Using Humminbird SmartStrike

SmartStrike is only for use in Humminbird's APEX, XPLORE, SOLIX, HELIX, ONIX and ION Series models that are GPS-equipped.

You can check your Humminbird's compatibility with LakeMaster and SmartStrike here. 

JUMP TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR:

• APEX, XPLORE and SOLIX G3 (Software Version 5.060 and Later)
• APEX and SOLIX (Software Version 4.210 and Earlier)
• HELIX
• ONIX and ION

APEX, XPLORE and SOLIX G3 (Software Version 5.060 and Later)

1. Power your APEX or SOLIX on.
2. Insert the SmartStrike SD card into one of the two available card readers on your unit.
3. Select a Chart View.
   1. From the Home screen, tap Views.
   2. Select Chart.
      
      
   3. Tap or select the Chart View desired.
      
      
4. Verify Chart Source
   1. From the Chart View, tap the Menu Icon or press the Menu Key .
   2. Select Settings
   3. Choose Chart Source
   4. Make sure Humminbird is highlighted
   5. Select VX Chart Cards if using LakeMaster with VX, or Legacy Chart Cards if using a Legacy SmartStrike card.
      
      
5. Open the SmartStrike Main Menu.
   1. From the Chart View, tap the Menu Icon or press the Menu Key .
   2. Select SmartStrike
      
      
6. Select your Lake.
   Note: To use SmartStrike, start by selecting the lake where you'll be fishing. For larger lakes, choose the specific area from the menu options. You'll need to select a lake each time you turn on your control head and open the SmartStrike menu.
   1. Within the Lake List Menu, touch the screen or use the Directional Pad to navigate up or down the list until you find the lake name you are looking for.
   2. Tap on the lake name or press the Check Key with the lake name highlighted.
7. SmartStrike Main Menu
   1. From the list, select the species you are fishing for today.  If you tap on the species, you want to make sure that the radial button on the right side has turned yellow.  
   2. Be sure to make changes to your settings based on the conditions for that day.  Select your Species.  Select the type of area:  Sunny, Shady.  Select your Season, Time of Day, what types of slopes you are looking for, what region of the lake, etc.

Watch this short video for a SmartStrike overview and how-to.

APEX and SOLIX (Software Version 4.210 and Earlier)

1. Power your APEX or SOLIX on.
2. Insert the SmartStrike SD card into one of the two available card readers on your unit.
3. Choose Chart Settings
   1. From the Home screen, select Settings.
   2. Select Chart
   3. Ensure that Humminbird has been selected in the Chart Menu.
   4. Select VX Chart Cards if using LakeMaster with VX, or Legacy Chart Cards if using a Legacy SmartStrike card.
      
      
4. Select a Chart View.
   1. From the Home screen, tap or select the Views Tool.
   2. Under Groups, select Chart.  
   3. Tap or select the Chart View desired.
      
      
5. Open the SmartStrike Main Menu.
   1. Tap Chart in the Status bar or press the ENTER Key.
   2. Select Info by tapping or navigate with the Joystick and Press the ENTER Key.
   3. Select SmartStrike by tapping or navigate with the Joystick and Press the ENTER Key.
      
      
6. Select your Lake.
   Note: To use SmartStrike, start by selecting the lake where you'll be fishing. For larger lakes, choose the specific area from the menu options. You'll need to select a lake each time you turn on your control head and open the SmartStrike menu.
   1. Within the Select Lake Menu, touch the screen or use the joystick to navigate up or down the list until you find the lake name you are looking for.
   2. Tap on the lake name or press the ENTER Key with the lake name highlighted.
      
      
7. SmartStrike Main Menu
   1. From the list, select the species you are fishing for today.  If you tap on the species, you want to make sure that the radial button on the right side has turned yellow.  
   2. Be sure to make changes to your settings based on the conditions for that day.  Select your Species.  Select the type of area:  Sunny, Shady.  Select your Season, Time of Day, what types of slopes you are looking for, what region of the lake, etc.
      
      

Watch this short video for a SmartStrike overview and how-to.

HELIX

1. Power your unit on.
2. Make sure your HELIX is on the latest software available. If not, be sure to update your software for compatibility and the best performance for your charts.
3. Ensure Map Source is set to Auto
   1. Press MENU twice
   2. Navigate to the Chart Menu tab
   3. If not already displayed, use the Left Cursor Key to display Auto
      
      
4. Insert the SmarstStrike card.
5. Navigate to a Chart View.
6. Press the Check Key.
   Note! The on-screen cursor cannot be active for this step to be successful.
   
   Press the EXIT Key once to clear the cursor from the screen if necessary.
7. From the Chart Info menu, select SmartStrike with your RIGHT Cursor Key.
   
   
8. Select your Lake by scrolling down and selecting with your RIGHT Cursor Key.
   
   
9. Ensure that Display Results are checked under your Options Menu.
10. Be sure to make changes to your settings based on the conditions for that day.  Select your Species.  Select the type of area:  Sunny, Shady.  Select your Season, Time of Day, what types of slopes you are looking for, what region of the lake, etc.
    
    

Watch this short video to see how to use SmartStrike on HELIX units.