How to choose an inexpensive and reliable echo sounder for fishing from a boat and from the shore

Finding a “catchy” place is not so easy, even if you constantly come to the same body of water. There are several reasons, but the main ones can be noted. Firstly, the fish is sensitive to the weather and always reacts to the slightest changes in it. Secondly, the water in our rivers and lakes (with rare exceptions) is muddy. Thirdly, if fishing is carried out from a great depth, then even under ideal conditions it is rather problematic to see anything under the boat.

The echo sounder will not only save valuable time, but also guarantee that the fisherman will not return home empty-handed. How to choose this device, what is its approximate price - this and not only fishing enthusiasts will be able to find out by reading the proposed article.

Those who have not delved into the specifics of the operation of the echo sounder believe that it can be used to determine the places where fish accumulate. This is a somewhat primitive idea of ​​its capabilities. The device generates sound waves, some of which, reflected from objects under water, are captured by its receiving device.

In fact, an echo sounder is the same radar, but for working in the aquatic environment. Consequently, a person who has it in a boat has the opportunity not only to find fish, but also to explore the bottom relief in detail. What does it give?

A boat is mainly taken by those who go out into nature “for a major reason”, at least for two days ( read tips on choosing a boat ). Having determined the location of the pits, one can, for example, understand where it is advisable to put "snacks" for the night, and where - "muzzles". It turns out that having an echo sounder with you, you do not have to fish blindly. Moreover, in our time, few people practice fishing with only one fishing rod, since, unfortunately, there are less and less fish in reservoirs every year.

The main characteristics of the echo sounder

There are various models on sale, with more (or fewer) options. Some of them are just additional services, and, as a rule, they have no effect on the fishing process itself. Let's figure out what should be evaluated first.

Transmitter power

From high school, each of us knows that water "quenches" sound waves. Therefore, the higher this characteristic (the power is indicated in W), the greater the depth it will be possible to “look into”.

Receiver sensitivity

Here, it is impossible to interpret the characteristic as unambiguously as for a transmitter. The signal conversion channels of almost all models of fish finders are set to frequencies (Hz) of 50 or 200. What's the difference?

If fishing is always carried out in the same favorite place, then an echo sounder, in fact, is not needed. But this is extremely rare. Lovers constantly either change the reservoir, or move along its coastline, “trying” the bite. Accordingly, the specificity of the bottom relief also varies from place to place.

Display

Since we are talking about catching fish from a boat, then its dimensions (and this is the weight, dimensions of the echo sounder itself) do not play a special role. Resolution comes to the fore, therefore, the clarity of the image on the screen, its contrast. The adjustment limits largely determine how well the bottom is visible in any weather, whether it is a bright sunny day or a cloudy morning.

The number of "radio beams"

The simplest and cheapest echo sounders give only one. More expensive models - from two to three. What to prefer?

The appearance of "dead" zones is the main disadvantage of multibeam echo sounders. If you choose such a model, then you need to clarify whether it is possible to adjust the parameters of each emitter individually. Otherwise, the device, under certain conditions, may be useless for fishing.

Sensor mount

Manufacturers

Statistics show that fish finders under the brands GARMIN, Humminbird, Fisherman are more often bought for fishing from a boat. Although the last two brands can not be called cheap. The price of individual models can reach up to 58,000 - 61,500 rubles.

A Brief Overview of Budget Fishfinders

"Practician" series ER-6Pro2

The model is new, on sale quite recently, so you should familiarize yourself with the capabilities of this echo sounder.

Several adjustments, modes of operation and functions. For example, a sound alert about the presence of fish under the boat.

The price is 6,480 rubles.

"Fisherman" series JJ-Connect, model 200

In terms of characteristics, this echo sounder is in many respects similar to the previous device - single-beam, but the depth is somewhat greater (up to 75 m). The operating limit has been increased - up to +65 ºС. It comes with 4 AAA cells that last up to 36 hours.

The price is 3,990 rubles.

The descriptions of these two models of echo sounders are quite enough to understand the capabilities of devices in this price range. There are products for 2,000 - 2,500 rubles, but the pursuit of savings is unlikely to turn into a good catch. As practice shows, for fishing from a boat, one should focus on echo sounders costing between 4,000 and 9,000 rubles. An experienced fisherman is unlikely to need the full functionality of more expensive ones, and cheap models, as a rule, do not justify themselves.