Echo sounders for fishing in summer and winter, the best models, prices

If you go to the fishing department of any outlet, you can see a huge number of different accessories that facilitate the process of fishing.

Here you can also see echo sounders that help the angler find the places of fish parking. Therefore, it makes sense to dwell on the functionality of this device.

Do anglers need an echo sounder?

According to most fishing enthusiasts, an echo sounder is simply necessary, especially in conditions when there are more and more anglers, and fewer and fewer fish. The echo sounder helps to find fishing spots, and also helps to determine the nature of the bottom of the reservoir and its depth.

To make the echo sounder a real helper, you need to learn how to operate it. Therefore, when choosing an echo sounder for fishing, you need to decide on some factors:

• The depth of the reservoir.
• Device characteristics.
• The cost of the device.

As a rule, echo sounders can be used both when fishing from the shore and from a swimming facility. Depending on the fishing conditions, a device with specific characteristics is also selected. The echosounder transducer can be mounted either on the transom of the boat or on the hull, depending on the design of the boat. Devices mounted on the hull of the boat are characterized by increased strength and power.

The number of beams and viewing angle when choosing an echo sounder

The main technical characteristics of the device depend on the number of rays. To be more precise, this factor affects the scanning angle, or rather, the angle of view of the echo sounder.

According to the presence of scanned beams, echo sounders are divided into four groups:

1. With one beam and a viewing angle of 20 degrees.
2. With two beams and a viewing angle of 60 degrees.
3. The presence of 3 beams gives a viewing angle of 90 to 150 degrees.
4. The presence of 4 beams allows you to get a viewing angle of 90 degrees.

At first glance, the more beams involved in the echo sounder, the better it is. Is it really so? The presence of several rays forms the so-called dead zones in which you cannot see the fish. There is no such drawback in devices that have a narrow viewing angle and only one beam is involved. Such an echo sounder is perfect for both summer and winter fishing.

In addition to the number of beams, the echo sounder is characterized by its operating frequency, which affects its resolution. Most models have an operating frequency of 150 to 200 kilohertz. At the same time, you can find two beam devices, with an operating frequency of 50 and 200 kilohertz. The higher the operating frequency, the better the identification of fish underwater.

Devices with a low operating frequency are characterized by inaccurate readings, especially in the mode of movement of the boat.

Key factors to consider

Every year, the number of new models with various advanced features is growing. To navigate the huge flow of information, you should pay attention to the following sonar indicators:

• The presence of the display. The more pixels the display has, the clearer the image will be. There must be an image quality setting. A fish finder with a small display is more suitable for fishing in one place. For fishing on the move, it is better to take a device with a large screen or with a 3D monitor. It is desirable that the device can work in conjunction with a smartphone, tablet or GPS navigator.
• Sensitivity. A sensitive receiver will pick up very weak signals, which will then be converted into digital signals. The instrument must have a sensitivity setting to adjust in the fields.
• The device must work in any conditions, both day and night.
• Acceptable power transmitted signal, which allows you to find fish at great depths.
• The number of rays. A device with one beam is enough, which more accurately determines the location of the fish.
• Operating frequency. The higher the operating frequency, the greater the resolution of the instrument.
• Shockproof and waterproof case.

When choosing an echo sounder, you should thoroughly study its functionality and purpose.

Dimensions and seasonality of use

An echo sounder is essential for both summer and winter fishing. It will be especially useful in winter when you have to drill a lot of holes in search of fish. At the same time, you never know in which of the holes you can start fishing, which takes a lot of time, since you have to catch each of them.

Echo sounders are divided into:

1. Compact. Not large dimensions allow you to carry the device in your pocket. This device runs on batteries.
2. Portable. Transported in a backpack, suitable for all fishing conditions.
3. Tube. Designed for winter fishing. This device is powered by a battery.

Designs designed to measure depths of no more than 10 meters are equipped with a display based on two fluorescent indicators. Models that can measure depths up to 60 meters have three pointers.

The operating frequency of the devices is 250 kHz and depends on the emitter used.

On battery power:

Instruments designed to measure shallow depths consume about 19 mA, and deep-sea instruments consume about 25 mA.

Overall dimensions and weight depend on the model of the device and its purpose.

Some transom models of fish finders have the function of determining the temperature of the water, which is a very useful feature that determines the prospects for fishing.

You can find models in which communication with the sensor is carried out wirelessly. They are very convenient to use when spinning fishing. Such devices are characterized by special tightness. Despite this, they have a significant drawback associated with a limited service life (400-500 hours), which is determined by the performance of the battery. It cannot be replaced due to the design features.

Tube echo sounders are used in ice fishing conditions. In addition, they can be easily adapted to the boat in summer. They are equipped with an additional side view unit.

The specifics of choosing an echo sounder for summer and winter fishing

As a rule, most designs are designed for summer fishing. Although they can be used in winter fishing conditions, if these are not frequent trips. Still, it is better to give preference to devices designed for winter fishing conditions, since they are more resistant to sub-zero temperatures.

Selection criteria when purchasing an echo sounder

The presence of a large number of models with different prices makes it difficult to choose an “assistant” for fishing. Therefore, it is better to give preference:

• A compact device designed for specific fishing conditions.
• With the presence of a GPS navigator, if you plan to fish in hard-to-reach places.
• With a high-resolution display, which allows you to accurately determine not only the presence of fish, but also its quantity.
• With optimal sensor design. Many models are equipped with sensors with a float, which allows it to be placed strictly horizontally.

Producers and financial policy

Prices for echo sounders depend on many factors, such as overall dimensions, power, number of beams, operating frequency, resolution, and others. In this regard, the prices for echo sounders are divided into 3 categories:

• Devices at low prices. These are echo sounders designed to measure shallow depths and have a monochrome display. In general, they perform their functions.
• Appliances at average prices. These are two-beam structures that can determine not only the location of the fish, but also indicate its size. Suitable for winter fishing.
• Expensive appliances. As a rule, they are used on fishing vessels to scan great depths.

For traditional fishing conditions, compact, inexpensive models are suitable, where a minimum of tasks is set: to determine the bottom topography and find a fish stop. Much also depends on financial capabilities: one angler can buy a compact device with a monochrome display, while another can afford a more powerful, stationary device with a large screen.

Rating of the most popular echo sounders for fishing

Almost all designs allow you to determine the depth of the reservoir, the topography of the bottom and the presence of fish. And yet, it is worth paying attention to the following developments:

Garmin Echo 550c

The echo sounder is equipped with a 5-inch color monitor. Works on the basis of HD-ID target-tracking technology, which allows you to get a clear image of the fish and the bottom of the reservoir. Has two beams and 60 and 120 degree view. Transducer. Has pause and rewind functions.

Lowrance Elite-7 HDI

It has a 7 inch LED display. It works on the principle of Hybrid Dual Imaging, which contributes to a high-quality picture. It has a built-in GPS navigator. With the Insight Genesis feature, you can create your own maps.

Lowrance Mark-5x Pro

Equipped with a waterproof case. Able to maintain performance at temperatures up to -60°C. It has a 5 inch monitor and two beams. Not a substitute for winter fishing.

Eagle Trifinder-2

Designed to determine depths up to 10 meters and is an inexpensive option for fishing.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175xRU Portable

The sensor is designed for two beams: one with a frequency of 400 kHz, and the other with a frequency of 200 kHz. Naturally, there are different viewing angles: 16 and 28 degrees, respectively. Equipped with a lot of features. In Fish ID mode, you can determine the size of the fish. The echo sounder has a durable, waterproof housing. It can be used to fish at night. There is also the possibility of controlling the water temperature.

The presence of an echo sounder for fishing allows you to save a lot of precious time looking for fish. After all, the fish must not only be caught, it must first be found.