An echo sounder for fishing from the shore, its functions, how to use it, the best models

Author: Alexander

An echo sounder for fishing from the shore is a radio device that gives an idea of ​​the bottom topography and underwater objects, including concentrations of fish. It is also called a fish-finding sonar or echolocator. When fishing in an unfamiliar body of water, the device helps the angler determine how attractive the place is, regardless of whether he is looking for a smooth sandy bottom or areas covered with silt.

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What is an echo sounder for fishing, its design

The fish does not like a flat, hard bottom. There is little food and nowhere to hide. She prefers sand, silt, dumps, ditches, holes. In the old days, the bottom relief was studied with the help of primitive lots: poles and weights on ropes. Today they use an echo sounder. Its main purpose is to search for fish.

Echo sounder design

By type of fishing, echo sounders are classified into groups:

• for fishing from a boat;
• echo sounder for fishing from the shore;
• for winter fishing;
• universal.

Structurally, the echo sounder consists of 4 blocks.

• Transmitter (emitter). Generates electrical impulses.
• Transducer. Converts pulses into acoustic waves and sends them with a frequency of 50-250 kHz. The frequency determines the depth and angle of the scanning cone.
• Receiver. Receives the reflected acoustic signal and converts it into electromagnetic radiation, which is transmitted to the display screen via wires or radio.
• Display. Designed to view the scan result.

The totality of technical characteristics of all blocks determines the completeness, accuracy and detail of measurements. The price of the device depends on it.

Portable wireless shore fishing fish finders combine the transmitter, transducer, and receiver into one housing called the transducer. The signal from it is transmitted to the display device via a radio channel. Throwing a sensor (beacon) with a fishing rod or spinning rod. The display can be a standard device or the screen of a mobile phone (tablet).

Which coastal echo sounder should I buy?

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore? First, the fisherman needs to decide in what conditions the depth gauge will be used. Based on this, devices with suitable characteristics are selected. They will allow you to effectively survey the proposed fishing area, understand the bottom topography and determine the depth.

Fishing from a boat opens up more opportunities for fisherman. The echolocators used are permanently fixed on the craft and, moving along a given location, examine the nature of the bottom. An echo sounder for summer fishing from the shore must work at the required distance, “pierce” the depths and display a clear image on the display. In a store before purchasing, it is difficult to determine the quality of the device, so it is advisable to rely on reviews from friends or search for information on the Internet. Today, a lot of useful materials on these devices have already appeared, there are many comments and tips on their selection and operation.

An important indicator of a coastal depth gauge is its cost. Not all fishermen have equal financial opportunities. Wireless echo sounders for fishing from the shore, belonging to the budget and mid-price categories, are inferior to premium models in terms of image quality and some performance characteristics. However, most of them have decent reliability, durability and perform their assigned tasks well.

The principle of operation of an echo sounder, searching for fish with its help

The operation of the echo sounder is based on two physical principles:

1. An acoustic wave propagates in water at a constant speed (about 1500 m/s).
2. An acoustic wave is reflected from an obstacle that significantly exceeds its length.

The principle of operation of an echo sounder
The distance to the object is determined by the time delay between the sent signal and the received echo. The signal is sent repeatedly within a short period of time. The signal propagates in the form of a beam, forming a scanning cone. There can be several beams at different frequencies.

The scanning depth and cone angle depend on the radiation frequency. The 50 kHz frequency will help you penetrate deeper and provide a wider view than the 192 kHz frequency.

But high frequencies provide better detail and resolution at shallow depths. Therefore, the choice of frequencies depends on the fishing conditions.

Echolocation is not underwater videography. Objects on the screen are displayed conditionally. A shore fishing sonar cannot pinpoint where fish, rocks, or algae are. It just reports that they are located at the same depth. When the fisherman is stationary, the bottom appears flat on the screen. The fish is displayed as arcs, dots, drops, blots. A large fish swimming by looks like an arc with a rich color in the center.

Reading the screen is the basis of working with a fish finder.

Expensive or budget

This is a creative task. The cost of top models reaches 350,000 rubles. These echo sounders are mini-computers with chart plotters and many accessories. A person who is passionate about all types of fishing and has enough money can afford such a thing or even several, depending on the season and type of fishing. For those who like to occasionally sit with a fishing rod on the shore of a pond or cast a lure with a spinning rod, such a device is overkill. An inexpensive fish finder for shore fishing will suit his hobby.

The best models of coastal echo sounders

Today, a lot of depth gauges of this type are produced. There are generally popular models, and others that are unfamiliar to a wide range of anglers. Below is a short rating of echo sounders for fishing from the shore, which will help in choosing a device for solving specific problems.

Humminbird PiranhaMax 230 Portable

Our review of echo sounders for shore fishing begins with this universal model, which allows you to explore areas with depths of up to 30 meters. The range is 40 meters, so the depth gauge is suitable for close range use. The display is installed on a stand, has good resolution, displays a clear picture and accurately depicts the bottom topography.

Fish Finder Lucky Laker FF 916

A budget echo sounder for fishing from the shore, capable of scanning depths up to 45 meters. The range of the echolocator is 50 meters. A Wi-Fi signal is used to transmit the signal from the sensor to the monitor. You can connect a tablet or smartphone running iOS or Android to this model.

JJ-Connect Fisherman Wireless 3 Deluxe

Inexpensive echo sounder for fishing from the shore with a range of 40 meters. Allows you to “ring” depths up to 40 meters. It features a high-quality display that displays a clear picture with a detailed depiction of the relief, on which the smallest details are clearly visible.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing

The importance of an echo sounder for shore fishing places certain demands on it.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing

There are dozens of criteria for choosing an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, here are the main ones:

• Signal power at the receiver output. Depends on the transmitter power and receiver sensitivity. A weak signal at the display input reduces image clarity. Too strong a signal is bad. The noise level will be too high. Models with power control are preferable.
• Range. Typically 30-70 m depending on the model.
• Scan angle. Depends on the transmitter frequency. For shallow depths, frequencies from 192 kHz are preferred.
• Number of rays. Two or more beams will enhance the clarity of the picture, but such echo sounders are more expensive.
• Display size and resolution. The bigger, the better. But this is not a reason to carry a 32-inch monitor with you when fishing.
• Mounting the echo sounder display: on a fishing rod or spinning rod, on your hand, on a special stand, on a boat transom, whatever is more convenient for you.
• Notification system. It will give a signal to an unwary fisherman when prey approaches.

Also important is the strength and moisture resistance of the sensor and display, which ensure longevity.

Basic parameters of an echo sounder for fishing from the shore

Any portable echo sounder has the following parameters that determine its capabilities:

• Sensor power and sensitivity of the receiver built into the display. Determines the quality of the picture displayed on the screen. A bad signal leads to distortion on the monitor, too strong - it shows the slightest “noise” that clogs the main picture.
• Radius of action. Determines the capabilities of the device. Most models operate at a range of 30–60 meters.
• Depth gauge viewing angle. The wider the scanning angle, the larger the area the device covers.
• Display color scheme. There are monochrome and color screens. The quality of the displayed image depends on the number of colors and shades.

Among other things, some models may have additional functions that expand the capabilities of the sonar and increase the ease of use. Among them are sound notification, screen backlight, temperature sensor, FishID.

Winter fishing with an echo sounder from the shore requires the device to have a special protective tube that protects the depth gauge from low temperatures and excessive exposure to moisture.

Portable echo sounder for winter and summer fishing

Many fishermen want to buy a universal echo sounder to use it for summer and winter fishing in any weather. Among inexpensive models, the “Praktik” 6M performed well (from 8,000 rubles).

The low price is combined with decent characteristics.

Scanning depth up to 25 m. Distinguishes fish from snags, branches and mud, determines its size. A fast processor allows you to display images in real time. Durable, moisture-resistant housing and reliable wired connection with a cable containing Kevlar thread. The batteries last for 100 hours of operation. Withstands temperatures below - 20 degrees stated in the description.

Echo sounder "Practik" 6M

As a drawback, picky fishermen note a small scanning angle, but you can live with this. Practitioner 6M is a good choice for lovers of year-round fishing.

Reviews from real fishermen about popular wireless echo sounders

Fishermen leave their opinions about many echo sounders on thematic forums. Reviews like this help other fishing enthusiasts make the right choice.

Deeper

Sanguini: “I was undecided between Fishfinder and Dipper.” Since purchasing the Deeper sonar pro I have gone on 4 fishing trips. There were no problems with connection range. It’s convenient that you can cast it to the desired distance and check it directly where you are fishing. The biting calendar is very convenient.”

Cudryahev: “Compact and no wires – a plus. Easy to cast and explore the pond. I tried it on winter fishing and was pleased. Made with high quality. But its cost does not allow people with limited means to buy it.”

EvsyukovAndr: “The application is informative. Considering its weight (100 g), it flies perfectly when casting. Excellent assembly, I didn’t see any jambs in the case. If you tighten it tightly, it’s completely sealed.”

Lucky

Stor: “It works stably so far, without glitches, the batteries in the duckling were enough for 3 fishing trips. The menu is convenient and understandable, the communication distance to the duckling is satisfactory. The main disadvantage is that he shows all the fish as big, for him 10 cm is already a big fish.”

Fish finder Lucky

Sav2005DAN: “I’ve been fishing since I was 10 years old. The assembly is good, nothing creaks. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The downside is that the screen is small, but backlit. Another drawback is that the device is afraid of immersion in water (it is waterproof, but not waterproof).”

Nicholas3: “I looked it up on the Internet, bought it on Aliexpress last year, and managed to test it on winter fishing. Shows fish well if it stands in the middle layer of water or in the upper layer. When standing at the very bottom or on a mule, it doesn’t always show. Shows depth accurately. It makes it easy to find depth differences. A very useful and necessary thing."

"Garmin"

Gromqk: “Very decent build quality. Works at boat speed of 23 km/h (haven’t tried higher). Two-beam, excellent drawing and detailing of the bottom. Lots of settings. GPS "Glonass". Ability to record tracks and create waypoints.”

Dfcom: “Shows fish, but only if it is above 30 cm from the bottom of the reservoir. If the fish is closer than 30 cm from the bottom, the echo sounder “does not see” it. There are fish that lead a bottom-dwelling lifestyle. These are bream, crucian carp, gudgeon, catfish and others. This echo sounder will not detect them. Otherwise, the Garmin Striker Plus 4 CV is a reliable, efficient and inexpensive echo sounder model.”

Felix: “Garmin has a powerful scanner, fast and correct, it gives readings on the display with centimeter accuracy. It shows at the speed of the boat what is on the bottom, whether there is bait below. The device is equipped with a GPS navigator, so you won’t get lost.”

"Practician"-7

RandRa: “I bought it in a store, I go with it to ponds, quarries, and lakes regularly, every 2-4 days. I fish from the shore. I like the echo sounder. Its casting range is up to 70 meters. It identifies fish, bottom, snags, and algae perfectly. For fun, I changed the “Casting” mode to “Shallow Water”. The catch has increased significantly, manifold. The echo sounder stands between the floats throughout the fishing. The charge lasts for 7 hours. Among the disadvantages: the program sometimes closes spontaneously. And sometimes it takes a long time to connect with a smartphone with direct visibility.”

Echo sounder "Praktik"-7

Fomansss: “I bought it for feeder fishing. The edges and size of the fish show off with a bang. It’s a bit heavy, weight = 113 g. I cast it with a “Volzhanka Optima” rod 3.9m 90+. Reel 5000. When casting there is always a feeling of losing the device. Because of this, there is a fear of investing in casting. Loses connection."

Nikita L: “Very easy to use. Shows depth, relief and fish well.

For some reason, Wi-Fi doesn’t hold up well; at a distance of 45-50 meters, sometimes it just falls off.”

Reviews of echo sounders for shore fishing are mostly positive. But experienced fishermen also mention the disadvantages of popular models.

Echo sounder for trolling on the river

Trolling always occurs while moving over long distances. Boats and motor boats, including PVC, are used. When choosing an echo sounder, in addition to determining the river depth and the presence of fish, the following functions are important:

• measuring water temperature;
• determination of the speed of movement of the craft;
• route planning;
• constructing a bottom relief map.

Lowrance Elite 3x echo sounder
The best and most expensive echo sounders for trolling fishing are made by Americans: Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance. Budget echo sounders of these brands are also available for sale.

Lowrance Elite 3x has decent characteristics at a price of 9,800 rubles.

Of the models from other manufacturers, the II Connect Fisherman 600 (from RUB 9,900) looks good

When deciding to purchase a device, it is important to consider the type of swimming device. The choice of echo sounder for fishing from a PVC boat on a river is one thing, for a powerful boat is another.

The best echo sounder models

When choosing an echo sounder, the main thing is the power of the model. If you throw the sensor at a long distance from the shore, this leads to a deterioration in the quality of the signal. Be sure to consider the presence of backlighting, battery capacity, and viewing angle.

The most expensive are multifunctional, universal echo sounders; they have many functions. The difference between budget models and expensive ones is that they will include fewer functions with less power.

The rules for optimally purchasing a device are the following: determine the power of the echo sounder, the availability of functions, and mounting. There are two types of fastening:

• on a fishing rod, but the disadvantage is the inconvenience when transporting equipment;
• manual mount, drawback - small screen extension.

For those who like to fish at night, a backlit display is required. The detail of the reflection of the bottom topography will depend on the good quality of the image on the screen.

The best producers for 2021 are:

How to check your echo sounder for functionality

Some older models are not suitable for outdoor use. To test the functionality of such an echo sounder, it must be immersed in any small body of water. A bucket or bathtub will not work - they are too small.

Modern echo sounders have a demo mode.

To check, it is usually enough to place the device on the floor and point the beam at the ceiling. The user manual for an echo sounder for fishing from the shore will help you do the check correctly.

Advantages of wireless echo sounders

Modern echo sounders for shore fishing are equipped with advantages that can significantly increase the chances of successful fishing. The most significant advantages are the following:

• coastal devices are practical and equally successfully used for both winter and summer fishing;
• the presence in some models of a special ecological mode of operation allows you not to scare away cautious fish;
• mobility – the ability to move around a body of water, throwing a beacon to different locations, without the need to get to them by boat;
• compactness is a serious advantage over devices of previous wired generations, the main bulky element of which was batteries. Modern coastal echo sounders have new generation batteries, and usually their weight does not exceed 100 grams;
• software compatibility with operating systems of mobile communications media. Simply put, the signal from the device can be broadcast directly to your smartphone on almost any platform.

The Practitioner is a domestic echo sounder for fishing from the coastline.
The use of a wireless connection significantly expands the capabilities of the device, and software compatibility allows you to connect the echo sounder to a tablet or smartphone.

Echolocation technique

The principles of echolocation are simple and have been used for over 100 years. We described them above. They are not difficult to understand, but their apparent simplicity often leads to errors when used by inexperienced anglers.

Echolocation technique

There are a lot of critical reviews on the Internet even about simple portable echo sounders for fishing from the shore. Often they are the result of illiterate use of devices. Proper echolocation technique comes with experience and is essential to the effective use of shoreline echo sounders for viewing the bottom of water bodies.

Myths about echo sounders

There are some misconceptions among fishermen about the use of echo sounders:

• The fishing line will break and the echo sounder will float away. To make this happen, you need to try hard. Modern echo sounders are so light that any fishing line can support them.
• The fish are afraid of bright transducer floats. It's the other way around. They attract fish and they will catch better.
• The radiation scares away the fish. The fish doesn't even feel it.
• Good fish finders are very expensive. There is fierce competition in this market, so even leading American manufacturers are forced to reduce prices. And the Chinese comrades initially produce many high-quality cheap models.
• An echo sounder is a useless toy. The fish are caught pretty well anyway. Just ask experienced fishermen. They will easily prove the importance of an echo sounder for shore fishing.

Don't believe everything you hear. You need to think critically about the information and check it.