Understanding cone angle is essential when using advanced fishfinder systems like Lowrance's Active Target. The cone angle affects how much underwater area your fishfinder scans and the accuracy of the underwater representation. This blog post explores what cone angle is, its importance, and its impact on your fishing experience with Active Target.
What is Cone Angle?
The cone angle is the width of the beam emitted by the transducer. Imagine it like a flashlight beam shining underwater: a narrow beam focuses on a small area, while a wider beam covers a larger area. In LiveScope, the cone angle determines the field of view that the transducer captures.
Cone Angle in Active Target
Lowrance Active Target uses advanced sonar technology to provide real-time images of fish and structures below and around your boat. The cone angle in Active Target is crucial because it affects the imaging detail and range of view.
Active Target transducers have an 18º cone angle and cover an area of 135º from the transducer.
Why Cone Angle Matters
- Coverage Area: A wider cone angle scans a larger area, which is useful for locating fish or structures. However, this can result in less detailed images because the sonar signal is spread over a wider area.
- Detail and Resolution: A narrower cone angle focuses the sonar signal on a smaller area, producing higher resolution images, ideal for identifying specific fish or detailed structures.
- Depth Penetration: The cone angle also impacts depth penetration. A narrower beam penetrates deeper, providing clearer images of deeper waters.
Different Orientations
Forward Mode:
Down Mode:
Scout:
Images retrieved from Garmin
Conclusion
Optimizing the cone angle of your Active Target system can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Whether searching for fish or analyzing underwater structures, the cone angle determines what you see on your screen. Adjusting the settings and selecting the right mode for your needs will help you make the most of your Active Target technology, improving your chances of a successful fishing trip.
Remember, mastering your fishfinder settings is as important as having the right equipment. Take the time to learn and experiment with your Active Target to become a more effective angler.