If you’ve ever chased muskies on sprawling Canadian Shield lakes like Wabigoon, Eagle, or Lac Seul, you already know: electronics aren’t just helpful, they’re absolutely essential.
These remote waters are packed with rock reefs, island clusters, deep breaks, and unmarked hazards. And with so much structure and water to cover, having the right tech on your boat can be the difference between a frustrating day and a musky trip you’ll never forget.
In this article, Jeremy Smith and Jeff Simpson break down the exact electronics setup they rely on to track, cast to, and boat more muskies in Shield country. Whether you’re rigging your first serious musky boat or looking to upgrade, this guide walks you through what gear matters, and why.
Mapping is King in Canadian Shield Country
“The most important tool in this boat is mapping,” Jeremy says without hesitation.
Fishing in northern Ontario means dealing with unmarked reefs, sunken islands, and hazards that don’t show up until you’re on top of them. Without high-quality mapping, you’re fishing blind and running the risk of damage.
That’s why Jeremy and Jeff use the Humminbird LakeMaster Ontario VX card, loaded into multiple units across the boat. This map chip provides high-resolution contours that show reef edges, saddle zones, and rock humps you’d never see otherwise.
Combined with AutoChart Live and a ZeroLine SD card, the team also creates custom maps in real time, perfect for sketchy back bays or uncharted sections.
The 4-Screen Musky Setup That Covers Every Angle
Jeremy’s boat is built for versatility. Whether he’s backtrolling from the tiller or casting from the bow, he has access to every transducer, sonar mode, and map at any point in the boat.
Here’s a breakdown of his screen setup:
- Bow:
- Apex 16: Dedicated to Mega Live
- SOLIX 12: Split-screen Side Imaging + LakeMaster Map
- Back deck/tiller area:
- Additional HELIX units for 2D Sonar, mapping, and Down Imaging
This layout enables Jeremy to perform a range of tasks, from locating reefs and reading weed edges to monitoring real-time musky movements and tracking fish behavior during retrieves.
Essential Sonar Setups
Mega Live: Precision Targeting for Musky
Musky anglers often rely on instinct, but forward-facing sonar like Mega Live is changing the game. Jeremy runs a Humminbird Apex 16 up front for one reason: screen size equals clarity.
“The bigger that Mega Live image is, the more information you’re going to see,” he says.
With Mega Live, he’s able to:
- Track moving fish in real time
- Watch followers interact with baits
- Forecast structure that’s just ahead of the boat
- Confirm what’s bait, what’s weed, and what’s a toothy target
It’s a game-changer, especially when fish are pressured or hanging off structure at unpredictable angles.
Side Imaging + Mapping: Finding the Cast Zone
While Mega Live shows what’s directly ahead of your pointed direction, side imaging paints the picture of what’s beside the boat. That’s why Jeremy pairs his SOLIX 12 with a split-screen display of side imaging and LakeMaster mapping.
This lets him:
- Identify edges of weedlines or rocks off to the side
- Gauge the distance to key structure for perfect casting angles
- Confirm structure before moving in with live sonar
This pairing is ideal for Canadian Shield musky fishing, where precise boat positioning can make or break a follow.
2D Sonar: The Old-School Tool That Still Matters
Don’t underestimate traditional 2D sonar, especially on remote water. Jeremy uses it constantly while running from spot to spot. It helps him:
- Track depth changes at high speeds
- Identify shallow rock piles or reefs
- Spot fish sitting tight to hard bottom where side imaging may miss them
Don’t Forget to Save Your Tracks
One overlooked, but critical, feature of modern electronics is track logging. When you go slowly into a new bay or zigzag around rocks, your sonar leaves a breadcrumb trail of where you’ve been.
Jeremy’s tip: Save that track before it gets overwritten.
Many anglers forget, and when they return the next day, their route is gone. On lakes with few visible landmarks, that can be a costly mistake.
A Setup Designed for Musky Hunters
The Canadian Shield Waters are one of the most beautiful and challenging musky fisheries in the world. But success here requires more than just the right bait or cast; it demands thoughtful planning, safe navigation, and a serious electronics game.
With a rig like Jeremy’s, featuring LakeMaster mapping, Mega Live, side imaging, and 2D sonar, you’re not just exploring water. You’re unlocking it.
