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DEPTH FINDERS AND TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS

© Louis Bignami

"Technology replaces techniques" seems the approach for the tail end of the 20th Century. No place does this seem more certain than in fishing. Depth finders now come im more flavors -- including new forward and side looking types. You can use a GPS unit to find submerged reefs and such. All sorts of CB, Marine Band and other radios let you follow the weather and the reports/lies of other anglers.

Do we really need all this, and the $20,000 bass boat to enjoy angling? I think not. Fishing isn't really about catching fish save on the commercial side. Nobody should equate a bigger catch with more merit, but most do. The joys of fishing seem, at least to this ancient angler, to relate more to mastery of techniques and self than to technological solutions.

Part of this has to do with technology like this computer. Mine never seems to work for long, and if my technology works, it's soon obsolete even though my Kaypro still works. Change isn't, after all, always improvement!

So what's nice here, and what's necessary?

For the walking angler a simple thermometer helps find water at the proper temperature for the target species. Maps help in the back country. That's about it for necessities save for patch kits and such for waders, float tubes and auto tires.

"Nice" might include a GPS for back country types unable to read maps well or use cross bearings to return to productive areas. However, close attention of map skills can make the biggest improvement. Offshore anglers, with their large boats and safety need can justify GPS, Radar, Loran, Marine Band Radios and the like. Spares seem in order as everything breaks as far from help as possible.

However, if you think "minimalist" you'll spend less time and money shopping, buying, installing, maintaining and replacing gear. It's simple. It's a solution you can learn and earn rather than purchase.