HUMMINBIRD Mega Imaging+ in Helix and Solix with Steve Chiasson

Hunninbird Electronics has improved their fantastic Helix and Solix models with the 2019 addition of Mega Imagining Plus. Delivering up to 3X the output of standard Side Imaging®, MEGA Imaging technology took fish finding into the megahertz frequency for the very first time. Humminbird improved this technology even further by extending the depth range and expanding the side coverage areas, all while improving the crystal clear imagery.  It's indisputably the clearest, sharpest sonar image ever-brought to you by the undisputed leader. More anglers are finding structure and fish they didn’t know were there, thanks to the clarity of MEGA Imaging, pioneered by Humminbird. Using this high-frequency sonar, you can easily distinguish fish from structure, see the direction fish are facing and even target individual species. And with new MEGA Imaging+™, there’s absolutely no place left to hide, thanks to extended range and depth, plus 20% more detail than MEGA Imaging.

ICAST 2018: Old Town Topwater PDL Boat with David Hadden

Newly released at ICAST 2018, the Old Town Topwater PDL boat will change the way you fish. Listen as David Hadden takes us through this fantastic fishing rig. 
Old Town is proud to unveil its all-new Topwater™ Series, which offers great Old Town performance in a compact, nimble format. A marriage of stability and performance, the Topwater—with the all-new ultra-stable DoubleU™ hull—quietly glides through any water condition while providing a stable, comfortable stand-up fishing platform. Equipped with thoughtful onboard tackle and rod management and a revolutionary universal transducer mount, even the most discriminating anglers will be impressed by the overall fishability of the new Topwater Series: paddle versions Topwater 106 and Topwater 120; and a pedal-driven model, the Topwater PDL. 

“The growth and popularity of kayak fishing has brought many new companies into the marketplace but unfortunately we have seen a glut of poorly-made and engineered boats in the sub $1000 category,” says David Hadden, Brand Director, Johnson Outdoors Watercraft. “Our goal with the Topwater™ Series was to engineer a boat that gave a great on the water fishing experience, which would allow anglers to catch more fish and be more comfortable. We also wanted it to outperform other kayaks when not on the water and made it smaller in size and weight for easy transportation and storage. Too many of today’s stable fishing kayaks need a trailer to transport to your local boat launch. The small size and reduced weight of all models in the Topwater Series make car-topping realistic and negate the need for a kayak trailer.”

ICAST 2018: Minn Kota Launches New Built in MEGA Down Imaging in Motors

Minn Kota® Launches New Trolling Motors with
Built-In MEGA Down Imaging™

Minn Kota the leader in trolling motor innovation, will debut Built-In MEGA Down Imaging™ in its trolling motors at the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST).

For the first time, anglers will have the option to select a Minn Kota Ulterra™, Terrova^®, Ultrex™ or Fortrex^® trolling motor with Built-In MEGA Down Imaging sonar. The Humminbird^® MEGA Down Imaging transducer will now be integrated into the trolling motor to provide a clean set up at the bow for anglers. Humminbird’s ultra-clear MEGA Imaging™ is the first Down Imaging technology to enter the megahertz range with performance that’s nearly three times greater than traditional 455 kHz frequencies. It results in the clearest, sharpest on-screen images ever seen.

With Built-In MEGA Down Imaging, the transducer is housed in the indestructible lower motor unit and the wiring runs through the composite shaft providing clean rigging that is protected from wear and tear. In addition, having the transducer integrated into the trolling motors allows anglers to see what is directly below the bow of the boat, allowing anglers to make better decisions on where, and how, to fish.

“The integration of Minn Kota and Humminbird products is part of our commitment to providing innovative solutions for anglers as they seek to find and catch more fish,” said Minn Kota Brand Manager Brad Henry.
 

Humminbird & Minn Kota Linked for Better Fishing with Charles Sim

Linking your Minn Kota trolling motor to your networked Humminbirds will allow you to precisely navigate your boat right on the juice. Listen to Bassmaster Classic qualifier Charles Sim as he explains the importance and benefits of linking your Humminbird electronics to your Minn Kota trolling motor.

LAKEMASTER Mapping

For decades LakeMaster® has been putting accuracy, detail, and a passion for angling on the map lead by a devoted team of GIS analysts, anglers, and surveyors alike. LakeMaster's partnership with Humminbird® is now beginning to break down more barriers than ever before. Humminbird LakeMaster mapping is not only growing in coverage area, but also expanding the possibilities of cartography. Together innovation continues to lead to new and exciting products, seamless integration between software and hardware, a relentless focus on helping anglers catch more fish, and a commitment to doing it all right here in the U.S.A. and now Ontario.
Link here to see more

Humminbird Lakemaster Ontario Map Card Features with Charles Sim

The Humminbird Lakemaster Ontario Map Card will be released in 2018. Learn from Bassmaster Classic Qualifier Charles Sim as he explains the features of using the Lakemaster maps and colour features to map out his fishing. Learn as he explains how to improve your fishing and boating.

Humminbird® Introduces the New SOLIX™ 10

When Humminbird® introduced the SOLIX™ Series in January, it redefined sonar by integrating its most revolutionary technological features into a new line of powerful, easy-to-use fish finders. For 2018 Humminbird has expanded the series with the SOLIX 10. Its 10.1-inch screen makes it ideal for use at the bow or on more compact console settings. The SOLIX 10 helps anglers find and catch more fish with the most advanced sonar, image clarity and mapping capabilities in its class.

Crystal-clear images
The SOLIX 10 comes in two models: one featuring Humminbird’s exclusive MEGA Imaging™ with GPS and CHIRP Digital Sonar, and another with GPS and CHIRP Digital Sonar only. Humminbird’s ultra-clear MEGA Imaging™ is the first Down and Side Imaging technology to enter the megahertz range with performance that’s nearly three times greater than traditional 455 kHz frequencies. It results in the clearest, sharpest on-screen images ever seen.
 
B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk gives credit to MEGA Imaging for his 2017 victory at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, saying “I found brush piles that other guys drove right past with their sonar units. During practice I stacked up tons of waypoints on brush that held good fish, and during the tournament I was able to go back, see where the bass were on the piles, and smash them.”
 

Sights from 2017 Toronto Sportsman Show.

Click here to see more of Big Jim Mc Laughlin.

Check out our FACBOOK page for a gallery of what's new. A a lot of great gear from Jackall, Diawa, Shimano, Berkley, Carrotstix and Humminbird.

Humminbird® Introduces New SOLIX™ Series with Exclusive Technologies and Largest Screens in its Class

Humminbird® SOLIX™ Series combines 12” and 15” displays with Cross Touch® Interface, MEGA Imaging™, CHIRP Digital Sonar, AUTOCHART® Live

For decades, Humminbird has led the fishing world by putting new tools and innovations in the hands of anglers to help them find, and catch, fish. Now, Humminbird has combined its best features and placed them into one fishfinder, the SOLIX™. Offering the biggest display in the brand’s history - up to 15 inches – the SOLIX boasts technologies designed to make locating fish easier.
 
A truly revolutionary product, SOLIX delivers game-changing sonar, imaging and mapping capabilities in the largest fishfinder anglers have ever seen. In true Humminbird fashion, these technologies are packaged in an easy-to-use interface and system that can make any angler better.
 
Unprecedented screen innovation
SOLIX is setting the bar for the angling sonar category in display size with two variations – a 12- and 15-inch screen model. Both come standard with Humminbird’s Cross Touch® Interface, letting anglers operate the unit via touchscreen or keypad, all while customizing the screen with up to four independent viewing panes.
 

Humminbird Launches HELIX 5 G2 with CHIRP and AutoChart® Live

Humminbird® is pleased to announce the HELIX™ 5 G2 units, the second generation of the Humminbird HELIX 5, bringing anglers new features and a compelling value. The GPS units in the family all come pre-loaded with AutoChart® Live and are compatible with all Humminbird LakeMaster® charts, including SmartStrike™. In addition, the new units include digital sonar, Side Imaging and Down Imaging capabilities that have been enhanced through the use of CHIRP operating frequencies.

All units feature the original HELIX 5’s best-in-class, ultra-bright 5-inch diagonal HD widescreen color display and professional features, but also include a new updated user interface.

“Easy viewing and operation are now only part of the story,” says Humminbird Brand Manager, Ray Schaffart. “With the new HELIX 5 G2 we decided to deliver flagship Humminbird fish-finding technologies like CHIRP digital sonar, AutoChart® Live and Smart Strike™ at an accessible price point, giving more anglers state-of-the-art capabilities. Now, fishermen are not limited to what they can do because of screen size.”

MEET THE G2 FAMILY
The HELIX 5 G2 family consists of five models to meet the individual needs of anglers and boaters. All units feature an updated operating system, 800H x 480V 5-inch 256-color TFT display, and allow for gimbal mounting, or in-dash mounting with an optional kit. International models support 200/50kHz. Optional 50 kHz transducers are available for extreme deep-water use. All models in the HELIX 5 G2 family are upgradeable, allowing users to receive software updates when they are available.

New Humminbird HELIX 9, 10 and 12 with Nick Cousvis

The Humminbird family of HELIX units just got larger in 2016. HELIX now offers a HELIX 9, HELIX 10 and HELIX 12. Learn form Humminbird pro-staff Nick Cousvis about all their great features. Did you know they now have Auto Chart Live. This allows anglers to record their maps and further develop their lake maps in real time. A super cool feature!

The NEW HELIX 9 and 10 on the Water

                     
Humminbird has gained a lot of attention with their new HELIX line of units. Now check out the two newest editions to the Helix family, the HELIX 9 and 10. Here's a video that will explain all their great features!

Humminbird Controls Side View Technology.

Garmin Banned

Originally posted in Angling International

Electronics giant Garmin has been banned from selling and importing its SideVu sonars in the US after they were was found to infringe a patent belonging to rival Humminbird – part of the Johnson Outdoors group of companies.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has confirmed an earlier ruling by the Administrative Law Judge that Garmin had violated a section of the 1930 Tariff Act by importing and selling SideVu sonars, which infringe a Johnsons Outdoor side scan sonar patent used in certain Humminbird fishfinders.

The latest decision has been welcomed by Johnson Outdoors Chairman and CEO, Helen Johnson-Leipold. She said: “Humminbird’s pioneering, patented side scan sonar technology, marketed under its Side Imaging brand, is the gold standard in fishfinders. This reflects our unique understanding of anglers and our expertise in designing products which provide the best fishing experience on the water.

“We are recognised as an innovation leader – a company that respects the intellectual property of others and protects its own. Obviously, we are very pleased by this final determination by the ITC.”

In its verdict the ITC affirmed that all three patents asserted by Johnson Outdoors are valid and enforceable and that numerous models of Garmin’s SideVu sonars directly infringe six Johnson Outdoors patent claims.

It also issued a limited exclusion order barring Garmin’s infringing SideVu sonar systems and its components, which are manufactured overseas, from import into the US. A cease and desist order, prohibiting Garmin from selling or distributing any offending product or component from its inventory, was also put into place.

The orders will come into effect following a mandatory review by the US trade representative.

Johnson Outdoors wins first stage of patent dispute.

Original article posted by 

Angling International

Johnson Outdoors has won a patent infringement case against competitor Garmin International Inc.

A US administrative law judge at the International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Garmin violated the Tariff Act of 1930 by selling SideVü sonars, which the judge found violated a Johnson Outdoors side scan sonar patent used in some of the Racine, Wisconsin company’s award-winning Humminbird® fish finders.

Key findings of the judge included that all three patents asserted by Johnson in the case were valid and enforceable and that numerous models of Garmin’s SideVü sonars directly infringed six patent claims.

The result of the ruling means that Garmin will be excluded from importing the offending sonars into the US. A cease and desist order has also been issued prohibiting Garmin from selling any infringing products from its inventory. The ruling is subject to review by the ITC.

“Humminbird’s pioneering, patented side scan technology, marketed under its SideImaging® brand, is a gold standard in fishfinders,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors. “This reflects our unique understanding of anglers and our expertise in designing products which provide the best fishing experience on the water.

“We are recognised as an innovation leader – a company that respects the intellectual property of others and protects its own. Obviously, we are pleased by this initial victory and look forward to a final resolution by the ITC regarding this matter in the months ahead.”

ICAST 2015: HUMMINBIRD HELIX 7 SI GPS

One look at the HELIX™ 7 Series and there’s no mistaking its Humminbird DNA. Packed to the gills with technology, the HELIX 7 is easy to use, dependable under any circumstances and unbelievably clear, bright and fast—not to mention built right here in the United States. Experience jaw-dropping 800H x 480V resolution and 1500 nit brightness, delivering a clear and precise picture of fish and fish-holding structure. The ultra-wide 16:9 ratio gives you ample room to view two screens side-by-side, making fishing and navigating easier. The built-in quick-release gimbal mount makes angle adjustments and removal easy. No matter your target. No matter conditions. Game on.

Humminbird Bluetooth Remote AS RC1

Take wireless control of your Humminbird. The wireless remote lets you mark waypoints on the fly, zoom in and out, adjust sonar sensitivity and toggle through your favorite custom views. Each key has a short press and long press function, enabling you to customize the remote's capabilities to reflect your fishing style. For instance, a long press of the Mark button can be programmed to power your unit on or off, deploy your 360 imaging transducer or even create an i-Pilot Link Spot-Link. 

Everything's visible and controllable from anywhere on the boat, so you don't have to stop fishing to control your Humminbird. 
http://www.humminbird.com/Products/AS...

Minn Kota Ulterra

  

Minn Kota has raised the bar even higher with their new Minn Kota Ulterra.
It stows and deploys itself automatically. Its power trim allows you to adjust to what’s below the water in an instant. And with the brand-new foot pedal and your choice of i-Pilot® or i-Pilot® Link™, it all happens at the touch of a button. It’s the motor that has everything. At least, everything we’ve thought of so far.

Humminbird ONIX and ION

Humminbird® Unveils Most Powerful Electronics Yet

Humminbird ONIX and ION bring bluewater and freshwater anglers unparalleled power via user-friendly Cross Touch™ technology

 

Besides creating leading-edge products like 360 Imaging™, Humminbird® engineers have also been hard at work over the past two years developing a radical new platform that changes everything you know about fishing electronics.

 

“Humminbird ONIX and ION offer a rich user interface that is completely customizable to the individual needs of anglers and boaters, while remaining extremely easy-to-use via a full complement of multi-touch capabilities,” says Dale Logue, Director of Marketing, Humminbird. “The included feature list and available add-ons is unparalleled in the industry and make the units the most versatile, powerful and user friendly on the water.”

 

At the core of the new units, users will discover all the advantages of powerful Humminbird sonar, advanced navigation and Humminbird imaging technologies right at their fingertips, courtesy of a radical new take on Touch Screen operation called Cross Touch™.

 

While some touch units limit operation to finger pointing, Humminbird’s Cross Touch offers Multi-Gesture Control, which lets users navigate menus and activate features with a tap, swipe or pinch. Cross Touch also minimizes false touches from splashing water.

From marking waypoints with your finger, naming those waypoints via a virtual keyboard, to zooming in on fish-holding structure or chart locations for a better look, or swiping and dragging screens to create custom views, fishfinder use has never been more intuitive than this.

 

The Frosts Ice Over Bass Pro Shop Competition Part 2

Welcome back to IBASSIN’s exclusive interview with Simon Frost. He and his wife Melanie recently captured the 2013 Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open.

By Luigi De Rose

Simon and Melanie with one hell of a
big trophy!
(Photo: Derek Strub)

IBASSIN

You stated the smallmouth were in a state of transition. What was your most productive depth?

Simon

We found the best areas were 28 to 32 feet of water. The bass were right on that break line. The Humminbird Side Imaging would pick up the bass and if we drifted over the break, you could see the bass on the depth finder.

The side imaging was really important for keeping on the break lines. Those bass were right on that line and we had to follow it closely.

IBASSIN

You explained that the weather made fishing difficult. Did you fish are variety of places or just stay in one area?

Simon

We just fished one place that we knew very well. Actually, we didn’t get a chance to pre-practice for this tournament. We had booked the week off but couldn’t get away. That is what made the win so surprising because we didn’t get to practice at all.

IBASSIN

What were the best techniques?

Simon

Tubes were the only bait working.  We tried a few other things but tubes are what worked. We did try drop shotting for some suspended bass but they never bit. We casted far from the boat and slowly popped the tube back. All the tubes were rigged on 1/2oz jigheads.

The area we fished had no bait. We didn’t mark any bait and we only marked a few suspended bass. Most of the bass were right on the bottom. We think they were just inactive.

IBASSIN

What gear were you using? Please be specific and don’t worry about plugging any sponsors.

The Stradic Ci4 reel has become very common to serious
bass anglers. They Simon loves how well balanced it is with
the Cumara rods.
and 

Simon

The tube set up was all Shimano. The rod was a 7’6” Cumara medium action-spinning rod.  The reel was a Shimano 2500 Stradic Ci4.  We spooled up with 5lb test Power Pro braid and then a 12lb test XPS Fluorocarbon leader. That long rod was really helpful at casting great distances and getting that bait away from boat.

IBASSIN

Why are you using 5lb test braided line? Why so light?

Simon

I know, 5lb test is really light but it makes a difference. The thin line has less drag on the water and help the bait sink. We have never broken the braid on any bass. Our largest smallmouth on that 5lb test Power Pro has been about 7lbs plus we have landed numerous drum in the 15 pound range.

IBASSIN

I have been meaning to ask this question for a while. I have noticed that you have a Minn Kota Terrova Trolling motor. Why are you using that style of motor?

The Terrova offers many features
ideal for fishing deep water. It also
is matched to many Humminbird units. 

Simon

I switched to the Terrova because is has the I-PILOT feature. One of the neatest features is the spot lock. It works with GPS to hold you on a specific spot. If you drift off the mark, the motor will kick in and bring you right back to that spot. Recently, I have the I-PILOT Link feature which links to the Humminbird unit so you can share the GPS on your unit. You can use the link to create a route for the trolling motor to follow. We didn’t really create a route during the open but for open water that Terrova is really great. The motor has 101lbs of trust so it easily kept us in place.

IBASSIN

I guess that covers it. Very glad that we got a chance to chat and congratulations again on a great win.

Simon

Thanks Luigi!

Simon and Melanie Frost are super people. Simon has been on several television shows and featured in many magazine articles. His deep water smallmouth skills are very well known and respected. 

The Frosts Ice Over Bass Pro Shop Competition Part 1

IBASSIN exclusive interview with Simon and Melanie Frost on their Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open Victory

By Luigi De Rose

Simon and Melanie Frost proudly display their winning catch.
(Photos: Yvonne Brown)

The Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open can be considered this country’s premier one-day bass tournament. Lake Simcoe, an hour north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada is arguably the best smallmouth bass fishery in the world. This lake is ground zero for Canadian bass fishing history. Host to countless tournaments, Lake Simcoe holds the Canadian bass tournament limit record with just over 31 pounds for 5 bass and the heaviest tournament bass ever caught. Coincidentally that 8.05lb smallmouth and the heaviest creel occurred on the same day but by two different fishing teams.

IBASSIN had the honour to chat with Simon Frost, one part of his husband and wife dynamic duo, about their victory.

IBASSIN

Congratulations on the win!

Simon

Thanks!

IBASSIN

So, what are you going to do with all that money?

Simon

Melanie says we have to fix the roof.

IBASSIN

What!? That must be one expensive roof. How much did you win?

Simon

The grad prize was $13 000 plus another $2000 for the Minn Kota and Humminbird contingency prizes. Yeah, it is a nice pay cheque.

IBASSIN

Explain to the readers the fishing conditions on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

Simon

It was terrible. It was wet, windy and cold. During that day it really cooled off and we were cold. The strong wind came from the southwest and created 2 – 3 foot waves at take off. But on the way back, there were 5- 6-foot waves. It took us an hour and a half to get back to the ramp.

The Bass Pro Shop Lake Simcoe Open actually occurs on two lakes, Lake Simcoe and its neighbour Lake Couchiching. The tournament weigh in and ramp is in the town of Orillia on the shores of Lake Couchiching. Typically, anglers journey into Lake Simcoe to find the larger smallmouth bass.

IBASSIN

How were the fishing conditions?

Simon

The fishing conditions were not great and different than in past years. Lake Simcoe hadn’t turned over yet and that mixed up the bass. Typically, the water temp for this event is around 52 to 53 F but we found the water temp about 60F from top to bottom. What this does is spread the fish out. The bass seemed to still be in late summer patterns instead of fall ones. You need to have the colder water temps to get the big weights.

IBASSIN

Not trying to diminish your achievement but your 22.85 lbs winning weight is very low compared to past Opens.

Simon

Yeah, we were shocked how poor the weights were when we arrived back at the ramp. We were hoping for a top 10 finish.  Our best weight at the Open was 27lbs and that got us 9^th place that year. Having 22lbs and winning was shocking.

It’s a bit of a funny story. We were one of the first to arrive at the ramp. The tournament organizers ask all teams who think they have over 20lbs to wait and do a drive by weigh-in. So we put the boat on the trailer and waited. Team after team walked passed us to the stage. Finally, two other teams met up with us and waited. We got to talking and Derek Strub suggested we go last because we might have the largest bag of bass. So we waited even more. We ended up being the last boat.

Giving the crowd something to cheer!

IBASSIN

How did that winning moment feel?

Simon

It was unreal. Total shock at first and then we were just amazed that we won.

Come back for part 2 with IBASSIN and Simon Frost as he explains their technique and strategy to figuring out the smallmouth.