Choosing the right equipment to find fish is always a complex process, requiring a deep understanding of the technical nuances. In 2019, the market is set to take a look at the future of the world. sonar He offered fishermen a lot of innovative solutions that have changed the way we approach underwater exploration, and if you're planning to upgrade your arsenal or buy your first appliance, it's important to not get confused by the manufacturers' marketing tricks.
Modern devices allow you to see not just the presence of fish, but also the structure of the bottom, water temperature and even the density of schools. Scanning technologies We've come a long way, and what was once a professional standard is now available to a wide range of amateurs, which is why the 2019 best models are ranked based on price, functionality and reliability.
In this article, we will take a look at the technical specifications of the market leaders so you can make an informed decision: you will learn which parameters are really important for fishing from a boat, and which features you should not overpay for.
Criteria for the selection of echoer for boat fishing
The first thing to look at when buying is radiatorThis is the parameter that determines the detail of the image and the depth of the scan. For fishing from a boat at medium depths, the optimal range is between 50 and 200 kHz, which allows you to clearly separate objects.
The second important aspect is size and resolution. displayOn a swaying boat, it's almost impossible to see small fish on a small screen. Large diagonals and high contrast images become critical, especially in sunny weather when glare interferes with view.
⚠️ Warning: Do not chase the maximum power of the emitter if you fish mainly in reservoirs with depths of 10-15 meters. Excess power can "light up" a useful signal and turn the fish into an indistinct spot.
Also worth considering is the type of installation and the security of the case. IPX7 or higher is a requirement for any device that will operate in constant humidity and spray. The reliability of the sensor attachment on the transom also plays a role.
Review of the top models Lowrance and Garmin
Traditionally, the market leaders remain companies. Lowrance and GarminThe series has gained particular popularity in 2019. Lowrance Hook2The scalables, which were an evolutionary development of the previous models, and the simplified menu and automatic tuning made these devices hits with newcomers and pros.
Garmin models, including the series Striker PlusI am pleased with the introduction of scanning technology ClearVü It's even in the budget segment, and it allows you to get detailed images of underwater terrain, almost like the photos you see, and Garmin's intuitive interface is often used as an example to challenge competitors.
- 🐟 Lowrance Hook2-5: The perfect balance of price and quality for small boats.
- 🛰️ Garmin Striker Plus 7cv: Great detail and built-in GPS-navigator.
- 📡 Humminbird Helix 5: A time-tested classic with reliable sonar.
- 🌊 Deeper Smart Sonar: Portable solution for shore or boat exploration.
When choosing between these brands, you should focus on the ecosystem of maps and optional modules. If you already have a navigator of a particular brand, it makes sense to choose a sonar of the same brand to synchronize data, which will make it easier to exchange travel points and tracks.
When installing the sonar on a boat with an outboard motor, place the sensor so that it is in the zone of clean water flow, but away from cavitation bubbles created by the screw.
Scanning technologies: CHIRP vs. traditional sonar
Modern. sonar increasingly equipped with technology CHIRP Unlike traditional single-frequency sonars, CHIRP emits a continuous signal over a wide range of frequencies, which allows for significant improvements in target separation and image clarity.
Traditional sonar operates at a single fixed frequency, which gives good depth but low detail. CHIRP Technology It allows you to see individual fish in a dense school, to distinguish their size and even to determine the direction of movement, and for serious fishing, this becomes a decisive factor.
| Parameter | Traditional sonar | CHIRP Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | One fixed | Broad spectrum |
| Separation of objectives | Low. | High. |
| Noise level | Highly | Minimum |
| Details | Medium | Maximum |
But remember, CHIRP uses more power and requires a more efficient processor. On older boat batteries, battery life can be shortened. Always check the compatibility of the equipment with your power system.
Why is CHIRP better at distinguishing fish?
The secret is the pulse duration. CHIRP uses longer pulses, which increases the amount of energy sent into the water, but still retains high resolution thanks to the complex processing of the signal on the return.
Setting and calibration of equipment on water
Right. sonaring Many users make the mistake of relying solely on automatic modes, and while auto-tuning works well, manually adjusting sensitivity and depth ranges yields much better results.
Start by setting the right depth range. If you're fishing at 5 meters, there's no point in keeping the scale to 50 meters -- you'll just lose the detail. The narrowing of the range allows you to stretch the bottom image and make the archae more readable.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid setting maximum sensitivity in windy weather, which will cause false signals from air bubbles and suspension that mask the real fish.
For accurate calibration, use the function Colorline Or a similar one that paints denser objects red or yellow, which helps distinguish a hard bottom from a soft silt or a school of fish, and check the position of the sensor on the transom on a regular basis.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Installation of the sensor and control of interference
The quality of the image depends on how it is installed. Even the most expensive sonar is useless if the sensor is in the zone of turbulence or cavitation, and the right location is the key to a clean signal without tearing.
When mounting on a transom, make sure the sensor is immersed deep enough in water, but not too low so as not to increase resistance. The angle of inclination is also important: it must be perpendicular to the surface of the water when the boat is in motion.
Electrical interference from other appliances on board is a common problem, sonar motors, radios and pumps can create tips, use shielded cables and try to run them away from power supplies and power wires.
The optimal location for the sensor is at least 30 cm away from the engine and on a line parallel to the boat's keel to minimize the impact of bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can we use sea echo sounders on freshwater bodies?
Yes, you can. Modern sonars are versatile and automatically adapt to the salinity of water, and the only difference is that in seawater, sound travels a little faster, but the instrument will take that into account when calculating depth.
How often should the battery be charged for the sounder?
The frequency of charging depends on the battery capacity and the model's power consumption. On average, a lead-acid battery of 7 A/h lasts 6-8 hours. Lithium-ion batteries hold the charge longer, but require special chargers.
What if the sounder shows "arcs", but there is no fish?
The arcs on the screen are the classic representation of fish passing through the cone of the emitter. If you don't have fish, you may be oversensitive, and the device draws arcs on gas bubbles or bottom inhomogeneities. Try to reduce sensitivity.
Do you need GPS for fishing with a sonar?
Presence GPS module It allows you to tag catch points, return to the places you've been tested, and map the bottom of the surface, and without navigation, the sonar efficiency is reduced by 50 percent.