Almost every angler has thought about purchasing a device such as an echo sounder, which is sometimes also called a fish finder. An echo sounder helps a fisherman look into the water column and explore not only the bottom, but also identify places where prey accumulates. It should be noted that the echo sounder does not search for fish for the fisherman, it simply displays the depth, structure and topography of the bottom, as well as various objects in the water, in particular, fish.
Based on the information received, the angler understands whether it makes sense for him to try to catch fish in an area characterized by a flat and sandy bottom, and try his luck in the grass thickets, where a predator has already managed to hide. Thus, the echo sounder helps the fisherman save valuable time and show those places where the bite is one hundred percent.
The principle of operation of such a device is to emit a narrowly directed ultrasonic signal into the water and receive a back reflected signal from various objects, which can be fish, floating objects, or the bottom surface. After receiving the incoming information, the echo sounder processor processes the data and displays it on the screen.
When choosing an echo sounder for fishing, first of all pay attention to the following characteristics:
- transmitter power
- contrast and screen size
- receiver sensitivity
- converter efficiency
- price
Transmitter power
The power of the transmitter affects the quality of the signal received and the power sent into the water column.
Consequently, the greater the transmitter power of the purchased model, the higher the likelihood of the device receiving a normal signal from the bottom and the greater the depth the device can operate, even in poor water conditions. Naturally, domestic fishermen rarely have to deal with great depths, but even in our fishing conditions, the high power of the echo sounder will allow us to better see the small details of the underwater world, for example, fry or the structure of the bottom surface.
The power of the device is indicated in the documentation and comes in two types – average (also known as RMS) and peak. Power specifications are indicated in watts. For obvious reasons, models with higher power are more expensive.
How to choose the right echo sounder for fishing
What is an echo sounder?
There is probably not a single fisherman who has not at least once in his life thought about buying a device such as an echo sounder (fish finder echo sounder). Let's take a closer look at what it is.
An echo sounder is a special device that helps a fisherman look into the water column, thoroughly explore the bottom of a reservoir, and also identify places where fish accumulate. It should be noted that the echo sounder does not look for fish, but displays the depth of the reservoir, the topography and structure of the bottom, as well as various objects located in the water, including fish. That is, the main functions of an echo sounder are reconnaissance and analysis, and not fishing.
Having received reliable information from the device, the fisherman understands whether he should fish in an area with a flat and sandy bottom or try his luck in dense thickets of grass where a predator is already lurking. In other words, an echo sounder helps the fisherman save time and shows those places where the bite will be almost one hundred percent.
The principle of operation of the echo sounder is as follows. The device emits a narrowly directed ultrasonic signal into the water, and back receives a reflected signal from various objects - floating objects, bottom surface, fish. After receiving the information, the device processor processes it and displays the data on the screen.
To choose the right fishfinder echo sounder, you should pay attention to the characteristics of the device: transmitter power, screen size and contrast, transducer efficiency, receiver sensitivity, price.
Transmitter power
The power of the echo sounder transmitter affects the quality of the signals sent into the water column and received back. Consequently, the greater the transmitter power of the purchased model, the higher the likelihood of receiving a high-quality signal from the bottom of the reservoir. In addition, an echo sounder with a powerful sensor allows you to work at great depths, as well as in polluted water conditions.
It is clear that Russian fishermen rarely encounter great depths, but even in our fishing conditions, the good power of the echo sounder allows us to examine the underwater world in detail, to see, for example, the structure of the bottom surface or fish fry.
The power of the echo sounder must be indicated in the documentation for the device. There are two types of it - peak and average (RMS). The power indicator is indicated in watts. Models with more power tend to cost more. However, you shouldn't skimp here.
Converter frequency
The maximum width and depth of the scanned area depends on the frequency of the converter. Let us immediately note that in this case the usual rule does not work - the higher the better, since at a high frequency the output image will be clearer, but the scanning depth will be minimal. The opposite situation is the opposite - at a low frequency you can view greater depth, but the picture will be of poor quality and unclear.
Choose an echo sounder for a specific type of fishing and rely on your own fishing preferences. The operating frequency of the echo sounder transducer usually ranges from 50 to 200 kHz.
Receiver sensitivity
It is clear that the sensitivity of the echo sounder receiver must be quite high. However, there is a problem here too. At high sensitivity, the fisherman will see a lot of noise on the screen. Solution: you need to purchase a model of echo sounder that allows you to manually adjust the sensitivity of the receiver. This will give you the opportunity to adapt to the situation.
Screen parameters: size, resolution and contrast
Models with high screen resolution allow you to carefully examine small details, as well as separate objects that are too close. Thanks to the high contrast, you can view the screen even in very bright sunlight. Of course, the screen should be selected individually, but it is easier to view the picture from a great distance with a wide screen.
There are also portable fish finders designed for summer fishing from the shore or boat. Such models are attached to the wrist. The miniature screen displays bottom relief and various water bodies. The data on the screen comes from a remote sensor.
Number of rays
Echo sounders come with one, two and four beams. Here you need to adapt to the situation. Devices with two beams are considered popular; they are divided into several types. In this case, the first ray expands the horizons, and the second one explores the bottom. Such models have dead zones, but still they cover a fairly large area under water.
For domestic fishing, an echo sounder with one beam or two beams is quite suitable.
Four-beam devices operate in four different directions. Each beam scans a specific angle underwater.
Prices for echo sounders
The price of an echo sounder must fully correspond to the quality and functionality of the device. At the same time, we do not recommend chasing a well-known brand, brand, or company. It is better to pay attention to the functionality and characteristics of the device, as well as the quality/price ratio.
Fish finder prices start at around $100. There are also more expensive models. The cheapest and high-quality echo sounders are Rivotek Fisher 10, Practitioner ER-6 Pro and Rivotek Fisher 20 Dual. The listed models are quite miniature, equipped with a small display, but they will cope with any everyday fishing tasks.
conclusions
An echo sounder is a very useful device that allows a fisherman to carefully examine the bottom of a reservoir, view in detail all objects in the water, and also find places where fish accumulate. You can buy an echo sounder from $100, but there are also more expensive models. The variety of devices on the market allows the buyer to purchase the most suitable option. A portable echo sounder is considered more convenient because it is attached to the wrist and allows you to quickly monitor the situation. To choose the right fishfinder echo sounder, you should familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of this device.
Converter frequency
The frequency of the transducer determines the width and depth of the scanned area. It should be noted that the usual rule, the higher the better, does not work in this case, since with a high frequency of the converter obtained at the output, the picture will be clearer, while the possible depth for scanning will be minimal.
And the opposite situation: at a low frequency, greater depth is visible, but the resulting picture will be fuzzy. So you need to choose an echo sounder for a specific type of fishing and your own fishing preferences. Operating modes 200 kHz and 50 kHz.
Screen size and resolution
To be able to see even small details and separate closely spaced objects, it is recommended to buy models with high resolution. High contrast allows you to view the screen even in bright sun conditions. The screen is selected individually, but it is easier to view the picture from a great distance from a large screen.
Portable echo sounders for summer fishing from a boat or shore - a model for attaching to the wrist. A small screen shows the bottom topography and objects in the water column, which are received by a remote sensor.
Echo sounders for fishing from a boat
Humminbird 798cxi HD SI Combo 4-beam echo sounder
In certain cases, an irreplaceable thing. The model is adjusted to the size of the boat, since when fishing, the angler needs maneuverability, and it’s a shame to drop a toy that costs $200 into the water.
Popular models
- FB 120x Humminbird;
- Humminbird 561x;
- Humminbird 570x DI;
- Humminbird 597cxi HD DI Combo;
- Humminbird 798cxi HD SI Combo;
- Lowrance HDS.
Echo sounders for winter fishing
Echo sounders for fishing in winter are made of frost-resistant materials and are more portable. But for winter fishing, you can also use models for fishing from a boat, although this is less convenient. For fastening, you can use TransMount KZ-150 fasteners. For fishing, it is enough to use a single-beam model, but a double-beam echo sounder for winter fishing will not be amiss.
Popular models
- Elite-4x Ice Machine;
- Elite-4 Ice Machine;
- Fisherman 600 Ice Edition;
- Fisherman 220 Duo Ice Edition;
- Humminbird, Fishin' Buddy series;
- Tube echo sounders for winter fishing.
Most portable ice fishing fish finders are wireless fish finders. Their sensor is located at a remote distance from the echo sounder itself and is made in the form of a float for placement in the hole. Wireless fish finders are labeled “Wireless” in their names.
Top 3 echo sounders with 3D mode
FishHunter PRO
Using this echo sounder, you can not only determine the location of the fish and its size, but also the structure of the bottom, what it consists of, and calculate the water temperature not only on the surface of the reservoir, but also at a certain depth. The sensor is attached to a fishing line and thrown into the water in exactly the same way as the most ordinary tackle. This device comes complete with a USB cable for charging the battery, a scanning cord for trolling fishing, sensor clamps on the fishing line, and a case for storage and transportation.
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This design, like the previous one, is not equipped with a display, so you will have to use a smartphone for observations. Moreover, you will need an account on the social network Facebook and a Wi-Fi module, and you will also need to install the official application of the manufacturer FishHunter. There are several operating modes of this device: automatic scanning mode of the bottom of the reservoir; winter fishing mode; The bottom relief map is also recorded automatically. Fans of winter fishing will appreciate this device, as it allows you to quickly determine exactly where the fish are under the hole. The noise level can be significantly reduced thanks to a special function. The sensitivity is adjustable, it is possible to cut off small fish so that they are not displayed on the screen.
Advantages:
- It is inexpensive;
- Works very effectively;
- Has a modern appearance;
- If desired, it can be adjusted to certain conditions of the reservoir;
- Convenient Russified application.
Flaws:
- There is no display, you have to use a smartphone.
FishHunter PRO
Lowrance Elite-5 Ti
This is one of the most famous companies producing high-tech products for fishing, including echo sounders. This model was launched on the market back in 2021, but it still continues to be in the leading group. This design has a number of original functions that no other model has, in particular, it provides the possibility of side viewing and a touch screen. The product has the latest generation TotalScan sensor, which allows you to exchange data via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The display diagonal is 5 inches with a resolution of 800x480 pixels, and has an adjustable LED backlight. With side scanning, you can see everything that happens within a radius of 91 meters, the sensor operating frequency here is 455 kHz, the other sensor operates at a higher frequency - 800 kHz and allows you to cover up to 30 meters in a radius. The maximum output power of the device is 500 W. There is a unit with GPS.
Using the Wi-Fi unit, you can update the software, download new firmware, the Bluetooth channel is responsible for synchronization with other mobile devices. The screen has an anti-reflective coating, everything is perfectly visible even in bright sunlight. The user is informed about the detected fish through an audio signal. You can choose to anchor to the bottom, which is very convenient when hunting catfish or other species of fish that live in the bottom layers of reservoirs. The product is quite easy to use and the body is waterproof.
Advantages:
- The latest ultrasound emitter;
- The echo sounder is equipped with a large number of unique additional features;
- Easy to use even for a beginner;
- Accurate GPS receiver;
- It is possible to attach it to the side of the boat.
Flaws:
- It is very easy to get the touch screen dirty.
Lowrance Elite-5 Ti
Simrad GO7
This is a recognized leader among the most modern models of echo sounders for fishing, with a 3D function. It has a carefully thought out and very convenient design, which also gives the structure a very attractive appearance. This product has quite a lot of functions and characteristics. The product is equipped with a display with a fairly large diagonal of 7 inches and a resolution of 800x480 pixels. This device is powered both from a 12 V network and from a built-in battery. In addition, the echo sounder supports a large number of languages, including Russian. Russification is of high quality, everything is very clear. There is an internal memory of 90 MB; if necessary, you can install two microSD memory cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB each. The design is quite heavy – it weighs about 1.3 kg.
There are two types of scanning of the water column - bottom and side. In the first case, one of two sensors is used, which allow you to see what is happening at a distance of 60 to 180 meters. This can be done even while you are in a moving boat, the maximum speed of which is 56 km/h. With bottom scanning, the maximum depth of the reservoir can reach about 90 meters, and the speed of the vessel can be 88 km/h.
Advantages:
- The interface can be easily customized to suit the individual characteristics of the fisherman;
- A high-quality GPS receiver that updates data once every 10 seconds;
- Ability to synchronize with other mobile devices;
- It is permissible to use at negative temperatures;
- Built-in memory with the possibility of increasing it.
Flaws:
- Except for the high price was not revealed.
Simrad GO7 XSE and Lowrance Elite 4x HDI fish finder - what works and what doesn't.
Simrad GO7 echo sounder
Price
The price should correspond to the functionality and quality of the device, while chasing a well-known brand is not recommended. Prices for fish finders start at $150 and can reach $1,000 or more.
Inexpensive echo sounders for fishing usually have 1-2 beams and are made in a classic manner without unnecessary characteristics. The cheapest are JJ-Connect Fisherman echo sounders (from 2000 rubles). These echo sounders are quite miniature, have small screens, but are capable of coping with everyday fishing tasks both from a boat and from ice in winter.
Also inexpensive echo sounders: Garmin Echo 100 and Garmin Fishfinder 90, which can be purchased for less than 4,500 rubles.
The best fish finders for fishing
The best and most expensive models are universal echo sounders. Such models include:
- Humminbird Matrix 3D;
- Garmin GPSMAP;
- Humminbird Combo.
Such models are characterized by 3D visualization, 4-5 beams, compatibility with GPS and computers, shock-resistant housing and other joys of dear life.
Echo sounders with 3D show the fisherman a square or rectangular area of the bottom under a boat or in a hole, and also record the presence of underwater objects in the water column, which may be fish.
The best in the rating of echo sounders for fishing from a boat, from the shore or in winter are the popular models listed above.
What to look for when choosing an echo sounder
Of course, you first need to understand the principle of operation of an echo sounder: an electrical pulse emanates from the transmitter, enters the transducer, where it turns into an ultrasonic wave, and then is transmitted down under the water. As soon as the wave collides with an object - the bottom, fish, snag, etc., it will immediately return back to the converter. There it will turn into an electrical signal, which can be seen on the display.
Using an echo sounder, you can observe life in the underwater world from the shore.
When going to buy an echo sounder, you should take into account all the necessary parameters for successful fishing:
Sonar power
One of the most important parameters of an echo sounder is its power. The higher the power rating, the deeper its penetrating ability, and, therefore, it will be possible to obtain more detailed information about the state of the bottom.
This characteristic is expressed in watts (W). Bottom details are clearly visible on echo sounders with a power of 1500 W or more. It is worth choosing echo sounders for fishing with a power of at least 600 watts.
Sonar screen
The resolution of wireless echo sounders for fishing from the shore can be very small, from 48x32 px. The resolution of professional boat echo sounders can reach 1280x800 px.
Displays are available in both black and white and color. They can range in size from 3 to 9 inches. The larger the diagonal and resolution of the screen, the more and better information it will convey.
Converter efficiency
The transducer serves as an echo sounder antenna. It turns electrical energy into a sound wave and sends it under water, and then catches the signal back and the finished result is displayed on the display.
If there is a need only to study the bottom, then in this case you need to opt for single-beam echo sounders with a narrow viewing angle of 9-24o. The wider the viewing angle - 40-90o, the more information will be displayed on the screen.
The transmitted sound wave signal is shaped like a cone, and the size of the angle is determined by the transmitted frequency of the signal. The lower the frequency, the greater the angle and the signal will penetrate quite deeply. And with a higher frequency, the penetration depth will be less.
On sale you can find echo sounders that operate at frequencies from 50 kHz to 200 kHz. For fishing in fresh water bodies with a depth of less than 50 m, echo sounders that operate at high frequencies of 200 kHz are a suitable option.
And echo sounders operating at low frequencies of 50 kHz can be used in deeper bodies of water - seas, lakes, etc.
Important! Single-beam echo sounders are gradually being replaced from the shelves by double-beam ones. Such devices can operate at two frequencies simultaneously or alternately.
Additional parameters when choosing an echo sounder.
Some echo sounders are equipped with a water temperature detection feature. If the temperature drops sharply, this indicates that the intensity of the bite will disappear.
There are special stationary echo sounders for fishing from a boat. They are easily attached to the side of any vessel.
Portable fish finders are slightly smaller in size than stationary ones and are used for shore fishing or ice fishing.
The most inexpensive echo sounders are those that have a monochrome screen and have a minimal set of functions. Despite this, they work smoothly and are suitable for obtaining data on the quality of the bottom and the presence of fish in any body of water.
Echo sounders with a color screen will better convey the structure of the bottom. With such a device it will be easier to spot fish hiding in the thickets.
Let's sum it up
An echo sounder is a fairly useful device that allows you to quickly find places where fish accumulate. Prices for models today are quite affordable, and the abundance of models on the market allows a potential buyer to choose the appropriate option.
- The cheapest echo sounders start at 2,000 rubles.
- There are echo sounders with 3D visualization.
- Echo sounders differ in the method of use: fishing from a boat, in winter or from the shore.
- Most portable (wrist-mounted and other) echo sounders are wireless, and the sensor is designed as a non-sinking float.
What functions of an echo sounder are needed for fishing?
Basically, echo sounders are divided according to their purpose:
- boat echo sounders;
- for winter fishing;
- for use from shore.
Which echo sounder is better to choose for fishing in winter - echo sounders for winter fishing have a number of requirements for compactness and resistance to low temperatures. Also, an important indicator for them will be the ability to scan at minimal depths. There are companies specializing in the production of winter equipment. According to numerous reviews, Praktik echo sounders have shown their reliability.
For fishing from the shore, wireless echo sounders are used, that is, the signal from the sensor is transmitted to the monitor using radio waves.
A characteristic feature of models for this purpose is the presence of a float to which a sensor for emitting and receiving rays is attached. Such a float is attached to a fishing line and, together with the transmitter, is thrown a certain distance from the shore, and then dragged along the surface of the water in the opposite direction. At the moment of movement, the water column is scanned.
The inconvenience is that the angler must simultaneously pull the float, noticing the distance from the shore and at the same time follow the picture on the display. Carrying out such a process alone will not be entirely convenient and will require considerable skill from the fisherman.
