Which echo sounder is better to choose for fishing from a boat and the shore?

Echo sounder for trolling. What characteristics should it have? What is the most important thing in an echo sounder? Which companies and specific models should you prefer? We will talk about all this in this review; read about suitable models of echo sounders for trolling at the end of the article.

Trolling is one of the most productive types of fishing; fishermen call it trophy fishing among themselves. Trolling came to us from America and is fishing from a boat or boat equipped with motors.

It is worth noting that there is another similar method - fishing on the track, which is carried out in a similar way only from a rowing boat. Read about echo sounders for fishing from a boat in a separate article at the link.

Trolling is designed to catch large fish and therefore you need to use strong gear, namely reliable spinning rods with good test, a multiplier reel, or a large, inertia-free and durable fishing line (cord).

Also for trolling, special baits are used that are designed for this type of fishing. Read more about trolling in a separate article at the link.

A very useful and often simply necessary when trolling is an echo sounder, the capabilities of which we will talk about later.

There are many benefits to using a fish finder when trolling. For example, it can be used to determine the topography and structure of the bottom, the depth of the reservoir, and the presence of fish. This concerns the basic capabilities of echo sounders.

The most advanced echo sounders for trolling allow you to monitor the bait, whether it has fallen to the bottom, at what depth it is, whether algae has clung to the bait, and you can also control the movement of the bait over deep places where predatory fish can hide. An example of such a fish finder is the Lowrance HDS line.

Also, with the help of some echo sounders, you can determine the water temperature at different depths, various objects (including fish) both at the bottom and in the water column, which are moving or stationary.

It is worth noting that some echo sounders can detect a thermocline - a zone where cold and warm water meet, which is a very promising place for trolling.

Based on the above data, the fisherman draws conclusions in what place and at what depth it is better for him to place baits.

Structurally, the echo sounder consists of a display with control buttons on which the received information is displayed and a sensor that is immersed in water and transmits the received information to the display.

Useful article on the topic: the best budget echo sounders for fishing

Basic characteristics of echo sounders

Transmitter power - the power of the signal sent into the water column and the quality of the signal received back depend on this characteristic. Therefore, the more powerful the transmitter signals, the more effective the echo sounder will be at great depths, and this will also allow you to record finer details in the water.

Transducer frequency - this characteristic determines the depth and width of the scanned area. It should depend on the angler’s own preferences, since if there is a higher output frequency, the picture will be clearer, but the scanning depth will decrease. And the opposite situation is that at low frequencies the depth is visible much more, but the picture becomes less detailed.

Receiver sensitivity - naturally, this parameter should be quite high, but problems can also arise here, since due to the high sensitivity, numerous interference can be displayed on the echo sounder screen. Therefore, it is better if the echo sounder has the ability to manually adjust sensitivity.

Screen size and resolution - the high resolution of the echo sounder screen allows you to see the information displayed on the display in more detail, and its sufficient contrast, even in bright sunshine, will make it possible, despite the glare, to clearly see the picture. The size of the screen will determine at what distance the angler can see the information on it.

Number of beams (one, two or four) - in a two-beam echo sounder, one beam is aimed at scanning the bottom, and the second one broadens the horizon. Quadruple beams work using 4 multi-directional beams, each beam scans a certain angle under water, which provides a wider view.

The most popular brands of fish finders for trolling are Hummingbird , Lowrance and Garmin .
These manufacturers produce both simple models designed for regular bottom scanning, as well as complex multifunctional ones that make fishing much more fun and productive.

How to properly look for fish from a boat?

Experienced fishermen have long been using special devices to find fish while fishing. At the same time, the devices that will help you find prey from a boat differ from those needed to hunt predators and small fish from the shore. To fish from a boat you will need:

The frequency of the device should depend on the depth of the reservoir and the speed of movement. A low frequency video rod is suitable for fishing at speed in a deep river or lake.
A single-beam device is ideal for fishing from a boat, since it does not need to cover a large volume. You just need to determine the depth of the bottom where the boat is located.
Speed and temperature sensors will help you find out the type of fish and how it will behave at a certain depth.
Side sensors will show which side of the boat and at what depth the prey is located.
Fasteners are a very important part of the device, with which the device is securely attached and will not get lost during fishing. Fasteners can be transom or through. The latter are more reliable, however, if the boat is inflatable, then only transom fasteners are installed on it.
The monitor in the echo sounder is one of the main elements. On a high-quality monitor with a large screen, the fisherman will be able to immediately see what is happening around his vessel.

Lowrance HDS 7 gen 3

This high-tech device combines an echo sounder and a chartplotter (electronic charts), which is very important for sea and ocean fishing. The approximate cost of this fish finder is $1,400. It has a seven-inch LED-backlit screen.

The built-in electronics provide a 180-degree panoramic image, as well as high image clarity even at high speeds, which is very important for high-speed trolling in sea and ocean fishing conditions.

The following models are also popular echo sounders in their price segment:

Lowrance X4 Pro ($100)
Deeper ($200)
Humminbird 561x ($350)
Humminbird FB 120x ($500)
Lowrance HDS 5 ($900)

At the end of the article, we will recommend you a very useful article about the functions of an echo sounder, in which you will learn about the many capabilities and settings of echo sounders.

Related article: budget echo sounders for fishing

Top echo sounders for fishing from the shore

Fishing from the shore will be most productive when using an echo sounder. The rating of the best models will help you choose the optimal assistant in fishing.

Deeper Smart Sonar Pro

The most powerful echo sounder will become a faithful assistant in fishing thanks to its versatility. The device is made in black color. Weight is 100 g. Diameter is 6.5. The echo sounder from Deeper is wireless. It can scan up to 80 meters in depth. Thanks to the Wi-Fi connection, the echo sounder immediately transmits the received data to a smartphone or tablet. Connection platforms can be Android and IOS.

In addition, the echo sounder can create maps of the area and indicate where the fish are. Maps are automatically saved in the application and can be used offline. For more convenient use, there is a special Lakebook application, presented in the form of a fishing diary. It can store not only data about the fishing location, but also photographs. The research range of the Deeper echo sounder is about 100 m.

Users note the presence of a water temperature sensor as a distinctive feature when purchasing an echo sounder.

Pros:

connection with a smartphone;
terrain scanning;
creating maps;
multifunctionality;
accuracy of measurements.

Minuses:

high price for accessories.

Customer Reviews

Dmitry A. First of all, I liked the portability of the device, the absence of wires and a battery in the boat. Execution and design are top notch!!! I am sure that the device will be a good assistant in fishing.

Alexander K. The echo sounder is easy to carry, the kit includes a case for it, it’s lightweight, connect it to your phone or tablet and see what’s underwater. I didn't find any shortcomings. I recommend this fish finder to everyone!

GSMIN WA2

The GSMIN WA2 wireless echo sounder will allow you to collect data about a body of water even from the shore. After all, the distance between a smartphone and an echo sounder can reach up to 80 meters. The device is small in size, making it easy to move. The length reaches 13.7 cm, the width is 8 cm, and the depth is 3 cm. At the same time, the weight is only 165 g. The echo sounder is made in black. Can operate at temperatures from -20 to +60 degrees without errors.

The echo sounder accurately determines the depth of the reservoir and the location of fish. This will make fishing easier and more productive. The case is made of high-quality shockproof materials. Moreover, the GSMIN echo sounder is protected from moisture. Requires 4 AAA batteries to operate.

Users note the presence of an LED display measuring 6.5x3.8 cm. Thanks to this, the image is better projected on the echo sounder.

Pros:

range of use;
accuracy of measurements;
presence of LED display;
waterproof;
ability to work at sub-zero temperatures.

There are no cons.

Customer Reviews

Name hidden I purchased this wireless fish finder and am pleased with the purchase. The echo sounder holds a charge for a long time, just enough for fishing. Operates at temperatures from -20 to +60 degrees. Compact and easy to manage. With this echo sounder, I can now perform sonar, determine the depth of the reservoir and find fish in it. A convenient tablet on which all data is visible.

Dmitry L. Good and high-quality wireless echo sounder. You can maintain a distance of up to 80 meters between the tablet and the scanner. Convenient and clear display. You can use it in hot or cold weather. Now any unfamiliar and new body of water is visible to me in full view, with the entire bottom and the movement of fish along it. Happy with the echo sounder! I recommend!

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Vexilar Sonar Phone SP100

The new generation echo sounder from Velixar will help make your fishing more productive. By synchronizing data with a smartphone or tablet, you can save received data about different places. The echo sounder supports Android and IOS platforms. Connects via Wi-Fi network. However, the Velixar fish finder does not have a display. You must use a smartphone/tablet screen as a monitor. The case is portable. The kit includes a transducer, the mounting of which is a float. The transducer has 1 beam with an angle of 30 degrees.

The echo sounder has small dimensions, which is very convenient for moving it. The width is 6.5 cm, the height is 13 cm, and the depth is 17.5 cm. The weight is 108 g. The echo sounder has a built-in water temperature sensor and an alarm sensor that is triggered when a fish is found.

Users note that the echo sounder shows the bottom structure and depth determination as accurately as possible.

Pros:

accuracy of measurements;
clear connection between smartphone and echo sounder;
compactness;
Russian interface;
Ease of use.

Minuses:

does not make a map.

Customer Reviews

Igor O. Communication between the smartphone and the echo sounder via Wi-fi, which guarantees no interruptions. The relief paints beautifully. It shows the depth like a regular echo sounder. The fish are shown in the form of arcs, as in a conventional echo sounder. Easy settings. Color selection and color gradation. Can be used for fishing from the shore or hooked to a boat! You can always carry it in your bag and use it if necessary, which is very convenient!

Dmitry S. Keeps a stable connection via wifi. The picture is “natural” like that of expensive echo sounders, unlike Deeper and other similar ones (cartoon-like, translated into signs). I use it for spearfishing, so I can immediately check what’s underneath it. Driftwood, stones, and the bottom are shown in different colors depending on density. The battery lasts more than three hours in winter at minus 5.

LUCKY FF1108-1

The multifunctional echo sounder from LUCKY is a leader in sales. This echo sounder will make your fishing more effective in any weather thanks to its versatility. There is a black and white display with a diagonal of 2.2". The screen size is 3.8x3.8 cm. There is a backlight, which will allow you to fish even in the dark.

The dimensions of the echo sounder are 6.5 cm wide, 12 cm high and 3 cm deep. The weight of the device is 148 g. The case is reliably protected from moisture. The transducer is included and is attached to the float. Has 1 beam with an angle of 45 degrees. The echo sounder can scan the depth of a reservoir at 100 meters. The device operates optimally from -20 to +70 degrees. This allows you to go fishing even in frosty weather.

Users note the presence of a temperature sensor and long operation of the echo sounder without recharging.

Pros:

presence of a display;
ability to work with a smartphone or tablet;
accuracy of measurements;
automatic shutdown;
selection of unit of measurement.

There are no cons.

Customer Reviews

Name hidden I use a modified model with a color screen, everything is clearly visible, it shows the bottom topography, depth, and fish movement. has moisture protection. Didn't let me down the whole time I used it.

Kirill Ch. Does his job 100%. I just turned it on, didn't configure anything. It shows the depth accurately, fish also sometimes swim by) It may be suitable for subglaciers, but it won’t work for a boat, you need to do a lot of shamanism with the head mount and the sensor needs to be adjusted so that air does not get under it.

The best stationary echo sounder

Lowrance HOOK2 4x Bullet Skimmer

The echo sounder is stationary, mounted on the transom, and its operating temperature starts from -15 °C. The stated scanning depth is up to 150 meters, but the actual depth may be noticeably less, depending on the reservoir. There is only one beam, but the picture is quite detailed. The device is equipped with a 4-inch diagonal screen. It is easy to operate, basic settings can be set quickly by pressing a few buttons.

For its characteristics, this model costs very moderately - about 11,000 rubles. Of course, it is inferior to dual-beam devices in accuracy, but in most situations the difference cannot be called large. It is worth noting that the warranty is valid for 3 years.

Price: ₽ 11,010

Types of echo sounders (other classification)

For fishing from a boat.
For fishing from the shore.
Echo sounders for winter fishing.

The meaning of all types of fishing echo sounders lies in their viewing radius and power. After all, any echo sounder works on the principle of a conventional medical ultrasound. Also, the stability of the echo sounder is affected by the speed of movement across the reservoir.

It is easier for an echo sounder to scan the bottom topography and the presence of fish when the boat is moving slowly, in which case the picture will be as close as possible to the actual terrain on the bottom.