A fish finder is a handy gadget that helps anglers pinpoint
where the fish are swimming in the water. It’s a must-have for both casual and
pro fishermen who want to make the most of their time fishing. Gone are the
days when anglers had to rely on luck and skill to land a big catch in a
particular area. Fishfinders usually provide real-time data on fish location
and underwater structures.
Fish finders work by sending out sound waves, also known as
sonar, into the water. This sonar tech is pretty much the best option for
figuring out what's going on underwater. The sound waves travel through the
water until they hit something like a fish or the ocean floor. When the waves
bounce off that object, they create an echo that the fish finder picks up. It
then analyzes the echoes based on their strength and timing to figure out how
big, far away, and what the object is. All this info gets shown on a screen,
giving a clear picture of what's below your Haines Hunter
boat.
The fish finder can differentiate the fish from other
underwater objects because each fish produces a unique echo pattern. Nowadays,
more advanced fish finders are now available in the market. Most of them come
with multiple sonar beams that extend the sound waves to reach around the
boat’s surroundings. Some can even create detailed maps of the underwater
terrain which help anglers identify potential hotspots for fishing.
Let’s discuss in much more detail about the different types
of fish finders:
Types of Fish Finders
- Standalone Fish Finders: These are the type of
fish finders that are only dedicated to finding fish. They usually have a
compact and portable look and they are designed to provide anglers with
accurate and real-time information about the happenings of the underwater
world. They are preferable for small boats such as Quintrex
Fishseeker, or anglers who like simpler models.
- Combo Fish Finders: Combos offer a more
versatile option for anglers. Aside from finding fish, they are combined with
additional features such as GPS navigation or chart plotting. Some popular examples
of a combo fish finder are the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv or the Lowrance Elite
Fs 9 Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer. They are popular with fishermen who
enjoy exploring new fishing grounds or engaging in various fishing techniques.
- Networked System Fish Finders: If you're an
expert or have a big boat, networked fish finders are a great option. They let
you connect multiple devices on and off the boat. This network makes it easy to
share useful info like GPS waypoints and sonar readings between all the
devices. By keeping everyone in the loop about things like fish movements,
underwater structures, and weather conditions, anglers can make smarter choices
and tweak their fishing techniques as needed.
Popular Fish Finder Brands
Garmin
You probably heard of this brand. They produce various
outdoor gadgets and equipment and when it comes to fish finders, they are one
of the best in the market. Their products offer high-resolution displays,
advanced sonar technology, and an intuitive user interface which helps them
provide accurate readings.
Lowrance
Another popular fish finder brand in the market is Lowrance.
They offer a wide range of products to suit different needs and budgets. Their
fish finders are also known for their superior imaging quality, precise GPS
navigation, and features such as CHIRP sonar technology.
Humminbird
This brand is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and
user-friendly interfaces. They offer a wide range of fish finder models, all
from newbie to professional-grade units. They are known for their detailed
imaging, advanced sonar capabilities, and customizable settings, allowing users
to tailor their fishing experience to their fish finder.