Fishfinders on Review.
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You should know how a fish finder operates before making a choice.
Fishfinders use sonar technology to find fish-or any other solid object-beneath the surface of the water. Sonar sound waves move through the water. As they travel further, the sound wave will increase in diameter, going from the point of initiation and fanning out into a cone-like shape. Deeper water naturally causes the cone to fan out as it moves from it’s origin. When the sonar wave impacts against a solid object of any substance, it will send an echo back to the transducer. The time difference between when the sound bounces back from an object and it’s surrounding area determine the shape and size. The echo will then appear on your fishfinder screen and you will see the aproximate size, shape and depth of the object.
Your budget will likely be the next determining factor in your choice. Figure out how much you would really like to spend on a fish finder. Then multiply that times two. This is more realistic and helps set an actual budget to work with.
Naturally, the budget isn’t the only consideration. There are six other significant factors to help you to make the best choice for you. Review all of the following:
DEPTH RATING
Each fishfinder is rated for a particular depth. The rating will indicate how far down the signal will return effective soundings based on the intensity of the signal. You should first realize that the ratings are for ideal conditions in clear fresh water unless stated otherwise. When fishing in salt or murky water the effective depth will be less than stated. Like everything else; the more power the higher the cost; so know that if you plan to fish really deep water you need to spend more.
My recommendation is to purchase a fishfinder unit that has a depth of at least 10 percent more than what you think you will actually need.
TRANSDUCER INCLUDED?
You should check included accessories for your fishfinder diligently before you make your purchase. Some do not come with a transducer and you will need to purchase one separately. That will make a difference in the overal price. There are two different kinds of transducers-single frequency and dual frequency. Depending on what you will be fishing for and where; you may require one or the other or even both. For inland lakes and shallow coastal waters a single frequency transducer works fine. A duel frequency transducer is recommended for deep sea and offshore fishing. A transducer with dual frequency gives you a higher frequency transducer for a smaller cone in deep water. For instance, a 50 kHz frequency fishfinder could have a 4 degree cone that goes deep down and provides a good view of the bottom whereas a 200 kHz frequency fishfinder with a 20 degree cone would provide a good view of the bottom in shallower water. You need to purchase the correct transducer, because both will generate information on your screen, but you want the information to be accurate.
Installation of the unit must also be factored in here. You need to know if you plan to mount the fishfinder on a single boat and leave it there or if you prefer the flexibility of being able to take it with you and use it on a friend’s boat, as well. You also have to decide if you will transom mount it or go through the hull for optimum clarity.
Several companies make single frequency ducers.Most of these units are intended for use on smaller boats. They are intended for use on rivers, streams, or inland lakes.
A transom mount unit is usually easier and less expensive to install. Trasducers can be purchased in both single and dual frequency fish finder models. Transom mounts are best for use in water that will not be very disrupted by a boat moving fast.Clarity usually is affected once your boat reaches 10 knots.
Best performance and clarity will be had with a thruogh hull transducer. However, this requires another hole in the bottom of the boat. But they are needed if you want clarity at high speeds.
My recommendation is to purchase a through-the-hull mounted transducer with dual frequency only if you are planning to fish in very deep waters-either fresh water or salt water.
Smaller boats fishing relatilely shallow water at slow speed can use a portable or transom mount. The money you save will be better served by using it to fill up your boat’s gas tank!
CONSIDER THE POWER
Rule of thumb; more power is better. You will generally find less power in the cheaper unit when all else is equal. For the best accuracy and clarity go for the high power as that is what determines the speed of the sonar return signals.
My recommendation is to purchase the highest power rating you can afford with all other factors being equal. First find all the units that have the features you want then choose the one with the highest power rating.
DISPLAY – SCREEN AND RESOLUTION
Consider this when looking at different options for the display. Color screens are easier to view in bright sunlight. A clearer image will be produced with higher resolution.
My recommendation is to look at several units in your price range with the features you want and then purchase the unit with the higher screen resolution, in color. 480×480 is ideal, but you don’t want to go any lower than 320×240.
SIZE OF DISPLAY
Similar to power, a larger screen will be better as long as it will fit where you want it! So before you can really determine the ideal display size for you, you need to measure the area where you will install the display unit. That will give you the largest display unit you can purchase. A bigger screen will equal a heftier price, of course. However, screen size isn’t everthing. A few really good fish finders have a 4″ screen.
READ THE REVIEWS, BUT . . .
It’s one thing to read the fishfinder reviews out there, but hey, take them with a huge grain-or maybe a block-of salt! There isn’t likely anyone who has actually owned and used all of the different model they write about. More than likely the writer works for a manufacturer or distributor. Instead, look for unbiased sources that present the actual facts. One example is of eFishBox’s fishfinder review page. Base your decision on a good understanding of what you need in features and power, not someones opinion of what is best.
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