An echo sounder is a measuring fishing device that allows you to study the structure and topography of the bottom of a reservoir. The sensor creates sound waves and sends them into the water column. Echoes are sent back to the device. The study of the water column is carried out using an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. The computer processes the received data and draws a topographic map of the bottom on the screen.
The picture that a high-quality echo sounder “draws” on the screen
The presence of an echo sounder allows every angler:
- find out the depth and topography of the river/pond bottom;
- quickly identify areas of the reservoir in which there is an accumulation of fish;
- find out the approximate size of potential catch, which is especially important for fishermen who hunt for trophies.
A measuring device that allows you to study the structure and topography of the bottom of a reservoir makes it possible to quickly find a promising place for fishing.
Types of echo sounders for winter fishing
Echo sounders for winter fishing are divided into groups according to the number of reflective waves. The greater the wave coverage, the clearer the image on the display. However, this may result in distortion of information. Images of fish that are not nearby the hole appear on the screen. Based on the number of reflective waves, devices are divided into main types:
- Single beam type . The device has one reflective wave. The coverage angle is within 20°.
- Double beam type . The device reflects at 2 frequencies. The coverage angle is within 60°.
- Three-beam view . The coverage angle is within 90°-150°.
Models are available for sale that are capable of displaying up to 6 waves, but this is a completely useless function for winter fishing. A stationary sensor cannot show bottom structure. The most important thing is the presence of a central beam in the device.
How does an echo sounder work for winter fishing?
The principle of operation of any echo sounder is the same, so the devices of most models are practically the same. The main elements of an echo sounder are:
- Power supply.
- Generator of electric pulses of ultrasonic frequency.
- Emitter with signal converter (transducer).
- Block for processing incoming information.
- Display for displaying information.
- Additional sensors.
Now it makes sense to consider all the elements in more detail.
Power supplies
Both rechargeable batteries and regular batteries can ensure the operation of a portable device.
Electrical signal generator
The electrical pulse generator is designed to convert DC voltage from batteries into special ultrasonic frequency pulses that penetrate to depth, through the water column.
Emitter and converter
As a rule, in order for electrical signals to penetrate the water column, a special emitter element is required. This signal has special characteristics that allow it to be reflected from various underwater obstacles. Using these characteristics, it is possible to determine the depth of the reservoir, as well as the nature of the bottom, including the presence of fish.
The ultrasonic emitter operates on the principles of the piezoelectric effect. By using semiconductor crystals, it is possible to obtain a device of fairly small size.
There are single-beam and double-beam converters. Single beams are capable of emitting signals of only one frequency: high-frequency signals at 192 or 200 kHz or low-frequency signals at 50 kHz. Higher-frequency emitters allow for a highly directional beam, while low-frequency emitters allow for a wider view. Some designs are equipped with two emitters, which makes it possible to take into account both the advantages of some and the advantages of others. The most expensive and high-quality echo sounders may have 2 or more crystals that send independent ultrasonic signals.
Information processing unit
If earlier fishermen themselves had to decipher the incoming information from the echo sounder, then in our time, each echo sounder has a special unit that automatically processes the incoming information. This factor has a positive effect on the use of the device.
Display
After processing the incoming signals, all information is displayed on the display (screen). Modern echo sounders are equipped with both color and monochrome displays. The higher the resolution of the screen, the more information can be placed on it. This means that you can get maximum information about what is happening underwater.
Additional sensors
Most models, especially expensive and high-quality ones, have additional sensors. The main one is the water temperature sensor, which sometimes helps determine the activity of the fish. This is especially important in the spring and autumn, when the water temperature can vary significantly throughout the day.
For lovers of winter fishing, special models have been developed that can withstand sub-zero temperatures. At the same time, models are produced that can see through ice due to the presence of a powerful signal.
Which echo sounder is best to choose for winter fishing - what to look for
The echo sounder should be compact so that the angler can easily hold it in his hand. Manufacturers produce models of various sizes:
- manual type, fits in your pocket;
- portable, which can be carried in a bag and used at any time of the year;
- tube type, which can only be used in the cold season.
When choosing a winter echo sounder, it is recommended to pay attention to:
- maximum permissible depth of investigation;
- display functionality;
- maximum echolocation power;
- charging and fixing method;
- level of resistance to low temperatures.
For fishing in the cold season, experts advise purchasing models that consume minimal power.
Advice! In order for the device to function smoothly, its wires must be insulated with a material that can withstand frost.
An echo sounder for winter fishing must withstand low temperatures
How to choose the right echo sounder for winter fishing
It is quite natural that echo sounders for winter fishing, especially those that allow you to break through ice with a beam, have a specific design. Therefore, when choosing an echo sounder specifically for this purpose, it is advisable to pay attention to the following factors:
- Power of the emitted signal.
- Sensitivity of the receiving device.
- Protection from low temperatures.
- Energy-intensive power source.
- High resolution screen (display).
- Small sizes (compact).
Emitter power and receiving sensitivity
To search for fish directly through the ice without breaking holes, you need a powerful and quite sensitive device. Naturally, it would be easier to punch a hole and use a simpler echo sounder, but this takes a lot of time, which is already lacking in winter. A powerful device allows you to reduce, and quite significantly, the time spent searching for fish.
Low temperature protection
Low temperatures have a negative effect on electronic circuits, as well as on power supplies, reducing their power. In this regard, all critical elements of this device must be protected from frost.
Energy-intensive power supply
Any power source, when in the cold, discharges much faster. Therefore, it is very important that the capacity of the batteries or batteries is sufficient for a long period of operation. After all, every fisherman always wants the fishing to take place.
Compactness (small sizes)
A fisherman who goes winter fishing has serious equipment: just think about clothes consisting of several layers. If we also take into account fishing accessories, then winter fishing is not just a walk for pleasure, but persistent and hard work. Therefore, the device must have minimal dimensions with decent characteristics.
Over-ice and under-ice devices
On sale you can find echo sounders for under-ice use and for ice fishing. Electronics, display and other design elements of sub-ice devices must withstand operation at sub-zero temperatures. Devices must be protected from moisture entering the structure. High-capacity batteries are installed on sub-ice models.
Echo sounder for ice fishing
Over-ice devices must have high power. To obtain reliable data, it is recommended to give preference to models of 1500–2000 watts. There is no need to immerse the above-ice device under the ice, but it is still worth making a small notch in the ice layer and immersing the device’s sensor there.
How does a winter echo sounder work:
TOP 10 best echo sounders for winter fishing - review of devices for ice fishing with prices
Below you can see the rating of the best winter echo sounders as of the 2021 season, allowing you to study the structure and topography of the bottom of the reservoir during the cold season during winter fishing.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175xRU
The screen of a budget dual-beam device is black and white. Diagonal 4 inches. The model allows the fisherman to determine the size of the fish and the depth at which it is located. The viewing angle has been increased to 28°. Power is 1600 W. The angler can adjust the sensitivity and increase bottom detail. The cost of the device reaches 9500-10000 rubles.
Craft Echo 600 Duo
A simple and convenient two-beam model. The presence of a sound alarm notifies the fisherman about the appearance of fish near the hole. The device works great in deep areas of the reservoir. The body of the Craft Echo 600 Duo is quite durable.
The price of the device is 8,000 rubles.
Practitioner 6M
The Praktik 6M echo sounder for winter fishing works perfectly even at a temperature of -35°C. The case of this model is shockproof. It is made of durable rubber. If the structure is accidentally dropped into a pond, it will remain on the surface of the water and will not sink. The scanning depth is 25 meters, the viewing angle is 95°. The device works great even in dark water.
The average cost of Practice 6M is 7,900 rubles.
Fish Finder L4
Fish Finder L4 is an echo sounder for winter fishing, which is included in the rating of the best devices that allow you to study the structure and topography of the bottom of a reservoir. The viewing angle of the single-beam camera is 45°. The compact-sized device is able to distinguish even slow-moving objects. The presence of a screen backlight function eliminates sun glare.
The average price of Fish Finder L4 is 2900 rubles.
LUCKY FFW718
The bottom scanning depth is 40 meters. The presence of a single-beam camera provides a viewing angle of 90°. The echo sounder is able to distinguish slow-moving objects. It has proven itself to be excellent when working in muddy water. The diagonal of the black and white screen is 3 inches.
The cost of Lucky ffw718 is 5500 rubles.
Lackylaker FFC1108-1
Lackylaker FFC1108-1 is a reliable echo sounder for winter fishing, you can buy it from Aliexpress. The sensor is capable of detecting fish at a distance of 180 meters (as stated by the manufacturer). The bottom scanning depth is 40 meters. The presence of 3 buttons on the body allows you to control the device. Feedback from fishermen indicates that the Lackylaker FFC1108-1 is capable of accurately determining depth.
The cost of the device is 4570 rubles. There are often promotions for this model. The discounted price is 2330 rubles.
Erchang XF02
The scanning depth is 100 meters. The device can be used at any time of the year. Among the main advantages of the Erchang XF02, it is worth highlighting the presence of a long cable, the ability to work with the device even at a temperature of -50°, an affordable price and firmware in Russian.
Erchang XF02 can be purchased for 3330 rubles.
Garmin Striker Plus 4CV - echo sounder for use in winter and summer fishing
The device is intended for use at any time of the year. The presence of a built-in program allows you to create maps of water bodies. Garmin Striker Plus 4CV shows the depth of the reservoir with maximum accuracy. The screen provides information about the size of the fish, its depth and size. When the device detects a fish, it beeps.
The cost of Garmin Striker Plus 4CV is 24,500 rubles.
GSMIN WA3 - wireless echo sounder for ice fishing
The presence of blue backlight on the GSMIN WA3 display eliminates the appearance of solar glare. The model is equipped with the ability to adjust brightness. Control is touch. The most important functions are located at the top of the screen.
GSMIN WA3 can be purchased for 7,600 rubles.
Rivotek F3
The compact model can be carried in your pocket. The presence of a single-beam camera provides a viewing angle of 90°. The bottom scanning depth is 36 meters. The echo sounder is so sensitive that it can distinguish slow-moving objects that are at a distance of 5 cm.
The cost of Rivotek F3 is 7800 rubles.
Popular models of echo sounders for winter fishing
If we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of certain models, then, of course, they exist, since universal devices that could satisfy the wishes of any fisherman simply do not exist. Naturally, the more expensive the device, the more functional it can be. And here the main question arises, which comes down to the availability of funds. If the capabilities are limited, then you will have to choose models with less functionality.
The most successful models are:
- JJ-Connect Fisherman Duo Ice Edition Mark II.
- Practitioner R-6 Pro.
- Lowrance Elite HDI Ice Machine.
- Lucky FF
The above models of echo sounders cannot be considered ideal. And, nevertheless, they managed to declare themselves as fully functional and effective devices.
JJ-Connect Fisherman Duo Ice Edition Mark II
This product costs around 6 thousand rubles. There is an opinion that the device is not worth that kind of money. At the same time, this is a fairly powerful echo sounder, capable of scanning a body of water through thick ice to a depth of up to 30 meters.
The device has a waterproof housing that can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees. If you weigh the pros and cons, then this design can serve as a good assistant.
On the website fish.alway.ru you can read decent reviews about this device from users of Fisher, Shark, Ivanovich, etc. Despite its small dimensions, it is quite a functional device, as they point out.
Practitioner R-6 Pro
This is a domestic and quite good development of an echo sounder, costing 6 thousand rubles. This is a device for winter fishing, which is easy to use and compact. It can be purchased by using the Internet and going to the manufacturer’s official website. If you do this, you can participate in the service program.
Despite the modest characteristics of the device, it still found its buyer, and they are satisfied with the echo sounder. On one of the sites the question of the quality of this device was raised. As a result of the discussion, the main shortcomings were identified, which relate not to its performance and functionality, but to the build quality. If the device refuses to work or does not meet the stated characteristics, then it is enough to exchange the echo sounder for a working one.
Lowrance Elite HDI Ice Machine
This is a fairly expensive model, costing up to 28 thousand rubles. Despite its high cost, which should correspond to the quality of the device, reviews about it are very mixed. Many users, having paid such a sum of money for it, expected more functionality from it, unlike cheap models.
Lucky FF 718
You will have to pay 5.6 thousand rubles for the device, which is quite acceptable for such a model. This echo sounder has a wireless transducer, which indicates the presence of both advantages and disadvantages of the device. On the Internet, on relevant sites where they like to discuss the quality and practicality of various devices, you can read different reviews about this echo sounder.
TOP best wireless echo sounders for winter fishing
Wireless devices are very compact. In addition, they are convenient to use. There is no need to waste time connecting wires, which is the main advantage of these models.
The best wireless devices today are Fish Finder FFW718 Lucky and Fish Finder FF168W. A couple of seconds after diving, information about the water temperature, the depth of the reservoir and the presence of a school of fish nearby appears on the device screen. The housing of these devices is waterproof.
Fish Finder FFW718 Lucky and Fish Finder FF168W can be used by both professional fishermen and those who enjoy fishing at the local pond.
The best echo sounders for winter fishing and their prices
Today, the following winter echo sounders are in demand among Russian fishermen:
- Garmin Fishfinder 250 (dual-beam echo sounder with high screen resolution, cost 250-300 dollars).
- JJ-CONNECT Fisherman 220 Duo Ice Edition (single-beam echo sounder, reflects the topography and structure of the bottom, the presence of fish, waterproof housing, the ability to determine water temperature, cost 150-250 dollars).
- Fishin Buddy tube echo sounders (portable echo sounders for ice fishing with the ability to install almost anywhere, single and double beam models, prices range from $100 to $400).
- Wireless echo sounders for ice fishing Fishfinder ffw718 Wireless .
Echo sounder for winter and summer fishing (two in one) - which models are suitable
In order to use an echo sounder at any time of the year, you need to purchase a universal model. Experts recommend giving preference to good quality devices that are super sensitive. Such models include:
- Garmin Echo 550c - a dual-beam model with a 5-inch color display that allows you to accurately determine the location of fish and the approximate size of prey;
- Lowrance Elite -7 HDI is an echo sounder with a high-quality image and allows you to accurately determine the depth of the reservoir;
- Lowrance Mark-5x Pro – a two-beam model with a waterproof body, accurately determines the size of nearby fish, the depth of the reservoir and recognizes slow-moving objects.
Purchasing a universal device can significantly save money.
How to choose a two-beam echo sounder for fishing?
To choose a dual-beam sonar that has optimal characteristics, you need to determine what and where it will be used, and understand the capabilities. This will save money.
The dual-beam echo sounder is universal and can be operated by a fisherman of any skill level.
This type of echo sounder uses two beams with different frequencies and coverage. A “narrow” beam is needed to study the topography and structure of the bottom; such a beam has the least degree of distortion and scattering. However, the "narrow" beam cannot detect fish. The beam radiation angle is 10-25 degrees.
The wide beam operates at a frequency of 85 Hz, has a larger beam angle and “detects” fish at any depth.
When there are sudden changes in ambient temperature, the fish stops biting normally. An important option of the echo sounder will be a temperature sensor, which records the changes that occur.
Rating of budget echo sounders for winter fishing
If you don’t have much money, but you really want to buy an echo sounder, you can pay attention to budget models. Of course, the display of such devices will not be 5 inches, but the device will definitely be able to recognize the depth of the reservoir and find the location of the fish. Inexpensive echo sounders include flasher devices and devices that display information on a smartphone.
The best flasher echo sounders are the Lucky FF618 Flasher and the Lowrance Hook2-4x GPS Bullet.
The main advantages of Lucky FF618 Flasher include:
- ability to adjust sensitivity level;
- display of the inhabitants of the reservoir in the form of symbols;
- the presence of a sound notification function about nearby fish;
- simple menu.
Displaying information on a smartphone display
Among the advantages of the Lowrance Hook2-4x GPS Bullet, it is worth highlighting:
- automatic adjustment of sonar (echo sounder);
- waterproof case;
- the presence of a sound notification function about nearby fish;
- function of identifying the inhabitants of a reservoir.
For fishing in the cold season, you can purchase an echo sounder that transmits information to your phone. The best device in this category is the Kediaoren device. Connected to a smartphone, the device is capable of picking up a signal up to 50 meters from the sound source. Sonar charges quickly. The application is very convenient to use.
Additional equipment for echo sounders
When going fishing in the cold season, you should not only take an echo sounder with you, but also purchase a battery for it in advance. You will also need to take care of the purchase:
- protective cover;
- charger;
- clamps for the echo sounder sensor.
Many fishermen take with them underwater cameras, which display information on the screen regarding the structure of the bottom of the reservoir and the fish located nearby.
Advice! Don’t forget about the ice drill, which you can use to make holes.
When choosing an echo sounder, you should think not only about your budget, but also about the conditions in which it will be used. If you plan several fishing trips in the winter, there is no point in purchasing expensive options equipped with additional options. However, you should not save on power. It must be at least 1500 W.
In cases where you have to fish on small lakes and ponds, experts recommend purchasing single-beam or double-beam models. For fishing in large bodies of water, it is wiser to take a model with a large number of rays.
How to use a fish finder
Using the cable, you need to lower the sensor into the hole. After a few seconds, the bottom topography and fish swimming nearby will begin to appear on the display. If there are too many signals in the RTS window, experts recommend reducing the sensitivity level.
Choosing a sonar is a crucial moment. There is no rush or desire to purchase an echo sounder as soon as possible. It is important to familiarize yourself in detail with the characteristics of the models you like and only then make your choice.
