Fish Finders

Here is some information about fish finders:

 

What is a Fish Finder?

 

A fish finder is a sonar device used on boats to detect and display underwater objects, such as fish, structure (rocks, weeds, etc.), and the bottom contour. It works by transmitting sound waves into the water and interpreting the echoes that bounce back. 

 

How Fish Finders Work:

 

    Transducer: A transducer is mounted on the boat's hull or towed behind it. It emits sound waves into the water.  

 

Echoes: When the sound waves encounter an object (fish, structure, bottom), they bounce back as echoes. 

Reception: The transducer receives these echoes. 

Processing: The fish finder's electronics process the echoes to determine the distance, size, and location of the objects. 

Display: The information is displayed on the fish finder's screen as a visual representation. 

 

Types of Fish Finders:

 

    Traditional Sonar: Displays a simple depth reading and shows fish as arches on the screen.

    Down Imaging Sonar: Provides a near-photographic, two-dimensional image of the underwater structure directly beneath the boat.  

 

Side Imaging Sonar: Scans the water to the sides of the boat, creating a picture of the underwater landscape. 

 

    3D Imaging Sonar: Combines down and side imaging to create a three-dimensional view of the underwater environment.

 

Key Features to Consider:

 

    Display Size and Resolution: Larger screens with higher resolution provide more detail.  

 

Sonar Frequency: Higher frequencies offer better target resolution but have shorter ranges. Lower frequencies penetrate deeper but have lower resolution. 

GPS Integration: Allows you to mark waypoints, track your course, and create maps. 

Mapping Capabilities: Some fish finders can create detailed maps of the lake or river you are fishing. 

Portability: If you plan to use the fish finder on multiple boats or from shore, portability is important. 

 

Popular Fish Finder Brands:

 

    Garmin

    Lowrance  

 

Hummingbird

Raymarine 

 Lucky

 

Tips for Using a Fish Finder:

 

    Adjust sensitivity: To minimize interference and noise.  

 

Experiment with different angles: To find the best view of the underwater structure.

Mark waypoints: To easily return to productive fishing spots. 

Learn to interpret the display: To identify fish, structure, and bottom contours.
 

 

Fish-finder, also called Netsonde, is a high-frequency sonar device used to locate fish underwater by detecting reflected pulses of sound. It transmits sound waves downward and receives echoes from the bottom of the water body, or from any intervening object or fish.

Modern fish-finders display measurements of reflected sound on a graphical display, enabling anglers to locate schools of fish, depth of fish, underwater debris, and the depth of water body. Many have been developed with integrated systems like the GPS, electronic compasses, and radar, making the device even more reliable.

Two different types of fish-finders are commonly used. A simple “echo sounder” that transmits sound waves directly downward from the ship/boat and indicates the depth of the water as well as the presence of fish. More complex fish-finding sonars send signals in all directions, covering a much wider area and providing more extensive information about the location of schools of fish.

Portable or Fixed Fish Finders

 There are different types of fish finders. Having a portable fish finder comes with many advantages and their versatility allows for you to enjoy fishing for all types of fish. They are also lighter weight and simple to transport no matter where you will be going. Another advantage is that you can move the finder to different areas around the boat. Fixed fish finders are usually found on larger fishing boats. Usually, they are more high-tech and the GPS maps may be more reliable.

 

When determining which fish finder is the best for you, consider first what type of fisherman you are. If you are an occasional or recreational fisherman then the best finder for you will most likely be portable. If you are an early morning or evening fisherman, it is important to look for a fish finder with a back-lit screen. Also take into consideration the size of the screen on your finder. A good mid-range screen size would be a 9” screen. The larger the screen, the more information you can view at one time. For smaller boats like kayaks that are closer to the water, you would need a smaller, lightweight finder that is waterproof.

Installing the fish finder

  • Mount the transducer on the right location or at the place with the constant connection of water
  • Test the wires carefully as the performance may degrade when placed close to the engine wiring
  • Mount the device with a plastic block just underneath it 
  • Run the wires by attaching it to the battery from the main device

 

Some of the Best Fish Finders on the market are

  • Lowrance Hook 3X Sonar 
  • Humminbird HELIX 5 Fish Finder
  • Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit
  • Lowrance HOOK2 5 Fish Finder
  • Garmin Striker 4
  • Humminbird Piranha MAX 4 Fish Finder
  • Humminbird Helix 7