Finding promising places for fishing from the shore is greatly simplified if you use an echo sounder.
If you cast an echo sounder sensor from the shore, this will allow you to determine the bottom topography, depth, and the presence of fish. The fisherman's task comes down to choosing the right echo sounder. There are several types of echo sounders for fishing from the shore, which are divided depending on the fishing conditions, as well as the method of use. For example:
- Universal . This type of device can be used in various conditions, both from the shore and from any watercraft. They determine the depth of the reservoir, the bottom topography and display information on a special display device. Devices with wider capabilities, such as universal ones, always cost more.
- Standard, for fishing from the shore . These types of devices do not have universality and are intended solely for determining the location of fish during fishing from the shore. Despite the wide range of functions, such devices are much cheaper than universal ones, which makes them accessible to a wide range of anglers.
- Compact . Such devices are not large in size, but they are inferior in terms of functionality. Despite the limited functions, echo sounders of this class are very popular among fishermen, and the prices for such devices are more affordable. In most cases, such echo sounders are bought by inexperienced fishermen, although such devices perform their function - searching for fish.
How the echo sounder works
From the name of the device itself, it becomes clear how it works: “echo” means a reflected signal, and “lot” means a depth meter. If you combine these concepts together, you get a device that measures depth using a reflected signal.
An echo sounder for fishing from the shore consists of an indication device and a sensor. This is often a wireless sensor. To determine whether there is a fish at the fishing point, you need to attach the sensor to the fishing line and throw it to the biting point. When the sensor gets into water, it begins to work immediately, since the contacts close when it comes into contact with water.
After the sensor is turned on, it transmits all information via a radio channel. Developments that use a tablet or smartphone as an indicator may attract attention.
The sensor slowly moves towards the shore and scans the bottom, as well as the water column below it. The fisherman watches everything on the screen of the receiving device, which reflects the bottom topography, as well as all objects that fall within the sensor’s visibility range. If the place is baited, then the sensor can be placed above this place and observe how the fish reacts to the bait.
TOTAL DRAIN OF ECHO SOUNDERS Deeper, PRACTITIONER, Ibobber Personal experience at the request of viewers SIBERIA
How to choose a wireless fish finder
The choice of a wireless echo sounder depends on the capabilities and needs of the fisherman. Small compact models are easy to use, weigh little, and are inexpensive. But they do not have advanced functionality. Such devices can be purchased for shore fishing in shallow waters.
For fishing on large lakes, wide rivers, and at sea, you need to select echo sounders in the middle price category. They can explore bodies of water at great depths, transmit a clearer picture, are complemented by GPS navigators, have large displays and transducers with two or three beams that examine the water column from different angles. Such echo sounders help to distinguish fish from snags, stones, boulders, can scan underwater thickets and work effectively in any conditions.
In general, you need to select a model taking into account factors such as:
• Fishing method;
• Features of the reservoir;
• Required functionality.
It is important to find a device with the clearest possible image that clearly conveys the structure of the bottom. It is desirable that it has a backlight. Don't skimp too much on your echo sounder. Budget models quickly break down, create noise and blurry images.
Criteria for choosing an echo sounder for fishing from the shore
Each device meets the parameters specified in the technical data sheet. The main parameters to pay attention to include:
- Echo sounder power . A good device has a powerful transmitter and a sensitive receiver. A weak signal will not allow you to get a high-quality picture on the echo sounder display. The best option is the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the receiver, otherwise problems with transmitting a high-quality picture cannot be avoided.
- Sensor range . In other words, this indicator refers to the sensor's coverage area. Devices with a coverage range from 30 to 70 meters are produced.
- Viewing angle . The higher this indicator, the larger the water area you can observe.
- Monitor resolution and color gamut . The higher the resolution, the more information can be tracked and the larger the color gamut, the more clearly the structure of the bottom topography can be seen.
- Sound warning system . This system can be considered an additional function of the device. It notifies the fisherman if an object or object is detected in the water column.
- Sensor mounting . To make it easier to work with the device, manufacturers equip products with appropriate fasteners. This can be attached to the form or to the angler’s hand.
- Moisture protection . A very important indicator, since fishing is constant contact with water. It is very important that the echo sounder is protected from both temperature changes and moisture.
- Availability of backlight . It is needed in conditions where fishing is carried out in the dark.
Characteristics of echo sounders
The most important characteristics of echo sounders are:
• Sensitivity;
• Frequency;
• Number of rays.
The viewing angle of the device and the accuracy of the collected information depend on the degree of sensitivity and frequency. The number of rays affects the speed of finding fish and image quality. There are single-beam and double-beam models that notify with sound that the school is near the boat, but do not indicate its specific location. Three-beam and four-beam echo sounders give a clearer picture of underwater inhabitants, bottom structure, and are suitable for trolling. Six-ray devices that create an image in three-dimensional format most fully scan the space under the boat.
Recommendations for selection
- Before you go shopping for an “assistant,” you need to decide which device and with what set of functions you need. Naturally, for a novice fisherman, the set of additional functions means nothing. Only with time will you understand what functions are missing for the convenience of fishing.
- If fishing comes first and the fisherman doesn’t mind anything for this, then a universal device will never hurt. If a person goes fishing from time to time, then you can opt for a primitive device.
- In any case, preference should be given to a device with a sensitive receiver.
- The presence of additional functions increases comfortable fishing conditions.
