Posted - 04/29/2013 : 11:05:20 AM
I took my Elite-5 DSI unit out for the first time this weekend and had some questions about what i was seeing on the graph.

I have a line going across the screen at 4ft deep. It doest matter what depth i'm at, at 4ft there is a line going straight across the screen. Any idea what this is and how to get rid of it?

I am able to see the bottom and the contours/structure just fine, however i never saw 1 fish or ball of bait anywhere. Now that could have just been becauswe there were none where i was at, but i'd like to make sure.

Most of the time i ran the transducer on the split 455/800 mode. I seem to like the 455 much better than the 800 mode. I've got my surface clarity on high,and just about everying else on Auto.

Any ideas or help is appreciated.

You might try changing the surface clarity to off and see if the line is just the result of a bunch of surface clutter. If the clutter goes down to 4 ft and then stops then you will know that is what is causing it.

I have an Elite 5 and as far as being a fish finder it's not the best. It is an outstanding bottom and structure 'reader'. The next finder I get will be the Elite 7 that has both DSI and 2D. I now have a Eagle 320C (discontinued) mounted beside the Elite for 2D to help identify fish. Can't help much with the line in your image, but do try with the surface clarity off.

Thanks Mak. I'll try that and see if the line is still there.
Throwback...i'm ok with not seeing single fish, but i'd really like to be able to see balls of shad at least.

It might be that I have more experience and confidence with the 2D for identifying fish and schools of shad and of course where the baitfish are is where the bigger fish will be. Maybe next time I will leave the 2D in the truck and give the DSI a chance.

My Elite gave me poor readings until I increased the contrast to 100% and now it is just great. There does not seem to be a sensitivity adjustment. Little twigs on the submerged trees show up. Bait fish show up as a big ball and there is no doubt when you are on a school of fish. Most times the fish will just be a speck on the bottom. Just have to know what you are looking at.

What color(s) are you using don?