Many people are engaged in fishing, and they do this solely for their own pleasure. What could be nicer than bringing home a fish you own? To get a big catch, you can use all sorts of devices, for example, an echo sounder. This is special equipment with which you can find fish in a pond. With the help of such a device, you can determine the depth of the reservoir, find out the structure and topography of the bottom. A large number of all kinds of echo sounders are presented on the market today, they are quite easy to get confused in, especially since they differ in principle of operation, cost and other parameters. Therefore, before proceeding with a direct review of the models, we decided to give a number of recommendations regarding the selection and purchase of an echo sounder.
Summary of the rating:
What to look for when acquiring an echo sounder?
The echo sounder is a fairly compact device consisting of an ultrasonic emitter, a processor, a battery and a monitor. The latter shows the received data to the user, on the basis of which he can draw a conclusion about the size and quantity of fish located in a particular section of the reservoir.
The principle of operation is as follows: the ultrasonic signal freely passes through the water column, is reflected from the bottom, body of fish, other objects and comes back. The data goes to the processor, which begins to process it. In particular, he analyzes the time from the moment of sending to the moment of receiving the signal, on the basis of which the bottom contours and conditional images of fish that managed to get into the beam coverage area are displayed.
Today, all echo sounders can be divided into three large groups depending on their use: shore fishing, winter fishing, boat fishing. However, on sale you can find universal devices. When choosing, you should also pay attention to the power of the device - the higher it is, the more depth the device will function. In shallow water, a powerful product will ensure that even sufficiently small bottom details are displayed.
The emitter frequency will allow receiving data with a minimum delay. This will allow you to instantly respond to the location of the fish and move the bait to the part of the reservoir where it is located. The most suitable device for water bodies will be a device with an operating frequency in the range from 50 to 200 kHz. The sensitivity of the device affects the clarity of the image, reduces the amount of interference. It is best to acquire an echo sounder whose sensitivity can be adjusted.
The diagonal of the display and the contrast of the image will allow you to get a high-quality picture, which is especially important in bright sunlight. It will not be amiss to have a sound notification system. If a fish appears in the beam, the system will emit a signal.
When writing our review of the best echo sounders for fishing, we took into account not only all these points, but also the price-quality ratio, as well as user reviews. We tried to collect enough information to facilitate the issue of choosing such a device.
Top 3 echo sounders for winter fishing 2019
3. Lucky FF1108-1
This model is notable for its low cost, but with a sufficient set of functions; moreover, it is very convenient to use it.In winter, with an echo sounder you can look for fish under ice at temperatures up to -20 degrees. The overall dimensions are compact, the device can be easily carried in the inner pocket of the jacket, which can significantly extend the battery life. If you lower the sounder sensor under the ice, the range will be up to one hundred meters. When fishing on a small river, you can see the entire width of the channel and instantly move from one hole to another - where the fish is currently located. Many users note that in the summer, using such a device is also quite acceptable.
It can be installed on board the boat using a special mount. In addition, the kit comes with a cable, the length of which is almost 8 meters, due to which the device can be used even when fishing from the shore. The echo sounder provides a high-quality picture, which will also allow you to determine the structure and topography of the bottom, to find out if there are snags or silt, where tackle can get confused. The emitter frequency is 200 kHz. The display has a backlight function that can be turned off. The accuracy of the device is 10 cm, which is quite enough when fishing. The energy of 4 finger batteries is spent quite economically. Due to the fact that the device operates in close proximity to water, it is equipped with a waterproof housing. The diagonal of the screen is 4x4 cm. It is allowed to use the equipment at temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees. The sensitivity of his regulation, the product is equipped with a simple and very convenient boat mount.
Benefits:
- Very convenient and compact design;
- The ability to adjust the sensitivity;
- There is a mount to the side of the boat;
- Reliable waterproof housing;
- Long range.
Disadvantages:
- After each fishing lasting 4-6 hours, the batteries will have to be changed, especially if caught in the cold.
2. Rivotek Fisher 10
Despite the fact that this model is not well known to users, unlike the products of other manufacturers, it deserves attention due to the high quality of workmanship, excellent reliability and extended functionality of the device. The beam viewing angle is 20 degrees, which allows it to work in a radius of 70 meters. According to the manufacturer and users confirm, this device can also be used at a shallow depth - about half a meter. Design capabilities also allow you to measure the temperature of the upper layers of the reservoir.
The display here is liquid crystal, its diagonal is 2.4 inches, its resolution is 128x96 pixels, so the image quality is pretty high quality. The screen has a fairly bright backlight, with which you can use such a device even in the dark. The overall dimensions are compact, the case is made of reliable plastic, which protects the product from various kinds of mechanical influences, penetration of water and dust. The range of operating temperatures is quite wide - from -20 to +70 degrees. The echo sounder has a sound notification system, it is powered by four finger batteries. The transmitter emitter is attached to the housing with a cable.
Benefits:
- Acceptable price;
- A long time capable of running on batteries;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Shows everything you need for winter fishing - water temperature, depth, presence or absence of fish.
Disadvantages:
- Not very clearly shows the topography of the bottom.
1. LUCKY FF718 (Scat Beam)
This model was recognized by users as the best echo sounder for winter fishing. An important quality of this product is that it is equipped with a rechargeable battery, therefore, there will be no need to constantly purchase batteries. The product is quite compact, so it will be convenient to take it with you even when hiking on a fishing trip. This device is able to function normally at temperatures from -20 to +60 degrees. The mass of the equipment is only 160 grams, so it can easily be put in your pocket.Managing the echo sounder is easy, even a novice can handle it. A special bracket is supplied with this product so that it can be installed on board the boat.
This product covers a radius of up to 73 meters, it is equipped with a 1.8-inch display, it is liquid crystal, has an anti-reflective coating. The beam angle is 45 degrees. Using this equipment, it will be possible to determine not only the depth where the fish is, but also its size. In addition, the fish finder is equipped with a water temperature sensor. The case is plastic with a matte finish, on which dirt or dust will not accumulate, fingerprints on it also do not remain. The case is waterproof.
Benefits:
- The presence of a battery;
- Reasonable cost;
- Easy setup and operation.
Disadvantages:
- Despite the fact that the manufacturer claims the case is waterproof, it is well protected only from splashes, it is not recommended to lower it into water.
Top 4 Sounders for Fishing from a Boat
4. Garmin Fishfinder 350C
Despite the fact that this design appeared on the market in 2012, it is still included in all ratings of the best echo sounders designed for fishing from a boat. The model is made on the basis of the latest technology developed by this manufacturer, it is called Garmin HD-ID. This helps to increase the sensitivity of products. Such technology involves the installation of powerful processors and sophisticated software. Due to this, the model is able to capture even the weakest reflections, respectively, the bottom drawing will be more detailed and clear.
There are two emitters here - one with a wide viewing angle of up to 120 degrees and a frequency of 77 kHz, and the other has an angle of up to 60 degrees and operates at a frequency of 200 kHz. There are several control buttons on the front panel, one is responsible for adjusting the sensitivity of the device, which can range from 0 to 100%. The range shown on the display can be selected manually or the device will select it automatically - by default, the device will direct the rays to the bottom of the reservoir. The diagonal of the display is quite large - almost 13 cm, support for 256 colors, the screen resolution is 272x480 pixels. If necessary, the screen can display two images at once - one above the other. Like all devices designed for fishing from a boat, this model in the kit is equipped with a special mount. The case is waterproof, can withstand immersion to a depth of 1 meter and being under water for up to 30 minutes. There is a sound alarm about the depth of the reservoir, the presence of shallows, large or small fish, and the discharge of the battery.
Benefits:
- Very comfortable design in all plans;
- Large diagonal display;
- Beautiful appearance;
- Reliable fastening to the side of the boat;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Quite expensive.
3. Humminbird PiranhaMAX 230 Portable
This compact portable model can be used for fishing both from the shore and from the boat. Included with this device is a wireless sensor that can be mounted on a float or on fishing line - when throwing gear, you can determine the depth of the reservoir in a certain place from a considerable distance. The plastic case is perfectly protected from water. This design works on the basis of 8 finger batteries, but it is able to function from a 12 V network. This model is equipped with two types of sensors - one has a viewing angle range from 20 to 60 degrees at a frequency of 200 and 83 kHz, respectively. Thanks to him, he manages to find fish at a depth of up to 180 meters. The second sensor has a viewing angle of 90 degrees, best suited for fishing from the coastline, each of these sensors is equipped with the ability to determine the temperature of the water.
The average power of the equipment is 100 watts, but at maximum load it can increase up to 800 watts. The signal received from the emitter is transformed into a picture understandable to the fisherman. It is displayed on a black and white display with a diagonal of 3.5 inches and a resolution of 160x132 pixels.The backlight is three-level, so the product is convenient to use in the evening and night hours. In addition, the screen is equipped with anti-reflective coating, so everything is perfectly visible on it even on a clear day. The model is fully Russified. The setup and adjustment is very extensive, so the output manages to get pretty accurate data. The dimensions of the product are 115x111x83 mm, for its convenient storage a small case is included.
Benefits:
- Low price;
- Reliability and extended functionality of the model;
- It finds fish very quickly and determines the depth when fishing from the shore or boat;
- It is permissible to use in the cold season at an air temperature of at least -10 degrees;
- Declared specifications exactly match the actual;
- The sounder perfectly withstands immersion in water.
Disadvantages:
- The range of the remote sensor is not too long.
2. Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0
This design definitely deserves the second place among the best echo sounders designed for fishing from a boat. The principle of operation of this equipment is quite simple - this design can be tied to a fishing line or cord and lowered into water, and the picture will be transmitted to a smartphone. This product does not have a screen, and it is mandatory to have a smartphone; accordingly, not only the battery of the product itself, but also the battery of the mobile phone will be discharged. For fishing from a boat, this design is suitable if there is an active movement in the pond. The kit includes a mount for the echo sounder itself, but the mount for the smartphone will need to be purchased independently. The range of contact with the smartphone is up to 40 meters, and this will largely depend on the power of the smartphone itself. This model is very compact in size, so it is very easy to carry. Most fishermen note the versatility of the product, since it can be used both in winter and for fishing from the shore. The bottom relief determines simply excellently, it also shows silted areas, the presence of snags and other features of the reservoir, which can be caught by a spinner or hook.
The fishfinder has two radiation sources - one at 15 degrees with a frequency of 290 kHz, the second has a wider viewing angle of 55 degrees, and a frequency of 90 kHz. The built-in rechargeable battery is capable of working without interruption for up to 7 hours. The case is absolutely waterproof, withstands even immersion to a considerable depth. The display is not provided here, the screen is a mobile phone with Bluetooth function. Also, the device allows you to measure the temperature of the water, and when fishing from a boat it is also permissible to create a depth map.
Benefits:
- Declared specifications correspond to the actual;
- Very convenient Russified application for a smartphone;
- Easy to use;
- Reasonable cost.
Disadvantages:
- With the exception of the fact that the smartphone’s battery will sit down, not found.
1. Sounder GSMIN WA3
The device has gained its popularity due to its compact size. It is lightweight and easy to use, which is important for fishermen. The gadget helps to effectively conduct sonar, determine the location of fish, algae and stones. Being on the shore or in the boat, the fisherman receives all the necessary information about the state of the bottom, which is displayed on a convenient Led display with clear signs. The screen size is 86 * 56 mm.
A distinctive feature of the GSMIN WA3 sounder is its robust housing. The wireless distance between the scanner and the tablet device is 50 meters. Sonar coverage is 105 degrees. Thanks to this, you can easily determine the location of the discovered fish.
The GSMIN WA3 sonic depth finder is convenient in that it can be used even at subzero temperatures.It is able to withstand frost to -10 degrees. In this case, the operability of the device is fully preserved. All control of the echo sounder is carried out through additional devices included in the kit. The connection between them is established automatically as soon as the device is turned on.
Buy sounder GSMIN WA3 at low prices from the manufacturer!
Benefits:
- Continuous work without recharging for five hours.
- Easy to operate.
- Compact and lightweight device.
- Bright display.
- Wireless communication between devices.
Disadvantages:
- Monochrome screen.
Top 3 3D Fishfinders
3. FishHunter PRO
Due to this echo sounder, it is possible not only to determine the location of the fish and its size, but also the structure of the bottom, of which it consists, to calculate the water temperature not only on the surface of the reservoir, but also at a certain depth. The sensor is fixed on the fishing line and thrown into the water in exactly the same way as the most ordinary tackle. Included with this device is a USB cable for charging the battery, a cord for scanning when fishing with trolling, sensor clips on the fishing line and a cover for storage and transportation.
This design, like the previous one, is not equipped with a display, so you have to use a smartphone for observation. Moreover, you need a Facebook account and a Wi-Fi module, and you also need to install the official application of the manufacturer FishHunter. There are several modes of operation of this device: automatic scanning mode of the bottom of a reservoir; winter fishing mode; a bottom topography map is also recorded automatically. Fans of winter fishing will appreciate this device, as it allows you to quickly determine where exactly under the hole the fish stands. The noise level can be significantly reduced thanks to a special function. The sensitivity is adjustable, it is possible to cut off small fish so that it does not appear on the screen.
Benefits:
- It is inexpensive;
- It works very effectively;
- It has a modern appearance;
- If desired, it can be configured for certain conditions of the reservoir;
- Convenient Russified application.
Disadvantages:
- No display, you have to use a smartphone.
2. Lowrance Elite-5 Ti
This is one of the most famous companies engaged in the production of high-tech products for fishing, including fish finders. This model was launched on the market in 2016, but so far it continues to be in the leading group. This design has a number of original features that no other model has, in particular, it provides for side-by-side viewing and a touch screen. The product has a sensor of the latest generation TotalScan, which allows you to exchange data via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The diagonal of the display is 5 inches with a resolution of 800x480 pixels, there is a LED backlight with the ability to adjust. With lateral scanning, you can see everything that happens in a radius of 91 meters, the frequency of the sensor here is 455 kHz, another sensor works at a higher frequency - 800 kHz and allows you to cover up to 30 meters in radius. The maximum output power of the device is 500 watts. There is a unit with GPS.
Using the Wi-Fi unit, you can update the software, download new firmware, the Bluetooth channel is responsible for synchronization with other mobile devices. The screen has an anti-reflective coating, everything is perfectly visible even in bright sunlight. Relatively detected fish, the user is notified by the sound signal. You can choose the anchor to the bottom, which is very convenient when hunting for catfish or other fish species that live in the bottom layers of water bodies. The product is quite easy to use, the case is waterproof.
Benefits:
- The latest emitter of ultrasound;
- The sounder is endowed with a large number of unique additional features;
- Easy to use even for a beginner;
- Accurate GPS receiver;
- It is possible to fasten on board the boat.
Disadvantages:
- It is very easy to stain the touch screen.
1. Simrad GO7
This is a recognized leader among the most modern models of fish finders for fishing, with a 3D function. It features a carefully thought out and very comfortable design, which also gives the design a very attractive appearance. This product has a lot of functions and characteristics. The product is equipped with a display with a sufficiently large diagonal of 7 inches and a resolution of 800x480 pixels. This device is powered by both a 12 V network and a built-in battery. In addition, the echo sounder supports a large number of languages, including Russian. Russification is high-quality, everything is very clear. An internal memory of 90 MB is provided, if necessary, you can install two microSD memory cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB each. The design is quite heavy - it weighs about 1.3 kg.
There are two types of scanning the water column - the lower and the side. In the first case, one of two sensors is used, which allows you to see what is happening at a distance of 60 to 180 meters. This can be done even while in a moving boat, the maximum speed of which is 56 km / h. With the lower scan, the maximum depth of the reservoir can reach about 90 meters, and the speed of the ship - 88 km / h.
Benefits:
- The interface is easily customizable to the individual characteristics of the angler;
- A quality GPS receiver that updates data once every 10 seconds;
- Ability to synchronize with other mobile devices;
- It is permissible to use at low temperatures;
- Built-in memory with the ability to increase it.
Disadvantages:
- Except for the high price was not revealed.
In conclusion, a useful video
As you can see, there are a lot of models of echo sounders - from budget to elite ones. We hope that you will have enough read information in order to choose the most suitable product. If this did not work out or some questions arose, then you are welcome in the commentary on this article.
(2 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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