Echo sounder for trolling. What characteristics should it have? What is the most important thing in an echo sounder? Which companies and specific models should you prefer? We will talk about all this in this review; read about suitable models of echo sounders for trolling at the end of the article.
Trolling is one of the most productive types of fishing; fishermen call it trophy fishing among themselves. Trolling came to us from America and is fishing from a boat or boat equipped with motors.
It is worth noting that there is another similar method - fishing on the track, which is carried out in a similar way only from a rowing boat. Read about echo sounders for fishing from a boat in a separate article at the link.
Trolling is designed to catch large fish and therefore you need to use strong gear, namely reliable spinning rods with good test, a multiplier reel, or a large, inertia-free and durable fishing line (cord).
Also for trolling, special baits are used that are designed for this type of fishing. Read more about trolling in a separate article at the link.
A very useful and often simply necessary when trolling is an echo sounder, the capabilities of which we will talk about later.
There are many benefits to using a fish finder when trolling. For example, it can be used to determine the topography and structure of the bottom, the depth of the reservoir, and the presence of fish. This concerns the basic capabilities of echo sounders.
The most advanced echo sounders for trolling allow you to monitor the bait, whether it has fallen to the bottom, at what depth it is, whether algae has clung to the bait, and you can also control the movement of the bait over deep places where predatory fish can hide. An example of such a fish finder is the Lowrance HDS line.
Also, with the help of some echo sounders, you can determine the water temperature at different depths, various objects (including fish) both at the bottom and in the water column, which are moving or stationary.
It is worth noting that some echo sounders can detect a thermocline - a zone where cold and warm water meet, which is a very promising place for trolling.
Based on the above data, the fisherman draws conclusions in what place and at what depth it is better for him to place baits.
Structurally, the echo sounder consists of a display with control buttons on which the received information is displayed and a sensor that is immersed in water and transmits the received information to the display.
Useful article on the topic: the best budget echo sounders for fishing
Basic characteristics of echo sounders
Transmitter power - the power of the signal sent into the water column and the quality of the signal received back depend on this characteristic. Therefore, the more powerful the transmitter signals, the more effective the echo sounder will be at great depths, and this will also allow you to record finer details in the water.
Transducer frequency - this characteristic determines the depth and width of the scanned area. It should depend on the angler’s own preferences, since if there is a higher output frequency, the picture will be clearer, but the scanning depth will decrease. And the opposite situation is that at low frequencies the depth is visible much more, but the picture becomes less detailed.
Receiver sensitivity - naturally, this parameter should be quite high, but problems can also arise here, since due to the high sensitivity, numerous interference can be displayed on the echo sounder screen. Therefore, it is better if the echo sounder has the ability to manually adjust sensitivity.
Screen size and resolution - the high resolution of the echo sounder screen allows you to see the information displayed on the display in more detail, and its sufficient contrast, even in bright sunshine, will make it possible, despite the glare, to clearly see the picture. The size of the screen will determine at what distance the angler can see the information on it.
Number of beams (one, two or four) - in a two-beam echo sounder, one beam is aimed at scanning the bottom, and the second one broadens the horizon. Quadruple beams work using 4 multi-directional beams, each beam scans a certain angle under water, which provides a wider view.
The most popular brands of fish finders for trolling are Hummingbird , Lowrance and Garmin . These manufacturers produce both simple models designed for regular bottom scanning, as well as complex multifunctional ones that make fishing much more fun and productive.
Operating principle of an echo sounder
The principle of operation of an echo sounder is based on the supply of an electrical signal and its transformation into a sound wave, which subsequently penetrates through the water and returns to the echo sounder sensor, reflecting from the bottom. Upon completion of the reverse transformation process, information about the relief surface of the bottom appears on the screen. If a fish appears in the path of the signal, the monitor will display its presence in the form of a straight line or an arc, depending on the presence or absence of its movement. Please note that if you already have a fish finder, the instructions contain a detailed description that should be carefully studied to understand the features and functionality of your particular model.
Lowrance HDS 7 gen 3
This high-tech device combines an echo sounder and a chartplotter (electronic charts), which is very important for sea and ocean fishing. The approximate cost of this fish finder is $1,400. It has a seven-inch LED-backlit screen.
The built-in electronics provide a 180-degree panoramic image, as well as high image clarity even at high speeds, which is very important for high-speed trolling in sea and ocean fishing conditions.
The following models are also popular echo sounders in their price segment:
- Lowrance X4 Pro ($100)
- Deeper ($200)
- Humminbird 561x ($350)
- Humminbird FB 120x ($500)
- Lowrance HDS 5 ($900)
At the end of the article, we will recommend you a very useful article about the functions of an echo sounder, in which you will learn about the many capabilities and settings of echo sounders.
Related article: budget echo sounders for fishing
The best echo sounders for fishing from a boat (stationary)
Lowrance HOOK-4x Mid/High
20 050
For lovers of fishing from a boat, the Lowrance HOOK-4x Mid/High echo sounder is suitable. The device has an original 4-inch high-resolution color screen. DownScan Imaging provides the best possible scanning of underwater conditions. High-quality signal processing allows you to see fish at great depths. Thanks to the high speed of scanning and processing, it is possible to study the structure of the bottom without slowing down the movement of the craft. Operation of the device is simple; you can switch pages with one finger. The echo sounder automatically saves all data in memory. Therefore, later you can return to the bottom map and analyze the behavior of the fish. The best echo sounder for fishing from a boat in our rating.
Main advantages:
- high scanning speed;
- excellent drawing quality;
- Accurate identification of fish at depth.
Minuses:
- undefined.
10 / 10Rating Reviews I purchased an echo sounder for fishing from a boat. It accurately determines the bottom topography and finds fish at great depths. Even while moving, the device correctly shows the underwater situation. Read more Read more
Lowrance HOOK2 4x
11 010
A good assistant for an angler who hunts for a trophy from a boat will be the Lowrance HOOK2 4x echo sounder. Even novice spinners or floaters will quickly understand the settings and readings of the device. It is enough to turn on the automatic mode to obtain information about the nature of the bottom and the presence of fish in the water column. Even when conditions change while the boat is moving, auto-tuning will constantly report the new underwater situation. The model is equipped with a 4-inch SolarMax display, it gives a clear picture in different weather conditions.
A wide sensor beam is responsible for the correct operation of the echo sounder; it captures double the volume of the water area, revealing the most promising points for the fisherman. The keyboard is comfortable and functional. The manufacturer has provided several options for mounting the device to the boat. This can be inserted into the body or mounted on a quick-release mount.
Main advantages:
- ease of operation;
- clear image on the monitor;
- auto-tuning;
- broadband sensor.
Minuses:
- The screen on the mount does not rotate.
9.6 / 10Rating Reviews This fish finder has the best functionality in its price segment. It copes well with great depths and draws the picture well. Read more Read more
How to choose the right echo sounder
Criteria for choosing the right echo sounder for a beginner:
- Determine for what purposes the echo sounder is needed (entertainment, recreation, professional access to the water).
- Indicate how the fishing will take place (from the shore, from a boat, trolling).
- Determine in which water area the echo sounder will be primarily used (pond, swamp, river, lake, estuary, sea, ocean).
- Think about when it would be preferable to fish (summer or winter under the ice).
- Determine how the reservoir will be examined and whether the available review will be sufficient (underbottom search, side scan, bottom scan).
By answering these five questions, you can easily understand what need a fisherman has for an echo sounder and what bonuses he will receive from using it.
What types of echo sounders are there?
Echo sounders with large viewing angles and low-frequency emissions allow you to comb a large area faster. This is very useful when exploring a completely unfamiliar place.
A high-frequency echo sounder with a narrow viewing angle provides more accurate data about what is happening in the immediate surroundings and under the boat, making it much easier to find the exact location.
The closer to the surface the fish is according to the echo sounder readings, the closer it is to the course of your vehicle. A single-beam echo sounder is a good fishing assistant; it’s not always worth chasing the latest technologies with a large number of beams.
How does an echo sounder work?
How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from a PVC boat
The principle of operation of an echo sounder is simple and at the same time difficult to understand for a person who is far from interacting with technology.
To put it simply, the device creates a sound wave and sends it into the underwater space, then the acoustic signal is reflected on the underwater landscape and its inhabitants, and arrives on the screen in the form of pictures, icons and text data.
Echo sounder beams
The number of beams on the echo sounder must be selected in accordance with the type of fishing you prefer. Even a device with one beam may be sufficient for fishing in our reservoirs. For models with two beams, one will be directed downward to explore the bottom, and the second will expand the operating range of the device. Such echo sounders are capable of covering very wide areas, but they will have dead zones. Four-beam echo sounders, accordingly, have four beams directed in different directions and exploring separate areas of space.
Which echo sounder should you choose?
Double-beam echo sounders - emits two beams simultaneously - a narrow beam and a wide one. The narrow one focuses on examining the bottom, and the wide one expands one’s horizons. Some models of dual-beam echo sounders can themselves change the pulse frequency, customizing their own echo sounder for the tasks you require. In general, there are a variety of offers on the market today, and different manufacturers call them differently.
For example, if you decide to buy Eagle brand fish finders, then devices with a variable beam will be labeled Dual Search or DS, but the same Garmin fish finders are labeled with the phrase Dual Frequency. Some models offer mode operation: operation of both beams, operation of one of the beams, etc.
The echo sounder definitely “knows” whether to cast a fishing rod in this place or not
Classification of echo sounders
Echo sounders vary depending on their purpose:
— to scan the water column and obtain general information about the bottom topography. More experienced fishermen, being on the territory of unfamiliar bodies of water, will be able to determine the habitats of fish based on a specific surface, taking into account channels, holes, rocky or muddy bottom. This echo sounder is equipped with a small screen, has a fairly wide viewing angle and displays low-detail data. — to obtain detailed information about the presence of both individual fish and a whole school. In this category, we can distinguish models from well-known manufacturers, such as humminbird piranhamax echo sounder, connect fisherman echo sounder, Lawrence echo sounders, Garmin echo sounders and many others. Such devices are equipped with two or even four beams, which allows you to obtain clear detailed information about a large area of the bottom. In addition, data on the temperature of the reservoir is displayed on the screen and a signal is given when fish are detected. The movement of the boat, even at high speed, will not interfere with the operation of such an echo sounder.
- universal models, with a 3D screen, including additional functions, such as support for GPS systems or the device’s program memory. The following types of echo sounders can also be distinguished: - echo sounder for fishing in winter - a portable model made of frost-resistant materials. In most cases, wireless models are used, marked with the special designation Wireless. The sensor of such an echo sounder is placed in a float, which is located away from the device itself. — an echo sounder for fishing in the summer from a boat, must have an appropriate mount for the vessel. — echo sounder for fishing from the shore, has standard equipment. An echo sounder is based on the action of ultrasonic radiation, so the main difference between one or another model will be the power and viewing radius. You should pay attention to the quality of the output data. The picture will be clearer when the boat is at rest rather than in motion.
