How to choose an echo sounder for fishing – inexpensive, top-end, with a camera

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing, rating of echo sounders for fishing, reviews and prices – echo sounder dipper, lawrence, garmin and other models. Fishing is still a popular hobby for many people because it allows you to spend time outdoors with friends, or alone, which is no less good. Some people worry about the process, while others like to show off their fish. Regardless of preferences, the equipment for each angler will be different, and the choice of an echo sounder must be approached with special attention.

What is an echo sounder, why is it needed for fishing

Experienced anglers are guided by their experience before casting a spinning rod, or choosing a place to fish. In some cases, everything goes well, and sometimes you need to look for a place to fish. This is where an echo sounder comes in handy. The main task of this device is to give the angler an idea of ​​the characteristics of the reservoir and show the bottom topography. Finding the fish is the next priority. The portable echo sounder shows the bottom topography, while the stationary chart is provided as a 3D image. It can determine the density and uniformity of the seabed, which helps fishermen understand what is best to use for catching fish. The device saves the fisherman a lot of time when looking for the optimal fishing spot, which is a line between horizontal and inclined surfaces – a place where the depth and relief change. The echo sounder is useful for both beginners, and for experienced anglers for several reasons. It gives an idea of ​​the bottom topography, its density and uniformity. This knowledge can significantly reduce the time spent looking for places to cast gear. Such a device is especially relevant in places unfamiliar to fishermen. It can also be used to detect fish and various objects in the water. After scanning the fishing area, it will be possible to avoid many unproductive casts, saving time and increasing the chances of success. Thanks to this, fishing becomes more efficient. The principle of operation is based on multiple signal transmission into the water column. When the signal hits an object such as a fish or the bottom, it is reflected and transmitted back to the screen of the equipment. Sonar data is processed in accordance with the algorithm and converted into information for display on the display. This algorithm is based on the speed at which sound travels through water. Knowing this speed and the time it takes to send and receive a signal, you can measure the distance to an object that reflects the signal.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing – what parameters to look for

The main characteristics of an echo sounder are the maximum angle and frequency of the beam. The larger the angle, the larger the scanning cone and the higher the chance of finding fish. Wide beams have a drawback – debris and other objects can be in their radius of action. Narrow beams are more sensitive and pass mostly under the sensor.
Beam frequency is the strength of the signal emitted by the transducer. This affects the possibility of deep scanning. Therefore, it is better to choose a multibeam or common beam probe with good depth range and beam width. When choosing
a winter echo sounderpay attention to the operating temperature range. They usually start at -10°C. However, the water temperature does not drop below zero, so this value is only applicable to the air environment. Do not leave the sensor wet in the cold for longer than the instructions. The sonar display first shows depth (in meters) and temperature (in degrees Celsius).

In budget models, you should also consider the presence of a high-quality screen and size. Budget models of echo sounders often do not have their own screen, but transmit information to a smartphone or tablet. The screen size must match the size of the gadget. The built-in screen must be at least four inches or the image will be too small. The number of rays is another important factor. In cheap models, it is one, and in top models – up to five or six. The more beams and the wider the viewing angle, the more complete the scan. Also, the lower the frequency, the better the scan quality. Below is the rating and price of budget echo sounder models available for purchase.

Model name	Rating	Price
Practitioner 7 WI-FI	4.5	From 12200 rub.
LUCKY FL218CS	4.6	From 5190 rub.
Deeper Start	4.5	From 9400 rub.

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What is the advantage of a fish finder over an underwater camera when it comes to fishing

In the winter months, anglers use special underwater winter echo sounders. Under such conditions, it will be quite difficult to use the camera in murky or choppy water. In such cases, winter echo sounders with a minimum beam frequency are recommended. The high frequency ultrasonic signals are scattered due to the bubbles generated by the strong flow.
In the sea, at the same time, the density of the water changes, so higher frequency beams are ineffective, since interference will occur more often, and therefore the information will be inaccurate. The advantage of a wired icefishing echo sounder over a wireless one is the refresh rate. In winter, the fish must come to the hole, which means that the display time of the data plays a big role.

Fish finder for PVC boats – what to look for

For boats made of PVC, it is better to choose an inexpensive model that allows you to detect fish and determine the structure of the bottom in the water column. These boats have a shallow draft and low speed, so there is no need for an expensive special echo sounder with many additional features. The device is portable and can be connected to a mobile phone or tablet. Boat echo sounders have various mounting options. For inflatable boats, it is best if the model is fixed on board. Transversely mounted echo sounders usually require holes for fixing, which creates additional difficulties. https://tytkleva.net/lodki-i-osnashhenie/lowrance-hook2-4x-gps-bullet.htm

Echo sounder for fishing from the shore – principles of choice and models

An echo sounder for fishing from the shore makes it much easier to find promising fishing spots. The device allows you to get the most clear idea of ​​the surface structure of the bottom of a lake or river, the depth of the reservoir in the place of fishing and information about the presence of fish in the place where the echo sounder was abandoned. When purchasing equipment for coastal fishing, it is advisable to know more about the main parameters that affect its operation:

1. The range of the sensor . Determines the range of the sensor at a distance from the coast. In most cases, devices are produced with a sensor range of 30-70 meters.
2. Power supply . There is a rule of thumb when choosing an acoustic sonar: “choose a high sensitivity receiver with a powerful transmitter”. This means that a weak signal and poor reception of information makes it difficult to get a clear image in the monitoring equipment. However, even with a sufficiently strong signal, uncomfortable moments may occur, such as data distortion on the screen, so it is recommended to choose equipment with a power control function.
3. Acoustic signal system . This is an additional function of the device, which informs the angler about the presence of the object of fishing using acoustic signals.
4. viewing angle . The search area is adjustable; the larger the angle, the wider the field of view.
5. Color scale and display resolution . These criteria provide a characteristic insight into the underlying structure and topography.
6. Sensor installation . Echo sounders can be equipped with appropriate attachments, such as pole-mounted or hand-operated attachments, to facilitate operation.
7. Moisture protection . Some models from this set are equipped with a special case to protect the device from temperature extremes and moisture.
8. Backlight . The fish finder can be equipped with LED lighting for convenience when fishing at night.

https://tytkleva.net/snaryazhenie-i-oborudovanie/exolot-deeper-smart-fishfinder.htm Below is an overview of the most popular models in this range:

1. GARMIN STRIKER PLUS 5CV . One of the best sonar options for shore fishing. Waterproof device. Included accessories: power cord, swivel mount, fittings, sticker. Built-in mapping software allows you to create and save 1-foot contour maps of up to 2 million acres.
2. Humminbird PiranhaMAX 230 Portable . Wireless device, originally designed for sea fishing. Performance features include a shooting depth of up to 36 meters and a transmission range of up to 40 meters. Among the advantages are the bottom scan and the zoom function.
3. Humminbird Smartcast RF35e . Especially effective when fishing from the shore. Operational characteristics: shooting depth up to 35 m, scanning angle 90°, transmission distance 22 m, projection distance 45 m, single beam (scanning one surface). When the transducer is at a certain point, the image displayed on the screen will be below the area that the sonar can cover. To shoot at a closer location, the sensor must be pulled up to the desired position.

https://tytkleva.net/snaryazhenie-i-oborudovanie/garmin-striker-plus-4cv.htm Finally, when purchasing an echo sounder for fishing in the coastal zone, it is necessary to determine what characteristics the device should have. Sure, the cheaper models are attractive, but the extra features will make fishing much easier. The choice of a multifunctional device is desirable, provided that fishing is at the top of the list of other types of recreation, namely for true fishing enthusiasts. In addition, the presence of additional functions (for example, sound signals, night lighting, special stands, etc.) increases the comfort of use. How to choose an echo sounder for fishing, types, features and principles of operation of echo sounders: https://youtu.be/sem3zDMi3-Y

Echo sounder with camera for fishing

In recent years, equipment using a combination of acoustic depth sounders and underwater cameras has appeared in the fishing tackle industry. Such devices can combine visual and screen positioning signals. A positioning system equipped with an imaging unit can provide an overview of the signals from each unit. With sonar data and the right configuration, a complete spatial water map can be obtained. If the only goal is to fish, sonar is sufficient to indicate the location of the target. If the goal is to visually observe the behavior of the fish, an underwater camera should be used. Both devices can be used separately, but there are also products that display scans and underwater images on the same screen.

TOP best echo sounders

Below are the best models of echo sounders:

1. Lowrance HOOK2 4x GPS Bullet . A simple and affordable echo sounder for year-round fishing. This model can also be used in winter mode. The device operates at temperatures from -15ºC to +55ºC. The device operates at a frequency of 200 kHz and scans the bottom in a wide range to a depth of 152 m. All basic functions are available at the touch of a button, which significantly reduces the time of passive work. The device has no critical defects, the only minor drawback noted by buyers is the long sensor cable.

2. Raymarine Dragonfly 5PRO . Equipped with C-MAP, Navionics and LightCharts charts, it is ideal for fishing. This is not just an echo sounder, but a full-fledged navigation system and a device for building maps. The Wi-Fi module allows the device to connect to multiple tablets and smartphones at the same time. This is useful when there is a group of people fishing and all of them need to display images from underwater. The device is relatively easy to use. The device automatically adapts to external conditions, so the user does not have to use manual settings. However, convenience comes at a cost, which buyers say is high.

3. Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot . The device is equipped with a high-quality SolarMAX color display, a new color palette, GPS, built-in CHIRP, support for C-Map and Navionics, as well as automatic adjustment of the echo sounder to changing conditions. The user interface is simple and intuitive from the start. On the right side of the screen, there are several physical buttons for control. Experienced anglers will appreciate the versatility of this tool as it can be used all year round in a variety of waters. The only downside is the high price as the device is fully functional and has excellent image quality.

https://tytkleva.net/lodki-i-osnashhenie/exolot-praktik-6m.htm Fishing without an echo sounder is a thing of the past as modern and technologically advanced equipment has made fishing much more efficient. These devices accurately scan the surface of the water and transmit the data as images to a smartphone or built-in display.

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