CMOR Maps vs. Navionics Review

I purchased both CMOR Maps and downloaded the Navionics app just this past week—but not for the reasons you might think. I wanted to see where I should not be fishing.  This is not only a CMOR Maps vs. Navionics review, but I also teach you how to combine SATFISH SST charts with CMOR Mapping and Navionics. Let’s get started.

What is Shaded Relief Marine Cartography for Fishing Maps?

Shaded relief marine cartography is a specialized form of mapping that uses shading and color gradients to create a three-dimensional appearance of the underwater landscape on two-dimensional fishing maps. Shaded relief marine cartography from CMOR MAP and Navionics provides a detailed and intuitive visualization of the seafloor. In this CMOR Maps vs. Navionics review I will cover a lot of detailed information which will help you catch more fish anywhere in the world.

How Shaded Relief Marine Cartography Works

1. Data Collection: The process begins with bathymetric data collection, which details the depth and shape of the underwater terrain. Bathymetric data is collected through hydrographic surveys conducted by agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or private sources. Commercial fishing companies using sonar mapping, satellite altimetry, and submersible marine surveys are also commonly used.
2. Digital Bathymetric Models (DBMs): Similar to Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) used for terrestrial mapping, DBMs represent the underwater landscape in three dimensions. Each grid cell in a DBM contains a depth value, providing a detailed topographic representation of the seafloor.
3. Lighting Simulation: A virtual light source, typically positioned at an angle (often from the northwest), simulates how light interacts with the underwater terrain, creating shadows and highlights that accentuate the seafloor’s topographic features.
4. Shading and Color Application: Based on the lighting simulation, different shades of gray and colors get added to the map. Brighter areas represent parts of the seafloor that are more exposed to light, while darker areas depict regions in shadow. This contrast produces a three-dimensional effect, making it easier to visualize underwater structures.

Is CMOR Maps Worth it?

CMOR Mapping leveraged cutting-edge sonar technology to produce high-resolution bathymetric maps.

These maps provide:

• Unparalleled detail of the underwater landscape
• Highlighting structure
• Ledges
• Other features that are crucial for understanding marine habitats

Using high-frequency sonar allows CMOR to capture data accurately, offering previously unavailable detail.

• Price Range: CMOR Mapping charts are known for their high-resolution bathymetric data and can be more expensive.
• CMOR Cards: Prices typically range from $700 to $1,200 per region.
• Features: CMOR offers detailed, high-resolution 3D bathymetric charts that provide an exceptionally detailed view of underwater terrain, making them particularly valuable for serious anglers, divers, and researchers.
• Detailed 3D Mapping: CMOR Maps are superior for detailed 3D mapping in specific areas where coverage is available. They provide a clear, precise insight into underwater structures.
• Limited Coverage: While CMOR Maps offer exceptional detail, their coverage is limited to select regions. CMOR is best suited for users who focus on specific areas rather than broad navigation.
• No Apps: Unlike Navionics, CMOR Maps does not have dedicated apps, which can limit their accessibility and ease of use compared to Navionics’ mobile-friendly solutions.

Understanding the Color Palette on CMOR Maps

CMOR Mapping employs a detailed color-coding system to represent different depths and underwater features on high-resolution marine charts. This use of color gradients helps anglers quickly interpret the seafloor’s topography, enabling them to identify key fishing spots and navigate safely. Here’s a breakdown of what the colors typically mean on CMOR maps.

CMOR Mapping Color Gradients

CMOR MAP Red

On CMOR maps, the red color represents the shallowest depths. These areas are typically closest to the surface and may include features such as reefs, sandbars, and other shallow water structures.

CMOR MAP Light Blue to Cyan(blends of green and blue)

These colors represent shallow areas like sandbars, shoals, and nearshore regions. The lighter the color, the shallower the water.

CMOR MAP Green

Slightly more profound than the shallowest areas, green often indicates regions that are still relatively shallow but deeper than those represented by light blue. Green often indicates intermediate shallow depths, which are more profound than the very shallow waters nearshore but not as deep as areas represented by yellow, orange, or darker colors.

• Soft Bottoms: Green might indicate softer mud, sand, or seagrass beds. These are typically found in shallower areas and provide habitats for various marine species.
• Seagrass Beds: Areas with significant submerged vegetation, such as seagrass, can also be depicted in green. Seagrass beds are important ecosystems that support a wide range of marine life.
• Transitional Zones: These could be areas where the depth increases more noticeably from the shallow coastal regions towards deeper offshore waters.

CMOR Map Yellow to Orange

Moving into intermediate depths, yellow and orange shades are used. These colors can signify transitional zones between shallow and deep waters, such as the slopes of reefs or continental shelves.

• Hard Bottom: Yellow to orange is frequently used to indicate hard bottoms, such as rocky bottoms, coral reefs, or other solid structures. These colors represent areas with rocky bottoms or significant topographical features like outcrops, ledges, or rocky walls, signifying changes in terrain.

CMOR Map Brownish-Yellow(That’s My Interpretation of It) and More of It and Why

Brownish-yellow shading on the CMORE map represents areas with significant sediment deposits, deep-water live bottoms, coral, sand, green mud (golden tile fishing spots), limestone, clay, or more, especially where these sediments form distinct layers or banks. These sediment-rich areas are often crucial habitats for various marine species and can indicate productive fishing grounds.

I look at brownish-yellow(as I interpret it) topography as an indicator of limestone hard-bottom/broken rocky bottom habitat. In the Florida Keys, brown topographical shading indicates limestone hard-bottom habitats. Everything begins with the limestone bottom. So, let’s embark on an enjoyable side-quest and delve into the fascinating world of limestone bottom—because who doesn’t love a good side-quest?

Limestone Bottom-The Building Block of the Florida Key Reef

Here’s a description inspired by “She Blinded Me with Science”—yeah, that 80s song still makes me laugh when I write about science. The primary component of live reefs is limestone, predominantly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). This material originates from the skeletal remains of marine organisms such as corals and shellfish. Over geological periods, these organic materials accumulate on the ocean floor, becoming compacted and cemented into limestone rock through diagenesis. Living corals continue to build upon this limestone foundation. As corals grow, they secrete calcium carbonate to form their hard exoskeletons, further contributing to the reef structure.

 

The Florida Keys reef framework relies on a healthy limestone bottom. The limestone bottom provides a hard and stable surface for coral larvae to settle and grow, which is essential for live bottom(coral reef) formation. This facilitates the building of and continued growth of the reef framework.  

Examples of Coral Growing on Limestone in the Florida Keys

1. Molasses Reef: Near Key Largo, this reef is built on a limestone substrate known for its diverse coral species and marine life.
2. Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary: This area features significant limestone formations that support a rich coral ecosystem.
3. Sombrero Reef: Off Marathon, Sombrero Reef showcases how coral can thrive on limestone, creating a vibrant underwater habitat.
4. Cheeca Rocks: Location: Near Islamorada. A well-known patch reef that showcases extensive coral growth on limestone formations.
5. Conch Reef: Location: Offshore from Tavernier. Another example of a patch reef where coral growth on limestone forms complex habitats for marine life.

Additional Key Points to Remember about Brown Shading on the CMOR Map

Green Mud Zones: These areas are well-known for golden tilefish burrowing into the soft substrate.

Limestone Areas: Limestone regions indicate hard-bottom structures that attract gag grouper and mangrove snappers.

The CMOR Mapping Gulf of Mexico off the Florida Coast and North Carolina show some really good fishing areas, these limestone bottoms provide productive habitats for a variety of fish species, including:

• Gag grouper
• Vermilion snappers
• Amberjacks
• Triggerfish
• Lane snappers
• Yellowtail snappers
• Red snappers
• Mangrove snappers

The crevices and overhangs in limestone offer excellent shelter and feeding grounds, making them ideal locations for these fish.

Clay Bottoms: Found along the Florida coast, particularly in estuarine environments, river mouths, and certain offshore areas, these habitats are crucial for: ‘

• Flounder
• Red drum
• Sheepshead

Overall, the presence of these sediment types, signified by brown shading on the map, helps anglers identify potential fishing hotspots and better understand the underwater landscape.

CMOR Map Dark Blue to Violet

On CMOR maps, the dark blue to violet colors indicate deeper water depths. These colors are part of the color gradient used to represent various depths on the seafloor, with darker colors generally signifying greater depths.

Specifically:

• Dark Blue: Represents moderately deep areas.
• Violet: Indicates even deeper regions, often extending beyond several hundred feet.

CMOR Map Purple to Black

On CMOR mapping, the purple-to-black areas typically represent the mapped area’s deepest parts. These colors signify greater depths compared to other sections of the map.  That’s enough about CMOR. It is an excellent relief shading chip with a lot of detail, but remember that sometimes, a little too much of good thing is can be very bad. I will leave it at that.

Navionics

So what about Navionics? I like it.  In 2023, Navionics released an update for their relief shading, and it was a significant improvement.  Navionics relief shading is a feature in their marine charts that provides detailed and visually enhanced representations of the seafloor’s structure. This shading technique uses color gradients to highlight differences in underwater terrain, making identifying features like drop-offs, reefs, and other underwater structures easier.

When Navionics launched Relief Shading, it was met with an enthusiastic reception from the marine community. I just recently downloaded the Navionics Relief Shading, which is very good.  What I like about Navionics is that they made relief shading available on their mobile app platforms, ensuring broad accessibility. They also committed to regular updates, incorporating new data and refining the shading techniques to enhance the accuracy and usability of the maps.

Good Karma Sportfishing- All These Florida Keys Mutton Snappers and Groupers were Caught by Learning Where Not to Fish.  Read Further to learn how I do it.  

Today, high-profile fishing spots and wrecks that were once only  available CMOR Maps are now available on Navionics Relief Shading at a lower price point. Navionics has made Relief Shading widely accessible by integrating it into various charts, such as Navionics Platinum. You can easily use this feature on both tablets and phones, ensuring you have top-notch information right at your fingertips, whether you’re out on the water or planning your trip from home.

• Price Range: Navionics charts with relief shading are typically part of their Platinum+ and HotMaps Platinum series.
• Platinum+ Charts: Prices range from $199 to $399 per region.
• HotMaps Platinum: Prices usually range around $199 per region.
• Features: These charts include relief shading and other advanced features, such as satellite overlay, SonarChart™ 1 ft HD bathymetry maps, and community edits.
• Detail Level: Provides highly detailed shading that combines color and shadow to make underwater structures easier to interpret.
• User Experience: Known for its high-quality relief shading, which is beneficial for identifying reefs and other underwater structures(wrecks and live bottom)

Navionics, owned by Garmin, will keep adding more features. From my experience with Garmin, they take their time and do things right.

Comparing Navionics and CMOR Maps

Navionics and CMOR Maps offer invaluable marine navigation and fishing tools, each with unique strengths and limitations. As an owner of both, I believe both are impressive in their own right. Why do I use both? Let me explain—keep reading to find out.

Navionics Overview

• Broad Coverage: Navionics excels in providing extensive coverage across various regions. Navionics is an excellent choice for boaters and anglers who navigate vast areas.
• Shading Quality: Renowned for its high-quality relief shading, Navionics maps help users identify underwater structures such as reefs, wrecks, and live bottoms with enhanced clarity. The bottom relief shading color pallet has yet to reach the level of CMOR maps, but Garmin will get there slowly but surely.  
• Accessibility: Navionics Relief Shading is integrated into popular charts like Navionics Platinum. It’s available on tablets and phones, offering significant flexibility and ease of use.
• Lower Price Point: Navionics generally provides these features at a more affordable price.

CMOR Maps Overview

• Detailed 3D Mapping: CMOR Maps are superior when it comes to providing highly detailed 3D mapping of specific areas. This level of detail offers more precise insights into underwater structures, making it invaluable for certain marine activities.
• Coverage Limitations: Unlike Navionics, CMOR Maps have limited regional coverage. They may be less helpful for those who need wide-ranging maps.
• Higher Price Point: Advanced 3D mapping technology often comes at a higher price than Navionics.
• Limited Accessibility: CMOR Maps do not have dedicated apps and are less integrated across multiple devices, which can limit their ease of use.

Summary

• Navionics: Best suited for broad coverage and high-quality shading across various regions, making it ideal for general boating and fishing needs.
• CMOR Maps: Excellent for detailed 3D mapping in specific areas where coverage is available, providing more precise insights into underwater structures. However, they come with a higher price point and limited accessibility options.

How to Use SATFISH SST Charts with CMOR Mapping and Navionics to Catch More Fish

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) charts, CMOR Mapping, and Navionics are complementary tools that can significantly enhance your fishing strategy. Combining SATFISH SST charts with CMOR Mapping and Navionics allows you to strategically target areas where fish are most likely to be based on temperature preferences and underwater structures. This integrated approach maximizes your chances for a successful fishing trip. To learn more about how to use SATFISH check out my latest blog by clicking here. Also check out all my latest blogs on my website by clicking here. Use code goodkarma at check out and get $20.00 off at check out. Purchase by clicking here

Understanding Each Tool

SATFISH SST Charts

• SATFISH SST charts provide information about the sea surface temperatures.
• Fish often congregate along temperature gradients or breaks where there is a temperature change.

Analyze SATFISH SST Charts

• Begin by gathering the latest SST charts for your fishing area.
• Look for temperature breaks, eddies, and upwellings where different water temperatures meet. These areas tend to attract baitfish and predators.

Use CMOR Mapping to Locate Structures

• Overlay the SST data onto your CMOR maps.
• Identify underwater structures such as reefs, ledges, and wrecks within or near the temperature breaks indicated on the SST charts.

Plan Your Route with Navionics:

• Input the coordinates of the identified hotspots and structures into your Navionics app or GPS.
• Use Navionics’ charts to plan a safe and efficient route to these locations, taking note of navigational hazards and water depths.

Preparation

• Have your maps, coordinates, and SST data ready before heading out.

On the Water

• Navigate to the selected spots using Navionics.
• Once there, use CMOR Mapping to position yourself accurately over the identified structures.
• Start fishing using techniques appropriate for the species and structures (e.g., trolling along temperature breaks or bottom fishing near reefs).

Data Monitoring and Adjustment

• Continuously monitor the SST conditions while out on the water, if possible.
• Adjust your fishing locations based on real-time data from your GPS and observations.

Tips for Success

• Regular Updates: Keep your SATFISH SST data, CMOR Mapping, and Navionics data updated to ensure you have the latest information.
• Adaptability: Be prepared to move and adjust your strategy based on real-time conditions and fish behavior.

Ready to Outsmart the Competition?

That’s where my course comes in. I’ll teach you how to find the best fishing spots and fish them effectively, no matter where you are. Learn my secrets and stay ahead of the curve—don’t let the crowds dictate your success. Join my course and discover the strategies to keep you one step ahead in the ever-evolving fishing world. Through my 8-week courses or 1:1 coaching, I offer guidance on finding the best fishing spots for guys experiencing the same problems.  Many magazine articles and YouTubers tell you to look for small spots. Since this is out to the public, I guarantee the small spots are now public numbers. In my course, I am teaching guys a method for finding spots that produce based on seasonality and migrations.

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So Why Do I Own CMOR Maps and Navionics and Not Just One?

So, why do I own both CMOR Maps and Navionics instead of just one? Because I wanted to learn where not to fish. Think about that. By understanding the maps everyone else is using, I can avoid the overcrowded spots and find those hidden gems that others overlook. Join my course to discover how you can do the same and elevate your fishing game. Ready to fish smarter? Sign up today! Check out goodkarmafishingtackle.com