Choice sonar For boat fishing, it's not just buying a gadget, it's investing in the performance of the whole season. Modern sonar allows you not only to see the depth under the keel, but also to look in detail at the structure of the bottom, the driftwoods and even individual schools of fish from the sides. PVC A reliable navigation equipment becomes the standard of safety and comfort.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that buying the most expensive model with a huge screen is enough to make fishing a success, and in fact, understanding the scanning technology and the conditions in which you plan to fish is key. The accuracy of determining the structure of the bottom directly depends on the frequency of the emitter and the angle of view of the beam. In this article, we will analyze current models, their features and help determine the choice.
Criteria for the selection of sonar for boat fishing
The first thing you need to do is figure out what you're buying a device for, if you're just looking for depth control and hole detection, you'll want to use a low-cost single-beam model, but you need technology to find fish, especially passive fish, professionally. DownVision or SideVisionThey create an almost photographic image of the underwater world.
The most important parameter is the size of the screen and its resolution. On pitching and in bright sun, it is almost impossible to see small details on a 4-inch display. The best option for a permanent installation in the cockpit of a boat is considered to be screens from 7 inches and above. GPS receiverThis will allow you to save catch points and pave routes.
Keep in mind that it's compatible with additional sensors, and a good sonar should be able to connect memory cards, external antennas, and, if necessary, transducers at different frequencies, so that it can expand the functionality of the device in the future without buying a new head unit.
Market leaders review: Lowrance, Garmin, Humminbird
The three leaders in the marine electronics segment are already setting quality standards. - Brand Lowrance It's traditionally strong in the affordable, great picture segment. Hook It became a folk classic due to the simplicity of the interface and technology. ActiveTargetThis is a picture of the fish in real time.
Company Garmin They're betting on integration and mapping. Striker and Echomap equipped with excellent GPS modules and support for maps BlueChartIt's particularly worth noting the technology. PanoptixIt allows you to see everything around the boat, including the space above the bottom, which is critical when fishing in a snag.
Humminbird Johnson Outdoors offers perhaps the most detailed picture yet thanks to technology. CHIRP and Mega ImagingTheir flagship models are able to distinguish between individual branches in the bushes and show the response of fish to bait, a choice of those who are not used to detailing.
⚠️ Note: When installing sensors from different brands on a single screen, protocol conflicts may occur, and it is recommended to use transducers of the same brand as the head unit.
Comparative table of specifications of popular models
To organize the data and simplify the selection, we have prepared a comparison of key parameters of top devices. Note that the specifications may vary slightly depending on the configuration and year of release of a particular modification.
| Model | Screen diagonal | Scanning technologies | Built-in GPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 | 7 inches | CHIRP, DownScan, SideScan | Yes. |
| Garmin Striker Plus 7sv | 7 inches | CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü | Yes. |
| Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP | 7 inches | CHIRP, Mega Down, Mega Side | Yes (in some versions) |
| Raymarine Element 9 | 9 inches | RealVision 3D, CHIRP | Yes. |
For fishing from a PVC boat, the priority should be the compactness of the sensor and the screen protection from splashes, rather than the maximum number of functions.
Features of installation of sonar on PVC and aluminum boats
Mounting equipment on an inflatable boat requires a special approach to mounting the sensor. The use of a stationary transom mount is possible, but carries the risk of damage to the balloon when pulling on shore. Many anglers prefer removable brackets or floating sensors that are attached to the board using suction cups or clips.
Aluminum boats (Kanak, fireworks) are characterized by the problem of engine noise and hull vibration, in which case it is important to choose the right place to install the emitter so that air bubbles from the redane do not enter the working area. Often require the installation of a sensor through the side (in-hull) using a special gel that does not allow ultrasound.
☑️ Pre-installing check
The wires must be laid with possible loads in mind. The cable should not be hung with loops that can be caught with your feet or tackles. Use corrugated or cable channels to protect against ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. On aluminum boats, be sure to use insulating bushings when passing wires through metal to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Setting and calibration of sonar on water
Once installed, the device is not 100% ready, factory settings are often averaged and do not take into account the specific conditions of the reservoir, the first step is to calibrate the speed of sound, which depends on the temperature and salinity of the water, and improper setting will lead to errors in the depth mapping.
The sensitivity must be adjusted (Sensitivity) and noise reduction (Noise RejectionIf the sensitivity is too high, the screen will fill up with water-suspended debris, if it's too low, you won't see small fish or thin thermoclines, and you'll optimally adjust these parameters on the go, slowly changing the values and watching the screen react.
What is the White Line?
The White Line function (or the grey line depending on the brand) shows the hardness of the bottom. The fat white line means hard bottom (stone, shell), thin or intermittent - soft (silt, sand), which is critical for bottom fishing.
Also pay attention to the color settings. On a sunny day, contrast palettes (for example, the color of the color) Inverse or Black & White) work better than standard rainbows. For night fishing, be sure to turn on the night screen backlight mode so as not to blind yourself and your partners.
Typical errors in the operation of echoers
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the speed of the boat when scanning. Side-view technologies require movement at a certain speed (usually 3-6 km / h) to form a clear picture.
The second mistake is misinterpreting the arcs. Many beginners look for pictures of fish on the screen, forgetting that the classic sonar shows the reflection of the signal. The fish only looks like an arc when passing above it. If the boat is standing, the fish will appear as a horizontal stripe, changing intensity.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the sonar on unattended in the sun. Screens can overheat, and lithium batteries in the heat are prone to bloating or ignition.
The third problem is power savings: Connecting a large-screen sonar to thin wires or a weak battery will cause the device to reboot constantly during peak consumption (for example, when lighting or emitter is turned on).
Use a separate small battery (for example, from a motorcycle or a gel 7Ah) only for sonar, which will eliminate engine interference and save data if the main battery of the boat dies.
Prospects for the development of sonars and new technologies
The industry is moving towards increasing frequencies and reducing sensor sizes. LiveScope And they're already enabling real-time, low-latency viewing of fish, which is changing fishing tactics, and in the future, we're going to see augmented reality (AR) everywhere, where not only sonar data is displayed, but also 3D terrain models superimposed on a map.
Integration with cloud services is also growing, with the ability to instantly share the coordinates of catch points with friends or download water temperature data from other boats becoming standard. Wireless sensors that float independently of the boat are also gaining popularity among trophy fishing enthusiasts.
Do I need to buy an expensive sonar for fishing with PVC boats?
For starters, a budget model with a diagonal of 5-7 inches is enough, the main thing is the presence of GPS and a dual-frequency sensor. Expensive systems with 3D and live scanning make sense if you are professionally engaged in sports or spend more than 50 days on the water a year.
Can a sonar damage a fish?
There's a myth that powerful sonars stun fish. Studies show that frequencies used in civilian sonars are safe for ichthyofauna. Fish can respond to propeller vibrations or boat shadows, but not to ultrasonic signals.
How often do I need to update the maps in the navigator?
The bottom terrain changes slowly, so base maps are relevant for years, but navigation signs, buoys and restrictions can change every year, and it is recommended to check map updates before each season, especially if you walk on navigable rivers.