Sonar Setup

M/S ELLA 

Sonar Setup on Board M/S ELLA (Parker 760 Quest)

On board M/S ELLA, a powerful sonar system is installed that is perfectly tailored for active fishing and trolling.

The centerpiece is the Lowrance ActiveTarget® 2 Live Sonar, with its transducer mounted at the transom. It is complemented by a classic S60 (50/200 kHz hullthrough transducer) and a 3-in-1 Active Imaging transducer transom-mounted.

The Highlight: ActiveTarget 2 in Forward Mode

Due to the transom mounting of the ActiveTarget 2 transducer,the used mode is the  Forward Mode – a true live sonar that generates a high-resolution, video-like real-time image directly ahead of the boat. Unlike conventional sonars that only show what has already passed under or behind the boat, Forward Mode reveals everything in front of me in impressive clarity.

What becomes visible – ideal for active fishing and trolling:

Individual fish and schools – Fish appear as clear, distinct shapes (not just dots or arches). I can see their size, orientation, and direction of movement – often even whether they are actively hunting or holding passively.

Reaction to the lure – During active casting or trolling, I watch live how fish respond to my jig, crankbait, or soft plastic: Do they follow? Turn away? Strike? This allows immediate adjustments to speed, depth, or presentation.
Structure and bottom features – Drop-offs, edges, rock piles, sunken trees, mussel beds, or weed lines are displayed sharply and in detail – long before I pass over them.

Bait balls and prey fish – Bait schools are clearly visible, including the predator fish circling or attacking them. Extended range – Depending on settings and conditions, I can see up to 50–60 meters ahead with wide coverage – perfect for scouting new areas or holding the ideal trolling line.

In combination with the other transducers, the system provides a complete picture: The S60 delivers traditional 2D sonar views for depth and bottom structure - also available under full speed, while the 3-in-1 Active Imaging offers brilliant SideScan and DownScan images for static high-detail views.

However, ActiveTarget 2 in Forward Mode makes the decisive difference for active fishing – turning blind casts into precise targeting and transforming trolling into an interactive hunt.

Everything is displayed clearly and in real time on the Simrad NSS12 evo3S and NSX3007 at the helm – a setup that elevates fishing on M/S ELLA to a whole new level.