Short Fishing Session - 16th July 2015

While on a roadtrip, I stopped to take a break and decided to fish. It was a very hot day and it was around 1pm so had to keep the fishing session short.

Finding the right spot to fish is made easier with the Deeper fishfinder.




A decent Toman or Channa Micropeltes was safely landed and released. Continued on my road trip right after that.

Enjoy the vid.

Deeper Fishfinder with New Packaging - 2015

We have have numerous success using the Deeper wireless fishfinder and now, Friday Lab have come up with a new, compact packaging. That's not the only thing, battery life has now been improved so we can fish longer on a single charge.

Visit Deeper Fishfinder official website for more info and photos.

Deeper is not only used to locate fish, what the Dutch firemen have done is to use it to locate a sunken car!
A Ford Ka was easily located on the bottom of a river in Netherlands and dragged to shore.

You can purchase Deeper from us. Just visit our products page and order online.

Updating the Deeper Application & Deeper Unit

When there are updates for the application & Deeper unit (either in Google Play or iTunes, depending on which smartphone you are using), you simply update the app and wait until it is successfully updated. 

Then you simply connect your Deeper to a power source (charger) and it will turn on.

Then open up your Deeper app on your smartphone or tablet and the app will update your Deeper automatically.

Please note that the Deeper will be flashed with new features IF there are firmware upgrades. If not, only the app will be updated. This is done automatically.

Simple and straight forward.

Hits & Misses - Compilation #1

We had to fish tough waters lately and below is the compilation of hits and misses from our latest outing.

19.02.2015 - Short Fishing Expedition

We finally had the chance to fish during the holidays. Enjoy the bloopers video.

Live Target Koppers Frog with Deeper Smart Sonar

We had the opportunity last weekend to get our gear out for another field test. This time, we brought along the Deeper smart sonar and Live Target's Koppers Frog.

Locating fish is made very easy with the Deeper as in my previous entry. But enticing the fish to take the bait is another story altogether. Even though we know that there are fishes in the area, we can't really tell what species of fish they are. All is comes down to is guesswork (with a little common sense).

We won't bore you with how to use the Deeper as that topic has already been covered. As you know, we located fishes in the area and we were sure that they were of the Channa family so we took out our top water lure - this time its the Live Target Koppers Frog in Tan/Yellow colour. This lure took many hits before but the hookup ratio is low. We made one improvement to the hooks - we bent them outwards just a little and we got hookups!

Although this time round, we couldn't find big fishes, the little ones kept us busy. Enjoy the pictures below.

Deeper Field Test

IN THIS FIELD TEST, WE FISHED FROM SHORE AT A FRESHWATER POND.

We got to work as soon as we received the Deeper fishfinder sonar unit. And we had the chance to use it at our newly found pond.

Opening the box, there are:

1 x Deeper sonar unit
3 x Attachment loops
1 x Car charger
1 x Wall charger
1 x USB cable
1 x Quick start guide
1 x Soft carrying case

There is no user manual as it is already in soft copy and can be accessed when you open the Deeper app on your mobile device.

We already downloaded and installed the Deeper app prior to getting the Deeper sonar unit so everything was ready. (You can find the Deeper app on iTunes & Play Store free to download). Deeper on Play Store.

All of the items are nicely and securely packed in the box.

For compatibility listing for Android & iOS devices, please click here.

Back to the field testing article.

For our outing, we had brought along the evergreen soft plastic worm (rigged texas style), rubber frogs, buzz baits

It was late in the morning when we arrived on site and it was certainly a hot sunny day. Blazing hot.

Field test location

Deeper's carrying case

Two fishing sets were brought along, one baitcasting outfit and one spinning.
The spinning set is to be used for casting the Deeper.

We used one of the supplied attachment loop and screwed it into the middle hole of the sonar unit. Please remember to be extra careful to not let the attachment loop fall on the ground while you are doing this. Losing the attachment loop will rapidly decrease your fishing excitement. Making sure that the Deeper sonar unit is screwed on securely as the orange seal is to keep water out from the insides of the unit, the Deeper sonar unit was quickly but securely tied to a monofilament line of 15lb strength (this is our mistake, please use at least 40lb braid line). Our spinning rod was medium heavy and it bent under the load.
The weight of the sonar unit was a little heavy for the rod and we carefully casted the sonar unit very lightly towards the water. It certainly made a distinctive splash.

The Deeper transducer.

Rod bent a bit with the weight of the Deeper

Just remember that the sonar unit cannot withstand shocks (just little shocks) so please be careful when carrying and using it. Also as mentioned earlier, the top of the sonar unit needs to be securely tightened before casting it into the water, if you don't, there is the risk of water damage to the internals of the sonar unit.

NOTE: The Deeper sonar unit needs to be paired with your device when the unit is being charged or when it is on water.

We opened the Deeper app on our mobile phone and it took a few seconds for the sonar unit to be connected. And once it did, it showed depth, water temperature, bottom structure and of course fish.

Screenshot taken from mobile device showing the structure, water temperature, depth and fish.

You can configure the unit to use either narrow beam or wide beam. The narrow beam is used for accuracy and the latter is for mainly locating the general area for fish. Once you find fish, you can change to narrow beam if you want. We just left it at the default setting.

The app will scroll from right to left as it scans the area directly below the sonar unit at intervals. Same concept as 'pinging'.
Once a fish is detected, the app will beep (this is the default setting, you can turn off the sound if you want). If a fish is detected, your screen will show a fish icon with a number next to it. The number denotes the depth of which the fish is at.

IMPORTANT: Don't hold your Android or iOS device near the bank and water as the risk of the device falling into water is there.

There have been reports by other users that the sonar unit can last up to 4 hours when used continously. For our test, we just used the device to locate fish at a certain spot and then retrieved it back when we find them. Using it this way, we can prolong our fishing time with the Deeper. In our outing of 5 hours, we had 70% of battery left when we headed home.

Finding it a bit too heavy for our rod, we simply amended our approach in using the sonar. We used a roll of 40lb braid line and casted the Deeper sonar by hand (same method as in using handline). This method works just as well. Just remember to securely tie the Deeper using a strong knot and make sure that the attachment loop is secure.

When there is a wave that goes on top of the sonar unit, you might loose your Bluetooth connection momentarily but don't worry as it will resume automatically when it has sufficient 
coverage.

Hand lining the Deeper sonar.

There are certain settings in the app that you can change for example the "Detailed" or "Basic" mode. Now, the "Detailed" mode shows lines and curves that people that are used to fish finders can interpret. We used the "Basic" mode because its much more user friendly because it shows things in a more layman's way.

Basic Mode

Detailed Mode

We did find fish and the app will show the fish icon according to fish size. The bigger fish gets the bigger icon. And we did find one which did not want to take any of our baits - spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, soft plastics and topwater frogs. It would be a bonus if we caught that biggie in this field test.

The big fish didn't take our bait

It was midday by now and the sun was scorching hot, burnt through our sunscreen. Had to rest and call it a day but testing will resume the next day since we are on a long weekend due to public holidays.

Serenity.

Started early morning to beat the midday heat later in the day. Quickly set up our gear and first one in the water is the Deeper. Located fish in the 3 - 5 feet region and we put on our Live Target Koppers Frog to try and bring them up to the surface. Varied our retrieves, pauses and twitches to find out the pattern of the day.


It took a while and once we did find the correct cadence, we got hits and misses. While fishing, we put our mobile in our packs and had the Deeper app running. We had no problems in knowing when fishes were in the area as the beeps were loud enough to alert us.

Koppers Frog finally hooked one after so many misses.

Hooked.

After locating fish on wide beam, we turned to narrow beam to pin point its location. We got one huge miss on Koppers Frog this time. We wished we had borrowed a GoPro to get it on video. Another sleepless night.

Other Features:

Notes
You can type notes about your fishing.

Calender
You can check the calender for best fishing times.

Camera
Take pictures without leaving the app.

Maps
Mark your fishing spots.

Weather
Check the weather at your current location.

Sharing
Share your notes and location on Facebook.

(For most of the features above, you might need to have a data plan on your mobile as it connects to the internet)

We are impressed with the capabilities and it sure does have potential for our fishing needs. But as with other sonar devices, you must understand the limitations. The sonar can definitely tell if there are fishes in the area but it cannot tell you what species. And it won't guarantee that the fish will take your bait as in our field test example.

This sonar is a valuable tool for recreational fishermen and especially for those who operate small fishing charters at freshwater locations with fibreglass boats as customers can have peace of mind that you are leading them to places where there are fishes. It is portable and works wirelessly with your existing mobile phones or tablets.

In our opinion, we would definitely use this sonar for freshwater fishing. Look out for more fishing reports on our blog featuring the Deeper.

Deeper official video clip

It's time to use technology to your advantage. Fish smarter.

Deeper - Fishfinder

The Deeper fishfinder made by Friday Lab finally arrived and we are really excited to unleash it's potential in our waters. We mostly do freshwater fishing and this tool will certainly help locate where to cast for fish. Not only that, it can tell you the water temperature and depth too.

In our opinion, this tool is a valuable tool for those who do a lot of fishing either as freshwater guides or simply hobby fishermen. To be able to tell where the fishes are and at what depth would be crucial to a successful outing (although it might not guarantee that the fish will take your bait). Alas, the saying by a bright young man - you can go to a party where there are a lot of girls, but that does not guarantee a successful hookup with any of them.

WHATS IN THE BOX

1. USB Cable
2. Attaching Loops (3 x)
3. Car Charger
4. Desktop Charger
5. Deeper sonar unit
6. Quck Start Guide
7. Soft carrying case

The items are neatly packed into a box.

The sonar unit itself can be opened to access the USB port used for charging the unit.

Be sure to charge your sonar unit for at least 8 hours before first use. This will ensure battery longevity.

There will be a sticker stating which attachment points to use when fishing from a boat, bridge or shore. Its important to use ONLY 1 attachment loop at a time.

The sonar unit weight only 100gm and you don't have to cast it far. Ensure that the sonar unit is not submerged in the water as you can loose your Bluetooth signal whenever this happens.

We will be going out on a field test soon to try out the Deeper fishfinder and it will be interesting to know how it performs. Stay tuned for more posts on the Deeper.

New Test Area - Revisited

Remember the new test area I discovered yesterday? Well, I went again this morning to hopefully hook up with a fish this time. And I wasn't disappointed.

Arrived at around 10:35am and rigged up the ever producing Keitech Swing Impact in flash minnow colour.

Began casting and fine tuning the action of the bait. No follows.

Changed spot to the overhanging tree where I got hit yesterday and started fan casting the area.

On one of the cast, the bait got hit when it hit the water. Gave it a slight jerk and hooked up with the fish. It as a fine Haruan.
The soft and supple plastic on the Keitech bait really made a world of difference (also easily ripped if you catch it on bushes and give it a tug).

All is good and then I decided to put on the Pocket Frog. Again, got takes but couldn't get the hookset right.

Went home at around 12:45pm

Jump Frogs VS Soft Frogs

A lot of people have asked us why we don't showcase the ever popular Jump Frog. And the answer is just that...the Jump Frog is popular and needs no introduction as it is easy to use, just cast it and burn it back. And usually, if a fish strikes the lure, it will be hooked automatically. Thanks to the upturned double hooks.
The soft frog (better known as the hollow bodied frog) however needs more varying retrieves and the hookset needs to be spot on which increases the challenge and ultimately the stress of fishing.
The Jump Frog is usually carved out of wood and floats. There are double hooks extending out from behind the body of the lure and these are pointed upwards. It could be made weedless with the addition of small tubes covering the points of the hooks. And like I mentioned earlier, the lure is usually retrieved with haste.
Origin - Thailand. Where it is used to catch Tomans (Giant Snakeheads).

The Jump Frog in action.

They are used with great success in Malaysia.

For us, we are more inclined to go down the unbeaten path where soft frogs are fast becoming forgotten compared to jump frogs.

The thing about soft frogs is that you need to get the retrieve right and remember that these lures are made for Bass. Hooksets are also a skill that needs to be learned through experience as waiting a few seconds and waiting until you feel the fish's weight before setting the hook, does not guarrantee you a successful hookup.

And most of the time, the fish does get away and you seldom would get a second chance in the same area after losing that fish. And such missed hookups will haunt you in your dreams.

So, whatever your fancy. Happy fishing.

New Test Area

Drove around 11:30am (very late) to find a new test area. Used Google Maps to locate likely spots and just drove there using the navigation.
Arrived and started casting the Pocket Frog around...no takers. Maybe my presentation is bad. Looked around and saw 2 anglers fishing on the opposite bank using live frogs. Within 5 minutes, they caught fish.
I moved spot to find another adjacent pool, casted and casted while moving...only small takes not enough for a hookup. The lake was too big and it was midday. So since the bites are slow, went back to the original pond and this time went west from where I started fishing. Saw some surface activities and it looked promising and since it was 2pm+ I casted into shades and under trees. This is when magic happened.
Began casting the Pocket Frog under a tree near the bank and saw a v-shaped wake speeding towards my lure and in seconds, a hit. Waited 3 seconds and pulled my line slowly to feel if the fish still had my lure...and...yes, the fish was there! I prepared to set the hook and struck. I felt the fish was still on and a sizeable one too...and then while reeling the fish in...the lure came flying back to me. What?
I was devastated.
Cast under the tree again and again but no follows. So I packed up and went straight home. Took a shower. Wrote this entry.