Therefore, going fishing these days without the appropriate “weapons” simply does not make sense. Unless the main goal is not the quantity of fish caught, but the quality of recreation. An echo sounder is considered the very first assistant, with the help of which you can find a fish site.
What is an echo sounder?
This fisherman's assistant has been used for a long time. It makes it possible to determine the depth of the reservoir, the nature of the bottom, as well as the presence of fish. Moreover, it is realistic to determine its size. This device has been seriously improved over the past years and has a very small size. You can simply put it in your pocket and not think about having additional free space. In addition, the device consumes little energy and is powered by ordinary AA batteries or rechargeable batteries.
Dimensions and seasonality of echo sounders
After the power of the device is selected, you need to pay attention to the type. You can choose from the following types of echo sounder for fishing in winter and summer:
- Compact – small in size and fits in a clothing pocket. The device takes energy from batteries.
- Portable is a fairly versatile type, since it can be transported, because it is packed in a special suitcase or backpack. You can use this echo sounder at any time of the year.
- Tube - used for winter fishing and has many advantages due to the fact that all equipment is connected into a single body and has a side view. Powered by batteries.
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.
Ulyanovsk Fishing Internet – Club
An echo sounder in winter is needed to find out if there is fish under the hole in which we are fishing. With the help of a winter echo sounder it’s easy to find out and not just find out, but even see how the fish behaves, whether it is active or passive.
A winter echo sounder works on a simple principle: it sends ultrasonic signals that are reflected from the bottom, snags, fish, and a picture is displayed on the echo sounder screen. This way we will know the topography of the bottom, the depth at the fishing spot, and most importantly, we will see whether there is a fish under us and how it reacts to our bait.
How to choose a winter echo sounder?
Certain parameters are important for a winter echo sounder. The main factor is resistance to negative temperatures. Screen, sensor, wires, control buttons - all this must be reliable and work in fairly decent frosts.
It’s good that manufacturers have taken care of all this and produce echo sounders specially prepared for winter conditions. Popular today are the Practician, Lowrance Ice Machine, Rivotek Fisher, and Humminbird PiranhaMax winter models. All their characteristics can be found on the manufacturers' websites.
Here we will focus on the most popular among Ulyanovsk fishermen - the winter echo sounder Praktik ER 6 Pro .
With its help, you can quickly receive all the necessary information about the reservoir: the presence of fish, its size and depth, the depth of the reservoir, the bottom topography, soil structure, etc. The depth of echolocation in the device starts from half a meter. The manufacturer claims that the frequencies of the device are adjusted in such a way that they do not scare the fish. Even a nervous pike will not be able to hear the signals of the Praktik echo sounder.
Thanks to the use of the depth gauge function in this device, it can help even the most experienced fishermen who are looking not for entire schools of small fish, but for edges and depth changes where large prey may be located. In winter fishing conditions, the Practitioner will be an excellent assistant for any fisherman.
It has a frost-resistant cable and sensor, the quality of which has been confirmed by owner reviews. Although the instructions state that it can work at temperatures from -20 to + 40, it worked flawlessly even at -25. The echo sounder has one beam, it has an angle of 40 degrees. Echolocation zone from 0.5 to 25 meters.
The device has small dimensions and weight (170 g), which makes it portable and convenient to use. It doesn't take up much space. Thanks to the waterproof and impact-resistant housing IP67 (for electronics) and IP68 (battery compartment), it can be safely used in any weather.
The transducer (sensor) is non-floating, that is, no additional weights are needed to bury it. But the body has positive buoyancy; if it falls into a hole or onto the surface of water, the device will not sink. The frost-resistant sensor cable can withstand any bends and withstand temperatures down to -60 degrees.
The device can operate on one AA battery or rechargeable battery for up to 200 hours. The screen of the echo sounder is black and white, size 30*50 mm, resolution 64*128 pixels with additional backlighting. The device is configured using 2 buttons and a clear, simple interface.
The echo sounder has 6 information display modes:
1. “Fish ID” mode – fish search mode. This mode will appeal most to novice users. It is convenient because the echo sounder itself analyzes the information from the sensor and presents it to you in a convenient graphical form.
2. “Pro” mode - in this mode, the most detailed raw information from the sensor is displayed on the display. If you are an experienced fisherman and can easily analyze such information, then you will certainly like this mode.
3. Flasher mode - in this mode, raw information is displayed on the screen in real time. This will allow you to track the behavior of the fish underwater, including the reaction of the fish to the play of the tackle.
4. “Depth Gauge” mode - in this mode you can measure the depth of a reservoir in the range from 0.5 to 25 m with an accuracy of +/- 1 cm, including in difficult conditions, for example in shallow water or in the presence of algae.
5. “Demo” mode - will allow you to test the operation of the echo sounder in the air without immersing it in water.
6. “Shallow Water” mode - for working at shallow depths from 0.5 to 2.0 m.
Of course, there are other types of echo sounders that can be used in winter:
The classic summer echo sounder is the most common option for winter fishing. Universal, displays bottom structure, depth, water temperature, fish symbols, and bait on the screen. Many modern fish finders have a flasher mode for ice fishing, this is an excellent addition to the standard functions. As a rule, when fishing in winter, a narrow echo sounder beam is used, which has a higher resolution and image clarity. If there is no special winter sensor and if the ice thickness allows, a standard sensor is used, but this will require a special winter mount. But you need to take into account that in the cold both the wire and the materials themselves become tanned. Therefore, care should be taken when using a conventional sensor in severe frost.
An echo sounder - flasher or Fishing Flasher - displays information in the form of a pie or vertical diagram, allows you to determine the depth, water temperature, distance to the fish and see the “game” of the bait and the fish’s approach to it. The flasher has a high operating speed and displays information on the screen without delay. The big advantage is the design, adapted to work in harsh winter conditions, high power, small size and easy readability of information on the screen.
Wireless echo sounders are very popular today. A wireless fish finder is a float equipped with a fish finder and a transmitter that transmits data to your smartphone or tablet. Data transmission is carried out via Bluetooth® or WiFi, which allows you to get a stable picture even at a considerable distance. Using the installed application on the smartphone screen, you can determine the structure of the bottom, see fish and bait. The disadvantage of these echo sounders is low power, and, accordingly, less depth of display. Typically, such echo sounders are used in shallow waters, with ice thickness up to 30 cm.
Discussion of winter echo sounders on our forum
Related materials:
- Choosing a tourist navigator for fishing, hunting, hiking
- Choosing an action camera for fishing
- Choosing a fish finder/chartplotter
- About GPS navigators
For a calculator for calculating foam blocks, see this resource. Everything about a frame house can be found here https://stroidom-shop.ru How to rent a room in a communal apartment, see here comintour.net The most modern treatment for hernias
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).
Which echo sounder is better? — I’m going to buy an echo sounder for fishing
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.
Selecting an echo sounder based on the number of rays
Any fishing equipment store will offer customers several types of equipment. Echo sounders for fishing in winter and summer are available for fishing from a boat, from the shore, and also for winter fishing. But often universal devices are purchased that can be used at any time of the year.
In this case, the main criterion is the wave coverage angle. A higher number of waves guarantees a clearer image displayed on the display. But buying a powerful device is not always a guarantee of good fishing, since even a clear image can show false information about the state of the bottom. This is why echo sounders with one or two beams are most often purchased. Single-beam devices have a coverage angle of no more than 20 degrees and have only one reflective wave. Devices with dual-frequency reflection cover an angle of 60 degrees.
There are various fish finders for fishing. Winter and summer are the periods during which they are used by professional fishermen. Typically such devices have several beams. But for amateur fishermen, a standard echo sounder for fishing in winter and summer with one beam is also suitable.
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.
Lowrance echo sounders
Lowrance Elite 4 HDI Ice Machine
This echo sounder model can also perform the functions of a chartplotter. Its display has a diagonal of 4.3″ (10.92 cm). This device is capable of performing its functions at temperatures not exceeding -28°C . State-of-the-art Hybrid Dual Imaging™ (HDI) technology will provide an exclusive opportunity to obtain excellent visibility under the boat. Now you will not need to manually adjust the picture in order to better see the surface of the bottom of the reservoir and the fish that have appeared in the location area. Because all this will be done offline thanks to automatic signal processing (ASP).
The winter emitter is characterized by a frequency of 200 kHz.
Price 39,000 rub.
Lowrance Mark 5X Pro Ice Machine
This model has a 5.0″ (12.7 cm) diagonal display and a 200 kHz emitter. This echo sounder has a universal Lowrance function with an automatic fish finding mode, which implies the start of performing assigned tasks immediately after turning on the power. Moreover, there is an advanced use mode for fine-tuning the echo sounder taking into account the state of the water environment.
Thanks to the updated design features of the device, its installation and use will be as simplified as possible. Now everything can be done with just one hand.
Price 32,000 rub.
Lowrance Elite 4X HDI Ice Machine
This device can replace an echo sounder and chartplotter. It has a 4.3″ (10.92 cm) diagonal display and a 200 kHz winter emitter. Unlike previous models, there is an updated menu form. And it provides access to the entire range of functions using only one finger.
The TrackBack™ feature allows you to scroll through your sonar image history at any time. Now you can accurately mark objects of interest to you and their location.
Price 32,000 rub.
Instructions for using echo sounders in winter
Despite the fact that the echo sounder is capable of scanning the subglacial space through the ice, there are certain factors that negatively affect its readings. Here everything depends on the homogeneity of the medium, including ice. If the ice is of high quality and continuous, without any air bubbles, then, most likely, everything will be seen in proper quality. If the ice has various inclusions or is loose, then it is unlikely that distortions on the screen will be avoided. To ensure that nothing interferes with a good image, a depression is made on the surface of the ice for the emitter and filled with water.
Echo sounder “Practician ER-6 Pro” video instruction [salapinru]
In general, if you drill a hole and place the sensor directly in the water, the scanning quality is guaranteed.
