Join professional angler Brandon Palaniuk on the water as he applies real-time strategy using Humminbird’s MEGA Live 2 to locate and target spotted bass in clear, structure-rich environments. With crisp visuals and focused adjustments, Palaniuk demonstrates how sonar-guided fishing can quickly reveal both active fish and the nuances of their behavior.
Featured Product
- PLASTIC – Xzone Lures Rally Shad: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- JIGHEAD – BKK Silent Chaser Round Jighead: Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – Alpha Angler ShAAkr Spinning Rod 6’7″ Medium-Fast: Buy at Alpha Angler
- REEL – Daiwa Certate Spinning Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (braid) – Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (fluorocarbon) – Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon Leader: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- FISH FINDERS (Bow) – Humminbird APEX 16 CHIRP MEGA SI+: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDERS (console) – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster Premium VX Digital Map Chart Card: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
Reading Fish Behavior with Forward-Facing Sonar
Palaniuk relies on forward-facing sonar to assess fish and activity before ever making a cast. He looks at the distance between the head and tail on screen—greater separation often signals a better-quality fish. This visual detail allows Palaniuk to prioritize casts and stay efficient, targeting the right fish.
Spotted Bass Patterns and Location Strategy
Throughout the day, Palaniuk finds that these fish often group by size, varying from section to section. Recognizing these patterns lets him shift quickly between areas and be selective. Palaniuk also utilizes MEGA Live 2 to understand how different fish respond to pressure, retrieve speed, and bait movement.
Structure Scanning and Precise Presentation
Accurate scanning is key to unlocking the full potential of forward-facing sonar. By making small, deliberate movements with the trolling motor, Palaniuk gets multiple angles on key cover. With the improved clarity of MEGA Live 2, he picks apart submerged trees and identifies prime ambush spots. Small changes in viewing angles may reveal hidden limbs, isolated fish, or changes in bottom composition.
