How to choose a fish finder for fishing – expert reviews

The thought that it would be nice to look under the water and observe the vital processes of fish excited the minds of more than one generation of fishermen. Indeed, the Vedas – everything that we know about the behavior of fish, all the properties that we attribute to them are based on conjectures and ichthyological paradigms, which are considered to be an axiom. Take, for example, the thesis that in autumn white fish rush to the deepest parts of water bodies: it would seem, choose a point for fishing with the maximum depth and fish for your pleasure! However, not everything is so simple – for several hours the angler does not see even a bite – it seems that there is no fish. But in fact, for some reason, understandable only to her, the fish 'hangs' in half water and does not want to sink to the bottom in any way!

Echo sounders. Principle of operation and main elements

But how does an angler know if there is a fish at the point of fishing and at what depth does it 'hang'? The best way to solve this problem is to use an echo sounder – a compact device that was originally intended for navigation, but has found great application among anglers.

A modern fishfinder echo sounder consists of the following main components:

1. The transducer is an emitter that emits ultrasonic waves and receives the reflected sinhal back. It can have various connection methods – both wired and wireless, based on reception Bluetooth and WiFi – signal;

2. The central module, which includes a signal receiver / converter, an amplifier, a display module and many other functional elements. Receive the signal received by the sensor, amplify and process it, displaying it on the screen in the form of a picture understandable for the angler;

3. A battery that serves as a battery for the entire system. Depending on the design of the echo sounder, the battery can be built into the device or it can be external. In the latter case, a portable traction battery for an electric motor and other devices similar to it can act as a power source;

What are echo sounders?

Under the general name “echo sounder” there are many different devices that differ not only in their characteristics, but also in their functional purpose.

Classic fishfinder echo sounders

The most widespread and popular type of such devices. The above scheme is fully applicable to them. There is always a volumetric module with a screen, an external battery (usually external) and a large enough sensor connected to the device using a cable.

Advantages

• High versatility;

• It perfectly shows not only the fish, but also the features of the bottom relief;

• Long life from one battery charge;

disadvantages

• Bulky devices requiring a separate carrying box;

• The most functional devices are expensive;

• The range of use is limited by the length of the cord;

Wireless echo sounders

Compact models designed for onshore operation. They are divided into two types: the first is the classic model, which is a central unit with a built-in battery and a wireless sensor. The second type is compact devices, all components of which are hidden inside the sensor. A smartphone with installed software is used as a screen.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;

• Charging from an outlet or USB port;

• The ability to cast from the shore at a distance of up to 40-50 meters;

• High versatility;

disadvantages

• Limited functionality due to the use of a weaker emitter;

• Minimum battery life;

Winter echo sounders

In general, these devices are a symbiosis of the above two classes. Winter models are compact in size, they also have a built-in battery, but the sensor is connected to the central unit via a compatible cable.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;

• Low price;

• Unpretentious operation;

• High functionality;

disadvantages

• Limited functionality;

• Impossibility to use for coastal fishing;

• Short battery life on one charge;

The main criteria for choosing an echo sounder

Having decided on the operating conditions, as well as on the class of device that you need, it's time to study in detail the main characteristics of specific devices.

Screen resolution

As in a mobile phone, the higher the screen resolution, the more detailed the picture appears before your eyes. However, you can hardly find high-quality Amoled-matrices with FullHD resolution here. A VGA screen (640×480 and 800×600 pixels) with a color depth of 65k is considered to be of high quality. However, these screens are installed exclusively on top-end, expensive models. The vast majority of budget models are equipped with monochrome displays with a resolution of 160×160 or 160×320 pixels.

Power supply

1. Echo sounders powered by AA batteries are the most compact and versatile. The battery can be replaced even in field conditions. However, such models are almost always the weakest, and they also consume battery power very quickly;

2. Models running on a built-in battery are better in this regard: with a similar portability, they hold a charge much better. As nuances, they highlight the need for regular recharging of the device, which is not easy to do in the field;

3. Devices powered by an external battery are the most functional and powerful; they can operate for a day or more on a single charge. However, it will not do without pitfalls – such devices are cumbersome and heavy, they require a separate box for storage and transportation.

Which one to choose – with one or two beams?

Another important parameter that directly affects the reliability of the displayed information.

1. Single-beam models are distinguished by an affordable price and very good functionality. They are able to scan the bottom at a fairly wide angle, showing the angler all the information he is interested in. They have one drawback – a wide beam (about 45 degrees) is not able to thoroughly scan small, local depressions of the bottom, as a result of which they simply disappear from sight;

2. Two- and more-beam models are much better in this regard. One beam of these devices has a considerable width and is intended for volumetric bottom scanning. The second is narrow: it works exclusively under the boat and detects the slightest irregularities in the bottom, displaying information on the screen. Such devices are much more functional, but they are also more expensive.

Additional features

Modern echo sounders are equipped with the latest technology, transforming from a portable sonar into a full-fledged fish search complex. The function of detecting fish of a certain size, zooming and variable scrolling speed, adjustable sensitivity and depth range, the ability to record GPS coordinates of a specific point and draw up a route, comparing depths with coordinates and drawing a detailed map of the reservoir – this is just a short list of what they 'can' modern echo sounders. The disadvantage of all this charm is one – the high price: the higher the functionality of the device, the more expensive it will cost the buyer.

Fishing echo sounder rating

Having decided on the specific characteristics that are required from one or another echo sounder, as well as on the operating conditions, it's time to bring some of the most interesting models that have an excellent price-quality ratio.

Best Classic Sonar – HUMMINBIRD PIRANHAMAX 4

A compact, portable model with decent functionality. The device is equipped with a dual-beam transducer (16 and 28 degrees, respectively), which allows you to 'pierce' the bottom at a distance of 180 meters, a high-quality color display with a resolution of 480×272 pixels, and a decent list of additional options. The device is wrapped in a fairly compact case and operates from an external power source.

Best Wireless Sonar – FISH FINDER FD 19

A portable device that will surely appeal to fans of coastal fishing. The central unit of the device and the sensor do not have a rigid connection, they work through wireless data transmission. The radius of effective work is up to 70 meters. The sensor is equipped with two beams operating at different frequencies and allowing scanning the bottom at an angle of up to 90 degrees. The FSTN-display with a resolution of 128×64 pixels is responsible for the output of the received information, which is more than enough for such operating conditions. Another advantage of this device is the power supply circuit – the device works perfectly with four AA batteries and does not require an additional power supply.

Best device for winter use – MARCUM SHOWDOWN TROLLER

A miniature device housed in a compact shock-resistant case. Fits easily in your pocket and allows you to quickly find a promising fishing spot. The transducer for this model has a single-beam design, designed specifically for ice fishing – its angle of coverage is 20 degrees – the best option for scanning the bottom under the hole! The device displays information on a bright and contrast display with a resolution of 128×64 pixels – here not only the depth is displayed, but also the water temperature, the presence of edges and changes in the bottom relief, as well as the presence or absence of fish and its size. The device is powered by 6 standard AA batteries and can be installed both conventional batteries and accumulators of this type.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose thermal underwear for outdoor activities and the secrets of choosing a fishing reel.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.