The best budget echo sounders under 15,000 rubles.


What types of echo sounders are there?

All presented models of echo sounders can be divided into two types:

  1. Stationary. They have a special mount for fixing on the side or transom of the boat. They are distinguished by their large size and high power. It is convenient to choose such a model for the vessel.

    How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
    Stationary sonars can easily reach the bottom with a signal, even in deep bodies of water

  2. Portable. Echo sounders are characterized by medium power and compact sizes, easily fitting into a pocket. Choosing a device of this type is convenient for fishing from the shore.

    How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
    A portable sonar can be chosen for ice-hole fishing

Stationary and portable devices can be equipped with many useful additional functions. For example, there are echo sounders with GPS, which allow you to mark fishing spots along the route, and devices with a chartplotter, which provide detailed information about the structure of the reservoir.

Types of double-beam echo sounders for fishing

1. Boat echo sounder. The main parameter for such an echo sounder is the ability to measure bottom depth, since bodies of water are very different from one another. A high-quality echo sounder should clearly see the bottom to a depth of more than 30 meters. To perform this function, a boat echo sounder must have a sensor with high power of more than 600 W.

2. Echo sounder for fishing from the shore. This type of sonar is usually all wireless. The device consists of a sensor and a main device with a monitor.

3. Echo sounder for winter fishing. Recently, winter echo sounders have become very popular due to the fact that the device’s functions allow you to determine the location of a school of fish with minimal time.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing and which one shows fish better

To successfully select a fish finder, you need to pay attention to several key parameters. In addition, it is recommended to think in advance where and how it will be used.

Power

Values ​​of 300-500 W are considered optimal; such models are suitable for both shallow and medium depths. If fishing is planned in large bodies of water, you can buy an echo sounder with a high power rating so that the signal is guaranteed to reach the bottom.

Sensor sensitivity

The sensitive sensor gives a better image on the device screen. However, such a sensor is highly susceptible to interference. Therefore, it is better to choose a device with average sensitivity indicators - this will allow you to achieve balance.

Display options

When purchasing a fish finder, you need to pay attention to the screen size, image quality and the amount of information provided by the device. The more data the device displays and the better the picture, the more comfortable the practical use will be.

Important! It is advisable to give preference to echo sounders with a large contrast screen; the image will remain visible even in bright light.

Which echo sounder frequency is best?

The choice is mainly represented by models with frequencies of 50 and 200 kHz. In the first case, the echo sounder scans more widely, but operates at a shallower depth, and the picture on the screen is less clear. Devices operating at high frequencies explore bodies of water up to 300 m deep, and the viewing angle is up to 60 degrees. It is optimal to choose a device that supports two modes at the same time; it can be configured according to circumstances and needs.

How to choose an echo sounder for shore fishing

For shore fishing, it is best to choose a portable device. It is important to pay attention to the range of the sensor; it should be at least 30-70 m. It is convenient if the echo sounder is equipped with a sound warning system for detecting a fishing object and a special fastener for fixing it on the hand or on the fishing rod.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
Coastal echo sounders have a shallow scanning depth and are suitable for shallow waters

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from a boat

If fishing will be carried out from a vessel, you should choose a stationary type sonar; it can be conveniently mounted on board the boat. The device must perform deep scanning; shallow-water devices will not work.

When choosing an echo sounder for fishing from a PVC boat, the number of beams and coverage width are chosen in accordance with your preferences. Some sonars can scan areas of several hundred meters, but it can be difficult to determine exactly where fish are found.

Which echo sounder to choose for winter fishing

An echo sounder for ice-hole fishing is selected according to standard parameters, taking into account power, scanning depth and sensitivity. It is more convenient to give preference to portable models. It is important to choose a device that is resistant to extremely low temperatures. This applies to both the sonar itself and the sensor, especially if it requires direct immersion in water.

Which echo sounder is best for catching catfish?

It is most convenient to catch deep-sea catfish using a locator device. In this case, it is optimal to choose an echo sounder:

  • with detailed display of the bottom surface;
  • with deep scanning;
  • with a high-definition color display that allows you to distinguish a catfish from an ordinary stone.

Since the fish reacts sensitively to any movements, it is advisable to buy a device that creates a minimum of vibrations during operation.

Which wireless echo sounder to choose for fishing

Wireless echo sounders consist of a receiver and a scanner in a sealed housing for submersion in water. To successfully choose such a device, before purchasing you need to make sure that the float sensor has a high degree of protection from moisture and reliable fastening.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The float must transmit the signal over a distance of at least 50 m

Fishing sounders

The exact location of the fish has always interested anglers. Depending on the water temperature and time of year, food supply and water level, schools of fish can migrate over a considerable distance, reducing the result of all fishing to almost zero. For a long time, these issues remained a sealed secret for us, but now the process of finding fish has become much simpler. Modern echo sounders for fishing have appeared in the catalogs of online stores, allowing you to explore the topography of a reservoir and search for fish easily and quickly. These devices are convenient and easy to use; even a novice angler, not to mention a professional, can master them!

Operating principle of an echo sounder

A modern echo sounder for fishing is a device consisting of three main components: a receiver/transmitter of ultrasonic waves, which are used to study the reservoir, a transducer that interprets the received signal into a form understandable for the fisherman, as well as a module with a display on which all information is displayed . The pulses that the transmitter emits have a fairly high frequency, due to which the information that the fisherman sees on the screen is displayed and changes in real time: the depth changes with the moving boat, and fish appear and disappear in the coverage area of ​​the echo sounders.

Despite the operating principle common to all devices, many fishing echo sounders are radically different from each other. This difference lies, first of all, in functionality: cheap models of fishing echo sounders, belonging to the budget class, have a low-resolution display, which allows this device to be considered more of a depth gauge than a full-fledged fish-finding device. On the contrary, the best devices from well-known European and American manufacturers are capable of displaying a color image in three dimensions, thanks to which the fisherman can clearly study not only the bottom topography, but also objects under water - stones, trees, snags, etc.

In general, there are a large number of characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing an echo sounder:

— Display size and resolution. By analogy with mobile phones, the larger the diagonal and the higher the resolution of the screen installed on fishing echo sounders, the clearer, richer and more contrasting the fisherman will receive. The unspoken minimum for modern devices is considered to be a diagonal of 4 inches and a resolution of 320x240 pixels. — Sensitivity of the sensor, as well as the number of rays. According to this principle, all echo sounders can be divided into two conditional groups: single-beam devices, the transmitter of which sends a medium-frequency signal at an angle of 45 degrees, and multi-beam gadgets, working with several (usually two) beams: one low-frequency and one high-frequency, the width of which is 60-70 and 15-20 degrees, respectively. The narrower the beam of a fishing echo sounder, the narrower the area it covers and the more detailed the image the screen produces. It is for this reason that multi-beam devices, which make it possible to cover a large area of ​​the bottom without loss of detail, are in high demand among fishermen, in contrast to their cheaper single-beam counterparts. — Type of echo sounder. For a long time, fishermen who wanted to buy an echo sounder in Kharkov, Kyiv or another city had no choice: manufacturer ratings were presented by traditional devices with a plug-in external battery and a remote sensor. Such devices were cumbersome and were mainly suitable only for summer fishing from a boat. However, a large number of fundamentally different devices have now appeared on the market. An angler has the opportunity to order a compact battery-powered echo sounder for winter fishing, a small boat echo sounder, and even a device designed for shore use, the cost of which is very affordable. It is a compact gadget that is cast using a fishing rod and transmits a signal via Wi-Fi to a compatible smartphone or tablet, which serves as a screen.

Today we can say with confidence that modern fishing has successfully reached a new technical level. Nowadays, it is no longer enough just to have a good fishing rod, a quality reel and other accessories.

Please note that in our assortment you can purchase an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, as well as an echo sounder for fishing from a boat and echo sounders designed for use on ice when fishing in winter. We can say with complete confidence that echo sounders, which you can buy in our “2 Fishermen” store, are indispensable for beginner fishing enthusiasts, and even more so for real professional fishermen. It is not surprising that more and more people are deciding to buy echo sounders, because fishing with an echo sounder is never boring. When deciding to buy an echo sounder, you will be able to find fish even at fairly high depths. For example, some models can detect the presence of fish at a depth of up to 400 meters.

Choosing an echo sounder is an extremely responsible procedure, so you need to immediately understand which model and with what functionality and technical characteristics you need. To do this, we provide you with a short overview of echo sounders. For example, some models have integrated GPS navigator functionality, which will be important for fishermen who travel frequently. In addition, the models differ in depth and other characteristics. We hope that our review of echo sounders will help you.

Rating of the best echo sounders for fishing from a boat in 2021

Among the best devices for scanning reservoirs, users note quite expensive models. They require large investments, but at the same time provide the widest functionality.

Simrad GO7

Fishing sonar with a sensitive receiver and wide display provides good visibility without glare in daylight. It supports a wide range of settings and the ability to integrate with speed and fuel level sensors, so it is convenient to choose this echo sounder for a boat with a motor. Thanks to the GPS antenna, it continuously updates data on the vessel's location. The only disadvantage is the lack of a transducer in the kit; it must be purchased separately.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of a Simrad echo sounder is 60,000 rubles

Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP+

An echo sounder with support for three-beam scanning operates at several frequencies at once. It is convenient to choose for searching for concentrations of fish and for obtaining detailed information about the size and shape of specific individuals. The model provides a clear image, supports Wi-Fi and has a capacious battery.

Attention! The detail error of the echo sounder at a depth of up to 100 m is only 1 cm. The model can also be used for sea fishing.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy Deeper Smart Sonar from 23,000 rubles

Raymarine Element 7 HV

An echo sounder with a RealVision 3D scanning system combines the functions of a sonar and cartograph. Allows you to create a detailed map of the bottom and mark the location of the fish on it. Works at a depth of up to 270 m, supports a viewing angle of 70 degrees.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy a Raymarine sonar from 74,000 rubles

Rating of the best inexpensive echo sounders

Practitioner 6M:

  • a two-meter cable and a universal transducer mount ensure use in various conditions;
  • the waterproof case allows immersion to a depth of up to 1 meter;
  • ability to work at temperatures from -20 to +60 degrees;
  • monochrome display;
  • The sound signal is triggered by objects moving underwater.

LUCKY FF718Li:

  • waterproof case;
  • monochrome LCD display with a resolution of 128 by 128;
  • wired and wireless sensor;
  • telescopic antenna signal amplifier;
  • continuous operation – up to 7 hours.

Practitioner 7 WI-FI:

  • adjustment of light indication;
  • synchronization with a tablet or smartphone;
  • scanning depth in fresh water is up to 25 meters.

Practitioner ER-6PRO:

  • the universal model operates at temperatures ranging from -20 to +40 degrees;
  • scanning to a depth of up to 25 meters;
  • five operating modes.

Rivotek Fisher 30:

  • 2.4-inch monochrome display;
  • single beam;
  • radiation angle 90 degrees;
  • frequency – 4333 kHz;
  • for summer fishing.

Rating of the best budget echo sounders for fishing from a boat

Boat echo sounders are presented not only in premium, but also in cheap models. Their capabilities are much more modest, but sonars cope with the basic functions.

Lucky FishFinder FF916

The echo sounder scans to a depth of 45 m. There is only one beam, as well as a frequency, but the device can determine the distance to the fish and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy FishFinder FF916 for an average of 6,000 rubles

Humminbird Piranha MAX 4

A fairly powerful echo sounder supports depths of up to 200 m and operates at a frequency of 200 kHz. Provides a high-quality image, allows you to determine the size of the fish and the characteristics of the bottom. GPS is provided and there is a temperature sensor.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average cost of a Humminbird Piranha is 12,000 rubles

Garmin Striker Plus 4CV

A mid-priced echo sounder with GLONASS and GPS support is suitable for use on a boat at speeds up to 30 km/h. The 4.3-inch display provides high-quality images in any lighting.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy a Garmin Striker sonar from 22,000 rubles

How to choose a two-beam echo sounder for fishing?

To choose a dual-beam sonar that has optimal characteristics, you need to determine what and where it will be used, and understand the capabilities. This will save money.

The dual-beam echo sounder is universal and can be operated by a fisherman of any skill level.

This type of echo sounder uses two beams with different frequencies and coverage. A “narrow” beam is needed to study the topography and structure of the bottom; such a beam has the least degree of distortion and scattering. However, the "narrow" beam cannot detect fish. The beam radiation angle is 10-25 degrees.

The wide beam operates at a frequency of 85 Hz, has a larger beam angle and “detects” fish at any depth.

When there are sudden changes in ambient temperature, the fish stops biting normally. An important option of the echo sounder will be a temperature sensor, which records the changes that occur.

Top 10 best fish finders for shore fishing 2021

Coastal echo sounders are especially popular because most fishermen do not have a boat at their disposal. Functional sonars allow you to detect concentrations of fish in shallow water and wisely select a place for fishing from land.

Lowrance HOOK2-4x Bullet Skimmer CE ROW

One of the best echo sounders with a wide double beam scans water bodies at a distance of 70-152 m, is also suitable for winter fishing, and has fully automatic settings. Works equally well when fishing from the shore and from a boat.

Important! It’s worth choosing a sonar if you need a fish baiting function; this model has it.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy Lowrance HOOK2-4x for fishing from 19,000 rubles

Humminbird Helix 5x Chirp SI GPS G2 ACL

Multifunctional sonar for professionals and amateurs supports chartplotter functions, has a wide scanning angle and low noise level. Allows you to save tracks, routes and points in memory; you can choose a device for all types of fishing.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of a Humminbird Helix is ​​51,000 rubles

Lucky FF1108-1

A budget echo sounder for researching water thickness up to 100 m is equipped with a sound sensor. Supports determination of the size of fish and the depth of its passage, displays the structure of the bottom. The disadvantages include the black and white screen, which makes reading the data difficult.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of FF1108-1 is 3200 rubles

Practitioner ER-6Pro2

The sensitive domestic sonar is suitable for use in any season and has reliable protection from moisture and low temperatures. Operates on regular batteries for up to 150 hours, distinguishes fish movements well even in turbid water. Scans the space with a single beam and displays the structure of the bottom.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy a Praktik echo sounder from 7,300 rubles

Lowrance HOOK2 5x GPS

In the review of the best echo sounders, we need to mention the American sonar for coastal and boat fishing with a dual-beam scanner. It operates at a depth of up to 152 m and reports the appearance of fish in the area under study with a sound signal.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The price of the Lowrance HOOK2 5x sonar is about 25,000 rubles

Rivotek Fisher 20

A convenient echo sounder with a scanning angle of up to 75 degrees helps to detect large and medium-sized fish, and does not give false alarms when catching sunken logs and other objects. Displays the bottom relief and the depth of the schools, can be used from the shore and from a boat.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy a Rivotek sonar from 5800 rubles

Craft Echo 600 Duo

A simple echo sounder scans the area with two beams and gives an audible signal about the presence of fish. You can choose a device if you need to know information about the depth and number of underwater inhabitants. The display of the device is black and white, but contrasty and bright.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can purchase a Craft Echo sonar from 8100 rubles

Deeper Start

A simple echo sounder with a scanning depth of 50 m is lightweight and compact in size - choosing it for coastal fishing is very convenient. Displays data on the structure of the bottom and water temperature, synchronizes with smartphones and tablets. Allows you to create marks of the most fishing spots.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of Deeper Start is 10,000 rubles

Lucky FFW718

A single-beam echo sounder with a frequency of 125 kHz supports scanning 45 m deep and automatically recognizes moving objects. The appearance of a fish is announced with a sound signal, and the distance to it and the size of the individual are displayed on the screen.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy Lucky FFW718 from 5,000 rubles

ReelSonar iBobber Classic

The lightweight sonar features an LED beacon for nighttime fishing, supports audio bite alerts, and syncs with Android and iOS. In comparison of echo sounders, it outperforms other models due to the fact that it automatically turns on when it gets into the water. The scanning beam passes to a depth of 40 m.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of ReelSonar is 3,000 rubles

Rating of the best two-beam echo sounders

Rivotek Fisher 20 Dual

This is one of the simplest models of echo sounders currently available on the market for similar products. However, its functionality is sufficient to make fishing significantly easier thanks to the ability to not only determine the depth, but also find fish and work while moving.


The Rivotek Fisher 20 Dual echo sounder is equipped with a small black and white display with a diagonal of 2.4 inches and a resolution of 128 by 96 pixels.

The echo sounder is equipped with two emitters with a frequency of 83 and 200 KHz. The total radiation angle of the device is about 80°. The maximum scanning depth of this echo sounder is 70 m, and the selection of the transducer used is automatic.

The device allows you to determine the position of large and medium-sized prey and display it on the indicator. In addition, the use of a low-frequency echo sounder allows one to determine the density of the bottom of a reservoir.

The device can work both in summer fishing conditions and in winter. The temperature range is from -15°C to +50°C. For its operation, four AAA batteries (micro-finger batteries) are sufficient.

The price of this model is about 80 US dollars.

Advantages:

  • shockproof and waterproof housing;
  • contains all the necessary functions;
  • able to work on the move;
  • attractive price;

Flaws:

  • display is too small.

Rating of the best echo sounder models for winter fishing in 2021

The main requirement for echo sounders for ice fishing is resistance to low temperatures. Many sonar models are capable of operating in severe frost.

Marcum Showdown Troller 2.0

The cold-resistant winter fish finder supports sensitivity adjustment. The scanning angle of the device is 20 degrees, which is optimal for the hole. The device has noise reduction function and backlight for night fishing. The sonar can be fixed at the selected depth.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of a Marcum echo sounder starts from 21,000 rubles

Practitioner 6M

The frost-resistant echo sounder can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C and displays the movement of fish, the depth of the reservoir, the topography and density of the bottom. There is an adjustment of the transmitter power and setting filters for the image on the display.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can choose a winter sonar Praktik 6M from 8,000 rubles

Craft Echo 200 Ice

The winter echo sounder with a depth of 24 m has a long sensor cable and notifies you of the appearance of fish with a sound signal. Highly sensitive, suitable for both fresh and salt water.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of a Craft Echo sonar starts from 7,500 rubles

Lowrance Hook2 4x GPS Bullet

The Hook2-4x GPS arrived on the market in 2021 and, despite its low price, is a surprisingly powerful fish finder for its size. Hook2-4x GPS has a 4.3-inch diagonal screen, a bright SolarMAX display, LED backlight and a resolution of 480 × 270 pixels.

The main feature of this echo sounder is its simplicity. According to the manufacturer, this is the simplest echo sounder in the world. This is true, as it is incredibly easy to understand, even without the necessary knowledge. Lowrance has removed unnecessary settings, automating the operation of the fish finder as much as possible. Simply put, to start fishing, you simply turn on the fish finder and watch what is happening, waiting for the fish to appear.

In addition to automating the settings, it also has useful functions such as: FishID, Sound alarm for shallows or arrival at a point, as well as a flasher for winter fishing. The built-in GPS will allow you to track the movement track, convert it into a route, view the speed of the boat, as well as save favorite points and create your own routes.

Rating of the best wireless echo sounders for shore fishing

Choosing a wireless echo sounder is convenient if you want to receive information from a submersible sensor from land and remotely adjust the operating mode of the device. Although the sensor will still be connected to the receiver by a mount, it will no longer have to be removed from the water for adjustments when fishing.

Vexilar Sonar Phone SP100

An inexpensive echo sounder for a depth of 90 m can be mounted on a float and controlled via a tablet or smartphone. The sonar is waterproof, has good power and displays bottom contours in detail.

Advice! It is better to use the device to search for large fish, since it may not detect small ones.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average cost of Vexilar is 8,000 rubles

FishHunter Directional 3D

A powerful five-beam wireless sonar provides very high-quality detail to a depth of 50 m. The angle is up to 80 degrees, the device is capable of creating a 3D map of the bottom relief. The echo sounder connects via Wi-Fi to a smartphone and supports power and sensitivity adjustment.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can purchase FishHunter 3D from 23,000 rubles

GSMIN WA3

A wireless sonar with a viewing angle of 105 degrees supports remote control from a distance of 50 m. It scans the water column efficiently and is suitable for fishing both from the shore and from a boat. It works without interruption for up to 5 hours, and can be controlled via an application on a smartphone.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy a GSMIN echo sounder for an average of 7,000 rubles

How to choose a fish finder

how to choose an echo sounder

As mentioned above, all devices are similar in design and have the same purpose. But, depending on the technical characteristics of the device and its functionality, several types of echo sounders are distinguished.

Technical selection criteria

  • Transceiver power . Echo sounders are equipped with powerful signal transmitters and show a fairly clear picture even at great depths. But it’s not always worth buying a sonar with the most powerful transmitter. For fishing in our reservoirs, you can limit yourself to average indicators.
  • Converter frequency . The clarity of the image received on the screen depends on this parameter. Typically, at low frequencies (50 kHz), you can quickly scan a large area with a loss in detail. At the same time, if you need an accurate picture of a specific area of ​​the bottom, it is better to take an echo sounder with a high transducer frequency (about 200 kHz). The ideal option is an adjustable frequency of the device.
  • Scan angle . It is worth paying attention to the fact that different sonars scan the water column from different angles. There are narrow (9-25) and wide angles (40-90). The former are designed to accurately determine the bottom topography, while the latter show a larger area and capture more fish and other objects.
  • Number of rays . The simplest sonars have a single scanning beam. This is quite enough for beginner fishermen and those who do not really need additional sophisticated functions. Two-beam echo sounders are the optimal choice. In such devices, a narrow beam accurately scans the bottom, and a wide beam determines the location of the fish. There are also three-beam echo sounders that scan the thickness and in the direction of the boat’s movement. But, as a rule, for ordinary fishing, a two-beam echo sounder is sufficient.
  • Display . The size of the display plays an important role, because on a boat it is uncomfortable to use a small screen. Portable fish finders with small displays work well for shore fishing. At the same time, in addition to the display size, you need to look at the screen resolution. The higher the resolution, the more accurate the image obtained from converting the reflected signal. Even small underwater objects can be seen on high-resolution displays. The optimal display resolution for summer fishing enthusiasts is 320x320 pixels. There are also black and white and color displays. Don't be fooled into thinking that a color screen is much better. Modern black and white echo sounder displays have more than 10 shades of gray, which allows you to get an accurate contrast picture of the bottom.

Top 3 best echo sounders in terms of price and quality

You can choose a good sonar for productive fishing among models with an optimal balance between price and capabilities. They remain very affordable but guarantee quality water scanning.

Lowrance FishHunter Pro

One of the best fishing echo sounders in terms of price and quality with a three-frequency sensor can be chosen for fishing from a boat, in shallow water and in a hole. Supports control from a smartphone via Wi-Fi from a distance of 60 m. Scans an area up to 50 m in depth.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy Lowrance FishHunter for an average of 14,000 rubles

Rivotek Fisher 10

A budget echo sounder with a viewing angle of 20 degrees and a depth of 70 m is equipped with a remote transducer on a 7.2 m cable. It is reliably protected from moisture, can work in the cold, and accurately determines moving objects and their location.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy Rivotek Fisher 10 from 5,000 rubles

Garmin Striker 4

The popular boat-mountable dual-beam sonar supports not only fish detection, but also vessel navigation. It builds a detailed map of the bottom of the reservoir, allows you to mark the route and place points along the way.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can buy a Garmin Striker for an average of 15,000 rubles

Rating of echo sounders for fishing from a boat

JJ-Connect Fisherman 220 Duo Ice Edition MARK II:

  • two-beam with radiation angles from 20 to 60 degrees;
  • scanning depth – up to 73 meters;
  • built-in temperature sensor to monitor fish behavior;
  • power supply – AA batteries (4 pcs).

Lowrance Mark-5x Pro:

  • 5-inch monochrome display;
  • resolution – 480 by 480;
  • Russian-language menu;
  • two-beam;
  • scanning depth – up to 304 meters;
  • temperature sensor;
  • stationary model with backpack attachment;
  • power supply – 12V.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175:

  • two-beam with angles of 16 and 28 degrees (work separately);
  • stationary mount;
  • scanning depth – up to 183 meters;
  • monochrome display.

Deeper Start:

  • single beam float;
  • Wi-Fi for wireless connection with a tablet or smartphone;
  • battery charging via magnetic connection;
  • automatic saving of scan results.

Lowrance HOOK2 4x:

  • wide-angle 120-degree sonar;
  • frequency – 200 kHz;
  • 4-inch color display with LED backlight.

Rating of the best side-scan echo sounders

Sonars with a large number of beams are considered the most convenient to use. They examine the water column not only in the direction of travel and directly under the boat, but also in a wide radius from it.

Humminbird Onix 10CXI Si Combo

An echo sounder is a complete vessel navigation system. Equipped with a wide screen with the ability to display four separate images at once, it scans water with four beams up to 3 km in depth. It makes sense to buy a device for sea fishing from a fast boat.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The price of Humminbird Onix starts from 155,000 rubles

Lowrance Elite-5 Ti

Multifunctional side-scanning echo sounder suitable for exploring fresh and marine waters. Supports mapping, operates on five frequencies using two beams, and can be mounted on a boat's dashboard.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
You can choose Lowrance Elite for deep fishing from 63,000 rubles

Samyung Enc NF 700

A powerful two-beam echo sounder operates at a depth of up to 1.5 km and is suitable for sea fishing. Equipped with a wide display that can be divided into several parts, it scans the bottom surface efficiently and looks for accumulations of fish. It is convenient to choose a device for the boat.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, boats
The average price of a Samyung sonar is 56,000 rubles

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4

Humminbird released the PiranhaMAX 4 model, making it one of the most popular among the inexpensive fish finder segment. PiranhaMAX 4 is equipped with a 4.3-inch 256-color TFT display with excellent backlight brightness, which allows you to comfortably use the device during the day.

PiranhaMAX 4, like Striker, is a dual-beam echo sounder, except that it operates at frequencies of 200 and 455 kHz and allows you to get a clear picture of the underwater world. Additional functions include Structure ID, which is used to determine the characteristics of the bottom.

The fish finder comes standard with the XNT 9 28 T transducer, which also has a built-in temperature display function. In addition, the kit includes a mounting kit for installing the sensor, display on a stand, or for inserting into a panel on a boat.

Recommendations

To choose an echo sounder that is comfortable to use, you need to consider several points:

  1. The real need for the device. As a first step, it is better to buy an inexpensive echo sounder, which will allow you to understand whether the device is needed for fishing in principle.
  2. Scope of application. When purchasing, you need to consider whether fishing will be done from the shore or a vessel; stationary models are more expensive, but it is more convenient to use them in a boat.
  3. Frequency of fishing trips. It is better to choose a budget device if you only need to use it a couple of times a year.

Advice! Additional options increase the cost of echo sounders, but in practice they are not always useful. They need to be carefully studied and evaluated before finally choosing a device.

Rating
( 2 ratings, average 4.5 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends: