Hands-On Step-by-Step Tutorials
Practical walkthroughs covering real-world workflows on the water and in the office.
Tutorial 1: Complete Pre-Trip Planning & Pack Activation
Browse & Purchase Target Pack
Open the SpotLocker mobile app or web portal. Navigate to Catalog, select your target waterbody (e.g. Lake Norman Bass & Crappie Pack), and complete checkout.
Verify Device Hardware Pairing
Ensure your mobile device is registered under Account > Registered Devices. The app will pair automatically on first download.
Download Pack for Offline Use
Tap Download Offline Cache while connected to Wi-Fi. The waypoints will be encrypted using AES-256 and saved to your device's local secure container.
Review Solunar Feeding Peak Windows
Check the Dashboard Solunar widget to schedule your trip during Major feeding windows (e.g. 7:15 AM - 9:15 AM).
Tutorial 2: Connecting Boat NMEA 0183 Wi-Fi to SpotLocker
Power On Marine Wi-Fi Gateway
Turn on your vessel's NMEA 0183 Wi-Fi gateway or chartplotter Wi-Fi network.
Connect Smartphone / Tablet to Boat Wi-Fi
In your smartphone settings, connect to the boat Wi-Fi access point (e.g. DigitalYacht_NMEA).
Configure NMEA Stream in SpotLocker
Go to SpotLocker > Settings > NMEA Gateway. Set mode to UDP Stream, IP address 192.168.1.1, and Port 10110. Tap Test Connection to see live depth sounder readings.
Tutorial 3: Setting Up Emergency Nighttime Anchor Watch
Anchor Vessel over Target Structure
Navigate to your chosen cove or offshore reef and drop anchor.
Enable Anchor Alarm
On the Map screen, tap the Anchor Watch button. SpotLocker immediately locks your current GPS position as the anchor center.
Set Safe Radius & Volume Alert
Adjust the drift radius slider to 75 ft. Turn phone volume to maximum. If your boat drags anchor, a 95dB siren and voice alert will wake you immediately.
Tutorial 4: Exporting Licensed Packs to Fishfinder Units
Select Waypoints for Export
Open My Packs, choose a licensed pack, and select the specific waypoints you wish to export to your fishfinder unit.
Generate Watermarked GPX File
Tap Export to GPX. SpotLocker embeds your user ID watermark into the file header and downloads the .gpx file to your device storage.
Transfer to SD Card & Import to Chartplotter
Copy the .gpx file to a micro-SD card and insert it into your Lowrance, Humminbird, or Garmin display unit to import your waypoints.
Tutorial 5: Tournament Livewell & Catch Management
Log Catch & Tag Location
When a keeper fish is caught, open SpotLocker and tap Quick Catch Log. Enter weight (e.g. 4 lbs 8 oz), length, bait, and take a photo.
Review Cull Board
Open the Tournament Livewell Board to view your 5 heaviest fish and see which tag color (e.g., Yellow Tag 2 lbs 4 oz) is your current smallest cull fish.
Start Recirculation Aeration Timer
Activate the Recirculation Timer. SpotLocker will chime every 15 minutes to remind you to check livewell water temp and oxygen levels.