For anglers of all experience levels, fishfinders have become an indispensable tool. These electronic fishing accessories help us all better understand and see more of the underwater world; revealing the location and depth of fish, bottom composition, and even water clutter.  However, for those unfamiliar with these devices and who haven’t used one before, deciphering the cryptic symbols and squiggly lines on a fishfinder screen can be daunting.  However, we’re here to assure you that you can cast your fears aside (no pun intended). This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to unlock the full potential of your fishfinder and help you improve to be a better fisherman.

Unveiling the Technology: How Fishfinders Work

Fishfinders operate on the principle of sonar technology, similar to the systems used by submarines and ships. Here's a breakdown of the process:

The Ping: The fishfinder transmits a sound wave (ping) from a transducer mounted on the bottom or transom of your boat.

Echoes Return: These sound waves travel through the water and bounce off objects they encounter, including fish, the bottom, and even suspended particles.

Interpretation and Display: The reflected sound waves (echoes) travel back to the transducer, and the fishfinder translates this information into visual representations on the screen.

Understanding the Fishfinder Display: Decoding the Symbols

The fishfinder screen displays various information crucial for interpreting the underwater environment.  Here's a breakdown of some key elements:

Depth Scale: Numbers along the right or left side of the screen indicate the water depth in feet or meters. This allows you to gauge the overall depth and identify drop-offs, ledges, and other bottom structures that might attract fish.

Water Column: The main area of the screen represents the water column directly below your boat. Fish are often depicted as arches, blips, or symbols depending on the fishfinder model. The size and strength of the signal can sometimes indicate the size and depth of the fish.

Bottom Composition: The bottom of the screen displays the composition of the seabed. This can be represented by a coloured scale or varying textures, indicating whether the bottom is hard (rocks), soft (mud), or somewhere in between (gravel). Knowing the bottom composition can help you identify areas where specific fish species might be hiding or feeding.

Settings Menu: Most fishfinders offer a settings menu where you can adjust factors like sensitivity (how strong of a signal is displayed), zoom level, and display mode (showing water column only or split-screen with bottom composition).

Essential Settings and Techniques

Setting the Stage: Before heading out to a lake or to the ocean on your Quintrex boat, consult your fishfinder's manual to understand the specific settings and their functions. A crucial setting is adjusting the sensitivity. In shallow water, you might need lower sensitivity to avoid clutter, while deep water might require higher sensitivity to pick up faint fish signals. Experiment with the settings based on the water depth you're fishing in.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: For the fishfinder to receive a clear picture of the underwater world, it needs a stable signal. Avoid erratic movements while operating the boat, and maintain a slow and steady trolling speed for optimal results.

Focus on Transitions: Fish often congregate around areas with transitions, such as drop-offs, ledges, or changes in bottom composition. These areas offer hiding spots or feeding grounds for fish. As you troll, pay close attention to these transition zones on your fishfinder screen.

Know Your Target Species: Different fish species have preferred depths and bottom structures. Research the typical habitat of your target fish and adjust your search strategy accordingly. For example, bottom feeders like catfish might be hiding near rocky areas, while pelagic fish like mackerel might show up higher in the water column.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Fishfinder Techniques

Modern fishfinders offer a plethora of advanced features that can further enhance your fishing experience:

Waypoints and Tracks: Many models allow you to mark productive fishing spots with waypoints and record your boat's path with tracks. This allows you to revisit successful locations and analyze patterns in fish behaviour.

Side-Scan and Down-Scan Sonar: These advanced features provide a more detailed side-to-side or down view of the underwater world, revealing structures and fish locations that might be missed with traditional sonar.

Fish ID: Some sophisticated fishfinders use advanced algorithms to analyze sonar signals and potentially identify the species of fish you've located.