Waveform data with optimal signal-to-noise ratios are required in air-gun active-source experiments, so excitation experiments must be performed under various operating conditions. By comprehensively analyzing the characteristics of station records to identify conditions that yield an optimal excitation effect, we can lay the foundation for subsequent fixed-point excitation experiments. In this study, we used three methods——single-shot analysis, superposition analysis, and the coefficients of signal-to-noise ratios——to comprehensively analyze the excitation effects of air-gun source experiments under different operating conditions in Nanyi Reservoir, Fujian province. We then determined the optimal condition. We also evaluated network noise to further verify this optimal condition. The results indicate that the optimal condition in Nanyi Reservoir is a water depth of 25 m, an air-gun array sinking depth of 12 m, and an air-gun array size of 7 m×7 m. In addition, the excitation time of this optimal operating condition does not occur in a low-noise moment, which verifies the good stimulation effect of this condition and the reliability of the results.