Fish finder for a smartphone: the best echo sounders for fishing on your phone

What is a smartphone echo sounder and how does it work?

A phone echo sounder is a small device, usually in the shape of a ball. Visually, it looks a bit like a Pokemon catching device.

The echo sounder has a durable, moisture-proof housing that is quite difficult to damage. Inside there is a battery and a converter. The last component is the most important. The sensor emits echolocation, that is, it sends a signal to the bottom, and then receives and processes the reflected signal.

The mobile echo sounder is used as follows:

The device is attached to a fishing line or rope and immersed in water.
While on the surface of the water, the fish finder sends ultrasonic signals down and reads the fish's location and topography.
At the same time, the gadget transmits information to the user’s smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It should be noted that Wi-Fi fishing devices are capable of transmitting information over a greater distance.
The fisherman, looking at the image that comes from the echo sounder, makes an informed decision about the location.

A mobile fish finder is especially effective during winter fishing, since fish tend to be crowded at this time of year.

How to choose a fish finder for a smartphone for fishing

Among the criteria that you should pay special attention to when choosing an echo sounder are the following:

Energy efficiency . The most important indicator is that fishing is not usually a party for several hours. It is better to take with you an echo sounder with a battery capacity of at least 700-800 mAh. This capacity is enough for approximately 8 hours of continuous use. However, it should be remembered that during winter fishing the battery power is consumed more intensively - on average by 15%.
Radiation frequency . It doesn't matter how long the sonar can work without recharging if the smartphone screen shows an image in which nothing is visible. Radiation frequency is a parameter responsible for the quality and reliability of transmitted information. The standard is 125 kHz, but anything above 100 kHz is acceptable.
Scan depth . It is difficult to give approximate values here - only the fisherman knows how deep the body of water he is going into is. From experience we can say that a scanning depth of 50 meters is usually sufficient for most anglers.
GPS availability . The GPS module allows you to mark on the map the place where the ideal bite was, so that the angler can return to it in the future.

How the device works

Perhaps, from all of the above, it still hasn’t become clear how an echo sounder works when paired with a smartphone. Now we will try to fix this. Firstly, let's say that there are a lot of models of echo sounders, but the principle of their operation is the same. Secondly, you need to understand the difference between a landline and a wireless device. In our case, we are looking at the second option. Each sonar sends data collected from pulse sensors. They are processed programmatically and, as a result, information is displayed on the smartphone screen. Exactly how it was said earlier.

Basic data - diving depth, bottom topography and fish activity - are collected using a transducer, which was mentioned just above. This is a special emitter sensor that sends signals at a certain frequency. They are reflected from physical objects and returned to the device. It is on their basis that all data is collected.

We also note that you can programmatically change the parameters of both the interaction of the smartphone with the echo sounder and the device sensors themselves. Therefore, you will need to perform customization to get as much accurate information as possible. But there are expensive sonar models that automatically configure all the basic parameters and change them depending on the situation, for example, the frequency of sending signals.

As a result, the user sees all the collected information on the screen of his smartphone, and based on it, he adopts a further fishing strategy. An echo sounder together with Deeper is a great way to quickly determine whether it’s worth fishing in a chosen place or whether it’s better to move to another one where there are more fish.

The best models of echo sounders for smartphones

There are a lot of models, but only a few are popular among them. We present the 3 best echo sounders according to our version:

Deeper Smart Fishfinder

Estonian company Deeper is a key player in the market of fishing devices for smartphones, with several notable models in its catalogue. Fishfinder is a two-beam echo sounder. The first transmitter, operating at 90 kHz, generates general day information. The second, at 290 kHz, provides more detailed data. In particular, it can detect fish even at a distance of 3-4 cm from each other. The echo sounder is suitable for winter fishing (works at -20°C), one charge lasts for 4 hours of continuous operation. The disadvantages are the high cost (about 12 thousand rubles) and black color. It looks solid, but fish finders with bright colors are more noticeable.

Vexilar SP 100

This fish finder looks rather frivolous, but it is impossible not to notice it. The maximum depth at which Vexilar “sees” is 90 meters. The radiation power is 400 W. The scanning frequency is 125 kHz. The model can scan the bottom topography, the depth of the fish and its size. The device is suitable for winter fishing - the permissible temperature is from -20 to +40 degrees. Such a device costs a little more than 10,000 rubles.

Practitioner 7 Wi-Fi

This is an option for those who prefer to support the domestic Praktik 7 Wi-Fi echo sounder - long operating time on a single charge. In fact, it lasts for 7 hours of continuous fishing, and there is a quick charge option that will replenish the capacity for 3 hours in 15 minutes. This model is backlit, which allows it to be used in the dark. The scanning depth is 25 meters, there is a function for mapping the depth of the tank. The communication range is 80 meters. The scanning frequency is 250 kHz. Operating temperature - from -20 to 40 degrees. The price is also about 10,000 rubles.

Where and when are wireless echo sounders used?

An echo sounder is used to measure the depth of a river using a reflected signal when fishing from the shore or boat. The device consists of an indication mechanism and a sensor. To find out whether there are fish in this area, the sensor is fixed on a fishing line and thrown into the river.

When the device falls into a body of water, it begins to function due to the fact that when it gets into the water, its contacts are activated.

The sensor turns on and transmits data via a radio channel. You can use a smartphone as a receiver. And the sensor moves towards the shore, scans the bottom topography and the depth of the reservoir.

Varieties

There are different types of echo sounders, which are divided depending on the fishing conditions and method of use.

The following varieties exist:

Universal. They are used for fishing from the shore and boat. They scan the depth of the river, the bottom surface, and display the data on the screen. Such devices are expensive.
Standard. They are used for fishing from the shore. These devices have a wide range of capabilities, but are much cheaper and therefore accessible to many.
Compact. They have a compact form, but support fewer functions. But still, these devices are widely used and their cost is low. Such models are purchased mainly by amateur fishermen, because... they perform their main purpose well - searching for fish.

There are echo sounders for winter fishing, for summer fishing, and products that can be used both in summer and winter.

Inexpensive models that do not require a smartphone

Lucky FF916

The wireless beacon is a new product from the manufacturer Lucky; a smartphone is used as a screen on which the program is downloaded. The float is shaped like a sphere in which the ion battery is located. A full charge allows you to use the fish finder for a long time while fishing.

The device is used both in summer and winter. The sensor allows you to assess the condition of the bottom even through ice without using a hole. To operate the device, you must download the “WIFI FISH FINDER” program. The program is in Russian and allows you to display color images.

Peculiarities:

depth up to 45 meters;
temperature -10 degrees;
fish size indication;
image scale;
Russian menu;
transmission distance up to 70 meters;
viewing angle 90 degrees;
weighing 85 grams.

The cost is 4,200 rubles.

Echo sounder PHIRADAR

The wireless sonar is equipped with a special antenna, which allows you to increase the radius of the transmitted signal. The rubber housing of the sensor protects the device from moisture.

The fish finder can be used with the included device to display all the information, or connected to a mobile phone or tablet. To connect the device, you need to download a program to recognize the transmitted signal.

Peculiarities:

wireless communication;
depth up to 73 meters;
viewing angle 90 degrees;
the sensor contains a lithium battery;
sensitivity can be adjusted;
Can be used in winter at temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius.

Cost from 8,000 rubles.

WATCH RADAR echo sounder

The sonar can transmit signals over a distance of up to 100 meters. The sensor is accompanied by a special remote control in the form of a wristwatch. Information is transmitted via a Wi-Fi connection. It can be used at depths of up to 70 meters.

Specification:

scanning angle is 90 degrees;
menu in Russian;
lithium battery;
can operate at temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius;
frequency 125 kHz.

The cost is 7,800 rubles.

Power supply system

The lack of wires causes one of the main disadvantages of such sonars. The fact is that fishing is a long process, and the autonomy of wireless electronics is always limited to a few hours. The sensors are equipped with batteries with an average capacity of 500-1000 mAh. Although in standby mode the device can remain potentially ready for use for several days, the active operating format consumes energy in 8-10 hours. This applies to models with 700-800 mAh batteries. We are talking about average indicators, since the rate of reduction in battery capacity will also be affected by weather conditions. For example, a winter echo sounder for a smartphone consumes 15-20% more energy, which should be taken into account. Some manufacturers also provide several batteries in one set. Moreover, depending on the format of the battery, it may be possible to recharge it from a car cigarette lighter. In this case, you can ensure an almost non-stop scanning process by charging and changing batteries.

Reviews from fishermen

WATCH RADAR is an excellent device, especially for anglers who are not yet experienced enough. I have been using this device for a long time at different times of the year. In the summer I cast a fishing rod. In winter, you can perform diagnostics through the ice. To do this, place the sensor in a bag of water. My advice is to try it.
Oleg

I used a Garmin fish finder for a long time, it worked constantly, but recently it broke. Now I want to try FIRADAR, I studied reviews on the Internet, many write that the device is of high quality.
Vladimir

I believe that using a fish finder while fishing is not only disruptive and distracting, but also reduces the enjoyment of the fishing process. Perhaps such a device is necessary for professional fishing, but for spectators it is a useless thing.
Anton

Using echo sounders using mobile devices is very convenient, just download the application and use it. Moreover, almost every person always has a mobile device with them.
Maksim

I use Lucky FF916 for fishing from a boat, the image quality is high. You can track the fish and avoid disturbance at the bottom of the pond. In addition, the sensor is small in size and has a special storage case to prevent possible damage.
Victor

Wireless fishing echo sounders are gaining popularity and are increasingly being used by outdoor enthusiasts. This is primarily due to ease of use. In addition, using your phone, you can not only monitor the received data, but also control the device.

WI-FI echo sounder FF916 LUCKYLAKER

Hello. I’ve wanted an echo sounder for a long time, but it was either wired, laziness, or work. Time passed, technology developed. So I ended up with a wi-fi echo sounder, and even with a surprise. The desire to purchase an echo sounder first appeared after a review by user vb

to a simpler model. But years later, I realized that: - I don’t want to put up with a small screen - I don’t want to carry unnecessary devices - no batteries (although there are already versions with built-in lithium and even color ones)

The choice fell on the wi-fi version, since all my wishes were taken into account. I paid on 11/01/2016, and the seller sent it 4 days later by Swedish Post (he cited some problems due to the lithium battery), and on 11/23/2016 the package was waiting for me at the post office. But I was pleased with the delivery. If only it were always this fast. The post office assures that the parcel took 15 days to arrive. The parcel arrived in this form. I don’t know what the seller was afraid of, but he packed it in 3 such packages. So during a flood the packaging will not be damaged. When I finally stripped the box, I stole all the plastic. Then he discovered that there was something wrong with her. There was a strange hump, which will be discussed towards the end.

Inside is a beautiful glossy box

On the reverse side: PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: 1) Compatible with Android/ios system 2) Working depth: up to 45 m) 3) Sensor frequency: 125 kHz 4) Sensor coverage: 90 degrees 5) WI-FI operating range: 50 m 6) WI-FI frequency: 2.4GHz 7) Power: 3.7V lithium battery Charger: 5V 1Amp 9) Charging indicator: red light 10) Operation indicator: blue light 11) Operating time: 5 hours when fully charged

On the Internet they write the following
Distinctive features:
1: Wireless Wi-Fi technology 2: Communication radius of the sensor with the device is 50M.
3: Detects fish location, depth, temperature in fresh and sea water 4: Can be used at a depth of up to 45 meters 5: Built-in water temperature sensor 6: Fish symbol and bottom contour drawing in real time. 7: Can find and display one or more fish with fish size indication 8: Fish detection alarm, and water level alarm. (to prevent the boat from running aground) 9: 90 degree beam angle 10: Fully waterproof hull. 11: Can be used in the ocean, river or lake, powered by 3.7V built-in lithuim battery Specifications:
1: Sonar frequency: 125KHz 2: Sonar beam angle 90 degrees 3: Operates at depth: 0.6M-45M (2ft - 130 ft) 4: Power: 3.7 V rechargeable lithuim battery 5: Charging indicator: red light 6: Working indicator: blue light Echo sounder weight: 80g But for the same version in a different package and poorer configuration they write that:

The sensor can establish a connection with five devices simultaneously, but in this case only one of them will transmit a signal without slowdown.

Maybe I have a more recent version and this has been fixed, or maybe that’s why they gave me a gift.
The effect of viewing angle can be seen in this picture.

The maximum depth also depends on the frequency.

Inside, the main box can be pulled out to the top/bottom.

But it only opens from the top. Inside is another box (a whole quest, but good as a gift). At the top there are instructions in Russian (everything is not so sad) In principle, everything is clear, but it will not be superfluous.

20 page instructions

Everything is beautifully and neatly packed in foam rubber

1 charger for 220 volts 1 car charger 1 usb-micro usb cable 54 cm long “from edge to edge” 1 echo sounder 1 carrying bag 2 spare covers (+1 already on the echo sounder. As a result, 2 green ones that are poorly translucent and 1 transparent)

The chargers are like this

And for electricians and lovers of dismemberment there is

surprise.

The complete folder is here yadi.sk/d/qTvQlXzRzbW2d there is the same thing, but you can look “larger” Everything is on glue, but in 220 there is very little of it. First, automotive.

Then at 220

Under the cover there are 2 indicators, a rubber button (light-accumulating) and a micro usb cap closed with a plug (I lost the plug on the same day and don’t see much point in it) When turned on, it lights up bright blue. During charging, red (illuminates the ceiling at night) and goes out, when charging is complete.

In the photo above you can see a small groove for the rubber seal. Green covers almost do not transmit the light of the indicator, and the seller writes that “green is for night fishing, and transparent is for daytime fishing.” But I would wear green only for winter fishing, so that it doesn’t shine in my eyes. Elastic diameter 28.5 mm, thickness 2 mm, height 3 mm. Soft, elastic. The diameter of the lid itself is 33mm, thread 26mm, internal 22mm, height 13mm. There is corrugation and “coin-shaped” to make it easier to unscrew the lid. I can easily unscrew it by hand. There were no problems with tightness. Plastic is similar to ABS

“impact-resistant technical thermoplastic resin based on a copolymer of acrylonitrile with butadiene and styrene”

ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABS plastic Edge size 67mm, edges 12 pcs. Although thanks to us it turned out to be more airtight (the gluing area is larger), inserting it into the case is not so convenient (the neck may spread) Just below the middle there is an attachment point for casting. Wall thickness 2.5 mm

About 1 cm from the bottom, there are contacts that turn on the echo sounder. It is enough to close them with your finger or water.

I did not disassemble the echo sounder. I wanted to carefully “file” it, but I realized that then I most likely wouldn’t be able to glue it together until it was tight. For this reason there are only 2 photos of the filling.

You can see a close-up at the link yadi.sk/i/oA-u64KSzbBEo And an 850mAh battery

You can see a close-up at the link yadi.sk/i/03PE11Zc32BhUH Also included is a neoprene cover covered with fabric. There are 2 stoppers on the sides. There is a plastic carabiner in the center. I had a similar one on my Oakley winter pants and I can’t say anything bad (except that it’s not very convenient to take off)

The carabiner fastening inside the case is well stitched.

But it’s a bit thick, I even thought about altering it to the outside

And if the cover is black on the outside, the inside is red. Stitched well

But still there is one small problem. Which does not affect use at all

And here the echo sounder is already inside

UPD: I remade the case and made a carabiner on the outside. I also pulled out the laces.

And here is a surprise/gift from the seller that was bulging in the box

Supplied in this packaging.

On the right is the repeater, on the left is a colorful instruction sheet of 1 sheet. “In the depths” there are more detailed instructions.

Instructions

White plastic, but blue can bend

From tip to tip 20 cm, width 2.8 cm The USB repeater only takes power and nothing happens when connected to a PC. When connected, the blue indicator lights up/flashes. He saved my life. I already wanted to buy separately (iron door +2 60 cm brick walls - the phone reception is poor.) But this one copes 100% with increasing the coverage of my Internet network. “PLUS” will be added to your network name, but you can change the ssid. At first I didn’t want to take it apart (the first attempts were unsuccessful, there were traces of the knife left) But I thought: p18 and there is a possibility that I won’t break anything. In addition, this may be useful for someone (like me, it is not used for an echo sounder) Elements are only on 1 side

Main chip marking

As I understand from the Internet, the same one is in the “Xiaomi Mi WiFi+ Repeater”

But unlike Xiaomi Mi WiFi+, a review of which is here (the first in Yandex, I think there is more than one review on the site) My repeater does not require an application, and has a web interface. UPD: found it on Aliexpress.com/item/Maxeye-Original-mini-Smart-Router-Wireless-Wifi-Signal-Boosters-Amplifier-Bar-USB-Bendable-Repeater-Expander-Extender/32600257274.html for 11$

2.4GHz, 802.11b/g/n

setting up/turning on the repeater

When you turn it on for the first time, we have a wifi+ network without a password. Connect to it.

We go to ip 192.168.19.252 And immediately this window appears, where we are asked to select the network that should be “duplicated”

You can change the name of the “new” network and specify the password (you can also view it while entering)

They will clarify whether we really want to connect and offer to wait.

Then this window

And at the end there's this. Where is it written down what we need to do.

Then we log into wi-fi again and connect to the network that we just created and specified the password. Then we connect and use it. True, now we have lost access to the repeater, since it is now pretending to be another network, but it does not know ip 192.168.19.252 To gain access to the repeater again, we need to reset its settings and repeat the process. But if you specified the wrong password for the point to which the repeater was supposed to connect. Then using the “wrong password” you can log into the repeater as usual ip192.168.19.252 And you will see the following.

If you click MORE, a window will open

In the first menu you can change the network ssid

The second will reset the settings without pressing a button on the device.

The third will restart the device

If you click Other networks in the main menu, you will see a window asking you to start a new search for networks.

If he agrees to it, then everything will repeat “as if we turned on the device for the first time”

Now a little about work. A vertical video of the work can be viewed here

I have

And from other YouTube users

I downloaded the WIFI Fish Finder application from Google Play Market play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gazecloud.fishfinderEN But if you don’t have an echo sounder, you can go through the settings and try the demo mode.

The first time I threw it into the bay was at work near the coal terminal where huge ships are loaded. I cast it not far from the shore, the fish was there right away. I liked the depth of 17 meters at low tide. There are 2 casts in the frame. You can also notice that the bottom is more equal than in the video.

But after some time, I went to a place I knew where I fished in the summer. I knew the approximate depth, and the relief should have a “step” that can be felt when a load is dragged along the bottom. All sorts of rubbish in the form of abandoned beams, nets and metal structures is lying near the shore. The echo sounder is not visible in the photo, and in the video it is not particularly noticeable either, but it is clearly visible with the eyes. Although I prefer bright orange. I can see orange better on the water (maybe I’ll repaint it).

Cast and literally after 1-2 seconds the first readings with a depth of 8.5 meters.

But in the distance, fish were rarely caught, so I continued dragging to the shore, anticipating seeing that very “step” at the bottom. And she was still found not far from the shore. And right away with fish.

I saw on the Internet how people simply put the echo sounder on wet ice or carry it in a bag of water and put it on the ice. And it shows the presence of fish/depth. I was afraid to go on the ice. Therefore, not far from the shore, I removed the snow with my foot, water came out and threw an echo sounder there.

As a result, I got a depth of 2 meters

Since it claims to work at 50 meters in length, I decided to check it out. I took a plastic mayonnaise bucket, placed it in the snow and began to move away. And if at the beginning the signal was like this:

Then at 175 meters the quality was already worse, and at about 200 meters the connection was almost lost. and was able to return it only by approaching 175 meters.

True, at 150m you can only watch it with binoculars. During the tests, I concluded: the signal indicator in the application works like a charm.

The operating time test was carried out as follows. I set the echo sounder settings as in the photo, and the display turned off after 30 minutes of inactivity on my part.

I turned it on, put it in a bucket of water (so it would work), and noted the time. Turning on was at 20.25 21:44 — 2/3 of the charge indicator remained 23:43 — 1/3 of the charge indicator remained 02:42 — 1/3 of the charge indicator remained (already 6 hours of operation) 03:26 — The indicator is empty, readings continue to come , phone 03:50 — “No connection” was displayed on the screen and the indicator on the echo sounder went out. As a result, 7 hours 25 minutes. The battery indication is like this. I tried to experiment by setting the maximum sensitivity - the result was about the same.

There is also a small nuance: I have custom firmware with Android 7.1 and the application sometimes crashes. On Lenovo s660 with Android 4.4 I did not notice any problems. Custom 6 android completely refused to see the wi-fi echo sounder. I returned to my native 5.1 (it seemed to me that this was the most stable thing on my phone) and all the problems with the application disappeared. The sensitivity changes only if there is a connection to the echo sounder (something happens inside there). With increased sensitivity, it finds more small fish. If you know that the depth of the fishing spot does not exceed N meters, then I recommend setting “Depth range” so that it would not be possible to observe such a picture when

And it happens if you take the echo sounder out of the water (the contacts opened when it jumped on a wave or something else), then the depth is set to 45 meters and after a connection appears with a depth of 3 meters, the picture will become normal. Also, the minimum depth that the echo sounder could show was 40 cm.

The echo sounder itself warms up to “room” temperature. I noticed this when I put it in my bag in the cold and everything at home was “icy” and the echo sounder was barely warm. If you listen, something clicks inside, but not always, or maybe I don’t always hear.

You can see the unboxing here

Video of work vertical And I have

And from other YouTube users

Well, now some conclusions that I was able to draw. +

No need to carry extra devices or batteries.
+
You can display data on a large screen
+
Data is available to everyone who is connected to the echo sounder (no need for five people to stare at a small screen)
+
Wireless
+
Could work for more than 7 hours without stopping (you need to charge less often)

Wi-Fi (they say that there can be problems with Bluetooth echo sounders and Wi-Fi is more “omnivorous”)
±
Not everyone has a smartphone/tablet and not everyone takes them fishing.
±
You can drown your phone/tablet
±
In bad weather, it is advisable to have a protective case or hide the phone in a bag
±
If you go away for a few days, you will have to take a “Power Bank”
±
Price
±
I prefer the orange case
±
I want a more “sophisticated” application
±
No dirty display signal (if a diver or a log is swimming in the water, he can draw a fish)

—

It’s unknown where he gets the size from (is the average one a meter or 30 cm long?)
-
I’m afraid that someday I’ll throw it in and won’t get it out.
—
The weight of 80 grams is not very convenient and you may need to carry a separate casting tackle (or throw it very carefully/by hand, ideally you can attach a boat to the RC)

The main difference from other echo sounders of this company is wi-fi. Everything else is plus/minus. And if it doesn’t matter to you on which screen you view the data from the echo sounder, you can safely take cheaper versions, for example the one described by vb

You can look at all the photos here yadi.sk/d/fSVX1OOt32TQYW If you have questions, ask, I’ll try to answer. When the ice gets stronger, I want to go with my friends to check it out for winter fishing and will add to the review. The price varies, the store is fresh and official and listed on the manufacturer’s website www.goodluckycn.com/

PS: cunning friends are already sharing my echo sounder... UPD: thanks to user nevsky

. You can install an application of the “Set Orientation” type and it will turn any application into a horizontal one. play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.googlecode.eyesfree.setorientation

UPD: added a video of how to check for fish in winter without a hole.

The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.