How to Use A Lakemaster Chip in H2O GPS Finders

handheld gps image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com

Lakemaster Chip cards come in SD format and are designed to be used with compatible GPS or fish-finding units such as Lowrance or Humminbird devices. Lakemaster SD cards come with preloaded topographic and cartographic information for lakes, rivers or other bodies of water throughout the United States, including information on fish species, tides, lunar cycles and best times to fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Insert SD Card and Power On

Step 1

Locate the SD card input slot on the GPS or fish finder. Insert the Lakemaster SD card into the designated spot and power up the unit.

Step 2

Look for the "Chart Card" display in the lower right-hand side of the GPS or fish-finder display. The unit automatically reads the information from the SD card when inserted and the unit is turned on. To verify the unit is reading the card, check that the lower right-hand display shows "Chart Card."

Step 3

Use the arrows or cursor controls on the GPS or fish-finder unit to scroll to the chart card. Press on it and look for the drop-down menu. Select "Lake List" and wait for another drop-down menu to display. Use the arrows or cursor control to select the lake you wish to display on the screen.

Step 4

Check to verify the proper lake came up and that the cursor control is in the middle of the lake. Use the cursor control to magnify or zoom out from the default display by pressing once in the region of the lake you wish highlighted or zoomed from.

Step 5

Look for light blue highlights on the lake display. Light blue highlights indicate shallow water striations and levels. Look for dark blue markings and read them as deep water. Look underneath the light or dark blue regions for a number that is the depth of that area. The default setting is measured in feet.

Tips & Warnings

Print a copy of the Lakemaster legend from the instructions and store it next to the GPS or fish-finder display to use as a reference when using the Lakemaster Chips.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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