correct me if i am wrong, but i dont think there is a particular search pattern that throws up the best action; i believe, from reading the books and reading ideas and feedback here and my own experience, that listening and watching are the best: good hydrophone work and watch crew -
your own eyes and ears are important too, especially if your crew is inexperienced.
spend time doing the hydrophones yourself - carefull with that TC though, keep it low. the watch crew are very important, keep the green bar as full as possible, change crew to keep them fresh - monitor their health by clicking on them.
also, and for me, very important, read books about real life on board the boats: Jordan Vause: U-Boat Ace the life of Wolfgang Luth
http://www.amazon.co.uk/U-Boat-Bluej...8101820&sr=1-5
if you are of an impatient nature and struggle to slow
your game down this will aleviate your impatients - as it did and
does for me. not alot happened all the time, life on board was very boring and tedious - and then suddenly
all hell breaks lose.
you will, after reading these books develope your own routine on board your boat - as they did in real life ( i know - it's only a game !! ).
you could in fact say "to hell" with grid patrol for 24 hours and just go off and do your own thing in that grid, or a grid near by - near ports or shipping lanes, it's really up to you ! - you'll lose renown of course if you dont fullfil your orders.
Salute, and Bon Voyage Herr Kaleun.