HAS TECHNOLOGY REALLY HELPED IMPROVE FISHING???

[almontefisher]

So another post made me think of this question...Has fishing improved with technology or just cost us more. I dont think I fish any better now than when I was a kid. Does technology really help fish better??

[MTF]

I think technology can only help an angler so much, fishfinders can help locate structure and fish locations, GPS can mark hotspots, and new baits are getting more and more realistic every year, but like I said all that will only get you so far. I think the best weapon an angler has is his brain, if you pay attention to the little details and keep focused you can have the same success or better then the guy with all the latest gadgets. also knowing the water you are fishing is key....but I suppose technology can help reduce the time it takes to get to know the water.

Anyway thats my $.02

[Jair]

I had to think about that one for a while....Got my 1st sonar this year and have taken full advantage of it......especially for the suspenders. My friends as well have benefited from me owning this unit. I do lapse into the "sonar zone" from time to time, so i guess it can take away some of the social aspect of the sport for me.

You've raised a good point here

I guess your answer would depend on what your definition of "fishing" is.

Cheers

[Wallyboss]

My ice fishing has improved tenfold with my Vex last year and this year I bought a Fishtrap and being able to sit and concentrate on what I was doing and not having to worry about staying warm has improved it even more. I might be a bit less social in my Trap with the top down but I get better results so I just talk a bit louder.

[nitro2000]

Technology ,such as fishfinders,can improve your catch rate, as they enable you to locate baitfish,structure,bottom changes,depth changes, all the good things fish relate to.
Will it make you a better fisherman, depends... Like rods,reels and lines,technology is just another tool we can use to improve our odds.

[Eli]

I used to be somewhat skeptical regarding flashers, but I've definitely changed my mind two weekends ago. I'll be getting one for next ice season for sure.

[Seaweed]

The answer to this question is a real no brainer.

Of Course technology has improved my fishing.

The electronics in my boat can be compared to the electronics in an emergency ward. They tell us what we need to know about the subject.

I think a greatly overlooked aspect of technology is the research and development of lures. We have come a long way from the basic Red Devil and Balsa wood Rapala ... but those lures continue to slay fish wherever the fish haven't seen them before.

Development of new lure technology is by far the greatest thing that has changed my fishing. Too much to really talk about but it encompasses texture, color, noise, sonic pulse, wobble, dive curve, suspension, flash, yadda yadda yadda. I could go on forever.....

Electronics are another whole field of technology that seems to be constantly changing and getting to the point where the sonars are looking like TV screens, new Hummingbird 900 series... blows my mind for sure, having just used my first underwater camera was quite an experience too.... what else can I learn about the fish and their habitat using this... I will learn a lot.

I thought that using fishfinders with the fish icon on was fun.... but turn them off and start to learn what the curves interpret and what different bottom structures look like.... and before long you are finding the hot spot within a good fishing spot. Amazing.

Hi Tech Fishing Rocks Man! Worth every penny.

[Suddsy]

Yup...downriggers to know what depths I am fishing at... ...fish finders to tell me the depth and sturucture of where I am fishing.... ....GPS to mark locations where fish are caught and find my way in the fog and darkness.... ....radios and cell phones to provide boat to boat communications and enhanced safety...... ....

and oh, don't forget

Satellite TV to watch all of those fishing shows

and most importantly

the internet to allow access to sites like Fish-Hawk

I just love all this technology, keep it coming.....

[GetTheNet!!!]

Electric bowmount trolling motors, once I've fished with one I couldn't imagine getting along without it. It makes everything easier and let me fish areas that were inaccessible before. Technology = more fish in the boat.

[OTRA]

I think these new fangled metal hooks big improvement over the bone ones we used back in the day.