StructureScan 3D is a new technology. Many anglers are already enjoying the benefits it provides when searching for bass. The view that StructureScan 3D provides makes makes it quite easy to view bass, baitfish and structure.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro James Elam has been using it since it became available and has found many benefits. He shares his thoughts on when to use it, how to get the most out of it and also what settings he has found to be the best.
When to Use It
This technology excels when scanning deeper water.
“It is so effective at pointing out baitfish and balls of shad; they just stick out a lot easier and in my opinion it is easier to see them than anything else we use,” said, Elam, a Lowrance pro. “It’s also nice to see how the fish setup on structure.”
The key depth range that Elam focuses on with StructureScan 3D is anything between 15- to 25-feet of water.
“I really don’t use it in water less than around 12-feet deep and I rarely use it over 25-feet; because, I am typically not fishing that deep," he added.
That 15- to 25-feet is a good rule of thumb for when to use the 3D and the deeper you go the better believes Elam. “As you get into the deeper part of that range, you will see more and more, because you have a bigger window that it is scanning," he explained. "It will show up more on your graph and you will be able to see so much more.”
Getting the Most Out of It
Elam believes StructureScan is the most user-friendly technology, because of the way it presents fish and structure. “The 3D view makes it easier to determine what you are looking at," he said. "The original StructureScan is a great tool, but it is a bigger learning curve to understand it completely.”
With that being said, Elam still employs the other technologies and will often use StructureScan 3D to cover an area he has previously found.
“I’ll find a good area by moving quickly with StructureScan, 2D Sonar and DownScan and then I’ll go over it again with the 3D to get a better look at it,"" he continued. " You can see things with much more detail."
Settings
The settings and adjustments are similar to standard StructureScan and Elam quickly modifies them with the Plus and Minus keys.
“If I am idling in 20-feet of water, I’ll adjust my range between 40- to 80-feet to the right and left, he began. "I have found these ranges to be the best for both detail and for making sure I don’t miss anything within the area."
If he wants a better look or if the depth changes suddenly, a quick touch of the button will change his depth range.
StructureScan 3D has changed the way anglers fish offshore structure. The detailed picture and ease of use make it a great option for those who fish deep water.
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