What is this
An underwater echo sounder is a small device (depending on the model and price) that is capable of determining the topography of the bottom of a reservoir and detecting various objects located under water. Its main feature is that it is hand-held and waterproof. It is used without swimming aids. The echo sounder has a special sensor that transmits a narrowly directed ultrasonic signal into the water, receiving in response reflected from the bottom, fish or objects. All received information is processed by the processor and displayed on the display.
The echo sounder shows the depth of the fish, its presence, numbers, and sizes. Using the device, you can evaluate any part of the reservoir. Echo sounders were created to track submarines during World War II. Today they are used not only for military purposes. The device consists of a screen, a transducer, a transmitter and a receiver. The pulse that comes from the transmitter is converted into a sound wave and sent into the water, reflected back. Next, the received information, that is, the processed signal, is displayed on the display.
Benefits of an underwater camera in winter
There are a huge number of fishing cameras. Some shoot better, some worse, some have a durable and comfortable cord, others don’t last even one season. But choosing a fishing camera is a topic for a separate article, and the main pros and cons of all underwater fishing cameras are the same.
The most important advantage of a camera relative to an echo sounder in winter is an accurate image of the bottom surface and snags. You can see what kind of fish is standing or swimming, in what quantity and what size. In this regard, for example, when fishing for pike perch, it is difficult to come up with an alternative to an underwater camera. Since when the pike perch is pressed to the bottom and does not move or stands under a snag, it is difficult to detect the fanged one with the help of an echo sounder, but with a camera there are practically no such problems.
In other cases, the echo sounder will be more productive.
Specifications
A quality underwater fish finder has four main components: a high-resolution display, a reliable transducer, a powerful transmitter, and a sensitive receiver. All these elements must work smoothly at different temperatures and different weather conditions. The more powerful the transmitter, the more accurate and stronger the response echo, regardless of the depth of the reservoir. Converters can withstand heavy loads and are able to quickly convert electrical energy into sound without losing signal strength.
Fishing echo sounders are equipped with screens. Expensive models have high resolution and contrast, which allows you to display a detailed, clear picture. The echo sounder receiver works with a wide range of signals. It weakens the strong, and, on the contrary, strengthens the weak. Many models of echo sounders operate at a frequency of 192-200 kHz in fresh water. This frequency allows you to better see details in the water, especially in shallow water, and gives a minimum of noise and echo. The converter in the echo sounder is needed as an antenna to convert the device's electricity into a signal.
Advantages and disadvantages
Fishing echo sounders for fishing from a boat are indispensable devices. They are easy to use, comfortable, lightweight, and easy to attach. The advantages of the devices include:
- the possibility of fishing in unfamiliar bodies of water;
- detection of snags, small objects, holes;
- display of bottom relief;
- save the time it takes to analyze the reservoir and bottom;
- Using an echo sounder you can track the migration of fish.
Disadvantages of underwater echo sounders for fishing:
- to get a real image of the bottom topography, you need to move;
- the static nature of the craft allows the echo sounder to display objects in the form of lines, which is not very informative;
- if a fisherman needs to look at the bottom, it is necessary to move in linear segments, and take a reference point on the shore;
- The productivity of an echo sounder depends on its settings, the skills of the fisherman, and experience in using such devices.
An underwater camera and a fish finder are two different devices that can perform similar functions. For example, the camera is best used in real time; it shows good results in good weather and clear water. More informative.
Underwater video camera or echo sounder: which is better?
An echo sounder and an underwater camera operate on different principles. The first device scans the space in the water column and displays it on the screen in the form of lines and dashes. The camera transmits an accurate image to the display - all objects that fall within the viewing angle of the digital device.
An echo sounder collects information at great depths and in turbid water. The camera doesn't always cope well in polluted environments. The device is not capable of transmitting high-quality images at great depths, where there is little light. Even with powerful backlighting, the visibility and range here will be much less than in clear shallow water.
Winter fishing deserves special attention; the underwater camera facilitates effective hooking and play of the bait. At the same time, observing what is happening directly from the depths is interesting and informative. Echo sounders for winter fishing also remain useful among fishing products.
The process of operating the camera is simpler than using an echo sounder. There are a number of features in the work of the latter that the fisherman must know and take into account in order to get the maximum information from the data received on the screen.
How to setup
How to configure the device correctly? Modern echo sounders, even budget models, automatically select the necessary settings, depending on the fishing conditions. The disadvantage of automatic settings is the inclusion of fish identification mode and measurement of depth in feet. Many models remember the settings and do not reset them even after switching off. The identification mode (automatic) is far from ideal; it can pass off any object moving under water, such as garbage, as a fish. However, it is useful for finding large schools of fish.
It is recommended to change the echo sounder settings to obtain the most reliable information. These include sensitivity, depth range, and others. If you reduce the sensitivity of the device, you can reduce the width of the beam with which you search for fish. The narrower the beam, the more accurately you can study the bottom topography. It is also recommended to adjust the radiation pattern of the standard device. Please note that settings vary depending on the fish finder model. Lowrance brand devices are very popular. For example, the Lowrance Hook-4x Mid/High model is equipped with an exclusive four-inch high-resolution screen and advanced signal processing, which eliminates the need to manually adjust the fish finder.
Selection rules
Which is better to choose: an underwater camera or an echo sounder? Experienced fishermen unequivocally claim that an echo sounder will best cope with its tasks, since it is universal. When choosing one model or another, take into account the technical characteristics of the device. The most important thing is the quality of the display (resolution, number of colors, size). The larger the screen, the more accurately the image is transmitted and even the smallest details are better visible, including algae, bottom elements, fish, obstacles in the form of snags and holes.
Black-and-white echo sounder screens reproduce more than ten shades of gray, meaning the angler can quickly and easily distinguish objects. When choosing, take into account the radiation power. At shallow and medium depths, a signal power of 600 W will be required. A high-quality echo sounder should recognize even the smallest baits (2-3 cm) at a depth of five meters.
Choosing a good underwater video camera
Purchasing an underwater video camera depends on your personal requirements. The main selection criteria remain such important parameters as backlight power, viewing angle and cable length.
When purchasing a camera, including for winter fishing, operating temperature indicators are a prerequisite. A high-quality device has operating temperatures from -40 to +60 degrees; the description of the device must contain this information.
For some models, an important indicator is the presence of another characteristic - wireless communication. This function is convenient because the fisherman is not tied to a designated place. He can move around and receive a picture from the water on his phone within the radius of the Wi-Fi module.
Price
How much do underwater echo sounders for fishing cost? Depending on the model, brand and technical characteristics, the price can be either affordable or exorbitant. For example, an echo sounder for a smartphone costs 9,000 rubles, the Lucky FF1108-1 model costs 3,290 rubles; Lucky FFW718 - 7490 rubles; Humminbird echo sounder - 179 thousand rubles. As you can see, the cost of these devices varies greatly.
Reviews
Which is better: an underwater camera or an echo sounder? Fishermen unequivocally claim that an echo sounder does its job better. Its battery is more powerful and lasts for several days without recharging. The device shows the bottom topography, fish at a depth of fifty to five hundred meters, covers a larger area, and works regardless of weather conditions and water color. The camera has a small viewing angle and can be used to fish in real time.
Echo sounders have a convenient design, a clear menu, and they are compact. A large selection of models is the main advantage of the devices. A fisherman can buy either a budget option or an expensive one, depending on the conditions and fishing methods. Judging by the reviews, the underwater echo sounder does not work well at low temperatures, although it can also be used for ice fishing (more expensive models).
What is better: echo sounder or underwater camera for fishing reviews
Today, fishing is considered one of the main hobbies of men and has long been no longer associated with a means of finding food. In addition, with the advent of synthetic materials, new baits and reliable equipment, fishing has become much more comfortable, allowing you to relax and get maximum pleasure. Fishermen throughout the centuries have been looking for the ability to quickly find a fishing spot. The echo sounder made the task much easier, but still did not meet all the requirements. The latest achievement of science is an underwater video camera for fishing, which helps to quickly determine the location of fish and observe its behavior in real time.
Absolutely all fishermen want to get underwater cameras for fishing. Some, although they adhere to old traditions and believe that such a device is only needed to determine the fishing spot, others are confident that watching the very moment of the bite can bring even more pleasure, especially since success directly depends on the amount of catch and the size of the caught fish, and such a device has a positive effect on both of these factors. In any case, an underwater fishing camera allows you to:
- Find the best place to fish,
- Determine the depth
- Consider in detail the bottom topography and the location of underwater objects,
- See how the fish reacts to the bait,
- Analyze its behavior, adjusting methods of play and fishing tactics,
- Determine fish activity using additional functions of the device,
- See the optimal moment for hooking,
- Record the fishing process and view files at any time.
Thus, a video camera for filming underwater significantly expands fishing horizons. You will easily get the information that you would have been looking for for so long through experience. And most importantly, with its help you will direct all your efforts to attract the largest individual, controlling its behavior and selecting the optimal bait and suitable gear.
The underwater video camera combines the best operational and technical characteristics of its classic counterparts. In addition, it has additional functions. Its main advantage is the presence of built-in infrared illumination. It does not scare away or attract fish, allowing you to catch and film in natural conditions. LEDs increase the sensitivity of the matrix, which has a positive effect on visibility under water. Thus, the underwater fishing camera guarantees clear images of underwater life.
Underwater fishing cameras operate in two modes:
- The shooting direction is adjusted by rotating the recording display.
- In the second mode, the direction is determined using the built-in compass.
The video cameras are easy to use; they are all equipped with convenient control panels and mostly have a Russian-language menu. A reliable image is displayed on the monitor, so unlike using an echo sounder, you don’t have to guess or look in the instructions what this or that designation means. The screen clearly shows individual hidden fish and schools, algae, snags and the bottom. Moreover, the device operates in a wide temperature range, mainly from -20 to +60 degrees, depending on the model. Therefore, underwater video cameras are ideal for winter fishing, even at low prices. Every angler can afford such a device.
You can buy an underwater video camera for fishing in almost any fishing store, but before ordering the device, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the most famous brands.
Video cameras for shooting underwater are still just gaining popularity, so not everyone has one. Just as echo sounders, which have now gained the trust of fishermen, greatly simplified the process of catching fish, so underwater cameras for fishing will soon occupy their niche, becoming an integral part of fishing at any time of the year.
In the short time they have appeared on the market, the products of the following brands have proven themselves well:
Of course, there are many more manufacturers of underwater video cameras; not all of their products are in demand. Some models are quite problematic to find, this is even more due to well-known competitors who offer quality products at affordable prices. After all, the main thing for Russian fishermen is the ability to operate equipment in difficult conditions, for example, at low temperatures.
Experts recommend comparing the functionality and advantages of different models in advance in order to end up buying an underwater fishing camera that will fully meet your requirements. Below we will look at the features of video cameras from the best modern manufacturers.
SITITEK, a manufacturer, offers underwater video cameras for winter fishing at an affordable price and is famous for its widest range of video products. The company positions its devices as compact and practical devices for fishing in any conditions. The advantage is a large set of functions, a simple intuitive interface, a durable cable and housing for the camera and monitor. The kit usually includes a convenient case for transportation and storage, so the Fishcam video camera will be an excellent gift for lovers of summer and winter fishing.
All models are designed for use in a wide temperature range from -20 to +60 degrees. A cable with a length of 15 meters allows you to film even what is happening at the bottom, so it will definitely come in handy for those who choose large and deep bodies of water. The device's battery lasts for continuous shooting for up to 8-10 hours, depending on the model. The lens' wide viewing angle provides great coverage while still delivering superior image quality. Most models have a recording function, which allows you to review video files and analyze your own actions.
The lens of such a camera is equipped with powerful infrared diodes that turn on automatically or manually, and the brightness of the lighting is adjusted automatically or manually, allowing you to adapt to external conditions. This feature is a big advantage when ice fishing, exploring backwaters, and fishing in murky waters.
Rivotek (Rivotek) has established itself as a reliable and practical video rod. It gives you the opportunity to examine the underwater world in the smallest detail and enjoy vivid emotions. You will be able to examine the terrain and underwater objects, evaluate the attractiveness of the bait, choose the optimal place for fishing, seeing where the fish are hiding.
