Echo sounder for fishing from the shore: selection and operation

What is an echo sounder for fishing, its design

The fish does not like a flat, hard bottom. There is little food and nowhere to hide. She prefers sand, silt, dumps, ditches, holes. In the old days, the bottom relief was studied with the help of primitive lots: poles and weights on ropes. Today they use an echo sounder. Its main purpose is to search for fish.

Echo sounder design

By type of fishing, echo sounders are classified into groups:

• for fishing from a boat;
• echo sounder for fishing from the shore;
• for winter fishing;
• universal.

Structurally, the echo sounder consists of 4 blocks.

• Transmitter (emitter). Generates electrical impulses.
• Transducer. Converts pulses into acoustic waves and sends them with a frequency of 50-250 kHz. The frequency determines the depth and angle of the scanning cone.
• Receiver. Receives the reflected acoustic signal and converts it into electromagnetic radiation, which is transmitted to the display screen via wires or radio.
• Display. Designed to view the scan result.

The totality of technical characteristics of all blocks determines the completeness, accuracy and detail of measurements. The price of the device depends on it.

Portable wireless shore fishing fish finders combine the transmitter, transducer, and receiver into one housing called the transducer. The signal from it is transmitted to the display device via a radio channel. Throwing a sensor (beacon) with a fishing rod or spinning rod. The display can be a standard device or the screen of a mobile phone (tablet).

Models of echo sounders for fishing from the shore

Traditional manufacturers of echo sounders from Humminbird and JJ-connect have not ignored coastal fishing.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 230 Portable is a wireless echo sounder for fishing from the shore. Allows you to demonstrate the aquatic world at a depth of up to 36 m. The radius of the transmitter reaches 40 m. The display is mounted on a stand.

Humminbird SmartCast RF35e is a wireless echo sounder for fishing from the shore. Allows scanning to a depth of up to 35 m with a capture angle of 90 degrees. Capable of transmitting a signal within a radius of 22 m. The receiver of the signal from the sensor is designed in the form of a wristwatch with a display reflecting what is happening under water.

JJ-connect Fisherman Wireless 3 Deluxe is a wireless echo sounder with a sensor showing the bottom of a reservoir at a depth of up to 40 m with a 90-degree radiation beam and a range of 40 m. Highly sensitive to the movement of small fish. Well displays the topography of the bottom of the reservoir. Display without stand.

FishFinder ffw718 Wireless is a universal echo sounder that allows you to determine the presence of fish both when fishing from a boat and when fishing on the shore at a depth of 35 m with a range of up to 70 m. When using an extended antenna, the radius expands to 300 m.

Fishfinder luckylaker ff916 is a wireless echo sounder that uses Wi-Fi to transmit a signal from the sensor, and the receiver can be a smartphone or tablet using the Android or iOS operating system and having Wi-Fi. The sensor scans to a depth of up to 45 m with a capture angle of 90 degrees. The range of the abandoned sensor is up to 50 m.

You need to decide which echo sounder to take individually based on your own capabilities and fishing conditions. If you are fishing from land, you can use an echo sounder specifically designed for shore fishing. If you plan to use the device also when fishing from a boat or during winter fishing, then you should look towards universal models.

The principle of operation of an echo sounder, searching for fish with its help

The operation of the echo sounder is based on two physical principles:

1. An acoustic wave propagates in water at a constant speed (about 1500 m/s).
2. An acoustic wave is reflected from an obstacle that significantly exceeds its length.

The principle of operation of an echo sounder
The distance to the object is determined by the time delay between the sent signal and the received echo. The signal is sent repeatedly within a short period of time. The signal propagates in the form of a beam, forming a scanning cone. There can be several beams at different frequencies.

The scanning depth and cone angle depend on the radiation frequency. The 50 kHz frequency will help you penetrate deeper and provide a wider view than the 192 kHz frequency.

But high frequencies provide better detail and resolution at shallow depths. Therefore, the choice of frequencies depends on the fishing conditions.

Echolocation is not underwater videography. Objects on the screen are displayed conditionally. A shore fishing sonar cannot pinpoint where fish, rocks, or algae are. It just reports that they are located at the same depth. When the fisherman is stationary, the bottom appears flat on the screen. The fish is displayed as arcs, dots, drops, blots. A large fish swimming by looks like an arc with a rich color in the center.

Reading the screen is the basis of working with a fish finder.

Expensive or budget

This is a creative task. The cost of top models reaches 350,000 rubles. These echo sounders are mini-computers with chart plotters and many accessories. A person who is passionate about all types of fishing and has enough money can afford such a thing or even several, depending on the season and type of fishing. For those who like to occasionally sit with a fishing rod on the shore of a pond or cast a lure with a spinning rod, such a device is overkill. An inexpensive fish finder for shore fishing will suit his hobby.

Key parameters

1. Power. This indicator can be called the main characteristic of the device. In other words, this is its degree of penetration to depth. To increase the power of the equipment, it is necessary to match two important components: a sensitive receiver and a powerful transmitter. The high power of the sonar makes it possible to view the depths of the reservoir in great detail.
2. Radius (range) of the sensor. Basically, this figure varies from 30 to 70 m, depending on the price and functionality of the model.
3. Viewing angle - this parameter directly affects the size of the surface covered by the device. The wider it is, the larger the area that falls under the observation of the fisherman.
4. Color gamut and display resolution - these parameters affect the form in which the picture reaches the user with the device, how clearly the events occurring under water are visible. Color is naturally more attractive than monochrome.
5. Sound warning system - this function is additional to the main ones; using a sonar signal, the fisherman is notified of the presence of fish at the location of the scanning sensor.
6. Mounting the sensor – as mentioned above, it can be mounted on a hand or a spinning rod, which frees up the fisherman’s hands.
7. Moisture resistance – some of the presented models of echo sounders have an additional housing that provides protection from moisture.
8. Illumination of the device - you cannot do without such an element as illumination during night fishing

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing

The importance of an echo sounder for shore fishing places certain demands on it.

How to choose an echo sounder for fishing

There are dozens of criteria for choosing an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, here are the main ones:

• Signal power at the receiver output. Depends on the transmitter power and receiver sensitivity. A weak signal at the display input reduces image clarity. Too strong a signal is bad. The noise level will be too high. Models with power control are preferable.
• Range. Typically 30-70 m depending on the model.
• Scan angle. Depends on the transmitter frequency. For shallow depths, frequencies from 192 kHz are preferred.
• Number of rays. Two or more beams will enhance the clarity of the picture, but such echo sounders are more expensive.
• Display size and resolution. The bigger, the better. But this is not a reason to carry a 32-inch monitor with you when fishing.
• Mounting the echo sounder display: on a fishing rod or spinning rod, on your hand, on a special stand, on a boat transom, whatever is more convenient for you.
• Notification system. It will give a signal to an unwary fisherman when prey approaches.

Also important is the strength and moisture resistance of the sensor and display, which ensure longevity.

Types of echo sounder mounting: pros and cons

Compact echo sounders, on the contrary, do not have a high price; their purchase is feasible for a consumer of any income, but, as a rule, their functionality is reduced.

They are in demand among novice fishermen, as they are clear and easy to use. The main characteristics of echo sounders include the size and method of mounting the display.

The echo sounder can be placed:

• On the hand;
• on the ground;
• on the rod.

The choice of fastening is determined by what is more convenient for the user. Models that are attached to the arm are smaller in size and have simpler functions.

Narrow-beam or single-beam echo sounders are popular among recreational fishermen. For use in a small reservoir, such a device is quite sufficient. Also, such a sonar can be purchased at a more budget price.

Portable echo sounder for winter and summer fishing

Many fishermen want to buy a universal echo sounder to use it for summer and winter fishing in any weather. Among inexpensive models, the “Praktik” 6M performed well (from 8,000 rubles).

The low price is combined with decent characteristics.

Scanning depth up to 25 m. Distinguishes fish from snags, branches and mud, determines its size. A fast processor allows you to display images in real time. Durable, moisture-resistant housing and reliable wired connection with a cable containing Kevlar thread. The batteries last for 100 hours of operation. Withstands temperatures below - 20 degrees stated in the description.

Echo sounder "Practik" 6M

As a drawback, picky fishermen note a small scanning angle, but you can live with this. Practitioner 6M is a good choice for lovers of year-round fishing.

The most popular manufacturers of coastal echo sounders and their costs

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

Price without discount: 7860 rub.

Link to the official website. Sometimes there are promotions with significant discounts.

The most popular manufacturers of coastal echo sounders include:

• Humminbird. Anglers have been familiar with the Humminbird fishing brand for almost 35 years; all of the company’s products are made using the latest technologies and only from high-quality raw materials. Echo sounders for coastal fishing have a durable body, a sufficient viewing radius, a clear picture, and an affordable price. Among the popular sonars of this brand are: Humminbird Smart Cast RF15e , its performance characteristics: working depth 30 m, range of 30 m, a special screen is provided for stand, device price 9900 rub.
• Humminbird Smart Cast RF25e , its performance characteristics: working depth 35 m, operating radius 45 m, the screen is mounted directly on the rod itself, the price of the device is 4900 rubles.
• Humminbird Piranha Max 230 Portable, its performance characteristics: working depth 36 m, range of action 40 m, there is a stand for the monitor, price of the device 12500 rub.
  Humminbird Smart Cast RF15e

  
  Humminbird Piranha Max 230 Portable

  
  Humminbird Smart Cast RF25e

Reviews from real fishermen about popular wireless echo sounders

Fishermen leave their opinions about many echo sounders on thematic forums. Reviews like this help other fishing enthusiasts make the right choice.

Deeper

Sanguini: “I was undecided between Fishfinder and Dipper.” Since purchasing the Deeper sonar pro I have gone on 4 fishing trips. There were no problems with connection range. It’s convenient that you can cast it to the desired distance and check it directly where you are fishing. The biting calendar is very convenient.”

Cudryahev: “Compact and no wires – a plus. Easy to cast and explore the pond. I tried it on winter fishing and was pleased. Made with high quality. But its cost does not allow people with limited means to buy it.”

EvsyukovAndr: “The application is informative. Considering its weight (100 g), it flies perfectly when casting. Excellent assembly, I didn’t see any jambs in the case. If you tighten it tightly, it’s completely sealed.”

Lucky

Stor: “It works stably so far, without glitches, the batteries in the duckling were enough for 3 fishing trips. The menu is convenient and understandable, the communication distance to the duckling is satisfactory. The main disadvantage is that he shows all the fish as big, for him 10 cm is already a big fish.”

Fish finder Lucky

Sav2005DAN: “I’ve been fishing since I was 10 years old. The assembly is good, nothing creaks. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The downside is that the screen is small, but backlit. Another drawback is that the device is afraid of immersion in water (it is waterproof, but not waterproof).”

Nicholas3: “I looked it up on the Internet, bought it on Aliexpress last year, and managed to test it on winter fishing. Shows fish well if it stands in the middle layer of water or in the upper layer. When standing at the very bottom or on a mule, it doesn’t always show. Shows depth accurately. It makes it easy to find depth differences. A very useful and necessary thing."

"Garmin"

Gromqk: “Very decent build quality. Works at boat speed of 23 km/h (haven’t tried higher). Two-beam, excellent drawing and detailing of the bottom. Lots of settings. GPS "Glonass". Ability to record tracks and create waypoints.”

Dfcom: “Shows fish, but only if it is above 30 cm from the bottom of the reservoir. If the fish is closer than 30 cm from the bottom, the echo sounder “does not see” it. There are fish that lead a bottom-dwelling lifestyle. These are bream, crucian carp, gudgeon, catfish and others. This echo sounder will not detect them. Otherwise, the Garmin Striker Plus 4 CV is a reliable, efficient and inexpensive echo sounder model.”

Felix: “Garmin has a powerful scanner, fast and correct, it gives readings on the display with centimeter accuracy. It shows at the speed of the boat what is on the bottom, whether there is bait below. The device is equipped with a GPS navigator, so you won’t get lost.”

"Practician"-7

RandRa: “I bought it in a store, I go with it to ponds, quarries, and lakes regularly, every 2-4 days. I fish from the shore. I like the echo sounder. Its casting range is up to 70 meters. It identifies fish, bottom, snags, and algae perfectly. For fun, I changed the “Casting” mode to “Shallow Water”. The catch has increased significantly, manifold. The echo sounder stands between the floats throughout the fishing. The charge lasts for 7 hours. Among the disadvantages: the program sometimes closes spontaneously. And sometimes it takes a long time to connect with a smartphone with direct visibility.”

Echo sounder "Praktik"-7

Fomansss: “I bought it for feeder fishing. The edges and size of the fish show off with a bang. It’s a bit heavy, weight = 113 g. I cast it with a “Volzhanka Optima” rod 3.9m 90+. Reel 5000. When casting there is always a feeling of losing the device. Because of this, there is a fear of investing in casting. Loses connection."

Nikita L: “Very easy to use. Shows depth, relief and fish well.

For some reason, Wi-Fi doesn’t hold up well; at a distance of 45-50 meters, sometimes it just falls off.”

Reviews of echo sounders for shore fishing are mostly positive. But experienced fishermen also mention the disadvantages of popular models.

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.

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.

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.

The average price of a Craft Echo sonar starts from 7,500 rubles

Echo sounder for trolling on the river

Trolling always occurs while moving over long distances. Boats and motor boats, including PVC, are used. When choosing an echo sounder, in addition to determining the river depth and the presence of fish, the following functions are important:

• measuring water temperature;
• determination of the speed of movement of the craft;
• route planning;
• constructing a bottom relief map.

Lowrance Elite 3x echo sounder
The best and most expensive echo sounders for trolling fishing are made by Americans: Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance. Budget echo sounders of these brands are also available for sale.

Lowrance Elite 3x has decent characteristics at a price of 9,800 rubles.

Of the models from other manufacturers, the II Connect Fisherman 600 (from RUB 9,900) looks good

When deciding to purchase a device, it is important to consider the type of swimming device. The choice of echo sounder for fishing from a PVC boat on a river is one thing, for a powerful boat is another.

Design and operating principle

Coastal echolocation devices operate on radio waves that go from the sensor to the monitor. The sensor is attached to the end of your fishing line and thrown into the water.

The sensor sends an electronic signal to the bottom and catches the reflected echo. Then the sensor transmits information about the depth of the place, the bottom topography and the presence of a “goldfish” to the monitor, where we see the whole situation.

By extending the sensor with a reel, we find out the entire picture of the bottom from the casting point to the very shore. This is the difference between such echo sounders and the models used in a boat. There the sensor is lowered into the water, but it is not the sensor that moves, but the boat itself.

Models of wireless echo sounders are also applicable for winter ice fishing. We lower the sensor into the hole, and we see a picture on the monitor.

How to check your echo sounder for functionality

Some older models are not suitable for outdoor use. To test the functionality of such an echo sounder, it must be immersed in any small body of water. A bucket or bathtub will not work - they are too small.

Modern echo sounders have a demo mode.

To check, it is usually enough to place the device on the floor and point the beam at the ceiling. The user manual for an echo sounder for fishing from the shore will help you do the check correctly.

Practical recommendations for using portable echo sounders

The primary task that the consumer faces when choosing an echo sounder is a clear understanding of where and why he will need this device. Will he fish from a boat or exclusively from the shore, is winter fishing planned and how much money from the budget can he allocate for the purchase of equipment.

So:

• When choosing an echo sounder for fishing from the shore, you should proceed from the financial condition of the fisherman. The echolocation market offers various model options at different prices.
• Additional comfort when operating the device from the shore is provided by additional functionality - sound notification, convenient mounting.
• Buying a more expensive universal echo sounder is appropriate if you are planning different types of fishing.
• A clear and complete image on the display is an important attribute of the device, which should also be taken into account when purchasing it.

To determine the depth and topography of the bottom of a reservoir from the shore, a simple and inexpensive echo sounder will be quite sufficient. But if a fisherman is aimed at a more detailed study of the water area from the shore, then his choice should be on more multifunctional devices, the auxiliary parameters of which will allow even a novice fisherman to do this.

Echolocation technique

The principles of echolocation are simple and have been used for over 100 years. We described them above. They are not difficult to understand, but their apparent simplicity often leads to errors when used by inexperienced anglers.

Echolocation technique

There are a lot of critical reviews on the Internet even about simple portable echo sounders for fishing from the shore. Often they are the result of illiterate use of devices. Proper echolocation technique comes with experience and is essential to the effective use of shoreline echo sounders for viewing the bottom of water bodies.

Myths about echo sounders

There are some misconceptions among fishermen about the use of echo sounders:

• The fishing line will break and the echo sounder will float away. To make this happen, you need to try hard. Modern echo sounders are so light that any fishing line can support them.
• The fish are afraid of bright transducer floats. It's the other way around. They attract fish and they will catch better.
• The radiation scares away the fish. The fish doesn't even feel it.
• Good fish finders are very expensive. There is fierce competition in this market, so even leading American manufacturers are forced to reduce prices. And the Chinese comrades initially produce many high-quality cheap models.
• An echo sounder is a useless toy. The fish are caught pretty well anyway. Just ask experienced fishermen. They will easily prove the importance of an echo sounder for shore fishing.

Don't believe everything you hear. You need to think critically about the information and check it.