Echo sounder, theory and practice of echolocation

Which echo sounder is better to buy?

Regardless of the nature of use, when purchasing an echo sounder, you should take into account a number of technical features of the model.

The main ones include transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, converter operating frequency, display parameters and device cost.

The transmitter power value determines the strength of the signal sent to the bottom.

The required indicator depends on the depth of the reservoir in which it is planned to use the device:

For fishing in rivers or small lakes, 100-150 W will be enough.
Effective use of an echo sounder at sea will require at least 400 watts of power from the device.

The quality of the received signal also depends on the sensitivity of the receiver. A low indicator will not allow you to pick up even a powerful signal, while a too high one will negatively affect the quality of the transmission.

To use an echo sounder in reservoirs of varying depths, we recommend choosing models equipped with a receiver sensitivity regulator.

To effectively fish with a fish finder, you must use it correctly. Before activating the device, it is important to make sure that there are no air bubbles in the water that could interfere with the signal. Obtaining a clear picture of the bottom of the reservoir is noticeably easier if you direct the beam of the device at different angles.

The permissible depth for scanning is affected by the operating frequency of the transducer. The lower the value set, the greater the distance underwater the echo sounder can survey. However, at a high frequency, the resulting image will be clearer and more detailed. The choice depends on the depth of the reservoir in which you plan to use the device.

Additional important characteristics of the device include its cost, size and contrast of the display, as well as the number of rays. The accessibility of the model, the ease of working with it, and the permissible viewing angle depend on them. Read more about the criteria for choosing an echo sounder in a separate article.

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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.

Best Boat Fish Finders

Such models are distinguished by a multi-beam signal, which allows them to scan large areas of the bottom.

Boat echo sounders are designed for use on fast-moving vessels, have high sensitivity receivers and wide displays for easy observation. Such devices are expensive and rich in functionality.

Garmin Striker Plus 4CV

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The model has mapping software that stores information about the bottom topography over an area of up to 8,000 km².

The receiver is equipped with a GPS module, thanks to which the device is able to mark waypoints and track the speed of the vessel.

The device display has a diagonal of 4.3 inches and maintains high image quality in bright sunlight or bad weather.

The peak power of the transmitter is 300 W. The device has additional features such as a water temperature graph and real-time tracking of fish movement.

Advantages:

intuitive controls;
waterproof;
GPS and GLONASS support;
capacious memory;
map drawing function.

Flaws:

weak fastening.

The Garmin Striker Plus 4CV is designed for use on a boat moving at speeds up to 30 km/h. An excellent solution for lake fishing.

Simrad GO7

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The main features of the model include a wide screen and high sensitivity of the receiver. The LED display provides good visibility and no glare in daylight conditions.

The device's interface is customizable, and NMEA 2000 network compatibility allows it to be integrated with sensors for speed, fuel level, water temperature, etc. The GPS antenna updates the vessel's location 10 times per second, which provides real-time motion tracking.

Advantages:

high sensitivity;
control of boat performance;
Wi-Fi support;
ease of setup and management.

Flaws:

lack of a transducer in the package.

Simrad GO7 is suitable for use on powerboats or sports boats. The device's highly sensitive antenna is capable of receiving the transmitter signal in both lake and sea fishing conditions.

Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP+

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The main distinguishing characteristics of this model are high image resolution and signal transmission accuracy. It is provided by using CHIRP technology, which sends several pulses into the water at different frequencies.

To solve various problems on the water, three beams are available to the user: 100, 290 and 675 kHz. Their varying frequency not only makes it easier to find places where fish accumulate, but also allows you to obtain accurate information about the structural features and size of an individual individual.

Advantages:

Wi-Fi support;
three-beam scanning;
capacious battery;
detailed image.

Flaws:

short operating time.

Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP+ can be used to catch saltwater fish. The detail error is 1 centimeter, which guarantees high accuracy of data transmission at a depth of up to 100 meters.

Humminbird Piranha MAX 4

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

This model has a large scanning depth and has status signaling. The device promptly notifies the owner about the presence of fish, the beam reaching the desired depth and the battery being discharged.

Peak output power is 2400 W, transducer frequency is 200 kHz. The device is equipped with backlight and image magnification functions. With its help you can find out the characteristics of the bottom, the size of the fish and use GPS.

Advantages:

permissible depth - 200 meters;
protection from dust and moisture;
temperature sensor;
powerful transmitter;
Ease of use.

Flaws:

lack of speed indicator.

The Humminbird Piranha is used for fishing in deep water. The device remembers the settings, is easy to operate and is affordable.

Raymarine Element 7 HV

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

High quality scanning of the echo sounder is ensured by the RealVision 3D system. It combines the functions of a three-dimensional sonar with a frequency of 1.2 MHz and a multifunctional cartograph, allowing the user to independently create a map of the bottom or mark the location of the fish.

The performance of the device is guaranteed by a quad-core processor and the LightHouse Sport operating system. The device transmits detailed images from a depth of up to 270 meters with a viewing angle adjustable up to 70°.

Advantages:

wide screen;
high sensitivity;
large permissible depth;
storage capacity - 8 GB.

Flaws:

lack of touchscreen.

The Raymarine Element 7 HV is a versatile fish finder for fishing at various depths. The wide mapping capabilities of the device will be useful not only for fishing, but also in research activities.

How to choose a structural echo sounder

When choosing a structural echo sounder, you need to pay attention to the screen size. Colored or monochrome – the fisherman’s choice. Since detailed information about the features of the body of water is transmitted, a split screen function is necessary. Enlarging the image and saving the history will also be helpful.

The peculiarity of the structural scanner is that it provides a detailed study of the bottom and near-bottom areas. The signal is automatically processed. The image is transmitted to a high resolution screen. Some devices support Ethernet and allow you to transfer information to other devices.

The best coastal echo sounders

Such models are designed to search for places where fish accumulate by detecting various holes, channels and other relief features underwater. They are distinguished by a wide viewing angle, small dimensions and, at the same time, poor detail, but they are much cheaper than their boat counterparts.

Inshore echo sounders are used by experienced fishermen to quickly scan large areas of the bottom.

FishHunter Directional 3D

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The main feature of the model is the five-beam transducer mechanism, consisting of several three-frequency sensors that supply signals at frequencies of 381, 475 and 675 kHz. This allows you to visualize objects in detail at a depth of up to 50 meters.

The transmitter power is 300 W, the viewing angle of each beam can reach 80°. The user has access to the function of creating a three-dimensional map of the scanned bottom area.

The echo sounder connects to a smartphone via Wi-Fi and allows you to adjust the signal strength as well as the sensitivity of the receiver.

Advantages:

flexible setup;
operating time up to 10 hours;
five-beam transmitter;
3D mapping function.

Flaws:

high price.

FishHunter Directional 3D is suitable for long-term coastal fishing. It is easy to operate and can be used on a country trip or on vacation.

GSMIN WA3

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

The model features a reliable shock-resistant case and an LED display. The viewing angle of the device is 105°, which allows you to quickly assess the condition of the selected fishing area and increases fishing productivity.

The device is easy to operate and does not require special skills when connecting for the first time. It is controlled remotely from a distance of up to 50 meters and is capable of working without interruption for 5 hours.

Advantages:

light weight;
portable design;
wide viewing angle;
Ease of Management.

Flaws:

high price.

GSMIN WA3 is suitable for fishing on a river or small lake. The portable design of the transmitter and large scanning area ensure quick identification of fish concentration areas.

Lucky FFW718

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The model is equipped with a single-beam scanner and a high-contrast LCD screen with adjustable backlight.

The operating viewing angle of the device is 90°, the frequency of the converter is 125 kHz. This allows you to obtain detailed images at a distance under water of up to 45 meters.

Additional functions of the device include automatic recognition of moving objects and determination of water temperature.

The echo sounder notifies the user of the appearance of a fish with a sound signal, displays the distance to it and indicates the size of the fish.

Advantages:

wide viewing angle;
sound alerts;
long work;
portability.

Flaws:

instability of the receiver to water.

Lucky FFW718 will be an excellent and inexpensive solution for lake or river fishing. It is easy to carry and control over long distances, making it easier to use the fish finder in unfamiliar areas.

Vexilar Sonar Phone SP100

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Thanks to Wi-Fi support, the model can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet. To do this, you need to install the manufacturer's application.

The device displays the contour of the bottom, successfully detects shallows and channels, and notifies the user when a fish is found.

The peak power of the device is 400 W, the signal frequency is 125 kHz. It can be attached to the fishing rod float to improve the efficiency of use. It uses a built-in battery or a set of batteries as a power source.

Advantages:

compactness;
high transmitter power;
remote control;
waterproof.

Flaws:

does not display small fish.

The Vexilar Sonar Phone SP100 is worth purchasing for fishing in a river or lake no more than 90 meters deep. Small dimensions and ease of operation will provide comfort to owners of smartphones with Internet access.

ReelSonar iBobber Classic

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

84%

buyers recommend this product

The weight of the model is only 50 grams. In appearance and shape it is indistinguishable from a fishing float.

The echo sounder is controlled using a smartphone application running on iOS and Android operating systems.

Thanks to its light weight and compactness, the device can be thrown over a long distance. Its additional features include an LED beacon for night fishing, bite alerts, and automatic connection restoration in the event of a short-term signal loss.

Advantages:

viewing angle - 90°;
compact size and light weight;
Bluetooth support;
automatic switching on in water.

Flaws:

rapid battery drain.

The ReelSonar iBobber Classic is easy to use and controlled via your smartphone. The scanning depth is 40 meters, which allows it to be used for river and lake fishing.

Top 10 best fish finders for shore fishing 2021

Coastal echo sounders are especially popular because most fishermen do not have a boat at their disposal. Functional sonars allow you to detect concentrations of fish in shallow water and wisely select a place for fishing from land.

Lowrance HOOK2-4x Bullet Skimmer CE ROW

One of the best echo sounders with a wide double beam scans water bodies at a distance of 70-152 m, is also suitable for winter fishing, and has fully automatic settings. Works equally well when fishing from the shore and from a boat.

Important! It’s worth choosing a sonar if you need a fish baiting function; this model has it.

You can buy Lowrance HOOK2-4x for fishing from 19,000 rubles

Humminbird Helix 5x Chirp SI GPS G2 ACL

Multifunctional sonar for professionals and amateurs supports chartplotter functions, has a wide scanning angle and low noise level. Allows you to save tracks, routes and points in memory; you can choose a device for all types of fishing.

The average price of a Humminbird Helix is 51,000 rubles

Lucky FF1108-1

A budget echo sounder for researching water thickness up to 100 m is equipped with a sound sensor. Supports determination of the size of fish and the depth of its passage, displays the structure of the bottom. The disadvantages include the black and white screen, which makes reading the data difficult.

The average price of FF1108-1 is 3200 rubles

Practitioner ER-6Pro2

The sensitive domestic sonar is suitable for use in any season and has reliable protection from moisture and low temperatures. Operates on regular batteries for up to 150 hours, distinguishes fish movements well even in turbid water. Scans the space with a single beam and displays the structure of the bottom.

You can buy a Praktik echo sounder from 7,300 rubles

Lowrance HOOK2 5x GPS

In the review of the best echo sounders, we need to mention the American sonar for coastal and boat fishing with a dual-beam scanner. It operates at a depth of up to 152 m and reports the appearance of fish in the area under study with a sound signal.

The price of the Lowrance HOOK2 5x sonar is about 25,000 rubles

Rivotek Fisher 20

A convenient echo sounder with a scanning angle of up to 75 degrees helps to detect large and medium-sized fish, and does not give false alarms when catching sunken logs and other objects. Displays the bottom relief and the depth of the schools, can be used from the shore and from a boat.

You can buy a Rivotek sonar from 5800 rubles

Craft Echo 600 Duo

A simple echo sounder scans the area with two beams and gives an audible signal about the presence of fish. You can choose a device if you need to know information about the depth and number of underwater inhabitants. The display of the device is black and white, but contrasty and bright.

You can purchase a Craft Echo sonar from 8100 rubles

Deeper Start

A simple echo sounder with a scanning depth of 50 m is lightweight and compact in size - choosing it for coastal fishing is very convenient. Displays data on the structure of the bottom and water temperature, synchronizes with smartphones and tablets. Allows you to create marks of the most fishing spots.

The average price of Deeper Start is 10,000 rubles

Lucky FFW718

A single-beam echo sounder with a frequency of 125 kHz supports scanning 45 m deep and automatically recognizes moving objects. The appearance of a fish is announced with a sound signal, and the distance to it and the size of the individual are displayed on the screen.

You can buy Lucky FFW718 from 5,000 rubles

ReelSonar iBobber Classic

The lightweight sonar features an LED beacon for nighttime fishing, supports audio bite alerts, and syncs with Android and iOS. In comparison of echo sounders, it outperforms other models due to the fact that it automatically turns on when it gets into the water. The scanning beam passes to a depth of 40 m.

The average price of ReelSonar is 3,000 rubles

The best fish finders for ice fishing

The main features of such models are their adaptability to long-term exposure to cold water and stable operation at temperatures down to -20 °C. To do this, specialized “winter” sensors are installed in echo sounders.

Such devices are used for fishing through a hole or ice hole and are characterized by a small scanning angle.

Marcum Showdown Troller 2.0

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

Features of the model are the presence of a sensitivity and scanning angle regulator. This allows flexible configuration of the device based on the characteristics of a particular hole or ice hole.

The transmitter power is 400 W, the beam coverage angle is 20°. Comfort when using the device is ensured by a high-contrast screen, ten levels of noise reduction and LED backlighting for night fishing.

Advantages:

battery life about 20 hours;
powerful sensor;
fixation at the selected depth;
convenient adjustment.

Flaws:

high price.

Marcum Showdown Troller 2.0 is easy to operate and configure. It is worth purchasing for long and effective winter fishing on reservoirs with different bottom topography.

Practitioner 6M

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The model received a shock-resistant sealed case, a frost-resistant cable and a sensor resistant to temperatures down to -20 °C.

The device is controlled using 4 buttons and is capable of displaying not only the movement of the fish, but also the density of the soil, the depth of the reservoir, and the bottom topography.

The device is powered by an AA battery and can operate without interruption for about 100 hours. The user has the ability to adjust the transmitter power and filter the reflection of objects on the screen.

Advantages:

frost resistance;
flexible adjustment;
information content;
long work.

Flaws:

not very convenient controls.

Practitioner 6M is designed specifically for winter fishing. The strength and durability of the device guarantee a long service life of the echo sounder during active use.

Craft Echo 200 Ice

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

The main features of the model include the presence of a flasher mode and audible status signaling.

The device allows you to monitor the situation under water in real time and promptly notifies the user when a fish is detected or the battery is low.

The viewing angle of the device is 40°, the maximum scanning depth is 24 meters. The echo sounder is suitable for finding fish in both fresh and salt water. The universal transducer mount allows you to use it for fishing from the shore or from a boat.

Advantages:

long sensor cable;
sound notification;
sensitive receiver;
flasher mode;
universal application.

Flaws:

rapid battery drain.

Craft Echo 200 Ice is worth purchasing for ice fishing enthusiasts who value the speed and accuracy of an echo sounder. The universal sensor mount makes the device multitasking.

Lowrance FishHunter Pro

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The spherical shape of the device is perfect for use in a hole. The model can be controlled using a mobile application and a Wi-Fi connection with a smartphone at a distance of up to 60 meters.

The device has a three-frequency sensor with ranges of 381, 475 and 675 kHz. It is distinguished by stable operation at temperatures down to -30 °C.

The echo sounder has a special mode of operation in shallow water, which makes fishing in the ice hole most effective.

Advantages:

sensitivity regulator;
maximum depth - 50 meters;
Wi-Fi support;
powerful radiation of 300 W.

Flaws:

lack of autonomous operation.

The Lowrance FishHunter Pro's frost-resistant housing, powerful transmitter and long cable allow you to fish through holes in thick ice. Ease of control and a wide frequency range also distinguish the device from its analogues.

Rating of the best wireless echo sounders for shore fishing

Choosing a wireless echo sounder is convenient if you want to receive information from a submersible sensor from land and remotely adjust the operating mode of the device. Although the sensor will still be connected to the receiver by a mount, it will no longer have to be removed from the water for adjustments when fishing.

Vexilar Sonar Phone SP100

An inexpensive echo sounder for a depth of 90 m can be mounted on a float and controlled via a tablet or smartphone. The sonar is waterproof, has good power and displays bottom contours in detail.

Advice! It is better to use the device to search for large fish, since it may not detect small ones.

The average cost of Vexilar is 8,000 rubles

FishHunter Directional 3D

A powerful five-beam wireless sonar provides very high-quality detail to a depth of 50 m. The angle is up to 80 degrees, the device is capable of creating a 3D map of the bottom relief. The echo sounder connects via Wi-Fi to a smartphone and supports power and sensitivity adjustment.

You can purchase FishHunter 3D from 23,000 rubles

GSMIN WA3

A wireless sonar with a viewing angle of 105 degrees supports remote control from a distance of 50 m. It scans the water column efficiently and is suitable for fishing both from the shore and from a boat. It works without interruption for up to 5 hours, and can be controlled via an application on a smartphone.

You can buy a GSMIN echo sounder for an average of 7,000 rubles

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.