How to choose a sounder for fishing - expert reviews

The idea that it would be nice to look under the water and watch the life processes of fish excited the consciousness of more than one generation of anglers. The Vedas really are all 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 axiom. Take, for example, the thesis that in the autumn white fish rushes to the deepest sections of water: it would seem, choose a point for fishing with maximum depth and fish for your pleasure! However, not everything is so simple - within a few hours the angler does not see even bites - it seems that there is no fish. But in fact, for some reason, clear only to her, the fish “freezes” in the half of the line and doesn’t want to sink to any bottom!

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1. Sounders. The principle of operation and basic elements
   
2. What are echo sounders
3. The main criteria for choosing an echo sounder
4. Echo sounder rating for fishing

Sounders. The principle of operation and basic elements

But how can an angler find out if there is a fish at the point of catching and at what depth does it “hang”? The best way to solve this problem is to use an echo sounder - a compact device, originally intended for navigation, but which has found great use among anglers.

A modern fish sounder consists of the following main components:

1. Sensor-emitter, emitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected singal back. It can have various ways to connect, both wired and wireless, based on Bluetooth and WiFi signal reception;

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

3. Battery serving as battery for the entire system. Depending on the design of the echo sounder, the battery can be built into the device or else be portable. 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 common name "echo sounder" hides a lot of different devices, differing not only with their characteristics, but also with their functional purpose.

Classic fish finders

The most common and popular type of similar devices. The above scheme applies to them in full. There is always a volumetric module with a screen, an external battery (usually remote), and a rather large sensor connected to the device with a cable.

Virtues

• High versatility;

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

• Long term of work from one accumulator charging;

disadvantages

• Bulky devices that require a separate box for carrying;

• The most functional devices of the road;

• 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 models, which are 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. As a screen, a smartphone with installed software is used here.

Virtues

• Compact size;

• Charging from the outlet or USB port;

• Ability to throw from the shore to a distance of 40-50 meters;

• High versatility;

disadvantages

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

• The minimum operating time from a single charge;

Winter echo sounders

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

Virtues

• Compact size;

• Low price;

• Unpretentious operation;

• High functionality;

disadvantages

• Limited functionality;

• Impossibility of use at coastal fishing;

• Short time work on one charge;

The main criteria for choosing an echo sounder

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

Screen resolution

As in a mobile phone, the higher the screen resolution - the more detailed picture appears before your eyes. However, there are hardly any high-quality Amoled-matrices with FullHD resolution here. A quality VGA screen (640x480 and 800x600 pixels) with a color depth of 65k is considered. However, these screens are installed exclusively on top, expensive models. The vast majority of budget models are equipped with monochrome displays with a resolution of 160x160 or 160x320 pixels.

Power supply

1. Echo-sounders operating from finger-type batteries are the most compact and versatile. You can replace the battery even in field conditions. However, such models are almost always the weakest, and they also very quickly consume battery power;

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

3. Devices whose power source is an external battery - the most functional and powerful, on one charge, they can work for a day or more. However, it will not do without pitfalls - such devices are bulky and heavy, they require a separate box for storage and transportation.

How to choose - with one or two rays?

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

1. Single-beam models have a reasonable price and very good functionality. They are able to scan the bottom at a fairly wide angle, showing the angler all the information of interest. They have one drawback - a wide beam (about 45 degrees) is not able to carefully scan small, local depressions of the bottom, as a result of which they simply disappear from view;

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

Additional features

Modern echo sounders are equipped with the latest technology, turning from a portable sonar into a full-fledged fish searching complex.Function detection of fish of a certain size, zooming and variable scrolling speed, adjustable sensitivity and depth range, the ability to record the GPS coordinates of a specific point and make a route, comparing the depths with the 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 delight is one - the high price: the higher the functionality of the device, the more expensive it will cost the buyer.

Echo sounder rating for fishing

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-performance ratio.

The best classic echo sounder - HUMMINBIRD PIRANHAMAX 4

Compact portable model with decent functionality. The device is equipped with a dual-beam transducer (16 and 28 degrees, respectively), which allows to “punch” the bottom up to 180 meters, a high-quality color display with a resolution of 480x272 pixels, and a decent list of additional options. The device is clad in a fairly compact case and operates from an external power source.

Best Wireless Sounder - FISH FINDER FD 19

A portable device that probably will appeal to lovers of coastal fishing. The central unit of the device and the sensor do not have a hard 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 128x64 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 fine with four finger-type batteries and does not require an additional power source to be connected.

The best device for winter operation - MARCUM SHOWDOWN TROLLER

A miniature device clad in a compact, shockproof housing. Easily fits in your pocket and provides the ability to quickly find a point that is promising for catching. The transducer of 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 128x64 pixels - not only depth is displayed here, but also water temperature, presence of eyebrows and changes in the bottom relief, as well as the presence or absence of fish and its size. The device works from 6 standard finger-type batteries and allows the installation of both conventional batteries and batteries of this type.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose thermal underwear for outdoor activities and secrets selection reels for fishing.

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