An echo sounder is a device for scanning the topography of a reservoir. Includes an audio signal transmitter and receiver. Allows you to determine the depth of a water basin, detect holes, banks, and shallows. Find out the location of an individual fish or school. Some models are equipped with an electronic unit to automate the processing of the received data and the ability to compile a topographic map of the underwater relief. The GPS function helps you navigate the water surface, determine the shore in low light conditions, fog, storms, mark cool spots, calculate the speed of movement and the distance to the final destination of the trip.
Garmin Striker 4 - a budget echo sounder option
A compact device with a set of basic functions, echolocation of the bottom of a reservoir, depth determination, detection of driftwood, snags, shallows, general terrain scanning. The maximum vertical distance reaches half a kilometer in fresh water and two hundred in sea water.
The echo sounder is capable of recording underwater inhabitants, including fish. Carry out sufficiently detailed detailing of the object in a standing and moving state.
The navigation property will determine the current location of the fisherman himself, record fishing spots in memory, plot a route, and draw up a map.
Pros:
- Inexpensive, easy to use, small size and weight.
- Draws the bottom quite clearly, marks underwater snags and shallows.
- Sees fish, beavers, muskrats. Works on objects moving at low speed.
Minuses:
- The screen is too small and sometimes strains your eyesight.
- There are no maps, there is no download option.
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LOWRANCE HOOK-4 – transducer included
An echo sounder with the DownScan function – a clear determination of the structure of the bottom of the reservoir. The technology is useful for fishing on lakes, rivers and reservoirs with a complex bottom, the presence of shoals, shoals, gullies and holes.
Will identify rocky deposits, flooded structures, industrial structures, boats, boats, trees, snags.
The built-in transducer operates with four beams at depths of up to 300 meters in fresh water. The echo sounder is equipped with a 4.3-inch color display and has a GPS navigation module. The last property is important for confident orientation in unfamiliar terrain.
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Pros:
- Accuracy of fish identification, drawing of complex bottom structure.
- A very reasonable price for such a set of characteristics.
- Waterproof case, bright color screen.
Minuses:
- Working with a power source via a cable, which is inconvenient in the dark.
- The screen size is a little lacking when working at dusk.
How to choose a three-beam echo sounder
In order to choose an echo sounder that has optimal characteristics, you need to determine what and where it will be used, and also understand its functionality. This will significantly save your own money.
A three-beam echo sounder is a universal device that can be used by a fisherman of any skill level.
This type of echo sounder uses three beams with different frequencies and coverage. A “narrow” beam is used 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 and has a larger beam angle, thanks to which it detects fish at any depth.
The third beam is designed to scan the space either in front of the boat, in order to avoid hitting an obstacle, or for side scanning. In three-beam sonars, you can turn off one or two beams and use it in bodies of water with different depths.
When there are sudden changes in ambient temperature, the fish stops biting normally. To focus on such an indicator, an important option for the echo sounder will be a temperature sensor, which will allow you to record changes that occur.
HUMMINBIRD PIRANHAMAX 196CXI – equipped with a TFT display
Sonar with GPS navigation module. Equipped with a high-resolution color screen.
Along with dual-beam scanning, it allows you to inspect the bottom of a reservoir with high precision. There are functions for analyzing the structure of the base, determining the true size of the fish, varying the scale, and outlining the bottom with a black line.
The device shows the temperature, lights up the screen, and changes the sensitivity of perception. A sound signal is installed when the required depth is reached and fish are detected. Comes with a Russified menu.
Pros:
- Bright screen, image adjustment, night illumination.
- GPS navigation, route planning, fixing points with the presence of fish.
- Russified menu with a detailed description of setup and operation.
Minuses:
- Short cable.
Types of echo sounders
Now there is a fairly large selection of different types of echo sounders. For example:
Coastal echo sounders
Among other echo sounders, choosing coastal chartplotters is a little easier. They are equipped with a minimum number of necessary and useful functions. A special feature of such echo sounders is the fact that they are attached to a fishing rod or wrist. Such devices are a cheaper option, so any fisherman can purchase them.
Wireless echo sounders
This is equipment that has fairly universal functions, so with the right approach they can be used for almost all types of fishing. However, remember that when choosing a wireless fish finder, you should be guided by personal preference.
Wireless scanner sonars include a wireless sensor and a handheld receiver. Like shore echo sounders, wireless echo sounders are mounted both on the wrist and directly on the fishing rod.
Winter echo sounders
As a rule, echo sounders for winter fishing come in a variety of varieties. A special feature of such sonars is the presence of special winter sensors. Winter echo sounders will help anglers easily find where the desired fish will bite.
Echo sounders for winter fishing work quite simply. First of all, they display the main events that occur in the water just under a thin layer of ice.
It is worth noting that such sonars also search for water bodies and transmit information about their location.
For quality fishing, you need to consider all the important points when choosing a winter sonar, which include:
- Powerful transmitter;
- Sufficiently sensitive receivers;
- Small screen with high expansion;
- Efficient emitters;
The information content of the transmitted data and images depends on these characteristics.
There are special echo sounders for summer fishing. They have almost all the same functions as winter echo sounders. However, they are not at all designed for low temperatures, so they are not recommended for use in cold weather.
Boat echo sounders
Sonars are designed for boats and are priced slightly more expensive than shore-based echo sounders. This is explained by the fact that more convenient and powerful functionality is presented here. At the moment, boat echo sounders are considered the most popular among fishermen.
Such sonars consist of several parts: screen, transmitter, receiver, emitter, processor. Do not forget about the number of rays, on which not only the quality of the image itself, but also the completeness of the entire transmitted picture depends.
When choosing a personal fish finder, you should remember that not all of them are universal, so some are only suitable for certain purposes. It is important to take into account personal preferences, which will help you make the right choice.
DEEPER SMART SONAR PRO+ – wireless
The difference is wireless communication via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with a smartphone or tablet equipped with Android or iOS.
The echo sounder allows you to scan areas of the bottom and search for fish while on the shore, in a boat, on a bridge or pier at a distance of up to 100 meters from the echo sounder. It has a waterproof, sealed and durable body and is lightweight.
Fixes the depth, shows the location of the hook with a nozzle or jig. Tells the fisherman the presence of fish. It is possible to record the current location in memory and draw a picture of the bottom.
Pros:
- Mobility, no cable connection to a power source, remote scanning.
- Small dimensions, lightweight, affordable price.
- Accurate distance fixation, catches even small fish.
Minuses:
- In the glare of the sun, without a cord, it is impossible to determine the location of the echo sounder.
- Risk of detachment during casting.
Most popular models
Based on practical experience, fishermen have formed a certain rating of Humminbird echo sounders in terms of popularity.
Let's look at it briefly and find an explanation for the high demand.
Humminbird Piranhamax 160 echo sounder
This inexpensive option has a 4-inch monitor and the ability to scan 180 meters deep. The average sonar power is 100 watts, the peak is 800 watts.
This model is produced in two versions: a regular one and a convenient portable one. Similar functionality is typical for the humminbird piranhamax 197c model (3.5-inch screen diagonal, 120-degree coverage) and the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 215 model (color gradation has 4 gray shades), which allow you to see fish even in algae. But it is worth emphasizing that in terms of functionality, the described echo sounder is not far from the humminbird 150 model.
Model Humminbird Piranhamax 175x
The humminbird fish finder's dual beam transducer operates on multiple frequencies. At a low frequency, you can scan a depth of up to 180 meters; at a high frequency, you can get a clear image.
The picture on the echo sounder screen is produced in 16 shades of gray. The high sensitivity of the device allows you to select fish and show it on the special display. icon.
Humminbird Piranhamax 180 echo sounder
The device is similar to the special. model humminbird piranhamax 170. However, it differs in the presence of a 3-inch sensor, which makes the device more advanced in image reproduction. The coverage includes an area of 90 degrees.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 220 echo sounder
It is an improved model of the series; simple setup provides a clear cartographic image in 8 tones of gray with dual-beam bottom scanning.
Three-beam scanning is characteristic of this model and the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 240 model. It allows you to survey a large area of the bottom.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 echo sounder
The model has the strongest performance in the HELIX series. Compared to earlier PiranhaMAX models, in this version there was an increase in the monitor by 20%, an increase in resolution by 70% with 2 beams.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4
Such advanced characteristics have already been appreciated by many fishermen, as evidenced by numerous enthusiastic reviews from the owners of this echo sounder.
Model Humminbird 718x
It has gained popularity in sea fishing due to its ability to scan depths up to 330 meters. The advanced functionality of the device allows you to view even very small fish swimming among algae.
This model provides for connecting a GPS navigator to the sonar.
Humminbird matrix 47 3D echo sounder
This is a progressive device with a special waterproof housing and a built-in temperature sensor. The device is capable of recording up to 10 routes. It doesn't have a video output and can't support Wi-Fi, but it does boast a built-in speed sensor.
Users of the device will appreciate the built-in GPS module and 305-meter scanning depth in fresh water.
Humminbird Helix 5 DI fish finders
These are progressive devices that differ in many respects from “piranhas”. The first difference is that they have a good special high-resolution display that supports colorful color rendering.
The second difference is the support in the work of specialists. “Down Imaging” technology, which implies the possibility of bottom scanning. This progressive special. the technology allows you to monitor the maneuvers of a worm fixed on a hook (this moment, no doubt, will appeal to potential buyers of the described gadget).
The increased power parameter of the echo sounders of the described series implies a shallower operating depth (up to 100 meters).
Raymarine Dragonfly 4 PRO – chartplotter
The device is equipped with advanced CHRIP technology, which allows you to reproduce with photographic accuracy the most complex bottom topography of the underwater world. An additional Wi-Fi function is built in for communication with the fisherman’s smartphone, allowing observations to be made at a convenient distance.
The device is equipped with a bright screen with anti-fog coating. Navionics or C-MAP 4D map navigation is provided. The built-in GPS module helps you navigate the area, plans a route, and places markers on places you like.
Pros:
- Map support, Wi-Fi function, bright, non-fogging screen.
- Convenient, clear menu. Ability to adjust sensitivity.
- High-quality assembly, easy to learn.
Minuses:
- The technical specifications are good, but the screen size is not up to the mark; it would be nice to add another inch of diagonal.
LOWRANCE ELITE-5 – five-inch diagonal
Chartplotter-echo sounder with built-in internal GPS antenna. Compatibility with maps, subsequent updates and downloads of new electronic documents is provided.
There is a built-in function for working with downloaded information and the ability to create your own cartographic images with high accuracy. The obtained echolocation data is displayed on a large color screen.
It is possible to superimpose a bottom scan image onto a picture cleared of extraneous noise.
Pros:
- Large screen, high-quality drawing of the bottom showing snags and stones.
- Easy to use, clear menu.
- Supports maps, you can draw your own and save them with notes.
Minuses:
- Good appetite for electricity, you have to take a spare battery.
- Moving to another level of depth constantly requires adjustment.
