Echo sounder for winter fishing through the ice: the best models, characteristics

Technological progress has also affected such a hobby as fishing. Unfortunately, fishing in our time the way our ancestors caught it will not work. Now, going fishing, relying on personal experience or luck is a common waste of time. This is due to various factors. The most important of them is the decline in fish stocks of fish resources associated with the deterioration of the ecological situation, as well as with the processes of uncontrolled fishing, including the use of more modern technical means.

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 rest. The very first assistant is considered an echo sounder, with which you can find the parking lot of fish.

What is an echo sounder?

This fishing 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, over the past years, has been seriously improved and has a very small size. You can just put it in your pocket and not worry about having extra free space. In addition, the device consumes little energy and is powered by conventional AA batteries or rechargeable batteries.

How does an echo sounder 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 electrical pulses of ultrasonic frequency.
• Emitter with signal converter (transducer).
• Incoming information processing unit.
• Display for displaying information.
• Additional sensors.

Now it makes sense to consider all the elements in more detail.

Power supplies

Both rechargeable batteries and conventional batteries can ensure the performance of a portable device.

Electrical Signal Generator

The electric pulse generator is designed to convert the direct voltage of the batteries into special pulses of ultrasonic frequency that penetrate deep through the water column.

Emitter and transducer

As a rule, in order for electrical signals to penetrate through the water column, a special emitter element is required. This signal has special characteristics that allow it to bounce off various underwater obstacles. With the help of 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 works on the principles of the piezoelectric effect. Using semiconductor crystals, it is possible to obtain a device of rather small dimensions.

Distinguish between single beam and double beam transducers. 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 you to have a highly directional beam, while low-frequency emitters provide a wider view. Some designs are equipped with two emitters, which allows you to take into account both the advantages of one 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 the fishermen themselves had to decipher the incoming information from the echo sounder, then in our time, each echo sounder incorporates 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. And this means that you can get maximum information about what is happening under water.

Additional sensors

Most models, especially expensive and high-quality ones, have additional sensors. The main one is the water temperature sensor, which sometimes helps to determine the activity of the fish. This is especially important in the spring-autumn period, 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 the ice, due to the presence of a powerful signal.

How to choose the right echo sounder for ice 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 for this particular purpose, it is advisable to pay attention to the following factors:

• The power of the emitted signal.
• Receiver sensitivity.
• Protection from low temperatures.
• Energy intensive power supply.
• High resolution screen (display).
• Small size (compact).

Emitter power and receiver sensitivity

To search for fish directly through the thickness of the ice, without punching holes, you need a powerful device and quite sensitive. Naturally, it would be easier to make a hole and use a simpler echo sounder, but this takes a lot of time, which is already lacking in the winter. A powerful device allows you to reduce, and, quite significantly, the time to search for a fish site.

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, being in the cold, is discharged much faster. Therefore, it is very important that the capacity of the accumulators or batteries is sufficient for a long period of operation. After all, every fisherman always wants fishing to take place.

Compactness (small dimensions)

A fisherman who goes on a winter fishing trip has serious equipment: what is worth only clothes consisting of several layers. If we also take into account fishing accessories, then winter fishing is not just a walk for pleasure, but hard and hard work. Therefore, the device must have a minimum size with decent performance.

Popular models of fish finders for winter fishing

If we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of certain models, then, of course, they are available, since there are simply no universal devices that could satisfy the wishes of any angler. 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 possibilities 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 P-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 quite efficient and effective devices.

JJ-Connect Fisherman Duo Ice Edition Mark II

This product costs within 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 reservoir through the thickness of ice, to a depth of up to 30 meters.

The device has a waterproof housing that can withstand temperatures up to -30 degrees. If we weigh the pros and cons, then this design can serve as a good helper.

On the site fish.alway.ru you can read decent reviews about this device from users Fisher, Shark, Ivanych, etc. Despite the small dimensions, this is a fairly functional device, as they point out.

Practitioner P-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 using the Internet and going to the official website of the manufacturer. If you do this, you can participate in the service maintenance program.

Despite the modest characteristics of the device, he still found his 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 do not relate to performance and its functionality, but to the build quality. If the device refuses to work or does not meet the declared characteristics, then it is enough to exchange the echo sounder for a serviceable one.

Lowrance Elite HDI Ice Machine

This is a rather 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 an amount 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 fish finder has a wireless transducer, which indicates the presence of both advantages and disadvantages of the device. On the Internet, on the relevant sites, where they like to discuss the quality and practicality of various devices, you can read mixed reviews about this echo sounder.

Instructions for using echo sounders in winter

Despite the fact that the echo sounder is able to scan under the ice through the ice, there are certain factors that negatively affect its readings. Everything here depends on the homogeneity of the medium, including ice. If the ice is of high quality and solid, without the presence of air bubbles, then, most likely, everything will be able to be seen in proper quality. If the ice has various inclusions or is loose, then it is unlikely that distortions on the screen can be avoided. So that nothing interferes with a good image, a depression is made on the surface of the ice for the emitter and filled with water.

But in general, if you drill a hole and place the sensor directly in the water, then the quality of the scan is guaranteed.

Where and how to buy

Buying a fish finder these days is not a problem. There are several options for buying it. This may be a regular visit to a specialized store or seeking help on the Internet, with visits to special sites.

In addition, it is possible to purchase the device directly from the manufacturer’s website. This, first of all, guarantees the quality and authenticity of the goods. After all, there are a sufficient number of various fakes on the market.

It should also be borne in mind that such products are regularly improved. Therefore, it is very difficult, and even pointless, to recommend any of the echo sounders.

There is another factor that can seriously affect the functionality of the purchased product. This is the human factor. The fact is that some owners ignore or do not read the instructions for using electronic devices at all. Therefore, it is possible that in the hands of such anglers any technique will be simply useless.