The best fish finder for winter fishing: which one to choose and how to use it

An echo sounder is a fishing measuring device that allows you to study the structure and topography of the bottom of a reservoir. The sensor creates sound waves and sends them into the water column. Echoes are fed back to the device. The study of the water column is carried out using an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. The computer processes the received data and draws a topographic map of the bottom on the screen. The
picture that a high-quality echo sounder “draws” on the screen [/ caption] The presence of an echo sounder allows every angler to:

• find out the depth and topography of the river / pond bottom;
• promptly identify areas of the reservoir in which there is an accumulation of fish;
• find out the approximate size of potential prey, which is especially important for fishermen who hunt for trophies.

The measuring device, which allows you to study the structure and topography of the bottom of the reservoir, makes it possible to quickly find a promising place for fishing.

Types of echo sounders for winter fishing

Echo sounders for ice fishing are divided into groups according to the number of reflective waves. The wider the coverage of the waves, the clearer the image on the display is. However, this may distort information. Images of fish that are not near the hole appear on the screen. Devices by the number of reflection waves are divided into the main types:

1. Single-beam type . The device has one reflective wave. The coverage angle is within 20 °.
2. Double-beam type . The device reflects at 2 frequencies. The coverage angle is within 60 °.
3. Three-beam view . The coverage angle is between 90 ° -150 °.

There are models on sale that are capable of displaying up to 6 waves, but this is a completely useless feature for ice fishing. A stationary sensor cannot show the bottom structure. The most important thing is the presence of a central beam in the device.

Which fish finder for winter fishing is better to choose – what to look for

The echo sounder should be compact so that the angler can easily hold it in his hand. Manufacturers produce models of various sizes:

• hand-held type that fits in a pocket;
• portable, which can be carried in a bag and used at any time of the year;
• tube type that can only be used in the cold season.

When choosing a winter echo sounder, it is recommended to pay attention to:

• the maximum allowable depth of investigation;
• display functionality;
• maximum power of echolocation;
• charging and fixing method;
• level of resistance to low temperatures.

For fishing in the cold season, experts advise purchasing models that consume the least charge.

Advice! For the device to function smoothly, its wires must be insulated with a material that can withstand frost.

An
echo sounder for winter fishing must withstand low temperatures [/ caption]

Ice and under-ice devices

On sale you can find echo sounders for ice use and for ice fishing. Electronics, display and other structural elements of under-ice devices must withstand operation at negative temperatures. Devices must be protected from moisture penetration into the structure. High-capacity batteries are installed on under-ice models.
Fishfinder for ice fishing [/ caption] Over-ice devices must have a high power. To obtain reliable data, it is recommended to give preference to the 1500-2000 watt models. There is no need to submerge the ice device under the ice, however, it is still worth making a small indentation in the ice layer and immersing the device sensor there. How the winter sounder works: https://youtu.be/T0NEilo4Xq0

TOP 10 best echo sounders for ice fishing – a review of devices for ice fishing with prices

Below you can find a rating of the best winter echo sounders as of the 2021 season, allowing you to study the structure and topography of the bottom of the reservoir in the cold season on winter fishing.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175xRU

The screen of a budget dual-beam device is black and white. Diagonal 4 inches. The model allows the fisherman to determine the size of the fish and the depth at which it is located. The viewing angle has been increased to 28 °. The power is 1600 W. The angler can adjust the sensitivity and increase the detail of the bottom. The cost of the device reaches 9500-10000 rubles.

Craft Echo 600 Duo

Simple and convenient dual-beam model. The presence of an audible alarm notifies the fisherman about the appearance of a fish near the hole. The device works great in deep areas of the reservoir. The Craft Echo 600 Duo case is robust enough. The price of the device is 8,000 rubles.

Practitioner 6M

Echo sounder for winter fishing Praktik 6M works perfectly even at temperatures of -35 ° С. The body of this model is shockproof. It is made of durable rubber. If the structure is accidentally dropped into a pond, it will stay on the surface of the water and will not sink. The scanning depth is 25 meters, the viewing angle is 95 °. The device works great even in dark water. The average cost of Practice 6M is 7900 rubles.

Fish finder l4

Fish Finder L4 is a fish finder for ice fishing, which is among the best devices for studying the structure and topography of the bottom of the reservoir. Single-beam camera viewing angle – 45 °. Compact in size, the device is able to distinguish even inactive objects. The backlight function excludes sun glare. The average price of Fish Finder L4 is 2900 rubles.

LUCKY FFW718

The bottom scanning depth is 40 meters. The presence of a single-beam camera provides a viewing angle of 90 °. The echo sounder is able to distinguish inactive objects. It has proven itself to be excellent when working in muddy waters. The diagonal of the black and white screen is 3 inches. The cost of Lucky ffw718 is 5500 rubles.

Lackylaker FFC1108-1

Lackylaker FFC1108-1 is a reliable ice sounder for ice fishing, you can buy from Aliexpress. The sensor is able to detect fish at a distance of 180 meters (as the manufacturer says). The bottom scanning depth is 40 meters. The presence of 3 buttons on the body allows you to control the device. Feedback from fishermen indicates that the Lackylaker FFC1108-1 is able to accurately determine the depth. The cost of the device is 4570 rubles. This model is often promoted. The discounted price is 2330 rubles.

Erchang XF02

The scanning depth is 100 meters. The device can be used at any time of the year. Among the main advantages of Erchang XF02, it is worth highlighting the presence of a long cable, the ability to work with the device even at a temperature of -50 °, an affordable price and firmware in Russian. Erchang XF02 can be purchased for 3330 rubles.

Garmin Striker Plus 4CV – fish finder for use in winter and summer fishing

The device is designed for use at any time of the year. The built-in program allows you to create maps of reservoirs. Garmin Striker Plus 4CV shows the depth of the pond with maximum accuracy. The screen receives information about the size of the fish, its depth and size. When a fish is found, the device beeps. The cost of the Garmin Striker Plus 4CV is 24,500 rubles.

GSMIN WA3 – wireless fish finder for ice fishing

The presence of a blue backlight on the GSMIN WA3 display eliminates the appearance of sun glare. The model is equipped with the ability to dim. Management – touch. The most important functions are located at the top of the screen. GSMIN WA3 can be purchased for 7,600 rubles.

Rivotek F3

The compact model can be carried in your pocket. The presence of a single-beam camera provides a viewing angle of 90 °. The bottom scanning depth is 36 meters. The echo sounder is so sensitive that it can distinguish sedentary objects that are at a distance of 5 cm. The cost of the Rivotek F3 is 7800 rubles.

TOP best wireless fish finders for ice fishing

Wireless devices are very compact. In addition, they are convenient to use. There is no need to waste time connecting wires, which is the main advantage of these models. The best wireless devices to date are the Fish Finder FFW718 Lucky and the Fish Finder FF168W. A couple of seconds after the dive, the device displays information about the water temperature, the depth of the reservoir and the presence of a fish school nearby. The housing of these devices is waterproof. Fish Finder FFW718 Lucky and Fish Finder FF168W can be used by both professional anglers and hobbyists to fish at the local pond.

Echo sounder for winter and summer fishing (two in one) – which models are suitable

In order to use the echo sounder at any time of the year, you need to purchase a universal model. Experts recommend to give preference to devices of good quality, which are distinguished by hypersensitivity. These models include:

• Garmin Echo 550c – a dual-beam model with a 5-inch color display that allows you to pinpoint fish location and approximate prey size as accurately as possible;
• The Lowrance Elite -7 HDI is an image-quality echo sounder that allows you to accurately determine the depth of the reservoir;
• The Lowrance Mark-5x Pro is a two-beam model with a waterproof case that accurately detects the size of fish in the vicinity, the depth of the reservoir and identifies sedentary objects.

The purchase of a universal device can significantly save money.

Rating of budget echo sounders for winter fishing

If you don’t have much money, but you really want to buy an echo sounder, you can pay attention to budget models. Of course, the display of such devices will not be 5-inch, but the device will definitely be able to recognize the depth of the reservoir and find the location of the fish. Inexpensive echo sounders include flashers and devices that reflect information on a smartphone. The best flasher echo sounders are Lucky FF618 Flasher and Lowrance Hook2-4x GPS Bullet. The main advantages of Lucky FF618 Flasher include:

• the ability to adjust the sensitivity level;
• displaying the inhabitants of the reservoir in the form of symbols;
• the presence of the function of sound information about the nearby fish;
• simple menu.

Information display on the smartphone display [/ caption] Among the advantages of Lowrance Hook2-4x GPS Bullet, it is worth highlighting:

• automatic sonar (echo sounder) tuning;
• waterproof case;
• the presence of the function of sound information about the nearby fish;
• the function of identifying the inhabitants of the reservoir.

For fishing in the cold season, you can purchase an echo sounder that transmits information to your phone. The best in this category is the Kediaoren device. The device connected to a smartphone is capable of picking up a signal up to 50 meters from a sound source. Sonar charges quickly. The application is very convenient to work with.

Additional equipment for echo sounders

Going fishing in the cold season, you should not only take a fish finder with you, but also purchase a battery for it in advance. You will also need to take care of the purchase:

• protective cover;
• charger;
• clips for the echo sounder sensor.

Many anglers take with them
underwater cameras , which display information on the screen regarding the structure of the bottom of the reservoir and the fish in the vicinity.

Advice! Do not forget about the ice screw, using which you can make holes.

When choosing an echo sounder, it is worth considering not only the budget, but also the conditions in which it will be used. If you are planning several fishing trips in winter, it makes no sense to purchase expensive options equipped with additional options. However, it is not worth saving on power. It must be at least 1500 watts. In the case when you have to fish on shallow lakes and ponds, experts recommend purchasing single-beam or double-beam models. For fishing in large bodies of water, it is wiser to take a model with a large number of beams.

How to use an echo sounder

Using the cable, you need to lower the sensor into the hole. After a few seconds, the bottom topography and fish swimming nearby will begin to appear on the display. If there are too many signals in the RTS window, experts recommend lowering the sensitivity level. https://youtu.be/IWy6mqdWMbQ Choosing a sonar is a critical moment. There is no rush or desire to purchase an echo sounder as soon as possible. It is important to familiarize yourself in detail with the characteristics of the models you like and only after that make your choice.

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