With Lowrance introducing the new HDS High-Def System this past year my vessel Salt Patrol went through a major electronics upgrade this past spring. Here’s what we did and how we set the boat up with the new HDS Systems. First Salt Patrol was equipped with (3) Lowrance LCX-113C’s so positioning of the new HDS units was easy as they fit in the almost the same space. The next time saver was that the new units all use the same plugs, transducers cables; yellow Ethernet cables and NMEA 2000 red/black plug cables.

Most of the work involved changing out the LRA-4000 radar to the new HD Broadband Radar and installing the new Satellite weather/radio module.

HDS-10 Fishfinder/GPS Chartplotter

I mounted two HDS-10 units on the dash and one on the back deck under the rear overhang. Displaying the finest of the new Lowrance fish finding and GPS navigation technologies with massive, high-definition 10.4”/26.4 cm Super VGA color viewing the new SolarMAX PLUS displays which render brilliant detail in sunlight with the best wide-angle viewing ever available, while advanced pure-white LED screen/keypad backlighting fully adjusts to zero-dim for night fishing.

The unique new FlyWheel dial and command soft keys give you easier and quicker control of Broadband Sounder fish finding and satellite navigation precision via the built-in 16-channel GPS+WAAS antenna.

HDS built-in cartography choices include Enhanced U.S. Basemap, or the amazing, life-like and new Insight USA with combined Inland and Coastal coverage (Americas) - Or Navionics World Background map (non-Americas). Plus, this HDS is now fully compatible with all Navionics chartcards including Platinum+, Platinum and Platinum HotMaps with two high-speed SD card slots. Thes units are fully ready to build your complete stand-alone or networked onboard system.

Sonar performance is some of the best I have ever seen. Whether in shallow water rivers or deep water offshore tuna fishing the HDS units are extremely impressive in locating fish. Here some screen shots taken off my boat.

HDS-10 marking bait in 28ft of water

HDS-10 marking bait in 200ft of water

HDS marking bottom in 1800 ft of water with standard 50/200 kHz transducer *Note how the HDS can display Sat. radio station info at bottom of display

The new HDS Units can run off the standard Lowrance transducers.

Transducer setup on stern of Salt Patrol

Broadband Radar

Lowrance has introduced a revolutionary new radar system unlike anything else on the recreational boating market. Utilizing solid-state technology, this breakthrough technology provides superior target detection and separation, ease of operation, and a new level of navigational safety to a wide range of boats. Lowrance Broadband Radar sends a continuous transmission wave with linear increasing frequency (hence the term Broadband). The wave retains its frequency as it travels out and reflects back from any objects. Meanwhile, the transmitter continues to output an increasing frequency. The difference between the currently transmitted and received frequencies, coupled with the known rate of frequency increase, is the basis for precisely calculating a "time of flight" and target distance. Since FMCW constantly builds up radar return energy (vs. a single pulse), this system provides target detection superior to pulse radars while transmitting at far lower energy levels. Unparalleled Short Range Target Discrimination where it matters.

Lowrance's Broadband Radar provides amazing target resolution, even at an unprecedented 1/32 nm range. Docks, channel markers, moored vessels and other critical targets are displayed with clarity and separation, for added confidence in close quarters. Broadband technology also eliminates the "main bang" of a pulse radar — the obscured "dead zone" immediately around the vessel — which interferes with close target detection. Lowest RF Transmission for Safe, Flexible Installation, Because Lowrance Broadband Radar transmits at 1/20,000 the power of typical pulse radars (emitting 10 times less energy than an average cell phone), the radome is safe to mount in locations never before possible. In addition, the lowest DC power draw of any X-band marine radar makes this system ideally suited for sailboats and other vessels with limited power.

No more waiting 2-3 minutes for a magnetron to warm up - 100% solid-state design provides Instant On capability. When darkness falls or the fog rolls in, you will always be ready.

Next was mounting of the new Lowrance Broadband radar dome and Satellite weather/radio receiver

Broadband radar dome, Satellite Weather/Radio module and LCG-4000 GPS receiver

The Broad Band Radar, Sat. Weather/Radio and HDS units tie into the Navico Expansion Port-1 with Yellow Ethernet cables

Broadband radar showing the Tacoma Narrows Bridges and vessel traffic at 1.5 mile range

Picture with Broadband radar overlaid on GPS map of Tacoma Narrows displaying vessel heading line

Broadband radar at 1/32 of a mile shows my wake behind the boat

LWX-1 SIRIUS SATELLITE

Lowrance presents two industry firsts for HDS chartplotters: SIRIUS satellite high-res NOWRad radar and radio services via an affordable and integrated weather/audio module, AND the first SIRIUS® inland weather service … in addition to coastal coverage … in special SIRIUS U.S. subscription packages -- Inland, Mariner and Voyager!

This compact weatherproof antenna is easy to mount, and provides weather display output to one or more HDS units via ethernet networking. Plus a standard 3.5 mm stereo jack easily interfaces with onboard sound systems when you include radio with your SIRIUS subscription for stereo-quality music and sports including NFL, NASCAR and college football broadcasts.

SIRIUS Inland Weather Service Package:

• Weather radar and lightning with high resolution

• 80 nm (92 mile) lightning and radial weather display to 10 nm (11.5 mile) limit from coasts

• Latest weather forecasting with icons and text for major U.S. cities SIRIUS Mariner and Voyager Weather Service Package:

• Cross-country weather radar and lightning with high resolution

• Sea-surface temperature with 2 km (1.2 mile) resolution

• Tropical storm and storm cell tracks • 0-3 or 0-48 hour forecast, wave height, wave period and direction

• Latest weather forecasting with icons and text for major U.S. cities

Weather display shows warm water line offshore via Sea Surface Temperature charts, wave direction and some thunder storms up in the mountains. The wave height is displayed in the Lat/Long box in low right of display

Buoy information can also be displayed. Note the storms on the Washington / BC border

LVR-880 DSC VHF+FM Fixed Mount Marine Radio

The first with an FM radio and NMEA 2000 interface for Track-Your-Buddy. Plus other premium features in a new and exceptional 25W/1W DSC marine radio. This radio has changed the fishery for NW anglers. The old days of calling on the radio with secret verbal code to give your buddy your location to a hot spot is over. With the LVR-880 VHF connected to the NMEA system your position from the GPS is sent over the radios DSC. So now it’s ’Bob come over here, I’m on them.” No Lat/Long numbers, No I’m where we were yesterday as your current position is displayed right on your GPS plotter.

Want more? With the exclusive Lowrance Track-Your-Buddy feature you can track up to 3 of your fishing partners on your GPS at the same time via NEMA position polling. Hence with 2 radios on the Salt Patrol I can track up to 6 boats while fishing. Also redundancy is a key factor when running offshore for tuna.

Duel LVR-880 Radios with Track Your Buddy feature; both are tied into the NMEA 2000 network

 NEMA Network

NEMA 2000 network tired into the stern of Salt Patrol

 LMF-400 Multi-Function Gauge

With advanced multi-function, high-contrast round dot matrix gauges displaying graphic and numerical digital data. The NMEA 2000 data communications are certified and connect within an affordable, high-performance LowranceNET network to display real-time readings from an array of compatible electronic probes (E.P.s), like fluid level, temp, speed, and more! These can be installed anywhere to monitor many functions and are powered by the NMEA network.

LMF 400 tied into the NEMA 2000 network

So with the new HDS-upgrade I can fish anywhere and have the tools to locate fish and identify my position as well as see boats around me in any weather conditions.

So what’s next?

How about Lowrance Structure Scan.

Structure Scan view of a bridge at 67 ft.

Introducing the most incredible tool for improving fishing success ever devised by Lowrance, for all HDS displays.

With years of developing and testing, to make it right and make it more, Lowrance StructureScan sonar imaging takes fish and structurelocating to the highest level of viewing detail ever achieved.

It’s the first to give you full and phenomenal panoramic underwater sonar imaging with picture-perfect viewing. Scans left…scans right…AND for the first time, scans straight down from your boat! The whole, big picture with added extras to remove all guesswork. So you spend more productive time fishing.

Catching is still up to you.

Want to see what you have been missing, stop by the Team Lowrance boat when you see us at NW Salmon Derbies, tuna tournaments or local seminars and try out the new HDS System for yourself.

Capt. John

When you think of places like the Outer Banks names like Oregon Inlet, Nags Head and Hatteras come to mind. From Portland Oregon there is no short way to get there either. The closest airport is Norfolk, VA and then a 3 hour drive down the coast line and onto the island traveling south through the little coastal communities that dot the outer banks.

I had researched a few charters and had wanted to go after giant blue fin tuna when out of the blue I received an email, that was forwarded to me, from a charter skipper who had fished one of my friends on a previous trip and he was sending him a note to say “they were in.”

The first morning I arrived at the Hatteras Village Marina at 6:15 am road weary and blood shot eyes from dealing with the time change since it was only 3:15 am Oregon time. A brief introduction to Captain Dan Rooks and his first mate Mike Edwards and we cast the lines and eased out of the slip in the morning darkness. We slowly sneaked our way out of the small harbor moving past magnificent 50-60ft. custom built sport fishing boats. The Carolina’s are known for their rich history of boat building, huge flared bows and many are built in a small shed out behind the house. This was one of those boats and my crew had a reputation of knowing the tricks of their trade.

It wasn’t long before we dropped lines in the water and started trolling. A few skirted ballyhoos on the long riggers and a couple lines down the middle to fill the spread. It was a nice day on the ocean and we could hear the radio chatter of other charters working the area, all in search of these big fish. After an hour of trolling with no luck we picked up the lines and ran another 10 miles to where a bite was reported. We dropped our lines in and within 10 minutes I had my first blue fin tuna on the hook and was doing battle. I quickly realized I had way too many clothes on and was over heating bad, I was plenty warm for a boat ride but too well dressed for this workout.

The first day produced constant action once we got into them about 10:00am and by 2:00 pm I was ready to call it a day. I yelled up to the bridge and told Captain Dan I could handle one more and then I’d be done for the day. A few minutes later he obliged and we had number 8 on the hook. The tally now was 8 fish landed, 7 tagged and released with a nice 125 pounder in the box to take home. What a first day, landing fish ranging from 125-170lbs and doing it in 10-15 minutes each time.

My muscles we tired, my whole body was exhausted and felt like a noodle. I had three days of fishing with these guys and if this was any indication of how things were going to be I was in for the time of my life.

Day two I was groggy but chipper as I said good morning to the guys and climbed aboard for another day.

We started trolling where we left off the day before and after an hour with no action I was nodding off sitting on the ice box against the bulkhead. The seas were forecasted to be rough in the afternoon and we had a three foot wind chop with occasional white caps. I was lacking sleep and still tired from the day before but sleep would have to wait. At 10:30am I moved into the salon to have a snack and my thoughts wandered back to the day before. Another hour of trolling, looking for more blue fin tuna, and it was time for a sandwich. I had just taken my first bite when the sound of singing reels told me we had found the fish.

I made a dash for the fighting chair for our first hookup of the day, a triple, and my thoughts were now focused on the task at hand. What a way to start the day. The first fish was barely 100 pounds but the skipper ask if I would keep it and donate it to the community, so it went in the box. Now it was on to number two and the either the activities of the day before were taking their toll or this was a much larger fish. The second fish was kicking my tail, my muscles were screaming and my whole body ached as this battle was an endurance test of strength and will. This fight took longer but after what seemed like an eternity we were able to tag and release a tuna well over 250 pounds. It was now onto number three and by now I was hot and overheating bad. Mike took my hat off, threw it into the salon, and after a short battle was surprised when the fish came to the boat in just a few minutes. A nice fish in the mid 150’s but considerably smaller than number two. Mike tagged and released the third fish as I stood up out of the fighting chair on wobbly legs.

A few high fives and I turned around making my way to the salon to shed some clothes and cool off. I downed a bottle of water and set on the bench in the salon with my legs and arms just hanging limp trying to let them recuperate.

A brief five minute rest and the sound of singing clickers brought me back to the fighting chair. This time, a double, and I set out to cranking them in slow and steady…pump, lift and reel…pump, lift and reel. By now my muscles were loosening up and the fish were coming in easier. I was starting to focus more on technique and now that my muscles were warmed up it didn’t seem so awkward.

The first fish came in, was tagged then released and Mike handed me the second rod. I caught a glimpse of other fish darting back and forth past the back of the boat. It was incredible, they were swarming all around us and it reminded me of a live bait bite with albacore. I was working the fish, slow and steady, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a ballyhoo sailing past me out over the back of the boat. Suddenly six feet of fish came clear out of the water just ten feet behind the boat and inhaled the bait. What a sight, another 150 pounder on the hook and now fish number three was waiting for me. I was now in a groove and focusing on my technique and was now bringing these brutes to the boat in less than 10 minutes. Another fish tagged, released, and I was on to number three and a moment later another ballyhoo went sailing past me out the back of the boat. The bait landed and was in the water less than 10 seconds when there was a huge boil from fish crashing the bait, all competing for food, and now number four was on the hook and waiting for me. What started out as a double had now turned into a four fish hookup.

Finally number seven had been tagged and released and I stood up out of the fighting chair and told Captain Dan we needed to break yesterdays eight fish total. He said no problem and I headed to the salon for more water and a rest. We didn’t even have all the gear out again and we were hooked up again. I took the rod and after a short fight number eight was now tagged and released. We had established a routine now and things were getting easier. The fish were coming in within a few minutes tagged and being released. I had just enough time to have a snack, sip of water and soon the sound of the singing clicker indicated number nine was on the hook. I dashed out of the salon and took up the position in the chair to do battle with our last fish but the skipper couldn’t resist seeing all the fish swarming behind the boat and pitched another ballyhoo out the back hooking another fish. I guess it would be a ten fish day.

In no time I had them up to the boat, one at a time, and Mike tagged and released them.

It was only 1:30pm and I couldn’t believe we had landed ten fish in just two hours. There was no way we would’ve achieved this if it had not been for Mike’s coaching me while I focused on my technique battling these magnificent fish. If you’d told me I could land ten fish between 100 and 250 pounds all in a manner of two hours, I’d of said “no way” but that’s what just happened. I felt a sense of satisfaction and a definite feeling of accomplishment and couldn’t wait to tell my buddies back home. The skipper and his mate had really put on a show and with some coaching this angler had experienced way more than I had ever dreamed possible.

The wind had been forecast to build in the afternoon so it was a good time to be headed in for the day. I finished the rest of my sandwich and lay down on the bench as we started the long run back in. We were 55 miles out, 15 miles farther than the day before and now had a sporty sea. Fortunately it was a following sea and should make for a smooth trip.

The next morning I was at the boat with a smile and Captain Dan took me up to the little café at the marina store for a cup of coffee. He mentioned we were not in a big hurry since we were only going to be running a short distance to the where we’d be fishing today. We pulled out of the slip as the sun was breaking over the horizon. It was a beautiful sight shinning against the low cloud cover.

We rigged a diver rod for Wahoo, a few close lines for yellow fin and had a couple lines out for blue fin tuna. The morning eek by slowly with no action but around noon we picked up a couple small yellow fin tuna and a black fin tuna that went in the box. We were trolling over sunken wrecks and some under water structures and after a few passes over the same wreck the skipper noticed fish below about 150 feet down. He ask if I knew how to use a butterfly jig and after a nod of acknowledgement he said if I wanted to give it a try he’d stop the boat over the wreck and I could try my luck. He asks if I was very good with the butterfly jig and I told him I was pretty decent at it. He said to take my pick of the jig rods in the salon since they had been left by another fisherman and they didn’t really know much about them or how to use them and maybe they could learn something.

 The boat came to a stop and I counted to 150 as the jig was dropping and when I thought I had it where it should be I flip the bail and started the erratic jig retrieve pump and reel action used for bringing up the jig. It only took about three pumps of the rod and I was hooked up and the skipper laughed and commented that he figured I knew what I was doing. Mike put a fighting belt on me and after a brief battle I landed a nice 20 pound amberjack that went in the box. I showed them the technique again and explained the action used with the jig.

By 3:00pm we had a nice box full of black fin and yellow fin tuna to go with the amberjack. We pulled the gear and headed for the harbor. No blue fin tuna today but still a great day on the water.

Once back in the slip I stayed and visited with Captain Dan and Mike covering more details of the techniques and gear used over the last couple days.

It was a fabulous trip and turned out to be way more than I had expected. We had hit the Blue Fin Tuna at an opportune time the first couple days and these guys really put on a show. I came out to learn more about this fishery and they were very willing to share some of their successful techniques and now I had many pages of notes and couldn’t wait to get back to Oregon to give them a try once the summer water temps warmed and the tuna were within reach.

I told them I’d be back and look forward to getting out there again sometime this winter or next spring, whenever the blue fin tuna show up again.

Del Stephens

There is a new Salmon Charter fishing business now open covering several of the top fishing areas in the state including South Puget Sound.

We welcome Capt. Jim Keith and Fox Island Salmon Charters to the arena of top charter Captains. Jim just didn't hang his shingle out and open a fishing business he is part of rare dynasty of salmon anglers.

Jim apprenticed under his famous father-in-law Russ Rogers who was well know in the South Sound as operator of Narrows Marina Tackle Store and a top angler who knew this area better than anyone. The information that he pasted on to Jim before his death is priceless. Jim has been fishing for many years now before deciding to open a charter business, he brings with him the expertise needed to create a successful charter business.

I can tell you Capt. Jim is a straight shooter, he doesn't makeup stories about fish he caught, he just just gets the job done and then whips out pictures of happy clients displaying their daily catch! He will always tell you what the scoop is on fishing and will be a welcomed breath of fresh air in the South Sound.

Jim is USGC licensed, has a WDFW charter license and is insured. We're proud to welcome him onboard Salt Patrol as a fishing reporter and highly recommend his salmon charter service.

Capt. Jim can be reached at FoxIslandSalmonCharters.com or call him at 253-549-0745 to book a trip.

"Outdoor Line" added to new 710 AM sports radio lineup From 710 AM radio: Bonneville Seattle Radio Group today announced “The Outdoor Line” will be added to the Saturday programming line-up for its new, all-sports radio station, 710 ESPN Seattle, launching next Monday, April 6th.

The Outdoor Line, hosted by former Seahawks Pro-Bowler and tournament angler Robbie Tobeck, fisheries biologist Tom Nelson and veteran fishing guide and charter captain Rob Endsley, will air Saturdays from 6am – 8:30am, beginning April 11th, 2009. The show will discuss recreational opportunities available for Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiasts thru a unique blend of fishing, hunting, and sports talk.

A stand out student athlete at Washington State University in the early 90’s, Rob Tobeck went on to play 14 years in the NFL. Since retiring from the NFL, Tobeck has taken his competitive spirit to the water and now participates in fishing tournaments and derbies up and down the West Coast. In addition, he has also taken an active role in the Coastal Conservation Association and currently sits on both the state and national boards for the CCA.

Rob Endsley is a full time river guide and charter captain who operates in both Washington and Alaska and has well over 2,000 days logged on the water. Endsley is a founding member of the Wild Steelhead Coalition, a non-profit group that backs the conservation, protection and continued study of wild steelhead.

Tom Nelson is a graduate from The University of Washington’s School of Fisheries, where he was subsequently employed by the school’s Fisheries Research Institute (F.R.I.) as a Research Assistant for several Alaskan salmon research projects. Nelson has been featured in several episodes of Outdoor Channel’s “Western Sportsfishing” and serves as a Pro-Staff member for Evinrude Motors, Woolbridge Boats and Stabi-Craft Marine.

 Bonneville International (http://www.bonneville.com) is an award-winning, dynamic media company with radio, television, online, satellite, and advertising properties in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City. Living its three-fold mission of “People, Communities, and Profit” as a way of life, the company has a long-standing reputation and is known industry-wide for its innovative business model, its values-oriented programming, and for its nationally recognized commitment to serving the communities where it broadcasts.

Capt. John Keizer joins Team Lowrance Fishing Team. Navico electronics the largest marine electronics company in the world and parent company for Lowrance Electronics has selected Capt. John Keizer and Tacoma Washington based SaltPatrol.com as their west coast fishing team boat.

“We made the decision to select Capt. John Keizer as the west coast team captain because of his extensive knowledge of our Lowrance product line and his expertise in the West Coast fisheries. John leads the way in salmon, halibut and tuna fishing in the NW market”; says Mike Campbell West Coast regional manager for Navico Electronics headquartered in Tulsa Oklahoma.

The Salt Patrol 26ft North River boat will be fishing Northwest Salmon Derbies and Oregon Tuna Classic tournaments. The boat will also be present at Northwest Lowrance dealer events. Navico/Lowrance has introduced an entire new HDS and Broadband electronics line for the 2009 product year. Capt John’s boat has been fully equipped with three HDS 10 sonar/GPS units, the all new Broadband radar and assortment of NEMA 2000 sensors that display engine, fuel and temperature information on the sonar/GPS units.

Anglers will have the unique chance to come onboard the vessel with Team Lowrance members and see the latest in new Lowrance HDS products operate on the water and at Lowrance promotional events.

For a look at the latest Lowrance product line visit www.Lowrance.com