Are you tired of sticking to the same old lakes? Do you dream of quickly finding fish on unfamiliar waters? Omnia’s suite of tools, including their waypoint management system, mapping features, and mobile app, can help you do just that. Here’s how to use them to efficiently scout and fish new locations, even when you only have a few hours to fish.
Pre-Trip Scouting with Omnia Fishing
Before even hitting the water, you can use the Omnia Fishing platform to get a head start.
• Fishing Reports: Check recent fishing reports to see what species are present, where they are being caught and hot baits that are producing. This helps you confirm the presence of your target species.
• Mapping Tools: Use the map to identify potential fishing spots. Look for key features such as:
◦ Shallow bays and creek inlets: These areas can hold fish, especially in the spring and fall.
◦ Points, reed islands, and docks: These structures are often fish magnets
◦ Vegetation: Identify areas with grass, pads, and other vegetation, as these can be prime locations all year long.
◦ Hard Cover: Look for shallow areas with hard cover, such as rocks or docks.
◦ Deep Water Access: Locate docks or shallow flat areas that provide access to deeper water.
◦ Bottom Composition: Utilize the Omnia Pro mapping features to identify hard bottoms, vegetation, and other structural features.
• Wind Direction: Use the app to note the wind direction and consider this when you are choosing where to fish.
• Waypoint Creation: Mark these locations on the map as waypoints. You can add notes, and even give them descriptive names. These waypoints will automatically sync to your Omnia mobile app. The waypoints that you set up act as a checklist for locations to check out when you are on the water.
• Navionics Integration: Use the Navionics mapping feature within the Omnia app to identify points, flats, and other underwater features not immediately apparent on standard maps.
On-the-Water Efficiency
Once you’re at the lake, the Omnia app continues to be a valuable tool.
• Mobile App Accessibility: Use the Omnia app on your phone or tablet to see the waypoints you’ve created. Instead of aimlessly searching, you can use your waypoints as a checklist. Go directly to the areas that looked promising during your pre-trip scouting.
• Scan and Confirm: Use your boat’s electronics to scan the waypoints that you made on the map and confirm the features that you thought you saw. If a spot isn’t producing, move on to the next waypoint on your list. The waypoints help you systematically cover the water.
• Real-Time Adjustments: Use the app to note water temperatures, wind conditions, and other factors, which can influence fish behavior.
• Waypoint Sharing: If fishing with others, you can easily share your waypoints via text or email directly from your phone.
• Save waypoints on the go: If you find a new feature or a new access point you can easily create a waypoint on your phone while you are on the water.
Waypoint Management and Data Integration
Omnia’s system isn’t just about marking spots.
• Detailed Notes: Add detailed notes to your waypoint. This might include:
◦ What you caught fish on
◦ Water conditions
◦ Time of year
◦ Type of cover
• Cloud Backup: Your waypoints are automatically backed up in the cloud, preventing data loss.
• Cross-Platform Access: Waypoints and notes are accessible from your computer, phone, and tablet, meaning you can research and record information anywhere.
• Premium Features: With a Omnia Pro account, you can access additional features such as weather conditions recorded at the time of a catch. This can help you identify patterns. You can also access different mapping layers such as vegetation and bottom hardness.
Key Takeaways
• Omnia’s waypoint system and app are valuable tools for quickly learning how to fish new bodies of water.
• Pre-trip planning is crucial for efficiently targeting fish so you spend more time catching fish and having fun on your next fishing trip.
• Using the mobile app allows you to quickly check your waypoints and make adjustments while on the water. By using the data gathered, you can begin to recognize patterns and plan your next fishing trips effectively.
• The free Omnia account provides many useful tools that will allow you to get on fish faster.
By using these tools, you can confidently explore new lakes and maximize your time on the water. Learn more about Omnia Pro here.
