I setup just about every machine I've ever used for bottom fishing the same way - set the range scale to 3x the depth, then turn up the gain so that you can clearly see the "second echo" which appears on the machine at about 2x the depth, then set the range back to the desired level. This basically ensures you are transmitting at maximum sensitivity and will allow you to see thermoclines, most bait, etc. Of course, a good transducer is what matters most. Good luck!