How To Use A Handheld GPS For Fishing

Global positioning system (GPS) applies the satellites located in the space to identify specific locations on the surface of the Earth. A GPS instrument helps people to find different unknown places. The handheld GPS instruments have made this task easier. The fishermen can utilize the handheld GPS for fishing; for instance, to mark the fishing locations and to return back to the shore. This article focuses on some instructions on how to use a handheld GPS for fishing.

Table of Contents

Load the Essential Maps
Connect to the Computer
Mark the Starting Point
Use the ‘Zoom’ Option
Utilize the ‘Breadcrumb’ Feature
Label the Waypoints
Record the Essential Information

Load the Essential Maps

At first, turn on your handheld GPS. You need to check the map provider of your handheld GPS receiver. Then, load your required maps into the memory of the GPS receiver. Some handheld GPS offers the Nautical charts in their mapping providers.

Connect to the Computer

The handheld GPS receivers offer different methods for being connected to the computer, depending on their specific models. For instance, the DeLorme model offers a USB option for facilitating the serial connections and transferring data via the Topo USA. The other popular models like the Garmin and the Magellan can be connected through the serial ports. These models transfer data through proprietary software called “Vantage”. In these ways, many other brands are connected to the computers through proprietary cords or USB port or serial connection ports. You are recommended to check the manual provided by the GPS manufacturer company, from which you have your handheld GPS. The manual will help you to understand the process of connecting a specific model of the handheld-GPS receiver to your computer. Disconnect the GPS from the computer and check that the data are in the device’s memory.

Mark the Starting Point

While you are preparing to commence your fishing kayak or starting to set up any fishing site upon the shore, you need to be ensured that the GPS receiver is getting the signal in a stronger way and is showing your current location accurately. If you observe that the signals are weak or not properly accurate, then wait for some moments so that the GPS receiver can acquire a connection to satellites. After that press the specific button on your handheld GPS receiver to mark your current location using the measurements of latitude as well as longitude. The GPS receiver will store this information as a sign, which will help you to return to the shore after you have finish catching fish.

Use the ‘Zoom’ Option

You need to zoom in the display of the handheld GPS receiver to an opposite scale. For boating, you are recommended to zoom ‘in’ the screen in the scale of 1/4^th a mile or any other smaller unit. Moreover, if you are fishing from any riverbank or the fly-fishing, then try to zoom ‘in’ at the on-screen scale of 80-160 feet. You need to consider the underwater terrain as well as the extent of the water surface. After starting a journey over the water surface keeps an eye on the records of your handheld GPS receiver to record your positions as well as the travel route.

Utilize the ‘Breadcrumb’ Feature

Most of the handheld GPS receivers include a special tracking option called “breadcrumbs,” which can record the movements of the fishermen. When you have turned the breadcrumbs feature ‘on’, the unit will start receiving data. This feature will mark your route using a line that allows you to reach your desired spot in less time. This feature will also help you in returning to the exact spots later. Under this feature, the angler needs to set a recording distance. Furthermore, on the pontoon boat, you can set the markers within a range of 50 to 250 feet, considering the water body’s size. If you are fishing on any ocean, then the recommended measurement is 1/8- 1 1/4 mile considering the fishing boat’s length. If you are fishing on the shore/fly-fishing, then the appropriate breadcrumb would be within a range of 10-25 feet.

Label the Waypoints

On your fishing journey, you can mark the appropriate fishing spots. Usually, the handheld GPS receivers offer features, such as, bookmark, waypoint, favorite, etc. Moreover, most of the GPS receivers include the features like, selecting icons, recording the date, time, location name latitude, longitude, etc. Furthermore, some handheld GPS receivers include the option to enter some comments. Therefore, you need to label the waypoints consistently using icons. You should also remember that the recorded information must be meaningful for the future-use. The waypoint commenting feature is very useful for recording the depth of water depth as well as underwater features.

Record the Essential Information

While you would decide to return after you have completed the fishing task, end the tracking task and then save the recorded data. You can store some information in the handheld GPS receiver in a systematic way, So that you use. For instance, you can give a title to your trip, add comments regarding the weather, temperature of water, overall conditions, overall results, any other useful information. The tracking feature can show you the route to identify the perfect fishing points. Cautionary Facts and Useful Tips

You should carry enough number of spare batteries; so that you can travel the expected trip-length.
Many handheld GPS receivers offer the lanyards, which is a great accessory.
Buy a handheld GPS receiver that offers waterproof body. Moreover, the GPS unit can be wrapped with a plastic bag or sealed bag that also provides safety to the GPS unit.

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JB

I started this blog to provide advanced material, guiding you towards a better and more comfortable fishing experience. I deliver more than fishing gear guides, and motivate people to hit the water!