

Technology benchmark-Humminbird 987c

Humminbird 987c

Humminbird 987c - Key Features
View enormous areas of the bottom with picture-like detail using Side Imaging sonar

Brilliant, 7" sunlight viewable color display with 480V x 854H resolution

Humminbird 987c - Dual frequency 50/200kHz sonar and revolutionary Side Imaging sonar technology

16 channel WAAS GPS receiver included

Built-in UniMap™ of the USA coastline, and inland lakes and rivers to 4nm detail

Tidal graphs and port services information available with optional Navionics Gold Charts

Humminbird 987c - 750 Watts RMS, 6000 Watts PtP (200kHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 1000 ft depth or 1000 Watts RMS, 8000 Watts PtP (50KHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 2500 ft depth*

Dual microprocessors and triple channel sonar transmitter/receiver deliver fast, smooth operation

Full screen chartplotter, 3D bird's eye view chartplotter and split screen sonar/chart with adjustable split

Programmable view presets access important screens with one touch
Plug & Play compatibility with WeatherSense® Barometric Pressure, and Wireless Sonar Link Advanced Accessories

Humminbird 987c - In-dash or Gimbal mount.

Humminbird 987c - Additional Features

Fresh & saltwater set up options for optimal performance in any environment
Water surface temperature included in transducer, GPS speed included

Humminbird 987c - PC Connection capability to save waypoints, and upgrade internal software

Accelerated Real Time Sonar™ operates at up to 40 times per second to instantly capture the action under the boat

X-press™ menus place most important setting at your fingertips

Freeze Frame pauses the sonar scroll for detailed inspection of the screen
Instant Image Update immediately shows the results of setting changes for the most accurate fine tuning

Humminbird 987c - Sonar Echo Enhancement™ technology is so sensitive it’ll track a jig to over 40ft and separate targets within 2 ½ inches!

Fully gasketed waterproof design & it floats

Selectable large digit screen for easy-to-read number display

Humminbird 987c - Backlight for night viewing

TripLog with distance, elapsed time, and average speed

Totally automatic operation or totally manual operation with upper and lower range control

Temperature graph overlay and audiable temperature alarm
One-touch Zoom with 2x, 4x, 6x, and 8x zoom levels

Adjustable chart speed

Feature memory retains your settings

Humminbird 987c - One-year limited warranty
Assembled in U.S.A.

Humminbird 987c - Advanced Accessories

Humminbird 987c - WeatherSense Barometric Pressure Monitor

Wireless Sonar Link

System Link Cable

MMC/SD Card Reader

Humminbird 987c – Specifications

Add-on Accessory Capability: Wireless Sonar Link, & Weather Sense Barometric Pressure

Humminbird 987c - Depth Capability:100 Feet Down, 240 Feet to Each Side (262kHz) Side Imaging1000 Feet (200kHz), 2500 Feet (50kHz) 2D

Display Window Size:7” Diagonal

Display Matrix:480V x 854H

Display Type: Color TFT, Sunlight Viewable

Power Output RMS:Power Output P to P
750 Watts (200kHz), 1000 Watts (50kHz) 6000 Watts (200kHz), 8000 Watts (50kHz)

Operating Frequency:200kHz, 50kHz & 262kHz

Humminbird 987c - Sonar Coverage:
50kHz: 74° @ -10db200kHz: 20° @ -10db262kHz: (2) 84° @ -10db

Target Separation:2 ½” Inches

Temperature: Included in transducer

Speed: GPS speed included

Transducer: Transom Mount

Power Input Range: 10-20 VDC

Mounting: Gimbal or In-Dash

Humminbird 987c - Unit Size:
Installed on Gimbal: 11 1⁄4" W x 63⁄4" H x 4 1⁄4"DInstalled In-dash: 10 ¾” W x 6” H x 1 3/8” D; Required Minimum 3” behind dash clearance

Communication: NMEA O183 Data Output, Advanced Accessory System

GPS Features:WAAS, 3000 Waypoints, 50 Routes, 50 Tracks with 20,000 Points Each



Humminbird 987c Series 900 Fishfinder 987c Retail Price: $2,938.78

The Basics of fishfinders

Fish finders have been helping fishermen catch fish for years. They are simply getting better every year as technology improves.
Basic types of fish finders

A portable one or permanent one.


A fish finder for a small row boat or for ice fishing, needs to be portable package so you can use it

in different situations.

If you want it for your main fishing boat, then look for a good, permanent fish finder that will last for a long time. If you just go out looking at all fish finders, it's going to be tough to compare just like it would be hard to compare a small car to a big SUV. So, find a price range and do your research for as many fish finders in that range until you find one that works for you.
Types of Fish finders:
There are many different types of fish finders. Most new fish finders could pick up a small jig 40 feet down.They are that good. Fish finders are available in black and white models as well as color. Most fishermen that go from a black and white model to a color model will never go back. The color makes everything more visible, which allows you to see what you need to see quicker, so you can spend more time fishing.Fish finders are now available with GPS, WAAS, and mapping options. Depending on where you fish will depend on whether or not you will want or need these options. If you take a fishing trip every year to a new lake, you're going to want these options. It will help you know where you are at so you can get back to your lodge, camp or just back to the boat ramp. It is also very helpful for getting back to same spots that you located fish on your previous outings.

http://www.ultimatefishingsite.net/online_library/fishfinders.html

About Fish finders

All fish finders operate using Sonar. Developed during World War II, this technology uses sound waves to "view" underwater objects. A sound wave is produced by the fishfinder and sent through the water. At the source, the wave is narrow; however as it penetrates deeper, the sound wave spreads forming a cone, or what is commonly called a beam (think flashlight). When the sound wave encounters something within this beam, it bounces back to the fishfinder. By measuring the very small amount of time between when the sound wave was send out and when it bounces back your fishfinder calculates the distance and draws it on the screen.

If the signal doesn't encounter anything along the way, it reaches the bottom. Soft bottoms like mud and weeds tend to absorb the signal. Hard bottoms such as rock reflect a stronger signal back. These subtle differences in sonar reflections appear on the display screen. That's how a fishfinder "reads" the bottom and everything in between.

Cone Angles

The cone angle is the angular measurement of the sonar beam in degrees. For instance, a 24 degree beam is broader and covers more area than 16 degree beam. Cone angles are measured at "-10db", which is a method to assure consistency of measurement from one transducer to another, and accurately represent the capability of the fish finder.

That cone angle varies by fish finder model and manufacturer. Many fish finders use only one sonar beam; however Humminbird has advanced multi-beam sonar technology that sends out, 2, 3 or even 6 sonar beams to cover much wider area with much greater detail than ordinary fish finders.

Sonar Beam Coverage Area

Below is a quick reference chart for the area covered by the specific cone angle listed. For example, if you are fishing in 10 feet of water and the cone angle on your transducer is 20 degrees, the area across the bottom is 3.5 feet.

20 degrees - 0.35 or roughly 1/3 of depth
24 degrees - 0.42 or roughly 2/5 of depth
30 degrees - 0.53 or roughly 1/2 of depth
40 degrees - 0.72 or roughly 3/4 of depth
50 degrees - 0.93 or roughly 9/10 of depth
60 degrees - 1.15 x depth
70 degrees - 1.4 x depth
73 degrees - 1.48 x depth
80 degrees - 1.68 x depth
90 degrees - 2 x depth
100 degrees - 2.38 x depth
110 degrees - 2.85 x depth
Fish Targets
Fish targets are displayed as either the unprocessed sonar return called an "arch", or as a Fish ID symbol. You can choose either presentation.

To display Fish ID symbols, a Humminbird fish finders use sophisticated software to analyze the "shape" of the sonar return from a suspended target to determine whether it is a fish. When a fish is detected it is displayed as graphic fish symbols on your viewing screen. If you have a multiple beam configuration, Fish ID provides the added benefit of identifying the location of the fish: either, to the left, right or directly below your boat.

To display "arches", the fish finder relies on the characteristics of sonar. When a fish passes directly through the transducer's beam, it can form an arch on the display screen. The size of the fish arch is affected by the sensitivity setting of the unit, your boat speed, the depth of the water and the location of the fish within the sonar beam. Often only partial arches will be displayed because the fish does not travel directly through the center of the beam.

Water Clarity

The water's clarity also has a great deal to do with the integrity of the signal. Strong winds or currents can create bubbles in the water that disperse the signal. Suspended mineral particles or floating algae, plankton or other microorganisms could absorb sound rather than reflect it back. Wave action can also stir things up - the greater the chop, the more air gets into the equation.

Thermoclines

Some fishfinders also show thermoclines, which are the "fronts" where warmer waters intersect with cooler waters. Typically, the water is colder as you go deeper and certain fish prefer certain temperatures. The change in water temperature causes some of the sonar signal to reflect back creating a line across your screen at the depth of the thermocline. Identifying thermoclines brings you one step closer to catching the fish you're after.

The Transducer

The transducer takes the electrical signal from your transmitter, turns it into sonar, and sends it out. It also captures all returning echoes and converts them back into electrical signals. Transducers are mounted in the water, either on the transom, the inside the hull, or on the trolling motor. All transducers should be mounted straight down and away as far from motors, props and hull obstructions as possible. A cable connects the transducer to the fishfinder.To select the transducer that's best suited to your needs, you need to consider the transducer's operating frequency, cone angle and type of installation.Frequency Most of the sonar units that we sell accessories for operate at 192 or 200 kHz (kilohertz). Some models use 50 kHz. A few are dual frequency capable, meaning they can use both 50 and 200 kHz transducers. Typically, high frequency (192 or 200 kHz) sonar units provide the best resolution and definition of structure and targets. They excel at showing minute details of the underwater world. 50 kHz units have much greater depth penetration capability, but show less definition. 50 kHz transducers also usually have a much wider cone angle than 192 or 200 kHz transducers.You must match the transducer's frequency to the sonar unit. For example, a 192 kHz sonar unit requires a 192 kHz transducer.Cone Angle A transducer's cone angle determines its coverage area of the underwater world. The wider the cone angle, the greater the area that's covered. We offer a variety of 192 kHz transducers with either a wide (20°) or narrow (8°) cone angle. We also offer a variety of 200 kHz transducers with either a wide (20°) or narrow (12°) cone angle. The 50 kHz transducers come with a 35° cone angle. And the dual frequency transducers come with both a narrow (12°) 200 kHz and a 50 kHz cone angles.Generally, use a wide cone angle for fishing shallow to medium depths. The narrow cone penetrates to deeper depths, but shows less fish and structure due to its narrow beam.The depth capability of your sonar units depends on its transmitter power, receiver, sensitivity, frequency, transducer and transducer installation. Other things that effect depth capability are: water conditions and type, (all sonars will show deeper depth readings in fresh water than salt) and bottom conditions.Types of Transducer Installations Most of our permanent-mount transducers are designed for high-speed operations. For the best results, the transducer should be placed where a smooth, undisturbed flow of water will pass across the face of the transducer at all boat speeds. Read your transducer's owner's manual before installing the transducer! Transom Mount The transom-mount transducer is the most popular, and it's generally the easiest to install. The Skimmer® transducer design performs best when it is slightly below the boat's hull. A plastic transducer is recommended on aluminum or steel-hulled boats to avoid potential electrolysis problems.Mounting the transducer on the transom is recommended for outboard and stern-drive (I/O) powered boats only. Transom mounting is ideal for high-speed operation and models with the "kick-up" feature will prevent damage if the transducer strikes an object.Make certain that the chosen location doesn't interfere with the boat's trailer. DO NOT mount the transducer directly behind the ribs, or thru-hull fittings. Typically, on aluminum boats, mounting the transducer between two ribs works best. On all hulls, mount the transducer at least one foot away from the engine's lower unit. This helps to prevent air bubbles from the transducer interfering with the propeller.Periodically wash the bottom of the transducer with soap and water to remove any oil film or growth that may collect. Oil and dirt reduce the transducer's sensitivity and can even prevent its operation.Shoot-Thru-Hull Mount In this installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside of the hull with epoxy. Ideally, the transducer is placed in the aft third of the hull close to the centerline. The signal "shoots through" the hull with some loss of signal strength. This installation must be made in an area of the hull that is made from solid fiberglass, with no air bubbles or separated layers. If the hull is of multi-layer or "sandwich" construction, you will have to remove the inner layer of fiberglass and the wood or foam core to expose the outer layer of the hull. This type of mount is recommended only with 192 or 200 kHz transducers. Bolt-Thru-Hull Mount In this type of installation, a hole is cut in the hull and the transducer is mounted through the hull by means of a threaded shaft and nut. If the boat hull has a dead rise higher than 10 degrees, fairing blocks made from wood or plastic must be fabricated so that the transducer will mount in a completely vertical position. The TH-FLW P5 model does not require a fairing block.On in-boards, the transducer must be installed ahead of the propeller, shaft(s), and engine water intake(s).If the boat's hull is made of steel or aluminum, use a plastic transducer to prevent electrolysis problems.Trolling Motor Mount The PD-W "pod" transducer is designed for mounting on an electric trolling motor. It has two slots for a hose clamp (which must be purchased separately). Skimmer® transducers can also be mounted on a trolling motor using the TMB-S trolling motor bracket. It's curved to fit the contour of most electric trolling motors.Sonar Update Speed. This is how fast the sonar updates per second. Some newer units send and receive a sonar signal at up to 40 times per second at about 60 feet of depth (it deeper it gets slower, and shallower it gets faster) some older units update sonar at 20 times per second). The faster the sonar updates, the more information it puts on the display and better image you get. Keep in mind this is single beam mode. Since some units use several beams, additional time is required for each beam - this is just a problem with physics, you can't make the speed of sound in water any faster.

The LCD Display Screen

The LCD displays the sonar information and is the one of the most important aspects of the fishfinder. LCD displays are measured in "pixels" - the little square blocks on the screen that make up the image. More pixels provide better resolution and a clearer picture. FSTN displays, standard on all Humminbird products, offer the best visibility from any location on the boat, and provide high contrast for easy reading. FSTN displays are easy to identify because the pixels are black, not blue. Grayscale technology offers even more detail by showing the sonar image in multiple shades of gray; this makes it easy to clearly distinguish bottom type, structure and fish.