I’ve watched 100 of these videos on fish finders this is the best explanation and walkthrough of a unit I’ve seen Hands down!!! Great video the way you splice in videos of you catching fish helped so there was not too much info all at once …. Thank you and nice work 👍🏼👍🏼
Great tutorial! The best one I've seen yet. I just got a new Helix and this was very helpful. David did a great job slowing down and explaining the settings. Thank you for this!
Hey Dave, awesome tutorial on Humminbird Helix! I just bought a Helix 7 for my Kayak and can't wait to use it. I have watched many Helix tutorials and by far this was the best one. Thank you!
Good video. I was watching to learn how to create a route. I need to know for night running in my lake that has a lot of hazards. Didn't cover it......
It actually was supposed to go to DVD. I did one with Ben Parker for lowrance that’s on TW. Unfortunately the glare was bad and didn’t want to put that it for $. Working on some newer stuff for new units this year
Nicely done! Feel much better about what the screen is showing me & how to adjust settings on my Helix 12 & 10 units. Subscribed and will watch for more videos.
Thank you. I’m getting a helix 7 on my new Vexus in January. Been using a Lowrance and wandering about the change. Very informative. I’m sure I’ll watch many more times after I get mine in January. Again thanks.
Love the video. Watch it over alot. New to birds. New (2021) Caymas. 12 helx gn 4 msi plus console and same di at bow. I get depth half the time and at factory reset, i have zerp water temp. It just miraculously shows up 4-5 trips later. Any ideas? Embarrassingly frustrating!!!
best info i have gotten thus far. great detailed information, there was a glare on the screen making it hard to see. now can you do one to set the terrova trolling motor to link?
Thanks for the reply. I can't wait to play with this unit, especially for finding structure and Catfish on Lake Moultrie over in Santee Cooper. I imagine the SI and DI images for large catfish is going to show up much better than for Largemouth.
I just bought a helix 7 G2N and I was wonder if you have a video on how to do the initial set up for the unit (down imagining and side imagining) to get me started I fish a lot on shallow rivers 15' or less thank you and I appreciate and help or insight you can give me
Amazing video....SO I have a helix 7 msi mdi and its not networkable and I have a Helix 12 KVD si GPS that is. My Helix 12 will mainly be used for SI and Map and my 7 will mainly be used for MDI. I have plans on using both Helix on my console however because they cannot network with eachother, is there a way I can use 2 transducers in there stern without interference?
Great video. Do the units come with mapping like you have or you have to install? Also it seems like the SI models come with sonar/DI, is that right? Kind of confusing.
I just purchased the Humminbird Helix SI7 which came with the Navionics Map Card included as a bonus. There are several other maps available to purchase. I fish Lake Moultrie for Catfish and Thurmond Lake for Hybrids and Stripers. Do you still recommend Lake Master Charts as the best tool? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Careful -- check what lakes lakemaster vs. navionics have and make sure yours are on the lakemaster chip. I run an HDS (navionics) and helix (lakemaster) side by side. Lakemaster mapping is almost always more detailed than navionics, there are quite a few (especially smaller) lakes the lakemaster doesn't have mapped at all. Just check their list before you go buying! should be able to find it on their website.
Is a waypoint set on HB Unit or transducer? Good info, it would have been better if we could actually see the screen all the time, to much reflection. I know you said you help guys out, do you know of anyone in the Hot Springs or Little Rock area to assist with my new HB Mega 10 HD SI+? I really want to learn more and become a better fisherman. Thanks for sharing, keep them coming.
Question for you.. I fought with auto chart live for 2 weeks after getting my helix 10 g4n. I could never see the colored path on the base map with contour lines as I mapped. Nobody, including Humminbird tech, could figure it out. Then by accident I found out that you have to zoom in to be able to see the depths and colored path as I map. Why doesn't anyone say you have to zoom on all these videos?
Hello David, thanx for this video. I have a question regarding my brand new Helix 9 CHIRP MSI+ G3N; I just had it installed by Tracker Marine and took it out on my local lake (Folsom). It's installed on a Tracker 185 Targa outfitted for bass fishing. I did not attempt to do any settings, just used the current factory setup just to see how it would do. I had it on 2D Sonar with large display for depth, temp, and speed. When I got to about 28mph, I noticed depth stayed frozen and I no longer had 2D sonar showing, it just started showing a blank white screen. I see in your video (0:56) that you're moving at a pretty good clip and I can see the display on your unit is still there, though it's not the 2D sonar. Shouldn't I still be getting 2D sonar and depth at running speed? It's Friday afternoon and I can't call Humminbird support so I thought I'd try you since you're pro-staff. Sorry to bother you with this but hoping you'll respond and provide some insight.
When you are marking your way points on the fish you idle over, won't you always be 8-10' off. Depending how far your GPS unit is from the transducer on the back of the boat?
no.. the GPS my be off but the sonar sees what it sees. the way point could be off up to 10-12 feet but if you have a good signal you are rarely ever that far off.
We have the Helix 12 Chirp Mega Si G2N - we mainly fish Steelhead and Salmon. I got this unit because fish Spring Chinook on the Columbia River. The Spring Chinook one day might be in 30' and the next in 10'. A lot depends on tides and water being released at Bonneville Dam. If I wanted to target 30' how would I set the map setting to show that? Also I do have some Lake Master maps but mostly use the Navionics maps and when following a contour the Fish N Chips map from Navionics. I also have had trouble spotting Chinook Salmon with Si. One trip we were seeing schools of Chinook throughout the day suspended. Next trip never seen any fish with Si and I know with the tides they would be suspended. Fast incoming or outgoing tides the salmon will hug the bottom to get out of the current. We usually pick a good incoming with a very small outgoing, also referred to as Chinook tides. The Chinook come with the big tides and then meander when the outgoing is real mild, around 3'.
Great info but like some of other comments, I see NOTHING but your reflection 95% of the time, so your message, though excellent, is not backed by any visual aids, which is what is needed.
Waypoints - I did a export of waypoints from our old Humminbird to the new one. One problem I have is a whole lot of waypoints that need to be removed. Crabbing I do a waypoint for each drop of a crab trap. Obvious on these waypoints what needs to be removed. When first using the new Helix unit I tried to do Snapshots and later only had one Snapshot so the others were likely left as waypoints. So I need to get rid of those. Problem is I have actual waypoints too. Sort of annoying.
Couple questions. I have the helix 7 chirp si gps g2n. In the chirp configuration settings, should I change the frequency settings or should I leave them how they are. Also what contrast and sensitivity should I have my sonar set to to get the best picture?
So for your 2D sonar preference, I saw you selected 200 kHz. Do you ever use 455 kHz on your 2D screen? Wouldn’t that show even more detail? Maybe too narrow of a cone angle though?
I have a older Helix 9 before the chirp. Shooting to one side set at 40' Stevie Wonder can see fish as well as I can. Total waste of money and I have two, 360 isn't any better on these units. Ordering a Garmin ecomap 12" in the morning. I'll try this unit on the front, if I like it I'll put one on the dash.
They are basically the same. Smart strike just adds a layer of mild intelligence to it. I own smartstrike and its primarily basic fishing knowledge displayed in pink blobs on a lake master map
would have been nice if you would have shaded your screen or did something so we can see what you are seeing and pointing at. Make another video so we can see what you are showing us all I see is you and a blurry screen thanks keep up the good work
Thanks Jerry, originally this was going to be a DVD, but because of somethings like you just suggested i went straight to you tube. Hopefully I'll be doing more videos with electronics this year
hello, i'm from indonesia. may be you can explain about shrimp/prawn detect on my unit hb helix 12 mega si. how it's look at on my sonar screen. how best setting for finding shrimp/prawn ?
Although I appreciate the time and thoroughness Dave (the Baitman?) spent putting together this tutorial treasure trove of how-to information, it's too bad his audience couldn't hardly see shit on the Humminbird screen, aside from glare and the reflection of his face and occasionally the camera man.
Nah Doc G ain’t the Baitman. But I did put it together. And I apologies this is a super old video now. We were going to out it on DVD but because Of the glare we didn’t. Hopefully we can get a new one next year. Thx for watching and the firm but fair criticism
Your videos would be greatly improved if your camera man would hold up something that would block the glare from the screen. It is very difficult to see the details on the screen due to the glare. By shading the unit, the glare would be eliminated and the picture would be much, much better. Great tutorial; could just be improved by eliminating the glare.
I find your information great, but you could do something to get rid of the glare off the screen, either shade or turn your HB unit a bit and move camera a tad. If I was deaf I could read your lips on the screen. Hope this is good constructive criticism.
David Walsh I 100% agree. This was actually going to be a DVD. Breaking Bass Prt2 a follow up to one I did with Ben Parker on Lowrance. I didn’t feel my camera work was quality and set on the footage for two years. Thanks for watching
I love what you are trying to teach and covey buy you need to do a better job with your screen shots. Too much reflection of you to really see the image.
Thanks Gerald. This video is about 5 years old now. We were going to make a DVD but because of the reflections I sent it straight to RUclips instead. Hopefully we can make another one
I’ve watched 100 of these videos on fish finders this is the best explanation and walkthrough of a unit I’ve seen Hands down!!! Great video the way you splice in videos of you catching fish helped so there was not too much info all at once …. Thank you and nice work 👍🏼👍🏼
Best Video I've seen yet. Your explanations were clear and made sense.
Just bought 2 helix 7 I am all thumbs but this is really helpful thank you
By far the most concise tutorial video I've found. I'm coming from Lowrance to a helix9 mega unit and this will be indispensable to me, thank you 👍
Great tutorial! The best one I've seen yet. I just got a new Helix and this was very helpful. David did a great job slowing down and explaining the settings. Thank you for this!
Glad it helped!
Tons of helpful tips all in one video. Thanks.
Hey Dave, awesome tutorial on Humminbird Helix! I just bought a Helix 7 for my Kayak and can't wait to use it. I have watched many Helix tutorials and by far this was the best one. Thank you!
Great video. I just got my Helix 7 and will be setting it up tomorrow. Now, after the video I know tons more about what will be set.
Howd it go? Im testing my 7 out later today.
@@imheretolearn770 I found out I need to update both the maps and the firmware. Thats per tech support.
For the time being i turned my maps and charting off. What were the issues you were having?
Fantastic instructions.. Greatly appreciated.
Good video. I was watching to learn how to create a route. I need to know for night running in my lake that has a lot of hazards. Didn't cover it......
This should be on a dvd given at point of purchase, thank you!
It actually was supposed to go to DVD. I did one with Ben Parker for lowrance that’s on TW. Unfortunately the glare was bad and didn’t want to put that it for $. Working on some newer stuff for new units this year
Will watch for that release, thanks.
Love this. I have helix 5 and have not gotten any fish arch’s ever. I hope these settings help with that, if not I can see my dv and read it that way.
Excellent information , thank you for sharing !
Excellent work. I don't have Chirp but have Helix 10s. I learned a few things.
Outstanding lesson on using a Helix unit. Thank you Sir!
Nicely done! Feel much better about what the screen is showing me & how to adjust settings on my Helix 12 & 10 units. Subscribed and will watch for more videos.
Great video, thanksfor doing it.
Thank you. I’m getting a helix 7 on my new Vexus in January. Been using a Lowrance and wandering about the change. Very informative. I’m sure I’ll watch many more times after I get mine in January. Again thanks.
THE best video on the set up and use of a Humminbird unit. Great video.!
About to install a helix 7 on my kayak this evening this video will help tremendously, thank you
Awesome tutorial.
This unit is definitely above my brain grade!
KennyFishbone I hope to shoot another one soon. With it more in focus
Outstanding video, thanks.
The black is the water, where the amber starts on both sides is also under the boat.
Love the video. Watch it over alot. New to birds. New (2021) Caymas. 12 helx gn 4 msi plus console and same di at bow. I get depth half the time and at factory reset, i have zerp water temp. It just miraculously shows up 4-5 trips later. Any ideas? Embarrassingly frustrating!!!
Great learning tool , thanks for you time !
best info i have gotten thus far. great detailed information, there was a glare on the screen making it hard to see. now can you do one to set the terrova trolling motor to link?
Best video yet on how to use your Helix. Thank You.
Super tutorial, thank you 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
The best instructional video ever on How to use the Helix devices and I have looked at them all. Thanks
Just got a helix 9 and learning to ledge fish. This info is exactly what I needed. Thanks.
Thank you. Great video. Learned alot.
Just ordered two mega 9 SI/DI and I’ve watched this video I think 100 times! If it was VHF it be worn out by now.
Very informative and helpful. Nice to see some fish caught too. :-)
Be helpful to redo this video with newer units and without a glare on the screen.
Great video. Very informative.
I noticed his bow graph setup w two mounts. I like it
Thanks for the reply. I can't wait to play with this unit, especially for finding structure and Catfish on Lake Moultrie over in Santee Cooper. I imagine the SI and DI images for large catfish is going to show up much better than for Largemouth.
I just bought a helix 7 G2N and I was wonder if you have a video on how to do the initial set up for the unit (down imagining and side imagining) to get me started I fish a lot on shallow rivers 15' or less thank you and I appreciate and help or insight you can give me
Really good info. Nice video and edit. Thanks David and Kevin.
Awesome Video!! Thanks a bunch-
Excellent tutorial - thanks!
Amazing video....SO I have a helix 7 msi mdi and its not networkable and I have a Helix 12 KVD si GPS that is. My Helix 12 will mainly be used for SI and Map and my 7 will mainly be used for MDI.
I have plans on using both Helix on my console however because they cannot network with eachother, is there a way I can use 2 transducers in there stern without interference?
Watching you 4/29/2021 can’t see , glare still watching
Video is a few years old! Sorry for the glare
New to HB. Watching your videos. Purchased helix7 G3. Are settings and chart info to be done on simulation or when the transducer is used? Thank you!
When it’s being used
Fantastic tutorial, Thank you for taking the time to share.
Fantastic tutorial. I'm new to Humminbird as my new boat comes with them, so I took a ton of notes. Thank you very much!!!
Sorry for some of the glare. Going to do some more electronics videos in the upcoming weeks
Great video. Do the units come with mapping like you have or you have to install? Also it seems like the SI models come with sonar/DI, is that right? Kind of confusing.
What is the rod and reel that you are using, awesome job!
Very Well Done......Nice video
Great video content. You did skip over one option on the Sonar Menu. I saw and option for "83hz Sensitivity". Would you explain this? Thanks.
Could you create a set up for northern pike?
Thank you for taking the time to shoot this video. We all appreciate it
I just purchased the Humminbird Helix SI7 which came with the Navionics Map Card included as a bonus. There are several other maps available to purchase. I fish Lake Moultrie for Catfish and Thurmond Lake for Hybrids and Stripers. Do you still recommend Lake Master Charts as the best tool? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Stephen Hair yes absolutely. Lake master had a lot of countries navionics doesn’t shown
Careful -- check what lakes lakemaster vs. navionics have and make sure yours are on the lakemaster chip. I run an HDS (navionics) and helix (lakemaster) side by side. Lakemaster mapping is almost always more detailed than navionics, there are quite a few (especially smaller) lakes the lakemaster doesn't have mapped at all. Just check their list before you go buying! should be able to find it on their website.
So even if you run 1 transducer you still need to run both units on the console on a different frequency to help prevent interference?
Is a waypoint set on HB Unit or transducer? Good info, it would have been better if we could actually see the screen all the time, to much reflection. I know you said you help guys out, do you know of anyone in the Hot Springs or Little Rock area to assist with my new HB Mega 10 HD SI+? I really want to learn more and become a better fisherman. Thanks for sharing, keep them coming.
Great video, thanks for the info.
how did you get onix and helix map tied together i was told you could not do that. for way points.
Question for you.. I fought with auto chart live for 2 weeks after getting my helix 10 g4n. I could never see the colored path on the base map with contour lines as I mapped. Nobody, including Humminbird tech, could figure it out. Then by accident I found out that you have to zoom in to be able to see the depths and colored path as I map. Why doesn't anyone say you have to zoom on all these videos?
Hello David, thanx for this video. I have a question regarding my brand new Helix 9 CHIRP MSI+ G3N; I just had it installed by Tracker Marine and took it out on my local lake (Folsom). It's installed on a Tracker 185 Targa outfitted for bass fishing. I did not attempt to do any settings, just used the current factory setup just to see how it would do. I had it on 2D Sonar with large display for depth, temp, and speed. When I got to about 28mph, I noticed depth stayed frozen and I no longer had 2D sonar showing, it just started showing a blank white screen. I see in your video (0:56) that you're moving at a pretty good clip and I can see the display on your unit is still there, though it's not the 2D sonar. Shouldn't I still be getting 2D sonar and depth at running speed? It's Friday afternoon and I can't call Humminbird support so I thought I'd try you since you're pro-staff. Sorry to bother you with this but hoping you'll respond and provide some insight.
excellent video Very good information Would of been a lot better if we could of seen the screen instead of your reflection
When you are marking your way points on the fish you idle over, won't you always be 8-10' off. Depending how far your GPS unit is from the transducer on the back of the boat?
no.. the GPS my be off but the sonar sees what it sees. the way point could be off up to 10-12 feet but if you have a good signal you are rarely ever that far off.
We have the Helix 12 Chirp Mega Si G2N - we mainly fish Steelhead and Salmon. I got this unit because fish Spring Chinook on the Columbia River. The Spring Chinook one day might be in 30' and the next in 10'. A lot depends on tides and water being released at Bonneville Dam. If I wanted to target 30' how would I set the map setting to show that? Also I do have some Lake Master maps but mostly use the Navionics maps and when following a contour the Fish N Chips map from Navionics.
I also have had trouble spotting Chinook Salmon with Si. One trip we were seeing schools of Chinook throughout the day suspended. Next trip never seen any fish with Si and I know with the tides they would be suspended. Fast incoming or outgoing tides the salmon will hug the bottom to get out of the current. We usually pick a good incoming with a very small outgoing, also referred to as Chinook tides. The Chinook come with the big tides and then meander when the outgoing is real mild, around 3'.
Thanks for the video!
Great info but like some of other comments, I see NOTHING but your reflection 95% of the time, so your message, though excellent, is not backed by any visual aids, which is what is needed.
Waypoints - I did a export of waypoints from our old Humminbird to the new one. One problem I have is a whole lot of waypoints that need to be removed. Crabbing I do a waypoint for each drop of a crab trap. Obvious on these waypoints what needs to be removed. When first using the new Helix unit I tried to do Snapshots and later only had one Snapshot so the others were likely left as waypoints. So I need to get rid of those. Problem is I have actual waypoints too. Sort of annoying.
What version helix was he using ? I am guessing a g2 ?
You look like the guy from dirty jobs mike row . Great video
Couple questions. I have the helix 7 chirp si gps g2n. In the chirp configuration settings, should I change the frequency settings or should I leave them how they are. Also what contrast and sensitivity should I have my sonar set to to get the best picture?
Sensitivity set at 12 in clear water and 16 in stained water. Contrast 12 and sharpness Low for best picture👌
Can you output the Humminbird screen to external monitors? I want to show my customers what I’m seeing on the screen.
Will this setup work for catfishing on the Ohio River? Best video I’ve found.
Raising the camera will enable us to see your display better.. Not so much sky reflection.
So for your 2D sonar preference, I saw you selected 200 kHz. Do you ever use 455 kHz on your 2D screen? Wouldn’t that show even more detail? Maybe too narrow of a cone angle though?
I have a older Helix 9 before the chirp. Shooting to one side set at 40' Stevie Wonder can see fish as well as I can. Total waste of money and I have two, 360 isn't any better on these units. Ordering a Garmin ecomap 12" in the morning. I'll try this unit on the front, if I like it I'll put one on the dash.
What is your opinion of smart strike vs. lake master.
They are basically the same. Smart strike just adds a layer of mild intelligence to it. I own smartstrike and its primarily basic fishing knowledge displayed in pink blobs on a lake master map
do you recomend these setting for the helix 12 mega si gn3 too
would have been nice if you would have shaded your screen or did something so we can see what you are seeing and pointing at. Make another video so we can see what you are showing us all I see is you and a blurry screen thanks keep up the good work
Thanks Jerry, originally this was going to be a DVD, but because of somethings like you just suggested i went straight to you tube. Hopefully I'll be doing more videos with electronics this year
How do you prevent prop wash from appearing on side image
Your title says Helix unit but you have a Onix system, are they the same?
Did you do a new one?
hello, i'm from indonesia. may be you can explain about shrimp/prawn detect on my unit hb helix 12 mega si. how it's look at on my sonar screen. how best setting for finding shrimp/prawn ?
If my unit is connected to my boat motor battery will this cause interference? I think that’s happening
What is your sensitivity set on those units?
He said 10
Although I appreciate the time and thoroughness Dave (the Baitman?) spent putting together this tutorial treasure trove of how-to information, it's too bad his audience couldn't hardly see shit on the Humminbird screen, aside from glare and the reflection of his face and occasionally the camera man.
Nah Doc G ain’t the Baitman. But I did put it together. And I apologies this is a super old video now. We were going to out it on DVD but because Of the glare we didn’t. Hopefully we can get a new one next year. Thx for watching and the firm but fair criticism
How do u have your transducer set up
Bill Dunston under the jackpkate
I just install a Helix 7 Chirp DI sonar GPS G2N. Will these setting work on my unit
James Nichols yes
Your reflection in the screen makes it impossible to see anything except, you. Next time either tilt the camera or the screen.
Mike Mooney. Omaha
Would these settings work for catfish too?
Your videos would be greatly improved if your camera man would hold up something that would block the glare from the screen. It is very difficult to see the details on the screen due to the glare. By shading the unit, the glare would be eliminated and the picture would be much, much better. Great tutorial; could just be improved by eliminating the glare.
Thx. This is 5 years old
Very informative video, but the glare made it hard to see what you where doing with the unit.
The Helix 7 G3 has Chirp
I have a 859ciHD with sonar and gps .need help
what is your issue
very informative but all I see is your reflection on the screen.
I noticed this too, don't mean to be critical, however, to be fair, the reflection made it impossible to see what he was showing.
I find your information great, but you could do something to get rid of the glare off the screen, either shade or turn your HB unit a bit and move camera a tad. If I was deaf I could read your lips on the screen. Hope this is good constructive criticism.
Nope. I appreciate it! Hopefully we can do a better one soon. Thx for watching
Nice video and helpful but it would be a lot nicer if you could actually see the screen, there is just too much glare.
David Walsh I 100% agree. This was actually going to be a DVD. Breaking Bass Prt2 a follow up to one I did with Ben Parker on Lowrance. I didn’t feel my camera work was quality and set on the footage for two years.
Thanks for watching
How much of an advantage is it to have an external puck with my helix 12 gn3?
How do you not find the fish? is my question now..
Might near impossible to see the screen. Basically.
Good content but the screen glare and wind noise were pretty annoying.
I love what you are trying to teach and covey buy you need to do a better job with your screen shots. Too much reflection of you to really see the image.
Thanks Gerald. This video is about 5 years old now. We were going to make a DVD but because of the reflections I sent it straight to RUclips instead. Hopefully we can make another one
Too much glare on the screen. Need to fix that
Your reflection in the screen makes it impossible to see anything except, you. Next time either tilt the camera or the screen.
Daniel Brothers thanks for the pro tip
Camera angle was wrong to much reflection on the screen and image wasn’t clear.
It was actually forgot to take the screen film off.
Camera angle was fine. Used the same one for the Ben Parker DVD I did