When is an underwater sounder required? This device is also called sonar or sonar. The device searches for underwater objects using the speaker system. Echo sounders are actively used in spearfishing, as they help to detect the presence of fish in a pond quickly and with maximum accuracy.
What is it
An underwater echo sounder is a small-sized device (depending on the model and price), which is able to determine the topography of the bottom of the reservoir and detect various objects under water. Its main feature is that it is manual, waterproof. It is used without swimming equipment. The echo sounder has a special sensor that transmits a narrowly directed ultrasonic signal into the water, receiving in response reflected from the bottom, fish or objects. All received information is processed by the processor and displayed.
The echo sounder shows the depth of the fish, its presence, abundance, size. Using the device, you can evaluate any part of the reservoir. Fishfinders were created to track submarines during World War II. Today they are used not only for military purposes. The device consists of a screen, a converter, a transmitter and a receiver. The pulse that comes from the transmitter is converted into a sound wave and sent to the water, reflected back. Next, the received information is displayed, that is, the processed signal.
Specifications
A high-quality underwater sounder includes four main components: a high-resolution display, a reliable transducer, a powerful transmitter and a sensitive receiver. All of these elements must work smoothly at different temperatures and various weather conditions. The more powerful the transmitter, the more accurate and stronger the response echo, regardless of the depth of the reservoir. Converters withstand heavy loads, are able to quickly convert electrical energy into sound without losing the power of the signal.
Fishing echo sounders are equipped with screens. Expensive models have high resolution and contrast, which allows you to display a detailed, clear picture. The sonar receiver works with a wide range of signals. He weakens the strong, and weak, on the contrary, strengthens. Many models of fish finders operate at a frequency of 192-200 kHz in fresh water. This frequency allows you to better see the details in water, especially in shallow water, gives a minimum of noise and echo. The transducer in the echo sounder is needed as an antenna to convert the device’s electricity into a signal.
Pros and cons
Fishing echo sounders for fishing from a boat are indispensable devices. They are easy to use, convenient, lightweight, easy to attach. The advantages of devices include:
- the possibility of fishing in unfamiliar water bodies;
- detection of snags, small objects, pits;
- display of the bottom topography;
- save time that is spent on the analysis of the reservoir and the bottom;
- With the help of an echo sounder, fish migration can be traced.
Disadvantages of underwater echo sounders for fishing:
- to get a real image of the bottom topography, you need to move;
- the static nature of the floating means allows the sonar to display objects in the form of lines, which is not very informative;
- if the fisherman needs to consider the bottom, it is necessary to move in linear segments, and take a landmark on the shore;
- the echo sounder’s productivity depends on its setup, angler’s skills, and experience in using such instruments.
An underwater camera and an echo sounder are two different devices that can perform similar functions. For example, the camera is best used in real time, it shows good results in good weather and clear water. More informative.
How to setup
How to configure the device? Modern echo sounders, even budget models, automatically select the necessary settings, depending on the fishing conditions. The lack of automatic settings is the inclusion of fish identification mode and the measurement of depth in feet. Many models remember the settings and even after turning off do not reset them. The identification mode (automatic) is far from ideal; any object moving under water, such as garbage, can pass off as fish. However, it is useful for finding large schools of fish.
The sonar settings are advised to be changed in order to obtain the most reliable information. These include sensitivity, depth range, and others. If you reduce the sensitivity of the device, you can reduce the width of the beam with which the fish is searched. The narrower the beam, the more accurately you can explore the bottom topography. It is also recommended to adjust the radiation pattern of a standard device. Remember that the settings depend on the sounder model. Very popular devices brand Lowrance. For example, the Lowrance Hook-4x Mid / High model is equipped with an exclusive four-inch high-resolution screen, advanced signal processing, which eliminates the need to manually adjust the echo sounder.
Selection rules
Which is better to choose: an underwater camera or an echo sounder? Experienced anglers unequivocally claim that it is the echo sounder that will best cope with its tasks, since it is universal. When choosing a particular model, consider the technical characteristics of the device. The most important thing is the quality of the display (resolution, number of colors, size). The larger the screen, the more accurately the image is transmitted and the smallest details, including algae, bottom elements, fish, obstacles in the form of snags, holes, are better visible.
Black-and-white screens of echo sounders reproduce more than ten shades of gray, that is, the angler can quickly and easily distinguish objects. When choosing, take into account the radiation power. At shallow and medium depths, a signal power of 600 watts is required. A high-quality echo sounder should recognize even the smallest lures (2-3 cm) at a depth of five meters.
Price
How much do underwater fishfinders cost? Depending on the model, brand and technical characteristics, the price can be both affordable and sky-high. For example, an echo sounder for a smartphone costs 9,000 rubles, the Lucky FF1108-1 model - 3,290 rubles; Lucky FFW718 - 7490 rubles; echo sounder Humminbird - 179 thousand rubles. As you can see, the cost of these devices varies greatly.
Reviews
Which is better: underwater camera or echo sounder? Fishermen unequivocally claim that the echo sounder copes better with its task. Its battery is more powerful, it works without recharging for several days. The device shows the topography of the bottom, fish at a depth of fifty to five hundred meters, covers a larger space, works regardless of weather conditions and the color of the water. The camera has a small viewing angle, with its help you can fish in real time.
Echo sounders have a convenient design, a clear menu, they are compact. A large selection of models is the main plus of devices. A fisherman can buy both a budget option and an expensive one, depending on the conditions and methods of fishing. Judging by the reviews, the underwater echo sounder does not work well at low temperatures, although it can also be used for ice fishing (more expensive models).