Thank you Steve I just purchased my mega 360 and I am so glad I came across your video your approach to teaching is incredible and so helpful. Thanks for taking this time and producing the most complete and thorough explanation of the 360s settings and capabilities!
Well done! I enjoyed the video and appreciated the analogy between screen adjustments and adjusting a baitcaster. This is so true for 360, down imaging and SI. Most anglers are looking for a one setting fits all and just isn’t the case. Thanks for a detail video!
In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens th-cam.com/users/postUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.
nice video fella!it would be ideal to replace those allen pinch bolts on the bracket with a thumbscrew type!..then no tools required!..im sure they are 1/4-20
Great presentation Steve. In Canada I was told by the Humminbird Rep that the 360 can be used for trolling up to 4 mph. Have you tried this? Is there a depth limitation for the 360? I wonder if there is application here for my lake trout fishing (deep) and for my musky fishing. I propose using a 360 side mount with Solix units. Hope you can advise me.
My Mega 360 best images are when I am sitting still. That does not mean you can’t use while moving as I do find structure and fish while moving too. I would be confident using it for muskie but not lake trout depths. I have used it in 50’ of water but you have to increase the range so you can see further out. 2D and DI are still your best bets for lakers. Hope this helps.
Thank for getting back to me so quickly. Suspect this year any one in Lake of the Woods with a 360 is going to be busy locating all sorts of things that have been washed away.
Have a Lowrance X96 at bow hooked to Fortrex & Helix5 at console no wires attached. All way it come with boat. Can Mega 360 transducer work on my Helix5? What do I need to get set up correctly for tourn use.?
The Mega360 will not work with Helix 5. On my channel Steve Chiasson Fishing, watch video “My One Boat Network”, it will give you a better idea of things can all link together. As a starting point, having your units share waypoints is important. The units must be able to network together. Lowrance and Humminbird will not share waypoints.
Thanks for all of your great insight/tips, Steve Quick question: What is the "water column sensitivity" setting for and what do you suggest as a setting.. I looked for it in my Helix 15 manual but did not see info on it... Thank you, in advance, sir...
Hi Isaac, my apologies for the late reply. I have been super busy with a big home renovation project. Water column sensitivity is located under the sonar tab ( make sure user mode under set up tab set to custom). The water columns in side and down imaging mode can be adjusted to get more or less detail in the water column.
My heading sensor and control head are located side by side at the front of my boat. I sometimes think of them as one since they complement each other. Good catch, I could have explained that one more clearly.
Thank you for posting this. Thinking about getting one and can see it's value. I struggle with if to some degree this will take away from the fishing experience itself because I'd be looking down and adjusting settings as opposed to enjoying the experience and surroundings. Can you comment on this?
The beauty of fishing is that you decide what’s best for you. For me, electronics are tools of the trade. Using electronics helps you see what’s happening under the water. Side imaging helps you find where to fish, 2D, DI, M360, and MegaLive help you zero in on the fish and see how they react to your baits. Yes your head is down a lot but putting all the pieces of the puzzle gives you the most chance of success. For others, being out in nature, enjoying the company of others, and catching some fish is an amazing day. I love all of that too but the competitive and intuitive side of me wants to catch lots of fish and figure out why I am catching them there. Ultimately it’s up to you and as long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters.
Are you sure that your Mega 360 transducer is giving you the SI imaging and not a connected SI transducer? I just bought a 360 and it doesn't give me the SI option. Support at Humminbird says that I have to have a connected SI transducer, but your video makes it seem that I shouldn't need another transducer to get SI. Thanks for the video and all your knowledge!
Do you have a 360 or Mega 360? The Mega 360 transducer does not spin when it is doing side imaging. The older 360 does not do side imaging as far as I know. When I recorded the one video, I was using the Mega360 on my Helix down imaging units at the front of the boat. My Mega360 was doing the side imaging.
@@spenserhart9179 , if you go to the Humminbird website and look up Mega360, it will explain that the Mega360 has two operating modes, Mega360 and side imaging. Where are you looking when trying to switch it to side imaging?
Try putting your unit on Mega360 view only. Press and hold view button, from sonar tab, click right cursor and you should have access to side imaging. It’s possible if you are on a split screen you might not be in the correct active pane.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 If there are any other idiots like me struggling with this issue make sure your unit is in open water mode and not Ice fishing mode. Thanks for your help again! The Side Imaging works great now!
You were pointing out fish & breed, I couldnt see anything. Is their a zoom & does it actually tell you breed of fish, dangers, & does your GPS map plot & follow your marks to follow.?
Identifying fish is based on my experience recognizing shadows of specific species. The zoom is the plus and minus buttons. For more information, watch my video on Steve Chiasson Fishing, Zoom In, Zoom Out keys. Depending on whether you have an IPilot vs IPilot Link trolling motor will determine the full extent that you can make and follow tracks. Recording waypoints is at your discretion.
Thanks! Liked. So the Mega360 does not do DI. If you want a DI you need a different transducer presumably? And can both be connected simultaneously? Thanks.
How do I add depth to a mega 360…that isn’t connected to a ultrex(mines a very old powerdrive that doesn’t have any capabilities other than manual steering!)? Does this mean I need to buy another transducer? If so, this is the most a la carte system I’ve ever seen!
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Trying to talk myself out of buying a first unit! Definitely don’t want a second unit. Probably just keep my old Lowrance running and use it for depth….unless my battery can’t handle it.
Do you have this hooked up to a separate "house/electronics only" battery? Or do you run this off your starter? What group size do you have and what is the amp rate of your Helix 12 and the mega 360? I'm torn on the helix 10 or 12 for this as well. I am hoping to use it ice fishing as well.
I run two 31s hooked up in parallel. The Helix 12 draws more power than the 10. A 12 is pretty big to take ice fishing. The Helix 12 has slightly better resolution than the 10. The power draw is a concern more for ice fishing. My video on my TH-cam channel (Steve Chiasson Fishing) Triton Makeover shows my set up for batteries. My One Boat Network video reviews the specific power draw on Helix and Solix units. If strictly being used in your boat, I would definitely go for the better resolution on the 12. Interestingly the Solix 10 and 12 have the same resolution. That would be a consideration for ice fishing but the power draw of the Solix is a drawback for ice fishing.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876, Thanks! That's part of the reason I was thinking 10" as it has more of a dual purpose for me as it can be bounced between 360 and 2d/flasher. The power draw on all of it makes me anxious even in the boat. One of my issues is I would have to shuffle a couple livewell pumps, battery tray, and 2stroke oil reservoir, to make room for a second battery. I know there is other structure in my home lake that I am missing out on and feel like this would help during those summer months when they pull deeper again.
Hi Cary, I run a 52” shaft on my trolling motor. I haven’t noticed any difference with interference based on your question. Always remember to keep a safe distance between prop and spinning Mega 360 transducer.
I noticed that your spot lock icon is moving. I have been noticing that while on spot lock my SL icon is constantly appearing off the right side of my m360 screen. Do you have any recommendations on how to correct it
Hi Chris, the position of the boat does adjust while on spot lock causing the icon to move. The only suggestion I have is to repeat the calibration process that you did when you first installed the trolling motor. Hopefully that will work.
how important is it for the flatter point of the 360 is 100% forward. Can it be done just by "eyeballing" it or did you get out a string and make it exact
The biggest culprit for interference is wiring issues. Main thing is to avoid trolling motor wires on the same side as your wiring. A dedicated battery for your electronics with wiring direct to your battery using 10 gauge or bigger, preferably tinned marine copper is a great start.
Hi Bill, I did think about it but it looked like it has been down there for a while. Unfortunately trucks going through the ice while ice fishing is not an uncommon occurrence. It would have been reported at the time as there are usually lots of people on the ice. Therefore I didn’t report it.
Hi Carl, as far as I remember there is a simulation mode for Mega 360. I wanted to verify that for you but I am in the middle of a rewiring project so I can’t test it right now. I will confirm this for you when I finish up my project.
Real informative. Just paid for a Humminbird electronics lesson on the water and I learn more with your video.
Thanks Clay, I appreciate your kind words.
Thank you Steve
I just purchased my mega 360 and I am so glad I came across your video your approach to teaching is incredible and so helpful. Thanks for taking this time and producing the most complete and thorough explanation of the 360s settings and capabilities!
Thank you for the kind words Ron, I am so glad that you found it helpful.
Well done! I enjoyed the video and appreciated the analogy between screen adjustments and adjusting a baitcaster. This is so true for 360, down imaging and SI. Most anglers are looking for a one setting fits all and just isn’t the case. Thanks for a detail video!
Thanks DaShon, definitely super important to adjust them. I was hoping that message was clearly understood by new anglers.
thank you i have a mega 360 for 2 years , im going to use it now a lot more , best video i have seen on how to ues it
Thank you for the kind words, your comment is much appreciated.
In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens th-cam.com/users/postUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.
That’s awesome, glad it all worked out. 👍
Just had a 360 installed .. looking for how-to videos .. yours I one of the best so far ... thank you
Awesome, thank you Dan, I appreciate you taking the time to share your kind words!
Best information that I have found on Mega 360
Thanks Jim, I really appreciate the kind words.
Can humminbird just let you write their manual 😂 this is incredible. Thank you for sharing all this insight
Thanks Dan, I appreciate your kind words 😊
nice video fella!it would be ideal to replace those allen pinch bolts on the bracket with a thumbscrew type!..then no tools required!..im sure they are 1/4-20
Thanks Hometownguy71, I always appreciate kind words and helpful suggestions 👍.
excellent video - just installed mine today
Thank you, you will love it!
Wow!! Best electronics video i have watched period! Well dine! New subscriber now! 👍🎣
Thanks Ricky, your kind words and subscription to the channel are very much appreciated! What a great start to my day 😊.
Best Video out there!! Thank you very much. 🎣
Thanks Steven, your kind words are very much appreciated!
Great presentation Steve. In Canada I was told by the Humminbird Rep that the 360 can be used for trolling up to 4 mph. Have you tried this? Is there a depth limitation for the 360? I wonder if there is application here for my lake trout fishing (deep) and for my musky fishing. I propose using a 360 side mount with Solix units. Hope you can advise me.
My Mega 360 best images are when I am sitting still. That does not mean you can’t use while moving as I do find structure and fish while moving too. I would be confident using it for muskie but not lake trout depths. I have used it in 50’ of water but you have to increase the range so you can see further out. 2D and DI are still your best bets for lakers. Hope this helps.
Thank for getting back to me so quickly. Suspect this year any one in Lake of the Woods with a 360 is going to be busy locating all sorts of things that have been washed away.
Sounds like new structure honey holes in the making 😁
Excellent video, very informative.....
Thanks Carl, I appreciate the kind words.
Like your straps on the Solix's. Tell me more?
They are actually old wader straps that were shortened for my units.
WOW Great informative video 👍👍
Thanks Mark, kind words are always very much appreciated!
Very detailed vid…. Well done!!
Thanks Chris, I appreciate the kind words.
Great help!!!Thank yo for sharing!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!
Thanks John, glad to help, love my Mega 360, and glad it helped you.
Have a Lowrance X96 at bow hooked to Fortrex & Helix5 at console no wires attached. All way it come with boat. Can Mega 360 transducer work on my Helix5? What do I need to get set up correctly for tourn use.?
The Mega360 will not work with Helix 5. On my channel Steve Chiasson Fishing, watch video “My One Boat Network”, it will give you a better idea of things can all link together. As a starting point, having your units share waypoints is important. The units must be able to network together. Lowrance and Humminbird will not share waypoints.
Excellent video!
Thanks Richard, I am glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate the kind words.
Thanks for all of your great insight/tips, Steve
Quick question: What is the "water column sensitivity" setting for and what do you suggest as a setting..
I looked for it in my Helix 15 manual but did not see info on it...
Thank you, in advance, sir...
Hi Isaac, my apologies for the late reply. I have been super busy with a big home renovation project. Water column sensitivity is located under the sonar tab ( make sure user mode under set up tab set to custom). The water columns in side and down imaging mode can be adjusted to get more or less detail in the water column.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Got it...!
Thanks Steve...!
Good luck with the remodel...!
Just put my Ultrex Quest on and the remodel in the rearview mirror 😊.
Did you state that the boat icon is shown at the heading sensor location? Please explain how that is so..
My heading sensor and control head are located side by side at the front of my boat. I sometimes think of them as one since they complement each other. Good catch, I could have explained that one more clearly.
Thank you for your time.
Happy to help
Great video!!
Thank you!!
Thanks Randy, your kind words are much appreciated.
Thank you for posting this. Thinking about getting one and can see it's value. I struggle with if to some degree this will take away from the fishing experience itself because I'd be looking down and adjusting settings as opposed to enjoying the experience and surroundings. Can you comment on this?
The beauty of fishing is that you decide what’s best for you. For me, electronics are tools of the trade. Using electronics helps you see what’s happening under the water. Side imaging helps you find where to fish, 2D, DI, M360, and MegaLive help you zero in on the fish and see how they react to your baits. Yes your head is down a lot but putting all the pieces of the puzzle gives you the most chance of success. For others, being out in nature, enjoying the company of others, and catching some fish is an amazing day. I love all of that too but the competitive and intuitive side of me wants to catch lots of fish and figure out why I am catching them there. Ultimately it’s up to you and as long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 excellent reply. Thanks
Thank you Ore, have fun fishing.
Are you sure that your Mega 360 transducer is giving you the SI imaging and not a connected SI transducer? I just bought a 360 and it doesn't give me the SI option. Support at Humminbird says that I have to have a connected SI transducer, but your video makes it seem that I shouldn't need another transducer to get SI. Thanks for the video and all your knowledge!
Do you have a 360 or Mega 360? The Mega 360 transducer does not spin when it is doing side imaging. The older 360 does not do side imaging as far as I know. When I recorded the one video, I was using the Mega360 on my Helix down imaging units at the front of the boat. My Mega360 was doing the side imaging.
Yeah mine is a brand new Mega 360, but doesn’t give me the SI option. Maybe they want to sell more SI ducers 😂
@@spenserhart9179 , if you go to the Humminbird website and look up Mega360, it will explain that the Mega360 has two operating modes, Mega360 and side imaging. Where are you looking when trying to switch it to side imaging?
Try putting your unit on Mega360 view only. Press and hold view button, from sonar tab, click right cursor and you should have access to side imaging. It’s possible if you are on a split screen you might not be in the correct active pane.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 If there are any other idiots like me struggling with this issue make sure your unit is in open water mode and not Ice fishing mode. Thanks for your help again! The Side Imaging works great now!
Best on utube! Thanks
Thanks Jason, what a great way to start my morning!!!
You were pointing out fish & breed, I couldnt see anything. Is their a zoom & does it actually tell you breed of fish, dangers, & does your GPS map plot & follow your marks to follow.?
Identifying fish is based on my experience recognizing shadows of specific species. The zoom is the plus and minus buttons. For more information, watch my video on Steve Chiasson Fishing, Zoom In, Zoom Out keys. Depending on whether you have an IPilot vs IPilot Link trolling motor will determine the full extent that you can make and follow tracks. Recording waypoints is at your discretion.
Awesome video…
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
Thanks! Liked. So the Mega360 does not do DI. If you want a DI you need a different transducer presumably? And can both be connected simultaneously? Thanks.
M360 does not do DI. I have a Mega DI built into my Ultrex. If I wanted to see both DI and M360 on one unit I would need a Y cable.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thank you.
What straps are you using for the covers?
They are old wader straps modified to fit units.
How do I add depth to a mega 360…that isn’t connected to a ultrex(mines a very old powerdrive that doesn’t have any capabilities other than manual steering!)? Does this mean I need to buy another transducer? If so, this is the most a la carte system I’ve ever seen!
You will need a y cable and transducer unfortunately. Adding a second unit is preferable if that’s an option.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Trying to talk myself out of buying a first unit! Definitely don’t want a second unit. Probably just keep my old Lowrance running and use it for depth….unless my battery can’t handle it.
Your unit would come with a transducer unless you got a CHO, control head only unit.
Do you have this hooked up to a separate "house/electronics only" battery? Or do you run this off your starter? What group size do you have and what is the amp rate of your Helix 12 and the mega 360? I'm torn on the helix 10 or 12 for this as well. I am hoping to use it ice fishing as well.
I run two 31s hooked up in parallel. The Helix 12 draws more power than the 10. A 12 is pretty big to take ice fishing. The Helix 12 has slightly better resolution than the 10. The power draw is a concern more for ice fishing. My video on my TH-cam channel (Steve Chiasson Fishing) Triton Makeover shows my set up for batteries. My One Boat Network video reviews the specific power draw on Helix and Solix units. If strictly being used in your boat, I would definitely go for the better resolution on the 12. Interestingly the Solix 10 and 12 have the same resolution. That would be a consideration for ice fishing but the power draw of the Solix is a drawback for ice fishing.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876, Thanks! That's part of the reason I was thinking 10" as it has more of a dual purpose for me as it can be bounced between 360 and 2d/flasher. The power draw on all of it makes me anxious even in the boat. One of my issues is I would have to shuffle a couple livewell pumps, battery tray, and 2stroke oil reservoir, to make room for a second battery. I know there is other structure in my home lake that I am missing out on and feel like this would help during those summer months when they pull deeper again.
Does the distance of trolling head from 360 transducer not interfere with picture or read out on graphs?
Hi Cary, I run a 52” shaft on my trolling motor. I haven’t noticed any difference with interference based on your question. Always remember to keep a safe distance between prop and spinning Mega 360 transducer.
SO I can use MEGA 360 Side imaging on a DI+ only head unit? I don't need a SI+ unit? I saw another TH-cam channel show this..
That’s correct, the unit I used in video was a Helix 12 G3N DI+ unit.
awesome. It’s amazing how many people don’t know this. i’m glad i spend hours researching.
thanks again
Thank you!!!
Will definitely save you $ and better SI on independent Mega 360 mount. All my bow units are Helix DI units for Mega 360 and MegaLive.
Now i gotta decide, 10" or 12".. Just ordered a ULTREX with MDI 80lb 52" can't wait ...
Next , Head UNIT and Mega 360
When I use my 360 and trolling motor at the same time how do I get the fuzz out
Sorry for the delay, typically adjusting your sensitivity and contrast will help clear up your picture.
do i connect head sensor to console unit or bow unit for mega 360 mark waypoints?
I use my M360 with my DI+ unit on the bow.
I noticed that your spot lock icon is moving. I have been noticing that while on spot lock my SL icon is constantly appearing off the right side of my m360 screen. Do you have any recommendations on how to correct it
Hi Chris, the position of the boat does adjust while on spot lock causing the icon to move. The only suggestion I have is to repeat the calibration process that you did when you first installed the trolling motor. Hopefully that will work.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 thank you for the recommendation! Keep up the great videos!
how important is it for the flatter point of the 360 is 100% forward. Can it be done just by "eyeballing" it or did you get out a string and make it exact
Once it was deployed while the boat was on the trailer, I eyeballed it checking both the front and the back to make sure it was aligned properly.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Ok great I just wanted to know how exact it had to be. Awesome video thank you
Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the video.
When I'm when I'm using my 360 and I go to move with my trolling motor and gets real fuzzy how do I get to Fuzzy's out
The biggest culprit for interference is wiring issues. Main thing is to avoid trolling motor wires on the same side as your wiring. A dedicated battery for your electronics with wiring direct to your battery using 10 gauge or bigger, preferably tinned marine copper is a great start.
I wonder should you report the truck at 5:00 to local law enforcement? Could be a missing person?
Hi Bill, I did think about it but it looked like it has been down there for a while. Unfortunately trucks going through the ice while ice fishing is not an uncommon occurrence. It would have been reported at the time as there are usually lots of people on the ice. Therefore I didn’t report it.
Does Mega360 work on simulation?
Hi Carl, as far as I remember there is a simulation mode for Mega 360. I wanted to verify that for you but I am in the middle of a rewiring project so I can’t test it right now. I will confirm this for you when I finish up my project.
Hi Carl, I just hooked up my unit and yes you can use simulation mode for Mega 360.
Thank you sir....
👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Perry
Great video except clean that screen!
Thanks, I now carry cleaner with me in the boat, I didn’t have my screen clean stuff the day I made that video.
Clean your screen looks like fish all over.
clean dat screen son
Unfortunately I didn’t have my vinegar and water cleaner that day.