How to Choose a Fish Finder That is Right for You
The Ultimate Guide 2023
If you are on a quest to find the right fish finder, we got you covered. In recent years, there have been massive developments in marine electronics with many added features to help you find your perfect catch.
However, if you are new to the angling lifestyle, finding the right fishfinder can be daunting.
To make your experience on the water exciting, we put together a guide on fish finders that covers various aspects and functionalities.
Types of Fish Finders
- 2D Sonar: One of the earliest varieties of sonar, 2D sonar uses lower frequency sound waves (50 kHz-200 kHz) in the form of a cone beneath the boat. Although this type of fish finder is not equipped with the highest imaging technology, you can still see images below your boat, and it can give you enough detail to find a suitable fishing spot.
- Down Imaging: Down Imaging uses a higher frequency (455 kHz–800 kHz) narrow beam. It gives you high-resolution picture-like images of structures that are focused straight underneath your boat. Down Imaging returns are oriented identically to traditional 2D sonar returns – with the most up-to-date information appearing on the right side of the screen.
A combination of 2D Sonar and Down Imaging works best if you want to harness the strengths of both types of sonar in parallel. - Side Imaging: Side Imaging uses higher frequencies (455 kHz – 800 kHz) to provide you with exact readings and images of underwater objects. The transducer uses sound waves that cover both sides of your boat and show you accurate information about the bottom structure and contour.
Side imaging works best at speeds under 10 miles per hour. This will get you the clearest images of the bottom and will locate fish efficiently.
When reading the screen, keep in mind –- The center dark portion of the screen represents the column of water below your boat.
- The light portions on the far left and right of the screen show you the bottom below and to the left and right of your boat.
- Side imaging is a record of the water and terrain your boat has already passed over.
- Live Sonar (Panoptix, Mega Live, Active Target): Live Sonar is state-of-the-art technology that gives you the ability to see fish, structures, and your lure in real time. Anglers can even watch fish on-screen as they move in to bite their lure. This new sonar technology delivers clarity and detail of down and side imaging but in live action.
- GPS Fish Finder : Many fish finders come equipped with a powerful Precision GPS receiver. It offers fast position fixes that are accurate within 2.5 meters. Most fish finders with GPS units have built-in automapping software that can create highly detailed maps of your favourite fishing places in real time.
Additional to location finding, you can also track your course, and map spots, structures, and hazards. Many GPS units can use map cards with bathymetric maps loaded on them for popular waterbodies. - Castable Sonar: This portable wireless sonar can be used from anywhere either on the water or casting from the shore with no trouble. It projects information directly onto your smartphone or a tablet letting you see the information on a screen.
What type of fish finder should you use?
There are many fish finders in the market with various features and price ranges. Consider what suits you the best.
If you have any questions regarding fish finders, you can visit the nearest Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Canada store and our expert staff will help you.
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