For anglers, a fish finder, such as Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is invaluable marine equipment, offering a glimpse into the underwater world and aiding in locating fish. However, for beginners, the display on a fish finder can appear cryptic and overwhelming. This comprehensive guide unravels the mysteries of your fish finder's display, equipping you with the knowledge to interpret the information it presents and transform you into a more successful angler.

Understanding the Basics: The Layout and Components

Fish finder displays share some common elements that you’ll need to familiarise yourself with:

Screen: The display screen typically shows a vertical representation of the water column below your boat, with depth increasing towards the bottom. The horizontal axis might represent time (scrolling right to left) or distance (fixed).

Depth Scale: This scale on the right or left side of the screen indicates water depth in feet or meters.

Sonar Signals: Fish finders use sonar technology to send sound waves down into the water and interpret the returning echoes. These echoes are displayed on the screen as various signals.

Interpreting the Signals: Fish, Bottom, and More

The key to understanding your fish finder lies in interpreting the various signals displayed on the screen:

Fish Arches: Fish appear as arches on the screen, with stronger arches indicating larger or denser targets. The location of the arch on the screen reveals the fish's depth relative to the bottom.

Bottom Signal: A strong, solid line at the bottom of the screen represents the seabed. Variations in the bottom line can indicate changes in bottom composition (e.g., soft mud vs hard rock).

Water Column Targets: Fish finders can also detect other objects in the water column, such as baitfish (appearing as specks or flurries), thermoclines (changes in water temperature displayed as horizontal lines), and underwater structures (rocks, logs, etc. appearing as vertical lines or arches).

Colour Coding and Its Meaning

Many fish finders use colour coding to differentiate between different targets and bottom types:

Stronger Sonar Returns (Fish): Often displayed in red, orange, or yellow, indicating a higher density target, potentially a fish.

Weaker Sonar Returns (Baitfish or Bottom): May appear in green, blue, or greyscale, representing weaker echoes that could be baitfish, bottom composition variations, or other objects.

Symbols: Some fish finders use symbols to represent specific targets, such as fish icons or depth markers for thermoclines.

New Technologies You Can Find in New Fish Finder Models

Modern fish finders that you can find in most marine boat shops offer various settings that can significantly impact the information displayed:

Sensitivity: Adjusting the sensitivity controls the strength of sonar signals displayed. Too high can lead to clutter, while too low might miss fish. Experiment to find the sweet spot.

Zoom: The zoom function allows you to focus on a specific portion of the water column for a more detailed view of potential targets.

Colour Palettes: Some fish finders offer different colour palettes. Choose one that provides a clear distinction between targets and bottom features.

Split Screen: This feature allows you to view different sections of the water column simultaneously (e.g., a zoomed view of the bottom and a wider view of the water column).

Fish Size Indicators: Some models provide estimated fish size based on the sonar return strength.

Side Imaging and Down Imaging: These features offer a more detailed side or downward view of the underwater world, revealing structures and fish locations.