Which echo sounder is better to choose for fishing from a boat and shore

Which echo sounder is better to choose for fishing, so as not to exchange time for ghostly luck. The echo sounder will be useful to the fisherman for both winter and summer fishing from the boat and the shore. This tool is especially interesting if you are fishing on an unfamiliar body of water. The sonar will show the fish and the bottom topography with the objects lying on it. And knowing the structure of the bottom and the presence of fish, we can easily determine the best place for successful fishing.

In the article we will consider the types of echo sounders. Manufacturers have created many devices for different tasks, we will help you figure it out. Let's talk about the characteristics by which you should choose an echo sounder. We will also compile a list and a brief overview of current models for three fishing scenarios: from a boat, from the shore and in winter.

What are echo sounders

The echo sounder that is used in the boat is stationary echo sounder. Included with it is always a leg for fixing the head of the echo sounder on board and a mount on the transom for the transducer. In order not to drill an extra pair of holes in the transom and effectively position the sensor, we will use a holder with a clamp. We recommend models and, they are strong and conveniently adjustable in length.

The large size of a fixed echo sounder is the reason why it is rarely used outside a vessel. On a hiking trip, it will become a heavy burden, as well as the battery that powers it. For the echo sounder, a 12-volt battery with a capacity of 7.2 Ah is suitable; it weighs one and a half kilograms. With this battery, an entry-level Lowrance stationary fish finder will work for six and a half hours. The third "hook" with the screen backlight turned off consumes 0.75 A per hour of operation.

The stationary echo sounder is powerful, it will reach the bottom in any fresh water body. Most 2017 sonar models come with a CHIRP transducer. Unlike the standard one, it gives a detailed picture without noise at maximum depth. To do this, the CHIRP transducer emits waves with not a fixed, but a gradually changing frequency, for example, from 80 to 160 kHz.

Echo sounder with GPS Useful for navigating the water. You can mark a fishing spot on the coordinate map so that you can easily return to it later. Mark a few points of interest and use them to navigate the area. Echo sounder with chartplotter has full cartography and navigation. It will give detailed information about any body of water: river, sea, lake or reservoir. The chartplotter will show the depth map, coastline and obstacles in the water.

Portable echo sounders light and compact, easily fit into a windbreaker pocket. They are easy to use, less features means less buttons. The most affordable models are also manual: the price starts from 3600 rubles (at the time of writing).

They are used for fishing from the shore or for winter fishing. The transducer withstands low temperatures, so it can be safely launched into an ice hole. Many models can be adapted with relative convenience to a small boat or kayak.

The portable echo sounder is low-power, with a small, often black-and-white screen in the initial models. Therefore, it has enough power from ordinary alkaline batteries. It is completed with a primitive transducer: a maximum of two beams, there is no question of CHIRP.

Wireless echo sounder also a portable device for fishing from the shore. It is usually made in the form of a ball with a transducer already built in. It is thrown into the water with a fishing rod and floats on the surface. The wireless fish finder does not have its own screen, so it is controlled remotely using a smartphone. Devices are synchronized via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The information is displayed on the screen of the gadget. Download the application, connect both devices to each other and you're done.

Choosing an echo sounder for fishing

Knowing the technical specifications will be needed to select the right sonar. So we get the desired functionality in accordance with the needs. We may even save on unnecessary things. Let's analyze the characteristics using an example model:

• Power: 300W
• Frequency: 50 kHz, CHIRP 70, 200 kHz, ClearVu 260, 455, 800 kHz
• Number of beams: six
• Depth: 530 m in fresh water and 253 in salt water
• Screen: color LCD, diagonal 3.5", resolution 480x320
• Navigation: GPS

Powerful sonar works quickly, it interprets the transducer readings in a timely manner. The more powerful the sonar, the greater its detection depth. Five hundred watts of the model is enough for a depth of 530 meters. The frequency of the beam also affects the depth. Less frequency - higher range. Therefore, the maximum range is provided by a low-frequency beam, this echo sounder has 50 kHz. We boldly take sonar even to the Black Sea: with a power of 1 kW it hits a depth of one and a half kilometers. In sea water, due to high mineralization, the depth is halved.

The viewing angle depends on the frequency of the beam: less - wider. The beam at 70 kHz has a viewing angle of 45°, 200 kHz - 15°. Most importantly, the frequency of the transducer determines how detailed the image of the bottom and fish in the water column will be. Higher frequency - higher detail. The ClearVu function, which gives a realistic picture of the bottom, uses frequencies of 250, 455 and 800 kHz.

Advanced models like , or give an image of almost photographic quality. This feature is called by various manufacturers Lowrance DownScan, Garmin ClearVu, Raymarine DownVision and Humminbird DownImaging. Also, an advanced echo sounder will show a detailed bottom topography on the sides of the boat - the Lowrance StructureScan, Garmin SideVu, Raymarine SideVision and Humminbird SideImaging feature.

The more options the echo sounder provides, the larger its screen. This is no coincidence, since the detailed structure of the bottom is not visible at two inches with low resolution. Large screen corresponds to high resolution. received a high-quality display for a compact stationary echo sounder: 3.5 ”diagonal with a resolution of 480x320 pixels. Many professional models have a touch screen, the diagonal of such devices reaches 12 inches. The color screen has already become the standard for all non-Chinese fish finders. Colors help distinguish objects in the water column, visually determine the density and structure of the bottom.

Satellite navigation is required for a fishfinder with a chartplotter. The series, not being chartplotters, has a built-in GPS application. It records speed and track. Points of interest can be marked on the contour map, so that you can then make a route based on them. Waypoints and routes are stored in the echosounder's memory. Navigation is useful because it allows you to quickly and accurately return to the marked place.

We have selected successful models for three fishing scenarios: from a boat, from the shore and in winter. We advise you to choose from these models, these are the best devices for your task.

The most affordable model of serious echo sounders. "Third Hook" has two beams: 83 kHz with a 60° cone and 200 kHz with 20°. Transducer without CHIRP, up to 244 meters deep in fresh water. The device will display the structure of the bottom, determine the thermocline and show the fish in the water column. It has a 3.5” LCD color display with a resolution of 320x240 pixels. Displays 16 colors, there is an adjustable screen backlight. The device has a "Fish ID" function, for convenience, replacing the arches of fish with understandable pictograms. Lawrence manufactures quality products in Mexico and gives an 18 month warranty on its fish finders.

Complete with CHIRP transducer supporting high frequencies 260, 455 and 800 kHz. The ClearVu function will display the detailed structure of the bottom and objects on it in photographic quality. The beam hits up to 533 meters deep in fresh water. The Stryker received a GPS receiver. It determines the speed, writes the track, allows you to mark interesting points and make a route on the map of coordinates. Screen 3.5” 480x320, informative and full color.

Combines an echo sounder and a chartplotter in one housing. The device supports maps from Navionics, C-Map and LightCharts. The GPS receiver is accurate, it determines the coordinates ten times in one second. "Dragonfly" is compatible with a smartphone via Wi-Fi. All you have to do is install the Raymarine Wi-Fish app on your iOS or Android gadget and sync it with your fish finder. The echo sounder hits to a depth of 275 meters. High frequency CHIRP transducer - DownVision function. The model has a widescreen 5” high resolution screen 800x480 pixels.

This is a handy echo sounder with a chartplotter. The widescreen 7” display with a resolution of 800x480 displays the sonar readings in detail. The screen is covered with glass instead of plastic in younger models. The large size came in handy for the SwitchFire function: the picture is divided into two screens, one shows the water column in detail, the other shows the bottom structure and cuts off small interference. Here is a non-CHIRP transducer with DualBeam Plus functionality. Sonar simultaneously sends two beams of 200 and 455 kHz or 455 and 800 kHz in DownImaging mode. Humminbird Helix 7x DI GPS has a built-in GPS receiver and works with an accuracy of 2.5 meters. Navigation supports Navionics and AutoChart charts.

Sonar with a chartplotter from the big leagues. Powerful sonar conquers depths up to 305 meters. The model comes with a CHIRP TotalScan transducer. This feature probe supports both DownScan and SideScan Imaging StructureScan modes. The screen displays up to four functions at the same time. It has a touchscreen display with a diagonal of 7” and a resolution of 800x480 pixels. The chartplotter works with Navionics and C-Map charts and comes with a preinstalled basemap. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth give access to the proprietary GoFree Cloud. It allows you to download sonar updates and custom Insight Genesis maps. The TrackBack feature allows you to overlay SideScan readings on a map of a body of water.

Fits in your pocket and works like an adult fish finder. The kit comes with two transducers: wired and wireless. The sensor with a wire has two beams with a frequency of 83 and 200 kHz, an angle of 60 and 20 degrees, respectively, and a depth of up to 100 meters. Wireless with only one frequency 125 kHz, beam angle 90 degrees. Both transducers detect depth and temperature. Information is displayed on a large 2.8” color screen with a resolution of 320x240 pixels. The echo sounder is sealed and is not afraid of water entering the case. When it enters the water, it floats on the surface, it is not worth immersing it on purpose. The device is not afraid of falling, it is made firmly. The case is covered with a rubberized coating - it lies pleasantly in the hand and does not slip.

Suitable for use from shore or boat. The echo sounder does not require additional fastening, as it is in a stable case. It is convenient to carry, the head folds and unfolds easily. The model comes with the same two transducers as the previous model. Namely: wired with two beams with a frequency of 83, 200 kHz and wireless 125 kHz. It is convenient to work with the echo sounder due to simple controls and a large screen. The screen is color, its diagonal is 4.1”, and the resolution is 480x320 pixels. The device is powered by eight AAA batteries or a 12 V battery.

Russian echo sounder with wireless transducer. The practitioner is reliable in use, sturdy and well assembled. Its transducer is made in the form of a ball - ideal for casting with a rod. Beam angle 35 degrees, punches depth up to 25 meters. The sensor determines the depth and temperature of the water, shows the bottom and fish. Connects to the control unit via Bluetooth. Instead of a control unit, you can use a smartphone. The manufacturer promises a connection range of up to 100 meters in ideal conditions. In life, this distance is halved.

Is the leader among wireless echo sounders. The device is manufactured in Estonia, works reliably and efficiently, and is easy to use. As the senior model in the line, Deeper Pro + gives powerful functionality to its owner. He has a transducer with two beams 90 and 290 kHz, angle 55 and 15 degrees respectively. Therefore, the image of the bottom and fish in the water column comes out detailed. The waves reach a depth of up to 80 meters, the sensor determines the depth and temperature. The battery of the sonar will last for 5 hours of operation, fully charged in 2 hours. The Pro+ model has a GPS receiver inside. He will make a map of the depths of the reservoir and mark the line of the coast. This information is then superimposed on the map. The fish finder requires a compatible iOS or Android smartphone. Management, configuration and monitoring of the echo sounder readings is carried out through the smartphone screen on iOS or Android. Dipper has an interesting set of accessories. Deeper Flexible Arm keeps the fish finder in the boat; this holder can be used to attach a smartphone to the rod; transparent overlay will make the echo sounder visible at night.

Got five built-in transducers. Each of them has three beams of 381 kHz, 475 kHz and 675 kHz. The detail of the image and the accuracy of displaying the position of fish in the water are impressive for such a small instrument. The only thing is that high-frequency sonar strikes at a shallow depth of up to 55 meters. Since there is a GPS receiver here, the echo sounder maps the depths of the reservoir. The Directional Casting function will tell you in which direction to cast the hook to where the fish is currently swimming. The name of the echo sounder is 3D for a reason. The device will make a three-dimensional map of the underwater world with a clear bottom topography. The screen and control unit for FishHunter Directional 3D is a smartphone on iOS and Android.

Model	A photo	Screen	Transducer, kHz	Power, W RMS	GPS
		5x3 cm, 128x64p	-	-	Not
designed for winter fishing. Sonar has one beam with an angle of 40 degrees, depth from 0.5 to 25 meters. The device correctly displays the bottom, objects on the bottom, fish and mormyshka. The echo sounder will determine the exact depth, it does not measure the temperature. Information is displayed on a small black and white screen. Its size is 2.2”, and the resolution is 128x64 pixels. The practitioner works stably in frost down to -20°C. It is powered by one AA battery, the charge of which is enough for 150 hours of operation. The battery is located in the transducer housing. The water is warm, so the battery does not drain from the cold. Designed for mild winters as its transducer only works properly down to -10°C. Single-beam sonar, frequency 200 kHz, angle 40 degrees, depth up to 24 meters. The cable length is 2 meters, with a margin enough for a hole. The sensor will determine the exact depth and temperature of the water. The screen is black and white, contrast. Its size is slightly larger than that of competitors - 2.4", resolution 128x96 pixels. It is not easy to drop the device from the hand: it sits tightly in the hand due to the coating of the case and the tenacious relief. The device is powered by one AA battery, which is placed in the transducer case. An advanced modification of the younger two hundredth model. The set includes two transducers: winter and summer with a float. Summer two-beam sensor with a frequency of 83 and 200 kHz, an angle of 45 degrees. Winter sensor with a frequency of 200 kHz, an angle of 40 degrees. Thanks to a low-frequency sound wave, such a sonar strikes to a depth of up to 73 meters. Shows the bottom, its relief, objects and fish in the water column. Determines the exact depth and temperature. Screen monochrome 2.6” with backlight, resolution 160x160 pixels. The echo sounder is powered by four AAA batteries. Echo 220 withstands temperatures down to -20°C. The youngest model in the Diper family. The functionality of the baby is enough for winter fishing, it is also boldly used in the summer, from the shore and boat. The device withstands frost down to -20°C. Two-beam transducer 90 and 290 kHz, angle 55 and 15 degrees, respectively. The sensor determines the temperature of the water, shows the thermocline. Waves penetrate to a depth of 40 meters. The model does not have a GPS receiver, but you can still map the depths and mark points of interest on the map. To do this, you need to synchronize your smartphone with Diper and keep them close to each other. The bundle works via Bluetooth, so they work at a distance of no more than 50 meters. Ideal for winter fishing. It was originally created for fishing through the hole, adapted for harsh winters. The model is distinguished by a vertically elongated screen, diagonal 5”. The matrix is ​​monochrome with bright illumination. Therefore, the image is contrasting and does not fade in direct sunlight. The echo sounder distinguishes objects in the water at a distance of five centimeters from each other, distinguishes bait and fish. Single beam transducer 200 kHz, angle 20 degrees. The cable length is 1.83 meters, the sonar itself works with a maximum depth of up to 40 meters. Powered by six AA batteries, a charge is enough for 20 hours of operation. Conclusion A portable echo sounder is versatile, but weak. It is best suited for fishing from the shore. Some of them are adapted for winter fishing. The wireless sensor is easily thrown into the right place of the reservoir, over a long distance. Take a stationary echo sounder for fishing from a boat. A powerful device will show the bottom topography and fish in the water column. An advanced depth and side scan sonar will display objects with stunning clarity and detail. Choose your fish finder according to its features, according to your needs. To facilitate the task, we have selected the latest models, the best in their class. Still undecided? Feel free to contact us - we will help.