The best echo sounders with Wi-Fi via smartphone and remote units

A device that performs the basic functions of sonar, with the ability to transmit data wirelessly. Includes an echo sounder with a transmitter and a receiver connected to a smartphone, tablet or remote display. The latter is equipped with an electronic unit for data processing and display. The scanner is carried out in a separate sealed housing in the form of a float or mounted on an unsinkable device. A wireless fish finder allows the fisherman to be on the shore, dock, pier or anchored boat. Communication between the transmitter and receiver is carried out via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

LUCKY FF518 – like a wristwatch

Compact device for sonar. The special feature is that it can be worn on the hand. It has compact dimensions and low weight. A successful technical solution allowed the fisherman to move from place to place, constantly having a sonar with him.

Stable scanning up to a depth of 40 meters. Allows you to record the depth of fish and capture the overall size of underwater inhabitants. The device has GPS navigation and Wi-Fi function. The case has a high degree of moisture protection. Built-in temperature sensor.

Pros:

High degree of mobility, you can move from place to place, while maintaining control over the reservoir.
Compact, lightweight. Low price.
Convenient, just turn your hand with the display towards you and watch the underwater world.

Minuses:

Convenient, but the screen is very small, sometimes it is difficult to make out the image.
You can accidentally bend the antenna.

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Review of the most popular models

GARMIN STRIKER PLUS 5CV (Editor's Choice)

Display Size:
5´´
Screen resolution:
800 x 480 pixels
Display type:
WVGA color
Waterproof:
yes (IPX7)
CHIRP sonar technology:
yes (built-in)
DownVü:
yes, with CHIRP (built-in)
Radiation power:
500 W (rms)
Dimensions:
18.8 x 11.6 x 5.4 cm
Weight:
0.5 kg
Contents:
Fish finder, power cable, swivel mount, hardware, Garmin bumper sticker

Quickdraw Contours. Built-in mapping software allows you to create and store 1-foot contour maps covering up to 2 million acres.

GPS Fishfinder. Built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver finds and maintains your location, allowing you to mark waypoints for different locations.

Garmin CHIRP. Provides an almost photographic, wide view of what passes under the boat, so underwater objects and fish are clearly visible.

Buy on the official website. Sometimes there are promotions with significant discounts.

Among the classic manufacturers of fishing devices, the well-known brands Humminbird and JJ-connect remain and confidently hold their leading positions.

The categories in demand include:

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 230 Portable

This is a wireless device used for shore fishing. Its performance characteristics: explores depths up to 36 m, transmitter range up to 40 m. Thanks to the use of Dual Beam and Smart Cast technologies, it works perfectly regardless of the fishing method.

Advantages:

Determines the size of the loot.
Scans the bottom surface.
There is a function to enlarge the picture.

Humminbird SmartCast RF35e

It has proven itself well when fishing from the shore. Performance characteristics: studies depths up to 35 m, capture angle 90 degrees, transmitter range 22 m, casting range 45 m, single-beam (capable of scanning in one plane).

If the sensor is located at one point, then the picture on the screen will be with the area of the bottom that the echo sounder was able to cover. To study the nearby area, you need to pull the sensor to the desired location.

Advantages:

Clear picture.
Sufficient scanning depth.
There is a function for determining the size of fish.

JJ-connect Fisherman Wireless 3 Deluxe

An excellent model of a wireless device with a sensor. Performance characteristics: explores depths up to 40 m, coverage angle of 90 degrees, range of action 40 m.

Advantages:

Endowed with hypersensitivity to the movements of small fish.
Clearly displays all mining activities underwater.

Fish Finder ffw718 Wireless

This model belongs to the group of universal-purpose echo sounders. Performance characteristics: scans to a depth of up to 35 m, the radius of the transmitter is up to 70 m, if used with an extended antenna, the radius reaches 300 m.

Advantages:

The Russified menu determines the water temperature.
There is a function for adjusting the sonar and speed chart.
When the sensor is removed from the water, it turns off automatically.
High-quality waterproof sensor housing.
Battery life up to 550 hours.

Fish finder luckylaker ff916

This model is the latest development from Lucky, it is easy to use and works great in any fishing conditions. Performance characteristics: explores depths up to 45 m, capture angle is 90 degrees, casting range is 50 m.

A Wi-Fi function is provided, through which communication is carried out between the sensor and the receiver (smartphone, tablet).

Thanks to the software application, the echo sounder notifies the fisherman about the presence of fish in a specific place (each size of fish has its own sound signal), determines the depth with an accuracy of tenths of a meter.

JJ-Connect Fisherman Wireless 2 – an inexpensive option with basic features

A set of stationary receiver and wireless sensor attached to the float. Demonstrates features of the bottom, sees and recognizes driftwood and snags, and records shallows.

Observes the inhabitants of the underwater world, recognizing fish. The last event is indicated by an audible signal. The bottom scanning radius reaches 40 meters. It is possible to save the received data in the device’s memory with marker marks.

Determines the temperature of the surrounding air and water. Works on fresh or salt water. Stable scanning up to 25~30 meters.

How does an echo sounder work?

The principle of operation can already be indicated simply from the name of the device:

Echo means reflected signal.
Lot – depth gauge.

An echo sounder is a device that reads the reflected signal from the bottom, thereby determining the depth of the bottom. It is quite simple to find out information - tie the sensor to a fishing line and throw it to the point of the expected location of the future catch. The operating principle is as follows:

When the echo sounder sensor gets into the water, its contacts close when it comes into contact with water, and it turns on.
Through a radio channel, he informs the indicator about his work.
The indicator can be a special display of the device. Some wireless echo sounders transmit a radio signal to a special adapter equipped with a WiFi module. It, in turn, connects to a smartphone or tablet and displays the image on the screen through a special application.
A slowly moving sensor from the casting point to the shore scans the bottom and draws a picture on the screen. The thickness of the water under the sensor is also determined. If any objects come into view, they will also be captured and displayed on the screen. Fish is no exception.
If a place is chosen, the fish is fed - you can throw a wireless echo sounder near this place and use your smartphone to watch how the fish behaves when it sees the bait.

Lucky FF718Li – complete with casing

Compact, lightweight, with basic functions, an echo sounder with a wireless sensor. The device comes with a protective cover for convenience and safety from damage from falls.

The sonar has built-in automatic adjustment programs. There is a bottom scanning mode within a radius of up to 50 meters, with a maximum depth of 40 meters.

The tool is designed for use in winter and summer, that is, fishing in any weather season. The color display with adjustable settings and backlight reflects all the processed data transmitted by the wireless sensor.

Pros:

Easy to use, clear interface, Russified menu.
Protective casing, float, acceptable operating range.
Built-in memory, fish depth, air and water temperature.

Minuses:

A small cartoon screen.
A lanyard would be nice.

Other features of wireless fish finders

In addition to the obvious indicators, such as power, picture quality, range, there are parameters that can be classified as secondary. However, they are the ones who determine whether the device will be convenient to use.

Fish detection function. Not all echo sounders “see” underwater inhabitants: the most budget ones do not have this capability. However, even an advanced model with a powerful emitter will not be able to see the fish lurking at the bottom. The features of wireless echo sounders are such that they are able to detect only a large individual or a dense school in the study area.
Waterproof. This applies to the display. If it is placed in a protective housing, the echo sounder can be used during rain.
Mounting method. There are three options: on the ground (on a special holder), on the hand, on the rod. Experienced users consider the latter to be the most convenient.
Sound notification about the presence of fish. Allows you not to constantly monitor the display, but to concentrate on the correct movement of the float.

The list of “convenience criteria” can also include battery life, charging methods, the presence of fish symbols, the ability to install maps, etc. All these functions are useful, but not required, so if you have a minimum budget, you should focus on the key parameters.

RIVOTEK FISHER 30 – Russian brand

The device is a wireless type of echo sounder. It is a pair of the actual sensitive sensor and receiver, enclosed in a common sealed housing. The second part is the receiver from the electronic unit and display.

Communication is maintained via radio frequencies. The kit is used in open water at ambient temperatures above 0°.

The liquid crystal display supports four shades of gray and runs on AA batteries. The echo sounder is convenient for working from the shore, bridge, pier. Can be used from a fixed boat.

Pros:

Convenient, simple, intuitive interface, small size and weight.
Economical, uses batteries carefully. Signals that the fish is being sanitized.
No wires, no mobility. There is a radio beacon - useful, if it comes off, for searching.

Minuses:

The display size is small, small details are almost invisible. Work only on open water surfaces from spring to autumn.
There is a risk of line breakage and float loss.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing?

The process of choosing a fishing echo sounder, like any other product on a large market, is associated with a number of certain criteria. They are set by the functionality of the models themselves, their purpose (for fishing from a boat or from the shore), as well as parameters that have become established with the arrival of new devices on the market. In order to make the right choice, Expertology magazine recommends paying attention to the following criteria:

Rated operating power
. A parameter responsible for the quality of the echo sounder. In general, the higher the power value, the greater the depth a useful device can scan, and the more accurately the shallow areas of reservoirs are detailed. Optimal values for this parameter can vary from 300 to 500 W. However, to solve the problem of significantly increasing fishing productivity, you can give preference to more powerful models.
The operating frequency range
is the second important factor in choosing a good echo sounder, which determines the depth and width of the scanned area. Devices with a low frequency value operate at large depth levels, but provide a less clear and accurate picture. In turn, high-frequency echo sounders make it possible to obtain an image detailed to the smallest detail, but only at a shallow depth. The optimal choice in this case would be an echo sounder with the ability to switch frequencies (for example, to 83, 125 and 250 kHz), since the vast majority of them are on the modern market.
Display options
. A general criterion that includes the size of the working screen, picture quality and the amount of information displayed. It affects both the ease of use of the echo sounder and the possibility of more detailed preparation for the fishing process. In addition, the size of the screen (together with contrast and clarity) significantly affects the perception of the picture in sunlight.
Sensor sensitivity
. This parameter is very rarely given as the main one, although it plays a fairly important role in the operation of the echo sounder. High sensitivity, usually observed at low operating frequencies (50-83 kHz), results in good image quality, but the sensor is subject to interference. The opposite is true with low sensitivity, so to achieve maximum balance, give preference to models with the ability to adjust this characteristic.

Practitioner 7 RF Station wagon – a practical station wagon

Wireless device for searching suitable “fishing” places when fishing from the shore or boat. Designed for year-round use. Consists of a sensitive Mayak sensor and a receiving unit. Communication is supported via Bluetooth.

Automatic activation is provided when it hits the surface of a reservoir. Supports up to seven modes of displaying received information on the screen. Can be used in conjunction with a smartphone.

Pros:

Easy to learn, suitable for beginners.
Unpretentious, you can safely work at subzero temperatures.
Zoom function captures fish movement.

Minuses:

Two buttons to control the menu - very inconvenient.
Drains the battery when stored, even for a week.

Choosing an echo sounder for effective shore fishing

When purchasing a device for shore fishing, it is recommended to learn in more detail about the main parameters that affect its performance:

Power. When choosing an echo sounder correctly, you need to focus on the following rule: a powerful transmitter for a sensitive receiver. It is a bad signal, poor-quality reception of information that provokes difficulties in displaying a clear picture on the device monitor. But unpleasant moments also happen when the signal is sufficiently powerful - the received data on the screen is distorted, so it is more advisable to choose a device that has a power control function.
Sensor range. This indicator determines the coverage area of the transmitter launched from the coastline. Most often, devices are produced with a sensor range of 30-70 m.
Viewing angle. It is possible to adjust the search area: the larger the angle, the wider the visibility area.
Color gamut and monitor resolution. These criteria allow you to get a clear picture of the structure and topography of the bottom.
Sound alarm system. This is an additional feature of the device that notifies the fisherman about the presence of a fishing object with a sound signal.
Sensor mounting. The echo sounder can be equipped with appropriate fasteners: for fixing on a fishing rod, and for putting on your hand, which greatly simplifies the work with the device.
Moisture protection. There are models that come with a special tube that protects the device from temperature changes and moisture penetration.
Availability of backlight. So that during a night hunt the angler can read information on displays, the echo sounder can be equipped with an LED.

Recommendations for selection

When buying an echo sounder for coastal fishing, you should decide what functional tasks the device should cope with. Of course, more budget models attract with their low cost, but the presence of additional functions greatly simplifies the fishing process.
It is recommended to choose a universal-purpose echo sounder only if fishing comes first among other types of recreation, that is, for real fishermen. If you only intend to hunt from the shore, a simplified version of the echo sounder is quite suitable.
It is more advisable to buy a device with the most sensitive receiver, then the picture on the screen will be clear.
The presence of additional features (sound signal, night lighting, special mount, etc.) increases the level of comfortable use of the device.

Deeper Fishfinder 3.0 – working with a smartphone

An echo sounder enclosed in a spherical, durable and sealed housing. The device has a wireless connection to transfer scanning results to a smartphone or tablet running the Android operating system. The screen of a mobile gadget acts as a display.

The latter reproduces a clear and bright picture depicting the bottom topography and current depth. A mobile echo sounder allows you to scan the thickness of a reservoir while on the shore, pier, bridge or boat. The range reaches 40 meters.

Pros:

After the first use, it turns from just a fisherman into a fisherman-naturalist for studying the underwater world.
A compact device and a smartphone are an echo sounder that you always have with you.
Very convenient for fishing without a boat.

Minuses:

The price is a little steep, but the capabilities of the echo sounder justify the money spent.

Other fish finders for smartphones

iBobber

This model is suitable for smartphones and tablets based on IOS or Android. One of the significant disadvantages of this device is the lack of instructions in Russian. The echo sounder works via bluetooth, the coverage area of which is 30 meters . This is the distance you can throw the iBobber. The locator contains elements that emit two types of beams - for analyzing the depth and contour of the bottom topography. Waves and water temperature are also displayed.

Lucky FF916

Anyone can order this model with free delivery from China. Its price is not cheap - 49,620 rubles . The echo sounder comes with a float-shaped transducer included and has an impressive scanning depth of up to 45 meters. The total beam coverage is 90 degrees. Among the disadvantages is the insufficient development of the application, one is in Chinese - the other version is pirated. To distinguish the original from a fake, just look at the code; the original model has a 12-digit code, while the fake model has a 10-digit code.

FishHunter 3D echo sounder – five search beams

A wireless fishfinder echo sounder equipped with five sensors operating at three frequencies in the ultrasonic range. It tolerates towing at low speed without loss of sensitivity - it detects the appearance of fish in a split second.

Suitable for casting from a stationary platform - shore, pontoon or bridge. There are several operating modes: directional sanitation, ice fishing, drawing the bottom topography in a 3D system. The device records temperature, the appearance of fish and underwater obstacles.

Pros:

Use all year round, including in severe frosts.
Wide viewing angle, making 3D images of the bottom.
Wi-Fi, draws the location of the fish relative to the radar, shows movement.

Minuses:

Fair weight.
There is no case to wear on your hand.

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Echo sounder for phone - description

This type of device looks like a small device no larger than a tennis ball. The device has a floating element, and the sensor also consists of a durable, waterproof housing that prevents possible damage.

The device operates on a battery and can be used both for ice fishing and at great depths when fishing from a boat.

Principle of operation

The device is placed in the water, a special pillow prevents the device from sinking, and, floating on the water, the sensor sends ultrasonic signals to the bottom of the reservoir, due to which the relief and location of the fish are determined.
In turn, the float sends signals to the smartphone, and the fisherman has the opportunity to see the resulting image.
Transfer occurs via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

In order to receive an image on a phone or other device, you must install software developed by the echo sounder manufacturer.

Let's celebrate! This program also allows you to monitor and control a float that is placed in the water. The operating principle of the device is very simple and does not require additional knowledge.

Sensor characteristics

Models of echo sounders for phones have the following characteristics:

transmitting information via wireless communication;
large viewing angle of 90 degrees;
built-in battery;
Russian-language menu;
has a fish recognition function;
can connect not only to a phone, but to a laptop or tablet;
suitable for using the device in different seasons;
can be used at temperatures of –40 degrees;
frequency 125 kHz.

Each model may have individual additional technical characteristics.