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For many anglers since childhood, it has been a dream to know what is hidden in the depths of rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Modern fishing has given a lot of devices for scanning the bottom and the water column, which are called echo sounders. The fish locator is used not so much to search for representatives of the ichthyofauna, as to study the bottom topography, drops and depth. High information content makes it possible to build a map of the reservoir, marking the most promising areas. So how do you choose an echo sounder?
Sonar Selection Criteria
Most anglers in the first time after buying a locator try to track the movements of large fish, but, as a rule, this approach spoils fishing and does not bring results. Experienced spinners use an echo sounder when it is necessary to search for new points: they track relief anomalies and other distinguishing features of the bottom, which can be used to judge the presence of a predator. Buying an echo sounder for fishing from a PVC boat does not mean solving the problem of finding fish.
Before buying, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the products of different brands, the key differences between echo sounders of different lines and price categories. It happens that a simple device is enough without additional functions, which are used only in large water areas or fishing competitions.
The main criteria for selecting a device:
- the number of rays;
- alert function;
- price range;
- brand or company;
- convenient menu;
- moisture resistance;
- echo sounder type;
- method of fastening and shape;
- additional features.
The most popular models have one main sonar (beam). Such products allow you to accurately track what is in the visible (illuminated) beam area under the boat. They are highly informative, transmit accurate data, but have a short range. Echo sounders with additional beams increase the field of view, but they have blind spots and the readings are less accurate.
Photo: spinningpro.ru
The alert function beeps every time a fish appears on the display. This is convenient for several reasons: you do not need to be distracted from the fishing process and monitor the screen, as well as receive information about the possible approach of a predator or peaceful fish to the bait.
The price range is just as important, since echo sounders are not cheap. Many expensive models have a number of features that the average fishing enthusiast will never need, so the high cost does not indicate the optimal choice of the locator. The same can be said about the brand. Of course, big names have a higher demand in the market, but in such cases the angler pays a significant share of the price for the name and not for the product.
Easy navigation is another sign of comfortable use of the echo sounder. The menu can be highlighted, have a high resolution. Also, the display must be waterproof, because sometimes you have to go out on the water in not the best weather.
The type of echo sounder is one of the main selection criteria, since all models are different from each other. Many products connect with a mobile phone, transferring the received data to it.
Additional features can be any functions, for example, GPS, terrain tracking, map building, etc.
Echo sounder classification
In total, there are several types of devices that cover the most popular fishing conditions. Some devices are designed for use from a boat, others – from the shore. There are also echo sounders for winter fishing.
The simplest echo sounders for fishing are considered coastal models. They have a relatively low cost. Such devices consist of two parts: a display that receives and displays information and a scanner that collects this data. With the help of coastal echo sounders, you can find a promising fishing spot: a hole, a river bed, a drop with a hard bottom or a snag. Some rulers have a sound notification, they are able not only to scan the relief, but also to display fish in the water column.
Photo: motorlodok.ru
Данный тип эхолотов прекрасно подойдет для исследования новых участков водоема пешим ходом. Они обладают малой детализацией, но широким углом обзора. Береговое устройство поможет быстрее найти перспективную зону.
More advanced technology is considered echo sounders for boat fishing. They have an appropriate mount on board the floating craft and, as a rule, 2-3 beams for greater information content. Additional sensors allow you to determine the temperature of the water, find a flock of fish or the slightest uneven bottom. These products are more informative and detailed.
With such products you can work at high speed of the boat, they perfectly inform about the change in terrain, and also help to track fish that do not merge with the bottom, as is the case with coastal models.
Universal echo sounders – one of the most expensive options, since such equipment has high performance and is crammed with useful features to the eyeballs. How to use the echo sounder for fishing from a boat or from the shore can be found in the instructions that come with the kit.
Universal models have a number of advantages:
- three-dimensional visualization, they are able to scan a distance of up to 50 m of a reservoir;
- 4 beams allow you to recreate a more accurate and clear picture of what is happening under water, not to mention a large angle of coverage;
- models have the ability to interface with computers, navigators and other equipment;
- moisture-resistant and impact-resistant housing protects against bad weather and accidental damage;
- lighting and other opportunities for fishing in the dark.
In such models, there is often a function of using maps, they are also called chartplotters.
Winter locators have one beam, since the observation is carried out directly from the hole and there is no need for a wide coverage of the water area. As a rule, these products have a display and a sensor that is lowered into the water. They, like other analogues, are capable of signaling the appearance of fish, showing the horizon of its stay (which is important when fishing in a plumb line), transmitting temperature and depth readings, and detailing the bottom topography.
The use of summer models in the harsh winter season is fraught with consequences. Such echo sounders are not designed for use in negative temperatures, so they can fail, show the wrong picture, display noise on the screen, project fish where there is none.
How to use the echo sounder
The echo sounder, like all devices, is activated by the start button. For reliable transmission of information, it is necessary to immerse the sonar with the plane down, parallel to the reservoir. Thus, there will be a clear picture with a correctly set viewing angle. It is necessary to ensure that floating debris does not hit the sensor: branches, plant remains, etc. Air bubbles from the motor or oars can also interfere.
Photo: info-fishfinder.ru
It is worth remembering that even in the top models, the beam does not penetrate through foreign objects, it must be in the water. Professionals often turn off the display of fish in the settings so as not to be tempted to waste time chasing prey on the screen.
When fishing from the shore, the sensor must be delivered to the fishing area. To do this, use a powerful tackle with a strong cord. The received information is transmitted to the screen of the device. The high frequency of radiation allows you to see a more complete picture. These models are able to detect and separate small objects, such as a flock of roach or white bream. They more accurately show the details of the bottom, irregularities and depth differences.
Top models rating
The choice of the best echo sounder is not always influenced by its cost. Often, the device is selected for specific fishing conditions and anglers simply do not need many additional functions. Fishing echo sounders rating was compiled on the basis of practical tests of many models in different fishing conditions. It includes echo sounders for fishing from the shore, boats, universal models and winter locators.
Lowrance FishHunter 3D
The summer model for fishing from the shore is equipped with a three-frequency beam, which displays quite clear information on the smartphone screen about what is happening under water. A powerful scanner allows you to receive data from a depth of 49 m, so the device completely covers all the needs of anglers visiting fresh water. Lawrence can also be used from the boat by dropping it overboard on the rod. The locator displays information about water temperature, depth, presence of fish and distance from the shore.
Garmin STRIKER Cast GPS
Another model for coastal fishing, as well as fishing from a boat. The shock-resistant waterproof case significantly increases the service life of the locator. The wireless model works at a distance of up to 60 m, you just need to deliver the sensor to the fishing area and gradually reel it up, building a map of depths and relief.
The smartphone screen displays not only the type of bottom, but also the fish that is in the scanning area. The model allows you to create a map of the reservoir, as well as share it with other anglers. Also, the sensor shows the temperature of the water and works on a single charge for 10 hours.
Practitioner 7 WI-FI
The wireless locator determines the presence of fish, bottom topography and distance. This model can be used in a wide temperature range from -20 °C to +40 °C, so the sensor works great in winter. The fishfinder is compatible with most mobile devices, the operating time is 7 hours with a full charge of 2,5 hours. The manufacturer also equipped the device with a winter/summer mode, sensitivity adjustment and beam spot projection at the bottom.
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 102sv
Universal echo sounder chartplotter from the expensive segment. The device has a high resolution screen with a diagonal of 10 inches. The maximum scanning depth of the locator reaches 700 m, which makes it an indispensable device in marine fishing conditions. The sonar has 2 beams, main and secondary for higher detail and capture of a larger area.
On the color display there are several pictures that inform about the location, bottom map, depth, water temperature and the presence of fish. The echo sounder is able to work at high boat speed, building a route and recording the received data. The completed map can be saved or shared with other devices.
Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv
Universal locator with bottom and side structure scanning. This echo sounder has a wide viewing angle, it is able to record the route, build a map and display data in real time. The manufacturer leaves the angler to choose from 7 sonar colors, taking care not only of the characteristics, but also of the external design of the device. On the map, you can mark waypoints that will help you not to get lost in large water areas.
The screen displays not only information about what is under water, but also the speed of the vessel. The route can be recorded in advance so as not to waste time and follow it on the water. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network involves additional features of the device.
Garmin Striker 4
The chartplotter as a GPS echo sounder has a number of advantages over similar models from other manufacturers. The diagonal of the color screen is 3,5 inches. The locator is capable of transmitting readings from a depth of up to 458 m. Two beams are built into the device, located at different angles. This allows you to get a more detailed picture of what is happening under water.
On the screen you can see information about the structure of the bottom, irregularities, depth in the zone and the presence of fish. The backlight of the display allows you to use the echo sounder at night, and the built-in GPS will not let you get lost. The device builds routes, indicates points and makes it possible to return in their own footsteps.
Lowrance HDS-9 LIVE
The color waterproof screen with a diagonal of 9 inches transfers all information received from the scanner. The 3D function allows you to view the image in a range of 180° using structured sonar. The real-time tracking function displays a high-resolution picture of the fish that is in the thick. A color chart on the map shows a drop or rise in water temperature, informing the angler.
The device can be connected to a smartphone, it supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology. Lawrence also allows you to record the route traveled, put points on the map and return to them the next time you go out on the water.
Lowrance Elite FS 9
Easy to install and use, the sonar is considered a powerful device for finding fish and scanning the bottom relief structure. High detail makes it possible to trace the reaction of the fish to the bait in high resolution. This technology is the pinnacle of observing underwater inhabitants, it allows not only to track, but also to draw conclusions about the behavior in certain fishing conditions.
Reliable fastenings and the case will provide long service of an echosounder even when working in the most difficult weather conditions. The Lawrence model has wireless connectivity and the ability to share built-in maps of water bodies.
Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 83/200 HDI ROW
The durable screen does not glare in the sun, has a diagonal of 5 inches and transmits a picture in high resolution. Also, the device has moisture resistance and is able to work in extreme situations. The locator allows you to build up to 100 routes, plot points and snap to them by coordinates. This feature will not let you get lost in a large water area and will help you reach a catchy place in any weather.
The menu is in Russian for more information content, its own GPS antenna and a 32 GB media port are additional features of the device. The wide-angle sonar detects fish in real time, so the image is displayed on the screen without delay.
Lowrance HOOK2-4x Bullet
A budget-friendly option with auto-tuning that provides great bottom, depth and fish tracking capabilities. The wideband sensor shows everything that enters the field of view without delay. High detail allows you to build a picture of the water column.
Several fishing modes for more comfort and a water temperature sensor for informational content. A sound signal when a fish appears on the screen informs about a possible bite in the near future.