What is a Fish Finder?
The name itself suggests what it means. It is an electronic device that helps in finding or locating fish. The method determines the position of fish or schools of fishes in the ocean or any water body, thus making the fisherman's work more straightforward by tracking the fish allowing him to fish with accuracy.
How to choose a fish finder?
There are hundreds of brands in the market that promise to sell the best fish finders. However, a buyer must know what type of fish finder will be suitable for them based on the boat they will be using and the various features of the fish finder's screen type. The following points should be considered and kept in mind while buying a fish finder:
Portable or fixed fish finder:
A portable fish finder is as the name suggests a mobile device that is easier to be carried anywhere and everywhere needed where regular or affixed fish finders cannot be taken. As a result, it is not mandatory for one to own a boat or to rely on a fish finder affixed boat. Portable fish finders are also smaller in size and more comfortable to carry. There are three types of fish finders that are 'portable unit fish finders, 'castable fish finders', and 'mountable fish finders'. The traditional style of portable fish finder consists of a small fish finder device, a battery that is rechargeable, a transducer (portable) and a plastic mounting base. A castable fish finder is the one that is to be used from the user's smartphone, as a small floating transducer is included in the castable fish finder which connects to the phone via WIFI or Bluetooth. Mountable is the one that can be temporarily mounted on a boat.
Fixed fish finders are mostly used in big boats where fish finders are permanently affixed. It is more significant in size as compared to the portable fish finders. Few fish finder's screen type is many times better than portable ones. However, since its fixed on the boat, one cannot move it; preferably, it has to be used on the ship itself.
2D fish finders:
A two-dimension fish finder is something whose screen type is older and different. The display is black and white or colour; however, due to its two-dimensional SCREEN TYPE, its display is not realistic. The display also possesses a rough texture of the ground. A two-dimensional fish finder was the first thing that came into existence.
Sidescan fish finders:
Sidescan fish finders have a better display quality than a two-dimensional fish finder. It is very convenient to use, especially to cover up large lakes or open water resources. The benefits of a side-scan fish finder do not come at an easy price, and therefore the buyer must have a better budget than it would be required for a two-dimension fish finder.
Downscan fish finder technology:
As compared to sidescan fish finders, downscan fish finders are cheaper. One common thing between a sidescan fish finder and a downscan fish finder is that both give a photorealistic view. The picture provides the exact representation of what is underwater. One of the cons is that fish cannot be displayed if the visibility conditions are not good; this implies that the screen type depends on the visibility conditions. However, for a less budget, one can opt to go for a downscan fish finder over sidescan fish finder, and it is value for money.
Standalone fish finders:
A standalone fish finder only acts like a fish finder and does not possess any additional features rather than working as sonar and searching for fishes and things underwater. These fish finders generally come in colour units. They have varied shapes and sizes. Their technology also varies from analogue to CHIRP. The pure motive of using a standalone fish finder is to add sonar to the boat.
Combination of the fish finder:
Combination fish finder is not only a simple fish finder, but it also contains various features like GPS that helps in navigating till the fishing ground. It is optional to view the screen mode or only fish finder mode. People who own medium-sized boats and go with combination fish finders.
Networked system:
Networked system fish finders have a unique feature of controlling Bluetooth or WIFI from your android phone or iPhone. Networked system fish finders support radar, video, SiriusXM satellite radio etc.
Fish finder'sscreen type:
Fish finders have two screen types, an LCD and a CRT type. Since the 90s, the screen type has been changing and upgrading. It depends on different brands and varies from model to model. Each model has a different display and different screen qualities. The SONAR system is being used in a fish finder the reflected waves are sent back and recorded, and a signal is sent to the screen. There's a symbol for the fishes, and things other than fishes are displayed with different symbols.
Advantages of fish finders:
Fish finders have made it much easier for fishers to locate fish. Locating fish in all terrains of water is more accessible as the features of the screens of fish finders are also secure. The boat's speed can also be tracked with the help of speedometer that's fitted in the fish finder. They are, overall, the best devices for fishing.
Best fish finder brands :
Lowrance.
Hummingbird.
Elite.
Raymarine.
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