Choosing an echo sounder - an indispensable assistant for successful fishing

Echo sounder

is a special device for detecting fish while fishing in rivers, lakes and the sea. The basic functionality of echo sounders also includes measuring depth, determining the relief and bottom structure. Structurally, an echo sounder consists of a transmitter, receiver, transducer (sensor) and display. Sonar works on the principle of reflecting an ultrasonic signal from water bodies, which is then converted into an electrical signal and displayed on the monitor as a visualized picture. Most echo sounders are designed for use in the warm season, but there are also special models for winter ice fishing with non-freezing screens. In addition, coastal echo sounders with a throwable sensor are also produced, their design reminiscent of a wristwatch.

Story

Ultrasonic scanners
The history of echo sounders is closely connected with the development of hydroacoustics. People have known for a very long time that sound travels well in water. 500 years ago, the great Leonardo da Vinci wrote: “If you stop your ship and lower one end of a long tube into the water and put the other end to your ear, you will hear ships at a great distance.” He drew attention to the fact that sound travels at a certain speed: “Having seen a flash of lightning, you can use your hearing to find out the distance to the place where the thunder strikes.”

His contemporaries did not see any practical benefit in Leonardo’s observations, since ships were visually detected much earlier than by the faint sound emanating from sailing or rowing ships of that time.

One of the first to measure the speed of sound in water was the Swiss physicist Daniel Colladon and the French mathematician Charles Sturm. In 1827 they carried out experiments on Lake Geneva.

However, to accurately measure depths, a narrow beam of acoustic energy was needed. This problem was solved thanks to a number of previous discoveries.

• In 1842, J. Joule (1818-1889) discovered and quantified the magnetostrictive (from the Latin strictio - tighten, compress) effect, which consists in the deformation of ferromagnetic material (cobalt, nickel, iron and their alloys) under the influence of a changing magnetic field.
• In 1862, the Italian physicist E. Villari described the opposite effect - a change in the magnetization of a ferromagnetic body when it is deformed.
• In 1880, the Curie brothers discovered the piezoelectric (from the Greek piezo - pressure) effect - the appearance of electrical charges on the surface of some crystals (quartz, Rochelle salts, tourmaline) during their mechanical deformation.
• In 1912, the American R. Fessenden, impressed by the sinking of the Titanic, which collided with an iceberg, resulting in the death of 1,198 people, developed and tested a hydroacoustic emitter suitable for practical use, operating at a distance of up to two miles.

These theoretical developments and discoveries paved the way for the creation of the first ultrasonic echo sounder. It was patented in 1920 by the Russian scientist and inventor K.V. Shilovsky and the French scientist P. Langevin, who in 1929 was elected an honorary member of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

Along with navigation echo sounders designed to ensure navigation safety, special devices are produced for searching for fish, surveying, geological exploration, etc. Such echo sounders have multi-color television screens that allow you to obtain information not only about the bottom profile, but also about the quality of the soil, the depth of silt , its density, etc. (according to the color of the image). Research echo sounders provide the ability to change the image scale and highlight on the screen the sounded areas of the bottom that are most interesting to researchers. Such echo sounders are usually designed for several operating frequencies, which allows you to measure depths in a wide variety of ranges. Multibeam echo sounders are also being created that simultaneously record the topography of the seabed in various directions. Some echo sounders have devices for directly plotting measured depths on nautical charts.

Criteria for selecting an echo sounder

Water motor stores offer an impressive range of echo sounders. Often sellers position the model of the echo sounder and its capabilities in ascending order. Although this is not how you should choose an echo sounder.

GOOD TO KNOW! Always choose a fish finder based on the purpose of its further use. Often, the additional properties of the gadget may not even be useful to the fisherman, just as a simple sonar will be of little use to the owner of a yacht, where a more powerful and multifunctional device is needed.

Installation

One of the main criteria when choosing an echo sounder is the way it is installed.

According to the installation method, echo sounders differ:

• Mobile handheld;
• Transoms for the boat;
• Portable multivariate.

Mobile echo sounders are often a small round object that is easily thrown into the water and is suitable for fishing both from a boat and on the shore.

Transom echo sounders are convenient for owners of boats, boats and yachts. This assistant is used for going out into deep waters and long-term fishing.

A portable echo sounder is used for connoisseurs of a variety of fishing: both from a boat and from the shore.

Seasonality

When choosing an echo sounder, pay attention to whether the gadget is capable of working in different seasons. There are models that are intended only for summer fishing, but there are also those that can be used for both ice and summer biting.

The same applies to the type of reservoir. Echo sounders can work both in fresh (river, lake, pond) and salt water (estuary, sea, ocean).

Frequency

The skeleton when searching for an echo sounder for fishing is the frequency indicator of the device. It is this figure that will tell you about the capabilities and benefits of sonar or sonar.

Based on the transducer frequency, echo sounders are divided into:

• 192 kHz – used in shallow waters, reflects a detailed picture of underwater life, and is convenient for trolling.
• 50 kHz - used for deep-sea, sea fishing, long-distance walking, have a conical viewing angle, and cover a large area for study.
• dual-frequency - capable of switching and changing frequency depending on operating conditions, are considered premium models.

Rays and imaging angle

The number of rays and viewing angle are responsible for the picture displayed on the screen of an electronic fishing gadget. It is their abilities that determine what the fisherman will see under his boat, to his right and left.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! The larger the conical viewing angle of the echo sounder, the larger the coverage area of ​​the water area will appear on the device screen.

The pattern of available visibility depending on the number of reproduced rays:

• 1 beam – from 9 to 20 degrees;
• 2 beams – up to 60 degrees;
• 3 beams – from 90 to 150 degrees.

GOOD TO KNOW! The main disadvantage of multibeam echo sounders is the creation of blind spots that appear between the beams. Therefore, 3-beam echo sounders are necessary for scanning a large area of ​​water for traffic safety, and single-beam sonars are recommended for detailed searches.

Scan quality

This indicator is also called echo sounder sensitivity. It is set in the settings and allows you to see even small fish and a detailed landscape. If the goal is underwater hunting for large predators, then the sensitivity of the echo sounder is usually reduced so that the sonar transmits data only to large objects, without distracting the owner with nuances.

Scanning happens:

• Side (Lowrance – “StructureScan”, Humminbird – “Side Imaging”, Garmin – “SideVü”);
• Lower (Lowrance – “DownScan Imaging”, Humminbird – “HD Down Imaging”, Raymarine – “DownVision”, Garmin – “DownVü”).

Side scanning of the echo sounder allows you to expand the search trajectory, allowing you to study the underwater world not only under the device, but also what is happening around it. The fisherman immediately receives information about the water bottom and fishermen, without wasting time swimming through the water area back and forth.

The bottom scanning of the echo sounder will help out lovers of trolling and fishing on the move. Often the fish simply merges with the bottom, hides and goes under the recesses of the underwater landscape. So, the vertical, thin bottom scanning beam instantly detects such nuances, quickly transmitting the image to the fisherman’s screen.

Device power

Models with greater power are able to send and direct their beams deeply and distinguish objects in turbid waters or areas with poor visibility. When choosing a powerful echo sounder, you need to remember about the sensitivity of the receiver, since the transmitter will send a strong signal, and it will be difficult for the receiver to distinguish it. The powerful device is recommended for sea and deep fishing trips, and is unlikely to be appropriate for typical fishing.

Monitor

All information that the echo sounder receives is displayed on the monitor. How the fisherman determines his goals and builds his further route will depend on its parameters.

Monitors are:

• Black and white;
• Colored.

When choosing a fish finder with a black and white screen, pay attention to the shades of gray. For a high-quality picture there should not be enough of them, but also not fifty shades of gray. It is better to stick to black and white models with a gray value from 10 to 16.

A win-win option is a backlit color monitor with 256 shades that display a rich picture of the underwater world.

Some screens are equipped with an anti-glare function, which is very useful for use in sunny weather. Pay attention to the brightness of the sonar or echo sounder screen when purchasing.

Principle of operation

The principle of operation of an echo sounder
An echo sounder sensor immersed in water to measure the depth in a reservoir emits a signal in the form of a cone. Inside the cone, ultrasonic waves travel from the sensor towards the bottom. When encountering obstacles in their path, these waves are reflected and go back, perceived by the sensor, and the distance to the detected objects is measured. The results of a one-time measurement are reflected on the display scale with depth marks located at the right edge of the echo sounder screen.

• If an object is detected at a certain distance, a dash appears on the scale. When another object is detected at a different distance, a new stroke appears.
• Where the ultrasonic wave does not encounter an obstacle on its path, it will reach the nearest point on the bottom, this point will be reflected on the scale as a line. The distance to it will be recorded by the echo sounder in its coverage area, like the depth of a reservoir.

The beam emitted by the sensor is wide enough, so other areas of the bottom that fall within its border, but are located further from the sensor than the nearest point on the bottom, will also give a reflected signal. As a result, all points detected by the echo sounder on the bottom, from the closest to the farthest, will be recorded on the side scale in the form of dashes. All the space between the closest point on the bottom and the farthest one will be shaded because it is filled with signal.

With each depth measurement, the echo sounder emits ultrasonic waves, receives signals reflected from the bottom and obstacles in the water column, processes them and displays them on the echo sounder screen, and we need to correctly read the resulting picture. Everything that appeared to the left on the screen is no longer below us, we have passed this section of the bottom and now it is behind the stern of the boat.

Converter frequency

The frequency of the transducer determines the width and depth of the scanned area. It should be noted that the usual rule, the higher the better, does not work in this case, since with a high frequency of the converter obtained at the output, the picture will be clearer, while the possible depth for scanning will be minimal.

And the opposite situation: at a low frequency, greater depth is visible, but the resulting picture will be fuzzy. So you need to choose an echo sounder for a specific type of fishing and your own fishing preferences. Operating modes 200 kHz and 50 kHz.

Key Features and Functions

• Fish-ID.
  Fish identification mode and its display in the form of symbols (instead of arcs). A very useful feature for beginners who are just getting started with working with an echo sounder.
• FishTrack.
  The fish tracking function displays the digital depth of the fish, which can be seen above the fish symbol.
• Alarm.
  Sound signals when a fish is detected (Fish Alarm), as well as when entering shallow water or deep water (Depth Alarm).
• FasTrack
  . Instant display of information about the layers of water located under the sensor.
• Grayline.
  This "gray line" shows the density of objects and allows you to better recognize fish close to the bottom. The hardest objects appear in gray, which changes to black as the density decreases. Thanks to this function, you can find fish among snags and thickets, as well as find a pile of underwater stones, near which schools often accumulate.
• FishReveal.
  A function that is an improved version of Grayline. In this mode, the echo sounder not only distinguishes solid objects from loose ones (soft, sandy), but also distributes them according to the degree of density, using several shades of gray.
• Zoom.
  A zoom function that allows you to view a specific area of ​​the bottom in more detail.

Which echo sounder is better to choose?

When choosing an echo sounder and deciding which one is best to buy, you must proceed from your preferred fishing method and the required characteristics. The buyer needs to understand what parameters the model must meet in terms of type, scanning depth, basic and additional functionality.

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Experienced fishermen and experts in the field of fishing and hunting equipment boil down their recommendations to three basic points:

The manufacturing company is also important; it should be a specialized company, and not a brand that creates devices using someone else’s stamps. Our review includes only reliable brands that have earned the trust of users.

To choose the best echo sounder for fishing, you need to correctly determine the type and characteristics. It is also worth paying attention to the main advantages and disadvantages identified by customers during use. This information will be extremely useful when choosing between models that match the parameters.

Has three beams, color screen. Power comes from batteries. Protected from moisture getting inside. The maximum viewing depth of the reservoir is 60 meters. The disadvantages include heavy weight and a large, uncomfortable body. The cost of this model is 12,000 rubles.

GSMIN WA3

Practitioner ER-6PRO

Very popular among our domestic devices. It can be suitable for both winter and summer, thanks to its operating temperature range from -20 to +40. Scans water bodies 25 meters deep and uses 1 beam for this. You can easily get used to it, but one of the downsides is the tight buttons. Thanks to the low cost of 7,000 rubles and 5 operating modes, this minus becomes simply insignificant.

Rybak Evgeniy writes about it: “Happy with the purchase. This device is easy to use. I was very pleased with the price and quality.”

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175

It is a favorite of professional fishermen. Thanks to two beams with angles of 28 and 16 degrees, the exploration depth is 183 meters. Very convenient, takes up little space. One of the disadvantages is that it is powered from the mains, which makes fishing from a boat difficult at first, requiring an additional portable power source. The cost of such a device is about 10,000 rubles.

Rybak Alexander writes: “At first, using the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175, I had problems mastering the menu, but after a short trial, I got used to it. The long range of exploration made it possible to fish in a deep lake. Overall, I like the device.”

Lowrance Mark-5x Pro

This device has a large screen that allows you to clearly see what is happening at the bottom of the reservoir; by the way, its range is 305 meters. One of the disadvantages is the power supply from a 12 volt network. Therefore, you will have to take a battery with you into the boat. The price of such an echo sounder is about 15,000 rubles.

Rybak Andrey writes: “The device pleases with its large screen, but one of the minuses I would like to note is that the echo sounder often freezes.”

JJ-Connect Fisherman 220 Duo Ice Edition MARK II

It has two beams and examines water bodies with a depth of 73 meters. Power comes from batteries. A big plus is the waterproof housing, but the bad thing is that in winter some sensors do not work correctly and fish with a small weight of up to 300 grams are practically not detected. Its average cost was 6,000 rubles.

Here's what fisherman Victor said about it: “It’s a very bright model, with a good display, but this model is not suitable for winter fishing.”

Rivotek Fisher 30

The echo sounder pleases with its compactness, but is only suitable for use in the warm season. Having an average price of 7500 rubles, it pleases with one beam with a frequency of 4333 kHz. One of the disadvantages is the impossibility of fishing in winter.

Let's listen to Vladimir's reviews: “I recently bought this echo sounder. I really liked the design and simplicity of this device. It’s very convenient to fish from a boat.”

Lowrance HDS 7 Carbon

Having a high price of 105,000 rubles, it deserves respect thanks to its wide display with excellent image quality, dual-core processor, touch display, 3D image, navigation. This device is for those who love stylish and powerful models. It supports the latest marine technology. It has a built-in assistant. Such a device can easily control small boats. Allows you to update software and has Internet access.

Let's listen to Nikolai's reviews: “I purchased a Lowrance HDS 7 Carbon for fishing and have never regretted it. The user-friendly interface and excellent image quality make me happy. I especially liked that the smart echo sounder has navigation and works very quickly.”

Garmin Echo 100

It has a viewing depth of 200 meters, one beam at 60 degrees and a price of 10,000 rubles. This is a universal device for winter and summer fishing. Power is supplied from 12 volts.

Review from the owner of this model: “We needed a simple and convenient echo sounder. I chose Garmin Echo 100 and have never regretted it. Price and quality match."

Deeper Smart Fishfinder

Perfect for carp fishing. The sensor is made in the form of a ball and is thrown into the water. A very compact device with good picture quality that does not require frequent recharging. One of the disadvantages is the inconvenience associated with throwing the sensor. The price is 8000 rubles.

Mikhail says about this model: “I bought an echo sounder for the first time. Fishing has become much easier. Very easy to use."

Vexilar FL-20 Ultra Pack Tri-Beam Sonar Fishfinder

Has three beams, color screen. Power comes from batteries. Protected from moisture getting inside. The maximum viewing depth of the reservoir is 60 meters. The disadvantages include heavy weight and a large, uncomfortable body. The cost of this model is 12,000 rubles.

Feedback from Konstantin: “I am an experienced fisherman, I have used different echo sounders. I liked this one for its clarity, although I feel inconvenienced by the bulkiness of the device.”

Lowrance HDS-5x Gen2

It is considered popular due to its perfect image and screen clarity. The settings are automatically saved after switching off. Operates up to 1.5 kilometers underwater. Costs 34,000 rubles. Very powerful. Can be used while on the move, for example when traveling on a boat.

Review from Vladislav: “I bought it recently, I really liked it, but it took me a long time to figure out the echo sounder itself, after I figured it out, there were no problems”

When choosing an echo sounder for fishing on a boat, read carefully our selection of the best models. Remember that you need to choose models that suit your budget and needs. Happy biting!

Each echo sounder operates to a certain depth. You need to choose a model depending on the intended fishing location. So, for fishing in a shallow reservoir, a device operating at a depth of up to 25 meters is suitable. Medium and large lakes may have depressions that are not visible from the surface, so here you should work with an echo sounder at 40-60 meters. At sea, a model that operates at a depth of 300-340 meters will be useful.

Viewing angle is an additional function that allows you to determine where to cast your fishing rod. The viewing angle varies from 20 to 90 degrees. For fishing with a net, it is enough to use a model with a viewing angle of 40-60 degrees, with a fishing rod - 20-35 degrees.

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When choosing an echo sounder, pay attention to sensitivity adjustment. If this parameter is high, the picture on the display will be noisy. A model with a low rating will not pick up sound waves. Preference should be given to those with medium sensitivity, or, as we have already written, with the ability to regulate it.

Design depth

Each echo sounder operates to a certain depth. You need to choose a model depending on the intended fishing location. So, for fishing in a shallow reservoir, a device operating at a depth of up to 25 meters is suitable. Medium and large lakes may have depressions that are not visible from the surface, so here you should work with an echo sounder at 40-60 meters. At sea, a model that operates at a depth of 300-340 meters will be useful.

Additional functions

Most echo sounder models in the price range from 220 to 390 rubles have additional functions, which include:

• temperature sensor showing the number of degrees of water at depth;
• a sensor that determines the speed of the boat;
• Russified menu;
• backlighting of the display and buttons (a convenient feature when using the device at night);
• GPS navigation, convenient for fishing in large bodies of water.

echo sounder practitioner ER-6 pro

Types of echo sounders

Currently, there is a wide selection of sonars on the market with different characteristics and prices. For convenience, they can be classified as follows:

• Echo sounders with a monochrome screen.
  Relatively inexpensive devices with a simple monitor and a modest set of functions, which is quite enough to carry out the necessary measurements on a reservoir. In this case, there is a desire by the manufacturer to reduce the price of the product without sacrificing quality.
• Echo sounders with color screen.
  On a color monitor it is easier to read the bottom structure, detect fish among underwater vegetation, and understand what kind of object is within the sonar range. However, the small advantages hardly justify the high prices for devices in this class.
• Echo sounders with touch screen.
  Convenient, although expensive, devices. A simple, intuitive interface allows you to quickly make the necessary settings.
• Echo sounders with GPS.
  The advantages of devices with GPS are obvious. Especially on large bodies of water, where finding a favorite place can be very difficult. Some experienced fishermen use an echo sounder to first explore the bottom, record the coordinates of promising fishing areas, and even draw up maps. Choosing a fish finder with a navigation system is perhaps the smartest decision.
• DSI scanners.
  In echo sounders with DSI technology, the scanner beam is emitted in the form of a flat sector perpendicular to the movement of the boat, and not in a regular cone, as in classic models. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain a higher quality image of the scanned area.
• 3D sonars.
  It's tempting, of course, to get a three-dimensional image of what's happening under the boat. However, due to a number of shortcomings (small screen, inaccuracies in displaying objects and bottom topography, high price), this class is not in particular demand.
• Portable wireless echo sounders.
  The float sensor is tied to the spinning rod, thrown into the desired place and smoothly pulled towards the shore (boat). According to the fishermen who tested such an echo sounder, it will help you choose a suitable place, but it doesn’t show fish well. Imagine how effective a sensor dangling on a wave would be.
• Forward looking echo sounders.
  Sonars of the classic type, collecting information on the course of movement of the craft. Little popular among amateur fishermen due to the high cost, complexity of adjustments and analysis of the data obtained.

Echo sounders for winter fishing

Echo sounders for fishing in winter are made of frost-resistant materials and are more portable. But for winter fishing, you can also use models for fishing from a boat, although this is less convenient. For fastening, you can use TransMount KZ-150 fasteners. For fishing, it is enough to use a single-beam model, but a double-beam echo sounder for winter fishing will not be amiss.

Popular models

1. Elite-4x Ice Machine;
2. Elite-4 Ice Machine;
3. Fisherman 600 Ice Edition;
4. Fisherman 220 Duo Ice Edition;
5. Humminbird, Fishin' Buddy series;
6. Tube echo sounders for winter fishing.

Most portable ice fishing fish finders are wireless fish finders. Their sensor is located at a remote distance from the echo sounder itself and is made in the form of a float for placement in the hole. Wireless fish finders are labeled “Wireless” in their names.

Settings

Setting up the echo sounder
When you turn on the echo sounder, it automatically selects settings that are close to optimal for finding fish and determining the bottom topography. The only downsides to the automatic settings are the depth measurements in feet and the inclusion of fish identification mode. But this can be easily fixed using the menu. Some fish finders remember the settings you set and they are automatically restored the next time you turn on the fish finder.

The fish identification mode, when the echo sounder, using a special program, tries to distinguish between images of fish and “non-fish” is still far from perfect. And this is noted not only by fishermen, but also by manufacturers of echo sounders. This mode can be useful only for novice users of echo sounders, for whom the images of fish symbols are clearer than some strange arcs and stripes. But after gaining even a little experience, they agree that these arcs and stripes carry significantly more accurate and complete information necessary for detecting fish near the bottom, in the folds of the bottom, hiding in snags and among vegetation.

The fish identification mode, however, is very effective and visual when searching for large schools of fish, especially “at mid-water” and should not be completely neglected.

The echo sounder settings are usually changed to obtain a more convenient view of the image: to view an enlarged image, enable a multi-window screen view, etc. The basic operating settings of the echo sounder (sensitivity, range of sounded depths, etc.) need to be changed only to solve specific problems, for example, to more accurately determine depth. Determining the relief using a wide (about 50 arc-degree) ultrasonic beam is similar to trying to probe the bottom with a thick probe, the diameter of which is close to the depth. In this case, all bottom irregularities smaller in area than the base of the probe are hidden, and the measured depth above the inclined surface is clearly underestimated. A thick probe simply rests on the nearest protruding point on the bottom surface, and all objects below this point fall into the “dead” zone and are not observed.

By reducing the sensitivity of the echo sounder, we actually reduce the width of the beam with which we probe the bottom and look for fish. The narrower the beam, the more accurately and in more detail we can study the bottom topography. But at the same time, we can cross the line beyond which the echo sounder stops “feeling” even large fish.

When using an echo sounder to study the relief and bottom layers for professional purposes, it may not be enough to simply reduce the sensitivity of the echo sounder and you will need to either use a narrow-beam sensor or adjust the radiation pattern of a standard sensor.

Types of echo sounders

There are several classifications of this kind of devices depending on their parameters, operating principle and installation method.
Depending on the frequency parameters, the following types of sonars are distinguished:

1. Single beam. Device with a frequency of 200 kHz. Such sonars are considered optimal for fishermen.
2. Double beam. Such a device operates at a frequency of 50 kHz (for a detailed study of the bottom topography) and 200 kHz (the optimal frequency for detecting fish). This type of sonar is most useful when fishing at sea.
3. Three-beam , operating at a frequency of 200 kHz, provide a view of the surface at an angle of 150 degrees. The exact location of the object is displayed on the screen.
4. Six-beam devices are recognized as multifunctional devices that allow you to reproduce a three-dimensional picture of the surveyed area on the display.

Depending on the overall dimensions, which directly affect the area of ​​life in which the echo sounder will be used, two types of sonars can be identified:

1. Portable , convenient for use in small bodies of water.
2. Stationary echo sounders used on ships.

Portable devices used for fishing can be easily divided depending on the seasonality of use into:

1. Winter tube echo sounders powered by a regular battery. Such devices show a side view on the screen.
2. Summer ones , allowing you to fish in the summer.
3. Universal portable echo sounders for winter and summer fishing both on the water and on the coast.

What does the echo sounder show?

Now let's try to understand what we see on the screen from what the echo sounder found underwater? If the boat is moving, then the sensor after a certain time interval (fractions of a second, and this interval can be changed in the echo sounder menu), as if photographing the bottom and the fish if it falls into the signal beam. This rightmost point always displays events in real time! When the current photo is replaced by a new one, it simply moves to the left and nothing else happens to it. He has already become history. The fish that was there may in fact have already swum away and be in a completely different place. It may also even fall into the field of view of the side beam (this happens), but on the echo sounder screen its image will remain unchanged at the same depth, and will slowly move to the left until it disappears from the screen.

In the same way, the displayed bottom relief will characterize the area that the boat sailed during the time until the “bottom snapshot” moved from the rightmost point to the leftmost point of the screen. Usually this is intuitively clear to everyone at once. However, if you have marked for yourself the edge that you are going to fish, then in order to move from it to the desired place where you need to anchor, you need to have a very good idea of ​​how far you actually need to swim so that it corresponds to the picture changing on the echo sounder. It is not so easy to accurately correlate your movements on real water with the diagrams presented on the screen.

The fish finder continues to draw the bottom even when you are already at anchor. In this case, a straight line will appear on the screen, but due to the waves, irregularities may appear on the bottom! And the fish finder will clone the fish under you if it stands still. Likewise, the distorted terrain will be presented on the screen when you swim closer to the shore and then move away from it again: a characteristic section of a hill with ascent and descent will appear on the screen. On the screen, the echo sounder will simply add your forward movement to your backward movement, and from the picture it will be unclear that this is the same section of the bottom: you just weren’t swimming straight, but spinning in place.

If you approach the edge at a right angle, it will seem steep; when you do it faster, the steepness will increase even more. And if you approach the same edge at an acute angle, the steepness of the slope will decrease significantly, and you will not pay due attention to it. An echo sounder can generally draw a flat bottom for you if you move along the edge, even while in the middle of it!

Options for reflecting the same section of the bottom when moving in different directions

The picture shows a drop into the riverbed, where the steepest edge is located between 5 and 8 meters. The green trajectory (A) shows the boat moving at an acute angle to this drop, and on the echo sounder screen its steepness does not seem so obvious. Moving along the red route (C), the edge looks like a real cliff. The yellow trajectory (B) shows a boat in which the angler, having reached the edge, began to look for an anchor and was carried back. As a result, the echo sounder drew a hill.

To get a more or less accurate idea of ​​the area of ​​the bottom you are interested in, you need to swim over this area at least several times in different directions, compare the information received, and come up with the missing elements. It is not simple. I have been regularly torturing my echo sounder for more than 10 years, and still, in order to anchor correctly and the first time, I mark critical points with a kind of mark - for example, I place an empty boss in the center of the channel, which serves as a guide buoy for me, from which it is easier visually measure the effective casting distance. Believe me, when you are blown away by the wind and wave, it is very difficult to understand without external reference points how far you are from a given point, 20 or 50 meters?

In addition to the bottom topography and depth, a very important clue for the fisherman is information about the hardness of the bottom and the presence of various near-bottom objects. For example, it is obvious that looking for pike perch where the bottom is covered with a thick layer of silt is not very promising. And various bottom objects may turn out to be flooded with stumps, boulders, snags, and ultimately serve as suitable shelters for predator ambushes. This is a very strong argument in favor of echo sounders, the display of which can provide a well-detailed picture, even if it is conditionally true. Such a picture instills confidence in the fisherman, and confidence stimulates perseverance and more decisive actions, and therefore a greater likelihood of a good catch.

Now about the fish. Is it difficult to understand from the echo sounder readings what kind of fish is underneath you? Is it pike or bream? A school of bream or a hungry perch? Therefore, none of the echo sounder manufacturers, to date, makes any distinction in fish pictograms between pike and bream. But we have a rough idea of ​​the size of the fish, the depth at which it is located, and if the echo sounder allows, then on which side of the boat (or even straight ahead) this fish is swimming.

We can only guess and make assumptions, based on our ideas about the life of fish, who is underneath us. Let’s assume that there is a large fish hiding under a boulder or stump, most likely a pike, but maybe a pike perch, and a school of small fish above them is a roach. Maybe so, or maybe quite the opposite - a carp or bream is hiding in the shelter, and a school of perch is frolicking above. It can be interpreted in different ways. It is more important to the angler at what depth the fish are mainly located. And the information about what depth the fish stays at is far from unambiguous, and rather offers us options for analysis. For example, one summer the echo sounder persistently showed that all the fish were at the surface, and only here and there at the very bottom, almost 10-11 meters, were rare single individuals found. I bet on the latter, and I was not mistaken. I launched the mugs along the very bottom and caught three good pike perch on them, while from 3 meters there was not a single bite.

In addition to the popular combination of an echo sounder with a navigator today, useful additional options may also be the function of simple speed measurement (without GPS) and the ability to measure water temperature. For many models, the water temperature sensor is combined with the main sensor; for some, such a sensor can be connected and installed in the echo sounder, but it must be purchased separately.

Many echo sounders are capable of displaying what is called a raw signal. Experienced fishermen consider it more important than a fake display of fish symbols. With this interpretation, the fish on the screen is represented as an arc. In fact, such arcs consist of a sequence of individual “snapshots” of the reflection of the beam from an obstacle that has arisen, as either the object changes its position within the beam cone, or the beam passes over the object.

Let's imagine that we are slowly swimming over a fish standing below us. We haven't reached it yet, but it hits the very edge of the beam. The return signal from it is still weaker, and the fish is currently further away from us than when it is directly under the boat. In the center of the beam, the signal becomes stronger, and the fish is reflected fatter, and the distance to it becomes shorter. As the beam exits, the picture changes in the reverse order. As a result, a series of such photographs turns into an image resembling an arc, with a thickening in the center.

The size of the fish can be judged by the size of the largest thickening in the center of the arc, and comparing it with the arcs of other fish located at the same depth.

What else can the arc tell us? If the arc is short, then the fish moves towards us and passes the cone of the beam faster. A long arc indicates that the fish is following the boat and remains in the beam cone for a long time. In the case when the boat is anchored, a long arc, and often a straight line, indicates to us that the fish has been standing directly under the boat for a long time, and a short one - that it is swimming under us.

If the left edge of the arc is thicker and lifted up, and the right one becomes thinner and goes down, then this means that the fish, when approaching the boat, went to depth. If, on the contrary, the left edge is lower, then this means that the fish was moving upward. Learning to read arcs is not difficult, but for this, the echo sounder display must again have good resolution so that the arcs can be seen clearly, otherwise it is difficult to understand them.

In practice, by analyzing various arcs, it is possible to identify such details as the attack of one fish on another. I tried to display the geometry of the arcs and the attack on the diagram as far as possible.

Displaying fish with arcs

The picture is as follows: The boat is standing still. The pike moves straight (red line). The roach, when the pike swims up to it, gets scared and also goes straight up (blue line). Both fish enter the echo sounder sensor beam zone at the same time and leave it at the same time. Point A, where the fish fall into the field of view of the beam, will be to the left on the echo sounder screen. This is older information than the output from the beam cone. The shape of the blue arc indicates that at the beginning (point A) the fish was deeper, and at the exit (point B) it rose closer to the surface. Closer to the center of the beam, the signal is clearer, so the line that displays it is thicker.

⚓ Image of objects in the water, search for fish.

As paradoxical as it may sound, displaying fish symbols on the screen is rather a secondary function of the echo sounder. A person who is keen on fishing can easily analyze echo sounder data, such as water temperature, depth and bottom structure, and based on these data, draw a conclusion about the possible presence of fish in a particular area of ​​the reservoir. When a graphical fish symbol or arc appears on the screen, this means that the echo sounder beam passed over the place where it detected an object that it recognized as a fish a few seconds ago. At the same time, in order for the echo sounder to signal the possible presence of fish, it is necessary for it to fall into the center of the beam. We have already said that the screen image is a display of what is happening underwater, taking into account the time projection. A similar situation occurs during fish detection. The clearest image of the fish appears on the screen when the fish is in the center of the beam. At the same time, let’s not forget that both the boat and the fish do not stand still, but move relative to each other. If the boat is moving at high speed in shallow water, and the echo sounder beam is narrow, then the chance that the echo sounder will detect the appearance of a fish in the beam is extremely small. And besides, it is unlikely that the fish will continue to remain in place after noticing the boat. At high speeds, it is also possible for a continuous line to appear on the echo sounder screen, which indicates that the echo sounder does not have time to process the data received at such a speed. In order for the information about the presence of fish that is displayed on the screen and reality to match as much as possible, it is necessary to adjust the sensitivity of the echo sounder and the screen scrolling speed. The optimal values ​​for these parameters are determined exclusively by experience. It is also advisable to set the enlargement mode of the area under study (ZOOM). In this case, the information on the screen will be closest to reality. When all the echo sounder parameters are set correctly, we will see an arc or a fish symbol on the display. Does this mean there really are fish under the boat? With an 80% chance, yes. However, it also happens that the symbol of a fish is a driftwood or other object that is similar in outline to a fish floating under water. In this case, how can one determine whether a fish and not a foreign object actually fell into the field of the echo sounder beam? An echo sounder gives us food for thought, and we make our own conclusions based on knowledge about the habits of fish and their habitats. For example, an arc near a bottom snag at depth may turn out to be a pike perch, and the appearance of a large spot on the screen in a recess against the background of a flat bottom can most likely be called a school of “leucorrhoea” - a medium-sized silver bream or roach. Of course, no definite conclusions should be drawn in any case, but the places where fish are supposedly found can in any case be considered promising for fishing. That is, fishing with an echo sounder consists of the following important factors: analysis of the bottom topography or the presence of objects attractive to fish on the bottom, and the presence of fish symbols on the screen. And while single specimens of fish may sometimes be displayed incorrectly, detection of a school of large fish almost always occurs without complications.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing

Probably every fishing enthusiast has thought about purchasing such a useful device for fishing as an echo sounder. Of course, the use of an echo sounder simplifies the search for the most suitable place for fishing, especially in unfamiliar areas of the reservoir, since with its help you can determine the bottom topography. When choosing an echo sounder, you need to pay attention to several parameters, these are: transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, transducer operating frequencies, screen size and resolution, and finally, the price of the device.

• Transmitter power.
  The higher the power indicators, the clearer the echo signal will be, especially when you need to scan areas with great depths or in poor water conditions. With high transmitter power, you will be able to see the bottom of the reservoir in great detail; even the weakest echo signal can be converted by a powerful emitter into an electrical impulse. Therefore, even the smallest fish will be visible to you. If the power is insufficient, the signal will not reach the desired depth, and you will not be able to see the full picture. The power of an echo sounder is usually indicated in the documents of the device and comes in two types, peak and averaged (RMS), its characteristics are indicated in watts. The price of a device with high power is correspondingly higher.
• Converter frequencies.
  This parameter determines how wide an area of ​​the reservoir you can scan and to what depth. The signal has the shape of a cone; depending on the frequency, its angle can be different; at high frequencies the angle will be smaller than at low frequencies. The lower the signal frequency, the greater the penetration depth, but the detail will be less clear and precise; the higher the frequency, the shallower the depth, but the detail will be very good. Therefore, if you usually fish in deep water, then you need a fish finder with a low frequency transducer and vice versa.
• Receiver sensitivity.
  Here it should be understood that the higher the sensitivity of the receiver, the more interference will be reflected on the screen, so preference should be given to echo sounders with the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the receiver. The larger the range of settings, the better, however, the price will naturally be higher.
• Screen size and resolution.
  Screen resolution is of no small importance, since the higher its resolution, the easier it will be to determine the distance between various underwater objects, that is, they will not “merge” on the screen into one object. The screen size should be selected based on the nature of fishing; if you fish from a small rubber boat and the echo sounder will always be nearby, in front of your eyes, then there is no need to overpay for a large screen size. If you fish from a boat and move a lot around the deck of the ship, then the large screen will be very convenient, since you will see the “picture” of the echo sounder readings, even being at some distance from it. Very often, echo sounders with large screen sizes include a large set of various additional functions, which, of course, affects the price of the device.
• Price.
  Often, a well-known brand and high price of a device are not always an indicator of high technical characteristics. Before purchasing, you need to carefully read the chosen model, taking into account how and where you will use it. If the performance is the same, choose a less expensive echo sounder, but take into account the manufacturer’s warranties and its reputation in the market.

Echo sounders for shore fishing

The operating principle of echo sounders designed for fishing from the shore is absolutely the same as the rest of the family of these devices. The only thing that distinguishes them from their counterparts is their compactness. The main monitor of such an echo sounder can be attached directly to the fishing rod or to the fisherman’s hand. The echo sounder sensor is thrown into the pond using a fishing line.

There are universal models of devices that can work both on a boat and from the shore. Compact and highly targeted models of echo sounders are small in size and weight, but, as a rule, have little functionality. But such models are much cheaper than their universal counterparts or echo sounders for fishing from a boat.

Echo sounder manufacturers

Best models

If you want to save money or simply don’t have a big budget, then turn your attention to the affordable JJ-Connect Fisherman series fish finders. They are equipped with small displays and usually use one or two beams. Due to their small size and low cost, such echo sounders are an excellent choice for beginners.

In addition, some echo sounders from Garmin can also be considered economical solutions. It has a fairly wide range of models: the most budget models can be purchased for 4,000 – 5,000 rubles, and the most expensive ones can cost 20,000 rubles and more. In addition, if you are not going to save money, but want to fish professionally, then use universal echo sounders from Humminbird and Garmin. Such echo sounders have at their disposal 4-5 scanning beams, the ability to quickly transmit data, a GPS receiver, a contrast display and other pleasant and useful additions.

Brief overview of budget echo sounders

"Practician" series ER-6Pro2

The model is new and has only recently been on sale, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the capabilities of this echo sounder.

• Maximum location depth (m) – 25.
• There are one rays (400).
• Screen (cm) – 3 x 5.
• Resolution (pixels) – 128 x 64.
• Operating temperature range (ºС) – from -20 to +40.
• Duration of continuous operation (hour) – up to 170 (±20).
• Batteries (pieces) – 1.

Several adjustments, operating modes and functions. For example, a sound alert about the presence of fish under the boat.

Price – 6,480 rubles.

"Fisherman" JJ-Connect series, model 200

This echo sounder is largely similar in characteristics to the previous device - single-beam, but the depth is slightly greater (up to 75 m). The operating limit has been increased to +65 ºС. Includes 4 AAA elements, which lasts for 36 hours.

Price – 3,990 rubles.

The descriptions of these two models of echo sounders are quite enough to understand the capabilities of devices in this price range. There are products for 2,000 - 2,500 rubles, but it is unlikely that the pursuit of savings will result in a good catch. As practice shows, for fishing from a boat you should focus on echo sounders costing between 4,000 and 9,000 rubles. An experienced fisherman hardly needs the full functionality of more expensive ones, and cheap models, as a rule, do not justify themselves.

Hello, I'm Alexander, the mastermind behind the blog. In terms of career and free time, I connected my life with the forest. How could it be otherwise when you live in Karelia! In this blog, I am responsible for sections dedicated to hunting, hiking and equipment. Welcome to my world!

1 ） Number of rays “The more, the better!” - you will shout, and I will tell you: “Well done, take the gingerbread from the shelf!” But on average, two are enough for regular fishing. If you fish only in winter, then 1 beam at 45˚ is enough and don’t even worry about it. And if you, my friend, fish only in the summer, I advise you to buy 2 rays. Don’t take less, because with the 1st beam your frequency will only be 83 or 77.

I will not start from afar, but will start straight to the point. You all already know why an echo sounder , and if not, then check it out on Wikipedia. I will analyze the main parameters when choosing an echo sounder:

Fishing Tips: How to Use a Fish Finder for Boat Fishing - Detailed Review

1 ） Number of rays “The more, the better!” - you will shout, and I will tell you: “Well done, take the gingerbread from the shelf!” But on average, two are enough for regular fishing. If you fish only in winter, then 1 beam at 45˚ is enough and don’t even worry about it. And if you, my friend, fish only in the summer, I advise you to buy 2 rays. Don’t take less, because with the 1st beam your frequency will only be 83 or 77.

Well, we went through the main parameters when choosing an echo sounder. If you still have questions, it is better to call us at 8-800-200-22-92. Calls within Russia are free. Good luck!

There are various models on sale, with a larger (or smaller) number of options. Some of them are just additional services, and they, as a rule, do not have any impact on the fishing process itself. Let's figure out what should be assessed first.