Screen Scene: The 360-Degree Perspective

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The term “Game Changer” gets thrown around too often in our industry, and seldom are products actually capable of changing the game of fishing. But once in a while, a particular piece of equipment becomes critical to every serious angler’s on-the-water objectives. As far as fishing electronics go, GPS and contour-based mapping were definitely game-changing advancements in fishing. Minn Kota’s Spot-Lock is another. And few would argue that Humminbird’s Mega 360 imaging also meets those standards in the rapidly advancing realm of fishing electronics.

Currently, Humminbird has exclusivity on 360 technology thanks to U.S. patents, but at some point, you can expect to see other brands such as Garmin and Lowrance introduce legitimate versions of similar technology. I’d say they’re already well underway in the development and testing phases. For now, it’s all Humminbird—and most pro anglers out there have Mega 360 rigged on their boats.

Mega 360 is compatible with Humminbird Helix G3N and G4N, Solix G2N and G3N, and all Apex units. And to get the most out 360 it makes sense to have a dedicated 10- or 12-inch unit running 360 Imaging.

The 360 perspective provides a level of information that was previously unattainable. If you were to put four side-scanning transducers in a circle, each viewing outward at a different 90-degree perspective with intersecting peripherals, you could somewhat recreate what the 360 transducer is able to transmit currently. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of technology jammed into the 360 transducer, and if there is a downside, it’s bulky.

It’s easy to excuse the extra limb—if you will—once you learn to apply the transmitted information to your fishing. It takes scouting and boat position to new levels of productivity. Most anglers have them mounted to their trolling motors that deploy the 360 as the trolling motor is deployed, all in one motion.

Boat Positioning

One of the most valuable aspects of 360 imaging is the ability to see what structure types you’re headed toward, and what you’ve potentially missed. Last summer, I was practicing for a local bass tournament and while looking for something fishy to throw a Texas rig at, I noticed a group of bluegill beds we had just missed—the 360 indicated them to my portside rear. Knowing the area, it was ideal for more beds. I kept an eye out, but also with intentions to return to the beds we had just passed.

I spotted more “elephant tracks” ahead of our position by about 70 feet, dropped the Raptors, and chucked the 10-inch Powerworm up to the beds. A couple defensive bluegill pecks indicated the fish were there, and as I worked the bait off the beds, there was a thump and the line tightened. I dropped the rod tip and set the hook. We returned the next day and spent most of our time focusing on the beds and managed a top-10 finish in the derby.

Because I was able to see what was directly ahead, I made an accurate cast and found willing fish. The 360 sonar helped us get into position before we ran over the structure and potentially spooked the fish. The same application can be utilized to stay on a weedline or anticipate subtle changes in the substrate while fishing—all things that are generally attractive to fish. It’s just one application I use all the time that has become a staple in my routine.

The Right Settings

Much like our previous discussions, you need to become proficient and comfortable with adjusting the settings from lake to lake. 360 Imaging mostly functions right out of the box and under most situations, but start changing lakes, times of year, and water types and temperatures and you need to make some settings adjustments to maximize image returns.

The primary settings I suggest working with regularly include sensitivity, contrast, range, and color palettes. I rarely set my range beyond 80 feet as details tend to get distorted beyond that point, and I can reach 80 feet with both spinning and casting tackle. I’ve learned, too, getting closer than 60 feet can spook the fish you hope to catch. This depends on the fishery, too, including water clarity, structure/cover type, and fishing pressure. I’ve found that 65 feet of Mega 360 Imaging range projects the best picture in most scenarios.

One of the major seasonal changes I work through each year is an algae bloom on my local lakes. It clutters the top 4 to 6 feet of the water, or more, making it hard to discern fish profiles or activity. A reduction in sensitivity and increase in contrast helps declutter that section of the water column, and you can identify larger fish like carp, pike, or bigger bass that may be suspended. But the reduction in sensitivity reduces quality returns, including small fish. Experiment for the best view.

Some color palettes seem to project clearer returns of objects. Hard objects such as rocks and timber are brighter while softer items like eelgrass, moss, and mud appear more muted; thus a softer-hue background will make those particular items pop more. In other words, certain colors generate a better contrast between different types of structure. Mostly, I like the amber color, but I’ve found neon green is sharper in some cases and blue works well in low-light conditions. Again, experiment.

360 users have options to switch between Mega 360 and 455 kHz, much like Side Imaging and Down Imaging. The two options work best under different conditions. For example, shallow and warm water is ideal for Mega, while deeper, cooler water might be ideal for 455 kHz. Under most bass-fishing scenarios, however, Mega 360 is the top choice for most anglers. This is an important setting adjustment that requires some experimental time.

You can drop waypoints on any piece of structure within the 360 perspective, but you need a specific piece of equipment. The Humminbird AS GPS HS—External GPS Receiver with Heading Sensor allows for waypoints to be entered and seen on Mega 360. It’s a simple install job, and the Heading Sensor requires minimal amperage.

One-Boat Network

One of the coolest components with this technology is the ability to work it into Humminbird’s One-Boat Network. Through the use of Ethernet hubs and connections, data are available at any applicable unit in the boat. Particularly at the dash, I’ve found this helpful when scouting new locations, while slow-trolling for muskies or stripers, and to help a co-angler make a good cast.

360 Mounting Options

What’s the best way to implement 360? That largely depends on your favorite species of fish, your boat, and trolling motor. If you’re using a Minn Kota Ultrex, a 360-mounting plate that attaches directly to the trolling motor is included in the 360 box. But there are third-party adapters such as from Big Rig Bassin’ (bigrigbassin.com) that not only work with the Ultrex but also the Lowrance Ghost, Power-Pole Move, and Garmin Force—so everyone can use 360.

If mounting to the trolling motor isn’t an option, say if you run a Terrova or Ultrerra, a Universal Mount kit is available from GeigerTec through Minn Kota. There are also several other third-party versions of this system. You can mount the base at the bow or on the gunnel close to the trolling motor and you can then manually deploy and affix the rig where you want it. (Just don’t forget it before you take off.)

Finally, if you want to get creative, you can mount 360 on a kayak, and there’s a Humminbird Mega 360 Ice Bundle for those of us in portions of the country that get to drill holes during winter. The information gathered during ice fishing is a massive time saver and will indeed help you catch more fish.

Why 360?

There are countless reasons why detailed subsurface perspectives can help you catch more fish. Ultimately, 360 imaging creates a unique picture of what’s directly beneath you and out to a specified range, in every direction. And you can’t put a price on that level of quality of information. The amount of time you spend on the water using 360 will help you most when time and money are on the line. The more information you can gather and apply to your next cast greatly increases the likelihood of another bite.

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