In this breakdown, Major League Fishing pro Edwin Evers shares five key ActiveTarget tips that help you clean up your image, read fish more clearly, and make more precise casts.

Why These ActiveTarget Tips Matter

ActiveTarget shows fish in real time, but your settings control how useful that image really is.

Dialing in the right adjustments helps you:

• See fish and bait more clearly
• Reduce screen clutter and interference
• Improve casting accuracy
• Make faster, more confident decisions

Even small changes can make a big difference.

1. Keep Your Software Updated

The easiest way to improve performance is running the latest update.

Updates can:

• Improve image clarity
• Add new color palettes
• Enhance surface tracking
• Speed up adjustments like range and depth

If your unit is not updated, you are not getting the best performance out of it.

2. Run a Consistent Range

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is constantly changing range.

Edwin Evers runs his ActiveTarget at 100 feet and keeps it there.

Why this matters:

• Fish and bait appear consistent in size
• You learn casting distance faster
• Your brain builds better visual reference

Changing from 60 to 100 feet makes everything look different and harder to judge.

3. Maximize Your Screen with Proper Depth

Your depth setting should use most of your screen.

A good rule:

Keep the bottom at about three quarters of the screen

This helps you:

• See more detail in the water column
• Track fish more easily
• Avoid wasting screen space

Quick depth adjustments are key as you move.

4. Use the Right Color Palette and Contrast

Color and contrast control how well fish stand out.

Evers’ go to palettes:

• Palette 6 for clean, clear viewing
• Palette 9 to help identify bigger fish

For contrast:

• Run higher in clear water
• Lower it in dirty or plankton heavy water
• Typical range falls between +2 and +8

Too much contrast creates clutter. Too little hides fish.

5. Clean Up Interference and Power

A clean image starts with clean power and fewer signals.

To reduce interference:

Turn off side imaging, 2D sonar, and down scan when not needed

To improve power:

• Use direct wiring to the unit
• Run heavier gauge wire
• Keep voltage strong and consistent

Poor wiring and extra signals will reduce clarity fast.

Bonus Tips for Better Accuracy

These small adjustments help you get even more out of ActiveTarget:

• Use a zero degree transducer mount for tighter, more accurate targeting
• Add a simple casting pointer aligned with your transducer
• Practice casting at visible targets like docks or buoys
• Learn exact distances so you can hit fish consistently

When These Tips Work Best

These adjustments are most effective when:

• Targeting suspended fish
• Fishing offshore structure
• Casting to fish you can see on sonar
• Fishing in clear to moderately stained water

They are less effective in heavy cover or very dirty water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Constantly changing range
• Running multiple sonar systems at once
• Ignoring contrast adjustments
• Using poor wiring or weak power

Each of these reduces your ability to clearly see fish.