5 best echo sounders for 60,000 rubles

LUCKY FF1108-1

Cost: 3500 rub.

b/w screen
scanning depth up to 100 m
1 beam
portable design
float transducer
powered by batteries/accumulators

A good inexpensive echo sounder LUCKY FF1108-1 is suitable for year-round fishing. This device operates reliably at temperatures from -20°C to +50°C; the wired sensor can withstand the same conditions. A small beam angle (45°), although it somewhat narrows the possibilities of finding fish, but transmits a clearer image to the color display screen. The device operates at depths of up to 100 m. The functionality of the device is revealed more when fishing from a boat and during winter fishing, when the sensor can be lowered below the water's edge and get a more complete picture of the underwater world. This feature is not available for float-type echo sounders. This simplest echo sounder allows you to select sensitivity, as well as a sound alert about the presence of fish in its coverage area.

Advantages:

reliable and simple device with fairly wide functionality;
high accuracy of depth measurement - up to 100 m;
acceptable cost - at the level of 4,000 rubles.

Side-scan echo sounders

Side-scan echo sounders are the next step in the development of fish finders. In such echo sounders, the beams are directed not only down under the boat, but also to the sides of it. Echo sounders with a side-scan function have the ability to scan the underwater space, to the left and right of the boat, for tens of meters. The most complete picture of the situation under water is obtained by combining information received from the side beams with information from the bottom beam.

The difference in operation between classic and scanning echo sounders is that the projection of the beam of a classic echo sounder on the bottom is a circle, the diameter of which depends on the beam angle and depth, and the projection of the beams of a scanning echo sounder is a narrow strip. Therefore, in order to immediately cover the area, a boat with a scanning echo sounder needs to move.

LUCKY FFW718

Cost: 7000 rub.

b/w screen
scanning depth up to 40 m
1 beam, total coverage 90°
portable design
float transducer
powered by batteries/accumulators

The best echo sounder for winter fishing from Aliexpress. The main advantages of this device are simplicity, reliability and compactness. Stable control at a depth of 35 m, and all parts and components can withstand temperatures down to -20°C for several hours. A distinctive feature of the echo sounder is the ability to accurately depict the bottom topography and determine the depth of the fish. The device can be used in fresh and salt waters. Powered by AAA alkaline batteries, the device turns off when the sensor is lifted out of the water. Saves all settings after disconnection.

Advantages:

reasonable cost - about 5,800 rubles;
accessible and understandable functionality;
small sizes;
ability to save battery power - automatic shutdown.

8. PRACTITIONER 6M

Cost: 7,750 rub.

b/w screen
scanning depth up to 25 m
1 beam
portable design
universal transducer mount
powered by batteries/accumulators

It was included in the rating of echo sounders for winter fishing, thanks to its unique anti-vandal and frost-resistant characteristics. The sensor cable operates successfully at temperatures down to – 20 °C and is equipped with an additional Kevlar thread. The sealed case with the display can withstand the same temperature. The device works accurately at depths of up to 20 m, recognizes the bottom topography, and even stones and snags. Clearly indicates the presence and size of fish, dividing expected prey into three types. The echo sounder is equipped with a receiving sensor made of composite materials, which significantly extended its service life. Low energy consumption - an AA alkaline battery lasts for 100 hours of continuous use. The device is controlled by 4 buttons.

Advantages:

simplicity and reliability of design;
economical energy consumption;
measurement accuracy at short distances;
average cost is about 7,800 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.

Rivotek Fisher 51

Cost: 10,000 rub.

color screen 3.5″, 240×320 pixels.
scanning depth up to 300 m
2 beams, total coverage 60°
universal housing mount
transom transom mount
power supply 12V

If you are wondering which echo sounder is the best for summer fishing from a boat, consider the Rivotek Fisher 51. This is a device for determining the bottom topography at great depths (about 300 m).

Two powerful beams (60° and 20°) provide a clear and precise picture of bottom features and the position of fish at different depths on the 8.8-inch color display. The A-Scope function allows you to instantly spot fish that appear in the range of the operating echo sounder. The device operates successfully at temperatures from -20 to +70 °C. All electronic components are protected by a waterproof case; the device weighs 930 g.

Advantages:

greater depth of operation of the sensor - available to few models;
high image clarity;
durable and reliable body;
cost - approximately 9000 rub.

Rating of echo sounders for fishing from a boat

Garmin Echo 301c is a simple and reliable model. Suitable for beginners and experienced fishermen who do not want to overpay for unnecessary features. Able to determine the speed of the boat and the temperature of the water. It produces high-definition images, works even in salt waters, and has a waterproof housing.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 153x is a model in the budget price category. It has proven itself well for summer fishing in any body of water. The display has several levels of backlighting and high clarity, which allows you to fish on fast rivers. The depth of echolocation can be adjusted. The device has a reverse function and can determine the water temperature.
The Humminbird 748x 3D is a three-dimensional echo sounder with a fish-finding system. Able to rotate an image in space and change the angle of echolocation. To view the picture in detail, it can be fixed. You can additionally connect a GPS receiver to the sonar, which together will provide a high-definition image.
The Humminbird Combo is a top-of-the-line fish finder/chartplotter with a powerful four-beam transducer. Scanning angle - up to 180 degrees. The device can be used as a GPS navigator. The echo sounder allows you to view the image in three dimensions. Has many additional functions.

Deeper Start

Cost: 10,000 rub.

scanning depth up to 50 m
1 beam
portable design
float transducer
powered by batteries/accumulators

A good echo sounder for fishing from the shore. This is a float-type device that interacts with a smartphone and tablet in Wi-Fi mode. The small size (diameter 65 mm) and weight (60 g) make it possible to store the echo sounder in ammunition. In addition to determining the location of the fish and the distance to it, the device measures the water temperature and projects the bottom topography onto the gadget’s screen. By downloading the appropriate application, you can expand the functionality of the device by creating marks so that you can later return to the most fishing spots. The maximum operating depth of a single-frequency emitter is 50 m, and the scanning frequency is 200 kHz with a cone angle of 40°.

Advantages:

accuracy of determining the position of the fish and the structure of the bottom;
all information is transmitted and stored on a smartphone;
high device mobility;
acceptable cost - approximately 7,300 rubles.

Using an echo sounder when fishing from a boat

Before using a fish finder, you should study it carefully. To do this, read the instructions. When you turn on the device, the default settings are activated. At shallow depths, a radiation frequency of 192 Hz and a narrow beam angle of 20-24º . A clearer picture emerges when the boat moves slowly. Objects directly below the boat are on the right side of the screen.

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When starting the device from a boat for the first time, experts advise “playing around” with the settings. Be sure to make sure that the device measures depth correctly. It is then calibrated. At factory settings, the echo sounder is good at determining the depth under the transducer, although the fisherman needs to know it under the keel or waterline.

The bottom relief is visible at the bottom of the display. Individual fish are indicated by arcs. The larger the individual, the clearer its icon will be on the screen. It is important to adjust the sensitivity of the device to suit you. You can achieve good fishing efficiency if you know what kind of fish you are going to catch and what its habitat conditions are.

Lowrance HOOK2-4x GPS

Cost: 13,000 rub.

color screen 4″, 480×272 pixels.
scanning depth up to 152 m
1 beam
permanent housing mount
transom transom mount
power supply 12V

The top fish finders for fishing in 2021 include Lowrance HOOK2-4x GPS. This is a fully automatic device that allows you to concentrate on fishing. The wide beam of the echo sounder easily finds fish and marks all the features of the bottom topography. The fish finder has powerful performance and built-in Broadband Sounder with ASP.

The ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) function - a noise cleaning system - makes it possible to clearly see all the details of the relief and the location of the fish. By pressing one button, the sonar is adjusted, which changes depending on the fishing conditions. The GPS unit allows you to navigate in space, and the elementary processor remembers the marked places, allowing you to return to exciting fishing again.

Advantages:

wide range of functionality;
automation of device operation;
image clarity and large area coverage;
The cost of the device is approximately 11,500 rubles.

Garmin STRIKER 4

Cost: 15,000 rub.

color screen 4.3″, 272×480 pixels.
2 beams
permanent housing mount
transom transom mount
power supply 12V

Popular echo sounder, the cheapest in this model line. Powerful, modern and multifunctional device with intuitive controls. It is equipped with a 3.5-inch color display, which displays an image of the scanned reservoir. The device was manufactured using CHIRP technology, which splits the screen to display the scan along with the current position.

The device is equipped with simple vessel navigation capabilities - setting points on the course and recording the direction of movement. In addition, it determines the position of the vessel and its speed at the moment. Wideband scanning with a dual-frequency sensor is carried out at frequencies of 77/200 kHz. Such a signal transmits a clear picture to the screen, which shows all the elements of the bottom relief, the position of the fish and bottom vegetation.

Advantages:

the ability to scan and navigate;
accuracy of all measurements;
ease of setup and control of the device;
the cost of the equipment is approximately 17,000 rubles.

Deeper Smart Sonar PRO

Cost: 19,000 rub.

scanning depth up to 80 m
2 beams
portable design
float transducer
powered by batteries/accumulators

It’s not for nothing that Deeper Smart Sonar PRO was included in the rating of echo sounders for fishing from a boat in 2021. This is a powerful device that can quickly and accurately create bottom maps when towed behind a vessel. The working depth is about 70 m, and the signal is transmitted via a Wi-Fi system. If you download the application, you can receive an echo sounder signal on your smartphone at a distance of up to 100 m. This device can significantly increase the efficiency of fishing, since the fisherman has complete information about the topography of the reservoir, its vegetation and the movement of fish.

The GPS unit helps in compiling maps by orienting the device in space. A smartphone or tablet application makes it possible to mark points of interest on the map and subsequently find them. Multichannel scanning more accurately identifies all objects, and the color palette makes it possible to comfortably use the device in any weather.

Advantages:

a wide range of correctly selected functions;
ease of setup and operation;
high accuracy and reliability of the device;
cost – at the level of 18,900 rubles.

Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4CV

Cost: 18,000 rub.

color screen 4.3″, 272×480 pixels.
5 rays
permanent housing mount
transom transom mount
power supply 12V

The best fish finder for boat fishing with high frequency sonar. The GPS receiver built into the system allows you not only to plot an exact route, but also to calculate the speed of the vessel. The main purpose of the device is to create accurate maps of the most catchable places in a large water area of up to 8,000 m2. The high-contrast 4.3-inch screen makes images readable in bright sunlight. Even inexperienced fishermen can understand the equipment interface. All targets on the map are clearly drawn and are separated when moving.

Advantages:

bright and clear full-size display;
accuracy of the drawn picture;
high reliability of all structural elements;
cost - about 11,500 rubles.

Technical parameters of echo sounders

Emitter frequency

Pulses sent by the echo sounder can be of different frequencies - 60 Hz, 83 Hz, 200 Hz, etc. The signal sent by the echo sounder is a cone with a certain angle.

The higher the frequency of the signal emitted by the echo sounder, the narrower the beam. A beam with a higher frequency provides a more detailed image of the bottom of the reservoir and objects in the water column, but at the same time captures a smaller area. Low-frequency beams have a wider angle, thereby capturing a larger area, but at the same time providing less detail.

The lower the frequency of the signal, the deeper it can penetrate into the water column. The most universal would be an echo sounder with an operating frequency of 50 to 200 kHz.

An angler who plans to fish at shallow depths should choose a higher frequency sonar, while if an angler plans to fish at greater depths, he should choose a lower frequency sonar. More universal are echo sounders that have several beams, each of which operates at its own frequency.

Number of rays

An important characteristic of an echo sounder is the number of beams directed to the bottom of the reservoir. Echo sounders can have one, two or more beams. The more beams an echo sounder has, the better, but devices with more beams are more expensive.

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Different echo sounder beams have different frequencies and different angles; on the echo sounder screen you see the result of their combined action. The beam has a narrow angle and high frequency, well suited for close examination of the bottom structure. A beam with a wide angle and lower frequency is good for finding fish.

When choosing an echo sounder based on the number of beams, it is worth deciding on the goals and tasks that the device will perform.

For winter fishing, the simplest single-beam echo sounder at 83 kHz is sufficient.
For fishing from a boat, an echo sounder with two beams 83/200 kHz is better suited; such a device both allows you to see the overall picture of what is happening under the boat and carefully examine the structure of the bottom of the reservoir
Tri-beam 83/200/800 kHz fish finders are suitable for fishing in large and deep rivers and lakes
Echo sounders with 5-6 beams are used for sea fishing, to search for large schools of fish

Power

When choosing an echo sounder, you should pay attention to the power of the device. The higher the power of the echo sounder, the greater the depth it can operate.

The power of the echo sounder affects the quality of the image it displays. A low-power echo sounder can work well in shallow water areas, but when working at great depths and in holes, it will not be able to display them with sufficient clarity, much less detect whether there are fish in them.

The power of an echo sounder is directly related to its sensitivity; a powerful echo sounder with poor sensitivity will not be able to produce a high-quality picture. The power of an echo sounder is measured in watts.

As you know, the unit of power measurement is watt, so when purchasing, pay attention to this parameter. But even if a high-power echo sounder is purchased, this is not enough for the picture on the sonar screen to be clear and understandable. Power without sensitivity means nothing and these characteristics are directly related.

For fishing at shallow depths, an echo sounder transmitter power of 150 W is sufficient.
For fishing at medium depths, echo sounders with a transmitter power of 200-300 W are used.
For sea fishing at great depths, echo sounders with a transmitter power of 500 W are used, with the ability to briefly increase the transmitter power to 2400 W.

Maximum working depth

The maximum operating depth of an echo sounder is directly related to its power. The more powerful the echo sounder, the greater depths it can work with.

For fishing in small bodies of water, a maximum depth of 25 meters is sufficient.
For fishing on lakes and large rivers, you should use echo sounders with a maximum working depth of 35-80 meters.
For sea fishing, the echo sounder must have a maximum working depth of 365 meters or more.

Viewing angle

The echo sounder beam can have a different angle, this parameter depends on the frequency of the emitter. The higher the frequency of the echo sounder emitter, the narrower the beam angle. The size of the echo sounder beam angle determines the area covered.

16-20 degrees - low frequency beam, allowing you to examine the bottom of the reservoir in detail
40-50 degrees - an echo sounder beam with this angle allows you to examine not only the bottom of the reservoir, but also a large area of the water column
75-90 degrees - an echo sounder beam with this angle allows you to cover a large area of the water column

Currently, many echo sounders have several beams, each of which operates at its own frequency and has its own angle.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the echo sounder is an important parameter that affects the clarity of the image and the amount of noise on the screen. It is best to purchase an echo sounder whose sensitivity is adjustable.

Sonar screen

The quality of the echo sounder screen has a direct impact on the information content and quality of the information display.

Echo sounders can be color or black and white. Colored echo sounder screens better display the nuances of the bottom topography, but are much more expensive.

The image quality depends on the number of colors for color echo sounders and the number of grayscale levels for black and white ones. The larger these parameters, the better.

The echo sounder screen with good image brightness and contrast allows you to get a high-quality picture, even in bright sunlight. It’s good if the echo sounder screen has an anti-reflective coating.

The diagonal of the echo sounder screen can be from 2 to 10 inches. The larger the screen, the better you can see everything on it. On a fish finder with a small screen, in order to understand what is shown on it, you will often have to zoom in on the image and drag it. On the big screen everything is visible at once. The wider the echo sounder beam angle, the larger the screen needed.

Echo sounder screens differ in resolution, that is, the number of dots on the screen that determines the clarity of the picture. The more pixels the screen has, the more detailed the picture. On a low-resolution screen, a school of fish looks like a blur; on a high-resolution screen, each individual will be visible. The simplest echo sounders have a screen with a resolution of 240x240 or 240x270 pixels. Mid-level echo sounders are equipped with a screen with a resolution of 320x320 or 320x480 pixels.

Frame

The body of the echo sounder must have high-quality protection against water getting inside the device. The reliability and durability of the device directly depends on the degree of moisture protection of the echo sounder housing.

There are two most common options for housing protection:

IP x6 - allows sea spray to reach the surface and even droplets to penetrate into the device. The echo sounder remains operational. Models with this level of protection can be mounted on the boat away from the side.
IP x7 - the housing protection option protects the device even if it is briefly dropped into water to a depth of 1 m. This protection is especially relevant for portable echo sounders, which can accidentally fall out of your hands into the water during a rocking motion or a sharp gust of wind.

Additional features of the echo sounder

Modern echo sounders have a wide range of additional functions that can be very useful to the fisherman in certain conditions:

GPS receiver
- can be used to mark points and record the route of the boat, having memorized the points of fish accumulation in the echo sounder’s memory, the fisherman can easily return there again, this function is especially useful for anglers who prefer to fish in large expanses of water.
Chartplotter
- an echo sounder with a chartplotter function allows you to install electronic maps with shipping data (designation of ship passages, buoys, shoals)
Temperature sensor
- shows the number of degrees at a certain depth. Knowing the water temperature at a certain depth, an angler can predict the degree of fish activity in a given area of the reservoir.
Determining the distance to the fish
- this function can be useful if you need to determine in which layer of water the fish is standing at a given time in a given body of water
Determining the size of fish
- this function is useful for anglers who catch trophy fish, so that they do not waste time catching fish that are not trophy sizes. Despite the fact that the algorithms of echo sounders are constantly being improved, you should not trust this information one hundred percent. An echo sounder may mistake snags or debris floating in the river for fish.
Flasher
is a sound notification function of an echo sounder that warns when a fish appears in the beam area.

Garmin STRIKER PLUS 5CV

Cost: 28,000 rub.

color screen 5″, 800×480 pixels.
5 rays
permanent housing mount
transom transom mount
power supply 12V

One of the most progressive and modern devices in the field of amateur fish-finding echo sounders. Although the cost of the device is quite high, its functional richness allows it to solve the most complex problems. It includes a CHIRP ClearVü scanning transducer and traditional Garmin CHIRP sonar, plus built-in Garmin Quickdraw™ Contours mapping software. These devices make it possible to build and save maps of a reservoir area of 8,000 m2 with isobars every 30 cm. The echo sounder is equipped with a 1 Hz GPS receiver, which, orienting the vessel, marks points and displays the route. With its help you can easily determine the course and speed of the vessel. All information can be displayed on a 5-inch high-contrast screen.

Advantages:

Huge functionality brings the device closer to professional models;
almost automatic setup and operation of the device;
cost - about 40,000 rubles.

We have compiled a rating that includes both elite and budget echo sounders for fishing. They have different capabilities, but you should not think that the most expensive is also the best. Each fisherman chooses a device based on the required functionality.