Fishing for a Reason
Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you.
From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.
Fishing for a Reason
36: Sonar Basics for Fishing: Expert Tips from Navy Sonar Tech Steve Chamberlin
Most anglers buy a fish finder, mount the transducer, and hit the water thinking they’re set. But here’s the truth: if you don’t know how to actually read your sonar, you’re probably just looking at the bottom—and missing the fish swimming right beneath you.
In this episode, Jamie & Scott sit down with Navy-trained sonar expert Steve Chamberlin, who has over 30 years of experience turning sonar from “complicated electronics” into a powerful tool any angler can use. Steve explains the mistakes that keep anglers blind to fish, why cone angles and frequencies matter more than you realize, and how a few simple adjustments can instantly make your sonar clearer and more reliable.
If you’re tired of guessing at arches, running your unit on auto, or wondering whether you can really trust what’s on your screen, this episode will give you the confidence to finally put your sonar to work—and catch more fish because of it.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why most anglers underutilize their sonar and how to change that
- How cone angle, frequency, and swim bladders affect what you see on your screen
- The #1 setup mistake people make with their transducers (and how to fix it)
- Simple tips to dial in your sonar so you can spot fish consistently
- Why auto mode isn’t your friend when fishing—and how to adjust settings the right way
- How to gain confidence in your electronics so you can focus on your lines and catching fish
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Puget Sound Anglers Association
- Garmin Sonar & Transducers
- Interested in joining our inner circle community? Click here to join the waitlist!