The fact that many are not informed about where their lure is in the water while fishing is good, but professionals are not on the water for fun. They are there to have a good catch, and the easiest way to spot the right location is with the help of best fish finders.

Fish finder is a device used by those fishing to spot the perfect fishing location. This device makes use of sonar in creating images of happenings that are beyond your reach underwater. All you need is to drop it inside the water from your kayak or boat and get a clear picture of where the fishes are. If you need to study the pattern of movement or the living pattern of some species, this is the right tool to use.

You will come to have a better understanding of the water you are fishing on, and this will help improve your efficiency and results overall. Even aside fishing, fish finder will help you stay safe when you go kayaking.

Follow along as we explore the types of fish finders that you can pick from. We will also explore their use and how to get the best out of your designed fish finder.

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Guide for Choosing the Best Fish Finder

During the consideration process, the first thing that should come to your mind is what you will be using this device for. It is often used by fishers to find the best spot for fishing. But beyond this, it can be used to ensure your safety as a kayaker when you go swimming; you won’t just jump into any water.

Fish finders come in three different categories, and they deliver different and distinct results, consider the following;

• Side Imaging Sonar: this type will afford you the opportunity to get a landscape view of what is happening underwater. You will see the areas clearly and have a better sense of happenings, with details structures.
• Down Imaging Sonar: if you are on the water for fishing purpose, you will probably want to go for this. It helps you see where you can have a better catch, the plants, and everything under the water. You get a more detailed result.
• Typical Sonar: this works like the down imaging soar, as it helps you get a better sense of happenings underwater, leading to a more successful result.

What defines the type of product you buy? One major factor is what you are doing on the water. Another deciding factor is your budget, what you can afford. But irrespective of your budget or your activity, there is always a product that will meet your expectations. We will soon explore some of them.

Types of Fish Finders

For a better understanding of this device, we will divide it into categories based on their distinctive functions, and the features they carry.

• Standalone Fish Finders

If your preferred location for fishing is on lakes, and you own a medium-sized vessel, you might prefer this device. You have a better view of happenings underwater making the device a good pointer when searching for good spots.

• GPS Combo Fish Finders

Do fish on boats? If you do, this will fit you more. This fish finder comes with some tools that make navigation easier. Both your GPS and the Sonar can be displayed simultaneously, especially when you need the two.

• Networked Fish Finders

These types come with unique features that make fishing easier. It has bells, whistles, GPS, video display, SiriusXM radio, which is all data-friendly.

CHIRP (Broadband)

Clear images of happening underwater are the reason you are getting a fish finder in the first place. This unit delivers up to 50 times pulse energy, resulting in greater ping power. With the purse power, you get the best images with every detail needed.

Portable Fish Finders

Not all have the pace to keep the giant and huge fish finders. There are times when all you need is a handy fish finder, especially while on vacation. They often come in a clear display unit, transducers, and mounting parts. And for easy of carrying, they often delivered in pouch or case.

Have you heard of castable? That’s the most recent version of portable fish finders. They can float on water, and your mobile device controls their activities with the help of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Ice Fish Finders

These units of fish finders are often referred to as flashers, and this is because they produce only a graphical representation of happenings under the water. Some may show real-time event though, based on the design they feature. 

Working Process of Fish Finder

Having considered the available types, let us examine the working pattern of the fish finder. The images delivered by these devices are in three forms. They vary in their precision and function. The device makes use of the sonar system in creating the image they deliver. The sonar type influences their results. They have different advantages and disadvantages, making each one unique in its field.

Standard Sonar

Standard sonar follows a simple operation process. Beams are sent through a cone of sonar into the water. The resulting sound will help have a clear sense of what is happening under the water. These standard sonars used will you see the arc of where fish are hiding.

The accuracy of standard sonar can be questioned though, although they have improved in function and design over the years, yet they still carry rough sonar type. Their ability to accurately show the depth of the water is called to question, but when it comes to finding fish inside water, they deliver.

Since the data displayed on your screen are not that detailed, understanding the working process might be a little bit tough. But immediately you understand the working process; you will come to agree that it is a great tool.

Down Imaging

This type of fish finder features a more unique and complicated sonar type. The names given to this classy system are numerous. The brand you are looking for is the deciding factor of the name.

One good thing about this imaging system is that it delivers a close to real image of happenings underwater. Unlike the sonar type that shows where the sound is bouncing back from, this one will help you get a clearer and better image.

The uniqueness is guaranteed, and it is an expensive option with quality results. At least you’ll have a clearer picture of happenings under the water. If you are looking at the price, it might be a little bit discouraging since it is a very expensive option.

Understanding the working process is another tough task when using this technology. Fish finders featuring a more detailed and precise sonar system will have better sonar set up which can toggle between. A unique and nice system to explore!

Side Imaging

This type is very different from the two mentioned above. The working process often involves sending beams out to the side. This system restricts you to the left as you can’t see what’s happening on the right, below, or around you. It is often used when exploring or searching for structures around your kayak or boat. The sonar is restricted to a certain radius but produces clear images.

In most cases, side imaging is sold separately, but the technology used is often mixed with other types. On its own, it can work perfectly, but a better result is guaranteed when mixed with the other two technologies the result is more unique. In comparison to the other technology, it is more expensive and can be very hard to install due to the structuring of the sensor. This may not always be valid.

Fish Finders Reading Techniques

The following techniques will make reading the results delivered by fish finder easier for you:

Depth of water

The depth is displayed either in meters or feet on your fish finder. The accuracy will be determined by the model you are using. Transducer components often come with a depth sensor. With depth, you can clearly know the types of fish in the water you’re fishing on.

Speed sensor

Your fish finders need a speedometer. The speed sensor is the worthy speedometer. The performance of your fish finder will be influenced by speed. For some products, there are limitations to their speed, at a specific speed; they stop working due to the emission of sonar waves. Trying your fish finders at different speeds will help you get the exact quality of your device.

Reading the Display

• Reading of information on your fish finders is from the right to the left side.
• Recent images are shown on the far-right side of your display screen
• Release of stronger echo emission is signaled by darker colors
• The hard structure under the boat is signaled by thick lines.
• There are some models of fish finders that deliver their data in raw format, while some converts these data into fish icons with the aid of Fish-ID technology. 
• Only newer models feature this technology.

Sonar Waves are displayed

Every fishing session you complete with your fish finder must include a detailed working process. This will improve your fishing experience when next you are fishing. You do well to note the depth of the water you found clusters of fish.

Chart plotter

Just to ensure you know your present location and your destination, chart plotter was developed. It helps you have a clearer picture of the water, its depth, and the structural makeup of the underwater.

You won’t miss the best fishing spot as you can easily plot out the path or course you will be taking. If there are structures that could endanger your trip, chart plotter helps you avoid them.

Split-screen will help you find fish and plot charts simultaneously. If you go for a combo model, you can then use these tools together. With chart plotting, you can return to the recorded area, and document the GPS coordinates.

Zoom

What would you do if you find yourself in shallow water? At first, you might feel like all hope is lost. One of the reasonable and viable options is to adopt the zoom component and employ it in peering into the water. This could reach up to 10ft. of water.

The primary aim is to help you understand the structure of the underwater contour vividly in that specific area. As a result, you won’t be oblivious to the type of Fish that could be found in that area. However, an exception of its ability is that it won’t function well in an Ocean body with tremendous depth. 

Besides, there are some types of water where a high-frequency won’t be advisable to be used. Most people have experienced that using it on the water that is densely filled with algae is not productive. You will experience a false reading. And this incorrect reading will lower real value which will, in turn, bore you and lead to unhappy results. 

Top Fish Finders

Lowrance Hook2 7

If you are searching for the best fish finder for small water, then, Lowrance Hook 2 is the perfect pick for you. It has a 7-inch display that has an identical Solar MAX display capable of displaying all the information the 9-inch version can show. 

Impressively, this simple fish finder gives you the avenue to show your pleasant charts, sonar images, and also your maps. Nevertheless, you will need to zoom more often in order to get these. 

Also, Lowrance is pre-designed with the entire identical map a 9-inch version would display. And then you will also be able to download several map details, including the ones with more meaningful information. 

Moreover, this version can share with other Lowrance units. So for a small boat, this is fitting.  And if a person can get a larger version, he’d be a le to use it alongside a bigger boat. And if you will be utilizing both, then, you can smoothly transfer data between them. Thus you won’t need to recall each place you’ve gone and left. 

Pros

• It comes with WiFi 
• It has amazing Preloaded Maps 
• It has impressive Screen 

Cons

• Expensive for a smaller version 
• Limited Viewing Modes 

Humminbird Helix 7 

Thinking of a less complicated fish finder you need? Humminbird Helix 7 is an answer to your quest. Humminbird is recognized for durability, and the need of customers is often evident in their designs. With long years of experience, they’ve maintained their industry standard and has enhanced their design with the advent of technology. 

Presently, in the cart of Humminbird, Helix 7 is the flagship fishfinder. Also, the design comes with a quality 7-inch color, having a WVGA display. The operation is excellent for Daytime use and viewing. Although, be informed that it has the ability to washout with consistent use inside the sun. 

The beauty of this version is just in a single view; you can still move close even if it’s going to be on a single view. And if you need the ability to reveal multiple panes to pick more substantial information on the Screen, this can be made possible. 

Helix 7 also adopts 2D pulse sonar that utilizes a switch fire technology. The main advantage of this technology is to allow anglers to make a distinction between three things. 

1. The structure 
2. The Fish and, 
3. The Bottom. 

Sure, using Helix 7 will assist you in picking Fish quickly.  Well, for one thing, the fundamental difference between this version of Humminbird and that of the higher-end models comes apparent when you see it. One of the differences is the manner of storing data and the difficulty a user might encounter in adjusting. But if you kind of need to master anything regarding the display, the unit presents you that avenue. 

 Pros

• Higher Industry Reputation 
• Simple to Use 
• It’s Relatively Cheap 

Cons

• It comes with limited Preloaded Maps 
• It Comes With Sonar Views  

Lowrance HOOK 2 5 

Have you ever heard of the saying, “value for money”? This is precisely the perfect fishfinder that is worthy of that title. Well, apart from the previously mentioned fish finder, this particular fish finder is designed to offer anglers the opportunity to engage in any preferred recreational activities. Thus, it becomes one of the fish finders that will cost more but will give fish finders the avenue to explore thoroughly.

The design which has a 5 inch LCD screen makes reading easy for any light condition; either dim or bright.  Though, it isn’t as large as the 4-way split mode will do. But instead, it limits the display to two vertical panes that are capable of showing methods that are added in the design. However, you can zoom right into a single-mode if you will need an accurate and comprehensive display. 

Another fantastic thing about this fish finder is that it employs a single TripleShot transducer which entails CHIPR sonar, DownVu, and others. And these are great avenues to get potentials, and combined mapping and a 300-foot cone that exist on both sides of a fish finder’s craft. The views from this fish finder are fantastic and comprehensive enough to show both the depth, structure, and Fish. 

It comes preloaded with CMAP mapping of 3000 lakes that exists at a 1-foot contour level and included in it is 9000 additional lakes covered with more comprehensive and standard detail. Having the data alongside it is incredible, and it’s free.  This is the best fish finder that presents you with a performance alongside value. 

Pros

• Value For Money 
• Comes With Preloaded Maps 
• Impressive Sonar – 3 views in 1

Con

• Smaller Screen  

Humminbird Helix 5 G2

We are coming back to the home of Humminbird, and exactly why? That’s because we found Humminbird Helix 5 G2 to be the best fish finder for folks with Low budget. In fact, in the store of humminbird, it’s one of the top-selling fish finders. 

Maybe you’ve seen this product advertised and you felt, what’s the hype? The features are mind-blowing and yes, for the hypes, it worth’s it. First, in the modern market, it is highly recommended and comes with only needed, and at least the essential features that a regular fish finder will be seeking for.  This is saving you lots of money and probably purchasing some things you’d not needed – in the high-end models. 

But never should you feel like it’s just a base unit, and probably it’s meant for starters. Contrary to that, it has more features that cheaper versions in the market don’t have. Take, for instance; it has a full-color five-inch HD WVGA display that users can read in any form of lighting condition. Assuredly, this will make a perfect display for its data. 

Furthermore, this version has a preloaded Anima Maps and excellent and standard GPS plotting which guarantees users effortless and straightforward navigation and other waypoint creation. Designers of this model also make it possible for users to load more data using a MicroSD slot. Ability to track, save, and export data is also possible. You are not only limited to export, but you can also import and view some other locations that you might have missed. 

Your chances of getting Fish are also high with the unit as it comes preloaded with a Dual-Beam CHIRP PLUS Sonar. And if you wish to use on smaller water, it functions exceptionally. Though there might be high-end features that might be lacking in this version, one thing for sure is that it’s the best version if you don’t have much with you. 

Pros

• It’s Cheap 
• It has Standard and detail GPS 
• It Comes Designed with Multiple-Beam CHIRP sonar. 

Cons

• Limited Modes 
• Difficult to Read 
• Smaller Screen 

Deeper PRO

Is your fishing-specific on inshore fishing? Then, this last fish finder on our review will be your best match. Deeper Pro, is explicitly versatile and has a wireless option that is designed for fish finders, taking into consideration all their skills. 

Included in this fish finder is a built-in GPS which helps you to develop a bathymetric map. Also, it has a lake Book with is designed to let you save and review MAPS, in fact, even at the comfort of your house. 

It can let the user gain a comprehensive understanding of where you can get Fish and the exact Fish you can get, how big, the underwater area, and the vegetation area. With usage, it is possible for you to cast more than 320 feet and then you can scan deep-reaching a depth of 260 ft. Also, it is designed with a 55-degree wide beam and an additional 15-degree arrow beam. 

Pros

• Comes with Bathymetric Maps 
• It presents you with a vivid understanding of underwater layout
• Scans deep, reaching a depth of 260ft.

Con

• Less visibility with its black design  

Conclusion

As an angler, there is a wide margin between wish and reality. Fine, you might wish to have the best fishing experience or use one of the best fish finders, but if you fail to use any of these reviewed fish finders, I don’t see your dream coming to reality. The Lowrance Hook2 7 tops our best fish finder review for its amazing features while the Humminbird Helix 5 G2 is our best on a budget fish finder.

From the high-end to the low-end, exotic features and basic features, picking any of these will present you just what are needed. Sure, this review has presented you with a great advice that will push you up in making the best decision when it comes to getting the best fish finders. 

Scotty

Hi, I’m Scoty
At Caopenspace.org, we love the outdoors life. Fishing and camping is our number one enjoyment, so we understand the importance of offering a good selection of quality outdoor gears!