What is the need for a watch?
There is an opinion among the fishing community that a mobile phone can be used to determine the time, weather and as a compass.
In principle, this is possible. But there is one caveat: constantly taking it out and putting it back in your pocket is not very convenient. Often, the need to find out the time coincides with a bite, which leads not only to the disappointment of a missed opportunity to hook a fish, but also to the phone being tipped into the water. Namely, the modern version of a fishing watch can fully satisfy the needs of the fisherman, and, most importantly, provide comfort during the fishing process. Of course, you can’t make calls from them, but they definitely won’t distract you from your main activity!
Main features
Characteristics that should be present in a fishing watch:
- Resistance to mechanical shocks and falls . Considering the high probability of either the accessory falling on a hard surface or all kinds of mechanical damage, fishing watches are distinguished by a reliable and high-quality case.
- Resistant to moisture. Fishing and water represent a single integral system, where all the fisherman’s equipment comes into contact with water (moisture) to one degree or another. Leading manufacturers of fishing accessories, who value their name, produce watches with maximum protection against water penetration into the mechanism.
- High level of reliability under different operating conditions. Fishing is carried out not only at different times of the year, but also under different conditions (depending on the weather, the fishing method, the specific fishing location, etc.), taking these factors into account, the manufacturer has provided its product with a high degree of strength. This is an undeniable advantage when choosing between a mobile phone and a fishing watch.
- Availability of additional functions. Modern fisherman's watches are distinguished by a huge number of additional features that greatly simplify the determination of the bite at a specific time, and ease of use has a positive effect on the fishing process.
Mandatory qualities of models
When choosing, extreme operating conditions are taken into account. The watch may be exposed to moisture and mechanical shock. Comfort and the presence of additional functions are also important. But the defining criteria remain reliability and accuracy.
At first glance, classic mechanical models are optimal, but they are inferior to electronic ones in terms of the number of additional options. To ensure the best fishing conditions, the watch must have the following properties:
- impact strength;
- quartz movement;
- waterproof housing with the ability to be submerged to a depth of at least 2 m;
- screen backlight using LED system;
- glass resistance to damage and scratching;
- the ability to quickly replace the power source;
- ease of activation of various modes.
The degree of comfort is no less important. The watch should not get tangled in the gear; there are no protruding parts on the surface of the case. Before purchasing, you need to try on a suitable model and analyze your personal sensations from wearing it.
Main functions
For more comfortable use, fishing watches are equipped with all sorts of functions:
- Reliability of operation. This is one of the most important criteria when choosing this accessory. A special accessory for fishing can provide the fisherman with timely information under any fishing conditions and weather changes.
- Protection against accidental pressing of buttons. Manufacturers of fishing accessories also took care of this function, taking into account the specifics of their operation, which allows you to use the accessory without fear of accidentally pressing one of the buttons.
- Alarm clock and stopwatch with circular and interval counting capabilities. A fairly convenient function, thanks to which the desired time is set and notified by a sound signal, and the countdown timer allows you to determine the accuracy of the wiring interval.
- The presence of powerful backlighting for the convenience of fishing in the dark. For lovers of night hunting, the backlight brightness parameter plays a decisive role. Some models have an automatic backlight function, where when you turn your wrist towards your face, the display lights up (backlit).
- Controlling the transition to seasonal time and movement between time zones. A fishing accessory with a similar function can not only control the transition to seasonal time, but also automatically adjust the time to a specific time zone.
- Providing power from solar energy. Each type of watch, be it mechanical or quartz, requires a certain type of energy in order to function properly for a long time. The solar-powered mechanism requires solar energy, but not direct exposure to sunlight, but ordinary, everyday light, which is very convenient and practical.
- Internet access. Ultra-modern models are equipped with a function to access the World Wide Web, which opens up extensive possibilities for the user of this accessory (GPS - navigator, data processing, etc.).
Additional properties
When fishing, you need to know not only the time, but also other important data. These include the current phase of the moon according to the calendar, indication of the date, year and month. In some cases, a countdown timer with a completion notification function is useful.
For professional fishermen, it is important to have the following options:
- preventing functions from being activated when buttons are accidentally pressed;
- presence of alarm clock and stopwatch;
- control of transition to another time zone or summer/winter time;
- barometer and thermometer;
- altimeter
Some "advanced" fishing watches are equipped with a built-in echo sounder. But its quality of work and accuracy of readings are significantly inferior to standard models. This function will be useful only in shallow water, with minor differences in bottom topography.
Do-it-yourself tuning of the UAZ 452 “Loaf” for hunting and fishing - options and photos
Particular attention should be paid to the strap. Sometimes you need to quickly remove your watch, which is problematic with a classic clasp. Instead of a strap, it is recommended to purchase bracelets that do not have a clasp. Removal occurs by mechanically increasing the diameter of the bracelet. It is important that in normal condition it fits tightly to the wrist.
Parameters that the clock should show
The display must display certain information:
- Time. Special products for fishing must not only show accurate time, but also show it in even the most difficult situations. Nothing should affect the performance of such an accessory.
- Compass data. Collected and displayed information about the area allows you to have an accurate picture of a specific location. Compass information will also help determine the direction of the wind.
- Air and water temperature. To determine the fishing activity as accurately as possible, air and water temperature sensors will help.
- Humidity and other atmospheric indicators. By tracking changes in atmospheric pressure, fishing fans can predict the success of this event. This is one of the most important parameters of a fishing accessory.
- Phases of the moon and sun. Determining the lunar and solar phases makes it possible to find out about the optimal time for effective fishing.
- Sunrise and sunset times. This parameter greatly simplifies determining the right time for fishing.
Criterias of choice
- Design. Today, the range of special watches for fishing is quite diverse in appearance, to suit every color and taste. It is quite possible to choose something for yourself. The main requirements that every consumer pays attention to are convenience and the availability of necessary functions. As for the bracelet, it all depends on the season of use: for summer, a rubber material is chosen, which ensures water resistance and elasticity of the product; for winter, fabric that is resistant to temperature changes and does not crack in the cold is chosen.
- Water resistance. This is the main, decisive parameter in choosing a model. The level of water resistance is determined in meters, atmospheres or bars. So, 1 atmosphere = 1 bar = 10 meters. Special-purpose watches (for fishing) count from 100 meters, but if you are not planning to dive with such an accessory, you can choose models with a diving depth of 50 meters. Improved versions of watches are equipped with additional protection against the penetration of dirt, dust, as well as temperature and vibration influences.
- Size. For ease of use, it is better to give preference to models with a medium-sized dial. Since a display that is too miniature will not allow you to properly view the necessary information, you will have to squint, and if it is too large, it will cause discomfort when worn.
- Resistance to mechanical stress. Here you should know that the quartz movement is not only reliable, but also has a long service life, but mechanical watches do not withstand shocks and mechanical damage.
Clock selection
Anyone who wants to purchase a fishing watch may encounter certain difficulties, since there are many models on the market, and they have even more functions.
So, let's decide what you should pay attention to when choosing a fishing watch:
- Pay attention to the mechanism. Buy watches with a quartz movement, because unlike mechanical ones, they are not afraid of moisture and shock.
- If you are going to fish only in the summer, then a rubber or rubber strap would be optimal, as it has the necessary flexibility and water repellency. For winter fishing, it is better to use a fabric strap, as it will not crack in the cold.
- Pay attention to the manufacturer. Since a fake will not serve you for a long time.
- Determine for yourself the minimum set of functions that you want to see in your watch. This will allow you to make your choice faster.
- A fishing watch should not be too massive or heavy, otherwise it will put unnecessary strain on your hand.
- Also pay attention to the size of the buttons on the watch. They should not stick out too much, as this will lead to inevitable snags on clothing or gear.
Most popular models
The most common and popular models of fishing watches include:
Casio AW – 82–2A. The product is from a budget series, but with good performance characteristics, it has the function “Time for fishing”, “Moon phase scale”, which is important when determining the intensity of the bite in a particular area.
The material used to make the case is polymer plastic, and the glass has a spherical configuration, which gives the product additional strength. The bracelet is made of polymer material, which is flexible and sufficiently durable.
Thanks to the neon display, the watch can function quite normally at night for a long time.
There is a multifunctional alarm clock, and a high-quality battery can operate uninterruptedly for about 10 years. It should be noted that this product has a water resistance level of 50 meters.
Casio AMW – 702–7A. A good model for real fishermen, it has a smart thermometer that saves previous information. The product is a high-precision watch that measures the ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, lunar calendar, timer, etc. The watch case is made of stainless steel, the mineral glass has a convex shape, a quartz movement is installed inside, and a bracelet is made of polyurethane material.
Casio MW – 700B–1A. An ideal option for winter fishermen: high level of moisture resistance, resistance to low temperatures, the strap is made of leather. The functionality of the model is equipped with only the most necessary, in particular a bite success indicator with 5 levels. Due to the absence of additional options, the product consumes a small amount of energy, which has a positive effect on battery life.
Casio Fishing Gear. The product rightfully occupies one of the leading positions on the market. Equipped with LED backlight, has a neon display, displays information about the moon, which uses latitude and longitude data, has a fishing timer, allows you to set a second time zone, has a stopwatch function, a multifunctional alarm clock, and an automatic calendar.
The case is made of stainless steel, and the mineral glass adequately resists various scratches and damage. Battery life is 10 years. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters.
Suuntu Glacier Gray. The product is from the unisex group, has a quartz movement, the time is displayed in digital format, and is powered by a battery. The model is made of high-quality plastic, the glass is mineral and durable, and the strap is made of rubber. The watch is water resistant to 3 atmospheres.
In addition to displaying the date, the product is equipped with sports functions (stopwatch, altimeter, etc.). Additional features include the option of setting a second time zone and a multifunctional alarm clock.
Suunto Alu Pure White. The watch is distinguished by its build quality, practicality, sports functions, additional options (second time zone, alarm clock), and is water resistant to 3 atmospheres. They have proven themselves worthily in their work.
Suunto Lava Red. Unisex model, quartz type, electronic time display format. The plastic case with mineral glass and rubber strap fully satisfy all the needs of the fisherman. The accessory is equipped with everything necessary, including sports functions and additional capabilities.
Sunroad Fr802A. The model is considered multifunctional, waterproof, with a reliable body, large display and additional features. The sleek design of the watch makes it comfortable to wear and use (does not cling to clothing). This is an ideal option for any tourist who loves fishing.
Sunroad FR712A. The wristwatch with barometer FR712A is designed taking into account all the requirements and wishes of fishing enthusiasts. This smart model has a full range of functions: altimeter, digital barometer, successful fishing mode, graph of pressure changes over the last day, etc.
Review of the best models
Among the entire range, there are two largest manufacturers of fishing watches. These are companies Casio and Suunto.
Japanese Casio watches are represented by a whole series, the prominent representatives of which are the models AW-82-2A, MW-700B-1A, AMW-702-7A, Fishing Gear, for Suunto the following models are distinguished: Glacier Gray, Alu Pure White and Lava Red.
The manufacturer Casio has a very large selection of models. Models differ in technical characteristics (mainly in terms of reliability and moisture resistance) and the presence of certain functions.
Suunto products are considered to be of higher quality; the most worthy are three models that differ in design (the characteristics are identical). It is worth noting that all the models under consideration are very convenient to use and are of high quality.
Let's move on to a more detailed consideration of the options:
AW-82-2A
Suitable for amateur fishermen , because despite the large number of functions it has low moisture resistance (up to 50 meters).
A distinctive feature of the MW-700B-1A model is the strap, made of fabric with leather inserts, which adds style to the product.
The moisture resistance indicator is higher than that of the previous version; in addition, such watches perform well when operating in low temperatures, which makes them indispensable for winter fishing.
AMW-702-7A and FishingGear
They are distinguished by the presence of a calculated indicator of fish activity ; in addition, they are equipped with a “smart thermometer” which is not only calibrated, but is also capable of storing previous data.
These models are high-precision watches that show temperature and barometric indicators. It is worth noting that they are also much larger in size than the options discussed above.
Glacier Gray, Alu Pure White and Lava Red
They allow you to display large graphs on changes in atmospheric indicators for periods of time up to six hours , make it possible to simultaneously display data arrays from three to five different indicators (for example, time, air and water temperature, atmospheric pressure and time in another time zone).
Of course, the user can customize the composition of the data in such an array at his own discretion. In addition to all atmospheric and temperature parameters, such a watch will show the time of dawn and sunset, warn about the possibility of storms and storms, and allow you to measure depth. An additional bonus is the ability to generate a file with a report of all indicators.
Average cost of a fisherman's watch
The price range of special watches for outdoor activities differs significantly from each other, it all depends on the build quality and the availability of various options. Thus, one of the most budget accessories is considered to be the AW-82 2A product, their cost is within 1,500 rubles .
Oh, the AMW model - 700B-1A can be purchased for 3,000 rubles . Fishing Gear series is priced from 4,000 to 7,000 rubles . The most expensive Suunto products , their price ranges from 12,000 to 15,000 rubles .
A watch for a fisherman is a convenient and useful accessory that functions under any fishing conditions.