How to Choose a Fish Finder an In-depth Guide

You can improve your fishing with fishfinders. They assist in locating fish and indicate their depth. You can see that they are very useful devices.

However, how do you pick a fantastic Fishfinder? Well, it all depends on various factors, including:

1. Display
2. GPS Capabilities
3. Water protection
4. Mounting options
5. Transducer
6. Cone angle
7. Frequency
8. Side or down imaging
9. Power requirements
10. GPS and Mapping Capabilities

Given all the factors you must take into account, selecting the best one might take some time. But do not fret. We have your back. You can find a detailed guide to all the features you should look for in your next fish finder in this article. How each affects productivity and how each can help you make the most of your money. Therefore, without further ado. Let’s get going.

Fish Finder Display

Probably the first aspect of any fish finder that you consider is the display. And there is no other way it could be. You can see where the fish are in the water column on the display. Having a good display is essential, then.

Unfortunately, a good display also significantly raises the cost of the device.

Let’s now discuss a few screen-related features.

Black and White Vs Color

The majority of fish finders have a black and white screen. There is nothing like having a colored display, despite the fact that they function just fine. Currently even more so.

Black and white screens typically have issues with brightness and contrast. When the sun is shining directly into the screen, they also become quite opaque.

Colored screens, in general, offer greater contrast and brightness. Additionally, they are still fairly visible in direct sunlight. You will be able to distinguish fish from other underwater structures as a result. Additionally, fishfinders with colored screens even display depths and underwater contours using various colors.

What we’re attempting to communicate to you is whether you should choose a fishfinder with a colored screen.

Brightness and Sunlight

The key to keeping the screen visible all day is adjustable brightness. Unfortunately, not all fish finders have this feature. Only the ones with colored screens typically do.

These screens have the advantage over standard ones because you can change the brightness based on ambient light. For instance, on sunny days, you can turn it up. As an alternative, you can lower it at night to prevent scaring off fish.

Water and Dust Protection

The majority of people believe that all fish finders come equipped with waterproofing. Therefore, it makes sense to spend your money on something that is waterproof. However, how can I tell if my fishfinder is water-resistant?

Well, all you have to do is look at the IP rating. It exhibits both water resistance and intrusion. The number that follows the IP determines the degree of shielding. The first one is about dust defense, and the second one is about water resistance. The key takeaway in this situation is that the more protection is provided the higher the number.

The majority of electronic devices have IPX7 water resistance. The X denotes the highest level of dust protection, and the 7 indicates that the device is protected from immersion up to one meter.

Naturally, the device will cost more the higher the IP rating. However, you can be sure that even if it gets wet, it won’t be harmed.

Portable, Mounted, and Wireless Fish Finders

Fishfinders can be flush-mounted or portable. If you frequently switch between boats or prefer something small, the first one is the better option. They have smaller screens, which is their main flaw. Therefore, you must look for a mounted model if you want something with a large display.

I know. What exactly is a mounted fish finder, you ask? These models must be mounted on a gear track, and the transducer must be passed through the hull. Because of this, we only suggest these fishfinders to avid anglers with their own craft.

The fact that mounted fish finders are typically more accurate than any other model is another vital point to make. The main issue is that you cannot use them while plier or land fishing.

Wireless fish finders are relatively new. They are also very straightforward. They are made up of a ball that is thrown into the water. The ball in question has a built-in transducer that generates the signals needed to find fish. Additionally, you can connect a compatible smartphone or tablet to them using WiFi or Bluetooth.

The main benefit of this type of finder is its versatility. From a fishing kayak, canoe, yacht, plier, or even from the shore, you can use it. But take care. They lack the independence of the other models we’ve talked about. Additionally, as you look for fish, your phone or tablet will be in danger.

Transducer: The Heart of the Fish Finder

Many anglers visit us and inquire about what a transducer is. To just do it. It is a tool that can change one type of energy (input) into another (output). Here, the finder’s transducer converts electrical impulses into sound waves. Once the waves encounter an object, they then return to the transducer.

Depending on the brand and model, the transducer changes. Some people employ multiple frequencies. Others employ various cone anglers. This obviously has a significant impact on both detail and reach. In the sections that follow, we’ll go into more detail on this.

Fish Finder Cone Angles

You now understand that sound waves are generated by the transducer. The frequency and cone angle of the aforementioned sound waves affect their range. We will discuss the latter in this section.

For covering large areas, broad cone angles are helpful. However, as you might expect, the waves cannot move farther up the water column. Because of this, many companies, including Lowrance and Garmin, attempt to use multiple cone angles. By doing this, they can cover a substantial portion of the lake or river and still give you enough detail.

Fish Finder Frequency

As we’ve already mentioned, frequency has an impact on both specifics and reach. Additionally, it affects autonomy.

The majority of fish finders operate between 50 and 200 kHz. Simply put, low-frequency fish finders create fewer waves, and that’s all you need to know. They can therefore move farther up the water column. They also consume less energy. The battery will last longer as a result.

High-frequency fish finders, on the other hand, generate more sound waves. They produce a more precise image as a result. Unfortunately, the waves require more power and don’t travel as far.

Most affordable options employ a single cone and frequency setup. High-end models, however, typically combine various frequencies with various cone angles to create a better image. To extend the range of the waves without sacrificing detail, some manufacturers, for instance, might pair a high-frequency transducer with a narrow cone angle.

Side or Down Imaging

An additional essential component of any fish finder is side and down imaging. What does it mean, though? The term “side-scan” describes the finder’s capacity to scan the area surrounding the transducer. Down imaging, in contrast, refers to the sonar’s capacity to scan what is beneath it.

It goes without saying that both are equally crucial. The majority of options provide both scanning techniques because of this.

Power Requirements

The majority of fish finders on the market are run by AAA batteries. These frequently have small displays, only support one frequency, and have fewer features. High-end fish finders, on the other hand, can be connected to an external power source. You won’t have to be concerned about running out of batteries in the near future thanks to this.

It goes without saying that anything that can be powered by an external power source will also cost more. However, if you are an avid fisherman and have your own craft, there is no justification for purchasing one of these.

GPS and Mapping Capabilities

Fish finders are designed to find fish, but some of them also have GPS, mapping, and waypoint storage capabilities. Devices with these features come with a higher price tag by default than those without. However, they will be worthwhile.

Why? Well, picture yourself in the great outdoors, at a popular fishing location. If you don’t have a map or GPS, how can you save it for later? Fish finders with GPS, mapping and waypoint storage can help in this situation. You can bookmark the location and return at a later time.

Choosing Your Next Fish Finder

There is a ton of information to take in when it comes to fish finders. However, if you’ve read this far, you already know the information. As a result, you are in a position to choose your purchase with confidence. But we’ll do a quick summary just to be sure.

The most important features to consider when selecting your new fish finder are the fish finder frequency, cone angle, side or down imaging, power needs, display, and waterproofing.

Try to get one with a built-in GPS system and waypoint storage if you can afford it. You won’t be sorry.

Also Read – Best Fishing Reels for Any Situation- Reviews & Buying Guide