The fishing process has long ceased to resemble the boring sitting in a boat or on the beach with a spinning rod. The appearance of echo sounders made this activity not only more interesting and fascinating, but also more productive. Modern technology allows users to track the parameters of the underwater terrain, on the basis of which it is possible to make appropriate amendments to the fishing strategy. A separate group of devices is echo sounders for winter fishing, which open the underwater world behind thick layers of ice.
General technical information
The device is a sonar tool in the form of a small portable device provided with sensitive elements, controls and a display that reflects operational readings. An obligatory part of echo sounders for winter and summer fishing is a transmitter that broadcasts signals from the studied area. It should be noted that most amateur sonar works on the principle of ultrasonic reflection. That is, the sensor sends acoustic pulses and, based on the received signals, forms a “picture” of the relief and the dynamics of the fish.
The capabilities of the device at one or another depth, taking into account climatic conditions, are determined by the power of the transmitter and the sensitivity of the receiver, which operates in a certain range of signals. Accordingly, the more technical and operational characteristics open up, the higher are the prices for winter echo sounders for fishing - on average, they vary from 2 to 15 thousand rubles. The cost also depends on the segment, functional support and ergonomic properties.
Features of winter models
The problem of using fishing sonar in the winter is explained by understandable obstacles to access to the water surface. Bound ice will make physical organization of the process difficult. How can an echo sounder for winter fishing through ice determine the characteristics of the underwater space? The task is solved quite simply. In the design of the device provides a remote sensor for the hole. Moreover, specialized manufacturers produce sensitive elements with transmitters in a separate order, allowing summer sounders to be used on the basis of ice monitoring. In choosing such accessories, it is important to take into account the ambient temperature indicators acceptable for the use of the device. On average, it is in the range from -15 to - 20 º, and if the frost exceeds the recommended values for operation, the accuracy of the studied parameters may be impaired.
Types of devices
The most common type of echo sounder is in a classic case with a flasher function and a basic set of scanning operations. Such models determine the depth, water temperature, bottom structure and fish silhouettes. As for the flasher, this option allows you to orient the search to specific goals.
Another embodiment does not have a digital screen with a "picture" of the bottom and reflects the scanned information through diagrams. As for the capabilities, they correspond to the classic apparatus - the temperature, relief, depth and approaches of the fish to the bait are determined. By the way, such echo sounders for winter fishing are more oriented to work with determining the object of hunting. By eliminating the display and optimizing the design, developers increase the efficiency of such devices with the same energy costs.
Another interesting variation is the wireless sub-ice scanner. This is the current generation of sonars that are provided by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The peculiarity of wireless echo sounders for winter fishing is that they are made in the form of sensors with the filling necessary for scanning and the aforementioned wireless data transmission tools. Reception, processing and presentation of signals is performed by the smartphone or tablet of the angler. Therefore, when buying such sensors, you should consider in advance the possibilities for additional power supply of mobile devices.
Winter Fishfinder Functionality
Inveterate fishing enthusiasts who do not sit still and seek to expand the geography of the tested places are recommended models with GPS-receivers. Satellite navigation allows you to automatically record the results of underwater scanning with their subsequent designation on a virtual map. Those who appreciate a nice interface and modern means of presenting data can be advised devices with 3D-displays. They give a three-dimensional image of the bottom and scanned objects with a detailed simulated environment. From the point of view of information content and ease of use, these are the best echo sounders for winter fishing, but they are not cheap.
Humminbird's PiranhaMAX 197c PT
The manufacturer has a good reputation in the circles of fishers, which is confirmed by reviews of its technical means. In this case, the PiranhaMAX 197c PT model is interesting, provided with a color 3.5-inch screen. The price tag of the device is also worthy - for example, in St. Petersburg, a winter echo sounder for fishing in this version is available for 11.5 thousand rubles. This is not to say that the device is even semi-professional (rather amateur), but many are willing to pay such an amount for the build quality and overall reliability.
By functionality, this sonar represents an average level, reflecting the temperature of the water, the structure of the bottom and the depth of the reservoir. A proprietary Fish ID + option is also provided, which indicates the depth of the fish. It should be noted that for the most part, echo sounders for winter fishing, through ice, the determining characteristics of fish, show inaccurate data. Such opportunities are rather marketing attraction, which does not make much sense. But in this model, these, albeit limited, abilities to fix the position and activity of predators are quite practical.
Humminbird Helix 5xSonarGPS Model
Another development from Humminbird, which can be considered as a professional tool for ice scanning. The model is provided with a 5-inch screen, a 2-beam ultrasonic emitter and a GPS receiver, as the name implies. The depth with which this device can work reaches 450 m, and the relief structure is displayed in great detail on the display. Thanks to the navigation filling, the model also allows you to store about 2500 locations, 45 routes and about 50 tracks in your memory.
The features of this sonar include SwitchFire technology, which filters the signal so that only the material of interest is displayed - the bottom and fish without debris, algae and other unnecessary objects. The only drawback of this model is the cost. Again, in St. Petersburg, a winter echo sounder for fishing Helix 5x Sonar GPS costs 34 thousand rubles. But we must take into account that the performance characteristics of the case also affected the price tag. He received a high degree of protection with shockproof shells, as well as sealing insulation, which allows the structure to "swim".
Model Lowrance Elite-4 Ice Machine
Also an expensive performance of the echo sounder, but even in this case the price tag justifies itself. You should start with the specialization of the device. This is an almost professional chartplotter that copes with accurately recording the behavior of fish. The instrument is equipped with a screen with a resolution of 300 x 240 pixels, a backlight, a 2-beam sensor with a wide frequency range and a GPS + WAAS receiver. What is especially important from the point of view of operation is a self-leveling float that facilitates the tasks of the user when correcting the position of the sensor. In this case, the price of a winter fishfinder for fishing is about 20 thousand rubles.
Model Lucky FF718 Li
Those who do not plan to set fishing records, but only occasionally visit their favorite places, we can recommend a budget assistant who will more accurately select attractive sites. It is a simple sonar with a black and white screen and a traditional wired sensor. The range of the sensor is only 72 m, but this is enough for small rivers and ponds. The model turned out to be compact, easy to operate and inexpensive - the FF718 Li echo sounder for winter fishing costs about 5 thousand rubles.
How to choose a suitable model?
With all the variety of sonar models on the market, the tactics of determining the best option are quite simple. You should rely on the specific tasks that the device will perform, and also take into account the ergonomics of handling it. Performance with research parameters is the main thing that attention is drawn to. For example, which echosounder for winter fishing should a beginner choose? A multifunctional device is unlikely to be useful in this case. You should start with simple echo sounders that record soil parameters, depth and temperature conditions. Conversely, an experienced angler can safely focus on powerful and non-volatile flashers with large displays that will allow you to quickly make a decision on the correction of fishing, changing bait, etc.
Conclusion
Expanding fishing capabilities through the use of sonar automatically burdens the user with other important details that need to be foreseen. To make the operation of the device as convenient as possible and as little as possible distracting already in the working process, auxiliary accessories should be provided. A universal echo sounder for winter and summer fishing in any case will require the presence of sensors, cables and clips. This is mandatory support, which in principle will allow you to organize work with the device. Further, according to the situation, it will be necessary to assess the need for a protective waterproof case and an additional battery for the fish finder. On the one hand, this equipment will not be superfluous, but on the other it is also a load that will make itself felt when moving a long distance to the hole. But in any case, the tasks of autonomous power should be solved in advance by calculating the battery capacity over time.