2. Contents
3 Important Things To Consider Before Buying A Gps Fish Finder ........................................2
A Few Good Reasons to Use Hummingird Fish Finders..........................................................3
Choosing A Fishfinder 5 aspects you need know ...................................................................4
Know Fish Finder Display .............................................................................................................6
How To Mount A Fish Finder.........................................................................................................7
Portable Fish Finder Or Fixed One..............................................................................................9
How Fish Finders Work .................................................................................................................9
How to Choose The Perfect Fishfinder GPS Combo Device .............................................19
How To Use Fish Finder Reviews ..............................................................................................20
3 Important Things To Consider Before
Buying A Gps Fish Finder
Are you looking at purchasing a good fish finder but are not sure which one would be the
best one to buy? Then you need to know about 3 important factors to look for before
choosing any fish finder.
These 3 factors are essential because they will ensure that the fish finder you purchase
will really work effectively every time you use it. Here are the 3 vital factors you need to
know.
One: Ease of use - If you plan on using your fish finder a lot it is certainly a good idea to
get one that is easy to use. If it is too complex you will end up never using it and wasting
your money.
Always be sure that the fish finder is easy to use before you purchase it so that you can
make sure you are getting one that you can use on a regular basis without any problems.
Otherwise you will just get frustrated with it and stop using it altogether.
Two: Quality - Always take time to make sure the quality of the fish finder is there. Not all
of these GPS devices for finding fish are the same quality and they don't all have the
same features.
2
3. You have to take time to be sure that it is a good fish finder and that it will last for a long
time. Quality may be more costly, but it will be well worth it when your device is helping
you catch a lot fish.
Three: Features - Take time to determine what features you want your fish finder to have.
This will help you find one that has only the features that will be needed and nothing extra.
The more features a fish finder offers the more expensive it will be so you want to be sure
that you are not wasting your money on features you do not need.
Research and comparing will be needed to help you best determine what features you
need and how much they are going to cost you. Don't get any device without first doing
your homework or you could end up wasting money you don't need to.
These are the 3 important things to look for before you buy a GPS fish finder. If the fish
finder doesn't have these then it is a good idea to look at another one so you can be sure
that you get one that really will do what it says it will every time you use it.
A Few Good Reasons to Use
Hummingird Fish Finders
Not many fishermen are aware of the benefits of Hummingbird Fish Finders, and to be
honest, I was a little bit reluctant of buying one myself at first. These days, after having
one for about 6 months, I have to confess, I do feel lost without it when I'm on water.
So, if you don't know whether you should acquire one to take your fishing experience one
step further, here are a few reasons for you to do so.
1. One of the elite Hummingbird Fish Finders will provide you with Side Imaging and Down
Imaging technology. That means, crystal clear images will appear on your screen. You will
clearly see fish, structures, ditches, bumps, trees or anything that's in the waters you're
fishing on. Side Imaging will provide you with images on what's on both sides of your boat,
and Down Imaging will show you what's directly under your boat. Therefore, you will be
able to locate at least a big catch for any fishing trip.
2. Although Down Imaging and Side Imaging are reliable on 150-200ft depths, if you're
going to fish in deeper waters, you'll still have the Hummingbird SwitchFire and DualBeam
sonar systems to rely one. Returns will be however, chart-like or more like graphics. One
way or another, you will be able to know exactly what structures and fish are under you,
even in musky waters.
3
4. 3. Most Hummingbird Fish Finders are more than tools for finding fish. The high-end
models will provide you with excellent GPS features, providing you with maps and
underwater 3D images, as well as satelite photos of harbors and marinas. Enhanced Port
Services and Points of Interest put data of all major coastal roads, area services and
phone numbers right at your fingertips, making Navionics Platinum your complete
on-water resource.
AdChoices
4. Almost each one of the Hummingbird Fish Finders has a memory card where you can
note waypoints, routes and tracks (20,000 points each). Using waypoints you can
basically note down the home addresses of each species or sizes of fish that you have
caught on your fishing trips. Creating and saving various routes in your Humminbird fish
finder unit will allow you to create a more complete fishing itinerary for every weekend,
every vacation, or for every time you go out on water.
5. The Hummingbird Fish Finders in the 800, 900, and 1100 series, as well as some of the
ones in 700 and 500 series, like the Hummingbird Fish Finder 798ci HD SI Combo or the
Hummingbird Fish Finder 597ci HD DI Combo have full color monitors which permits an
excellent evaluation of what's underwater. Some of the Hummingbird Fish Finders have
Ethernet or Interlink features, which allows you to connect them to other fish finding units
to share routes, waypoints, sonar and many more.
All in all, a Hummingbird Fish Finder is a super device to have on your boat. It will unlock
many new possibilities for any fisherman and almost every time you'll sail out for a
fishing expedition, you'll be able to locate at least a few big ones.
Choosing A Fishfinder 5 aspects you
need know
There are 5 aspects of a fish finder to keep in mind when making a purchase.
1. The Transducer
There are 2 types of transducers: Single Frequency and Dual Frequency. Single
frequency is generally best for lakes and shallow coastal fishing. Dual frequency
transducers are generally better for deep sea fishing. Dual beam (a Hummingbird term)
and dual frequency are essentially the same thing. Dual beam transducers limit the
beam size for the high frequency beam so these fish finders are truly best for deep water.
4
5. 2. Power
In general, the higher the power of your fish finder the better. A higher price usually
accompanies the higher power so you will have to weigh power with cost. Remember
that even in shallow water such as lakes, higher power will still help with better imaging.
Most expert fishermen recommend giving the most weight to the power rating of your unit.
3. Depth
A fish finder being able to reach greater depths is directly related to the Power and the
quality of the transducer. In general, the more expensive models penetrate the water
better. Keep in mind while shopping that the depths shown in the product specifications
are for clear water. Salt water and murky water will limit the depths the sonar can
penetrate. As a general rule of thumb, consider purchasing a fish finder with a depth
range about 10% greater than what you intend to fish. Having a slightly greater depth
range should help adjust for less than clear water.
4. Display Size
Fish finder displays vary from four inches to seven inches (and some larger). Obviously
the larger the screen, the higher the price. The advantage to a larger screen can be
ease in seeing the results in bright sunlight.
5. Display Resolution
The display resolution pertains to how clear the image is on the fish finder screen. The
higher the resolution the better the image will be. Color screens are often better for
direct sunlight as they are easier to see. A higher resolution generally comes with a
higher price.
Suggestions on Choosing a Fish Finder
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how a fish finder works and what the key pieces of
fish finders are, let’s offer some suggestions on how to choose a fish finder that meets
your needs.
1. Most fishermen recommend doubling whatever you were planning to spend on your fish
finder.
2. Next decide where are you planning to fish the most often- on a lake, along coastal
areas or are you mostly a deep sea fisherman? Are you planning to use your fish finder
on only one boat or do you want to be able to use it on a friend’s boat? Answering these
two questions will let you know if you want a fish finder that works best in shallow or deep
water and whether or not you want a fixed mount fish finder or a portable fish finder.
3. For Fixed Mount fish finders, decide if you want a Transom Mount transducer or a
Through Hull transducer. Transom Mount transducer are generally easier to install and
usually less expensive. You can purchase a transom mount transducer in single or dual
frequency models. They generally work best in water that is somewhat calmer and are
not terribly effective at much more than 10 knots.
Through Hull transducers are the best for clarity and performance, but are harder to install
5
6. and cost more. A need for high speed bottom reading will make these a worthwhile
investment.
In general if you are going offshore or into deep fresh water, the hull transducer with dual
frequency is probably the best bet for accurate fish readings.
If you are using a smaller boat and are not planning to do high speed fish finding then a
transom mount or portable fish finder will save you some money and should meet your
needs just fine.
Know Fish Finder Display
There are two components to a fish finder display: Display Type and Display Resolution.
Fish Finders have two main display types: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Cathode Ray
Tube (CRT). An LCD display generally have good contract in daylight, use a small
amount of current and tend to be compact. They are available in resolutions up to 320 x
200 pixels, the smallest dot on the display screen. Note that the protective lens over the
display must not cause excessive reflections in direct sunlight or it may be difficult to read
the display.
A CRT display is often compared to a television screen. CRTs are available in full color
and monochrome (grey scale) models. On color models the relative strength of the
sonar echo back to the fish finder is displayed which allows the angler to differentiate
between different objects easier. Some color displays are harder to see in direct sunlight
than others. Depending on the model you choose you may wish to consider a viewing
hood or mounting the display unit in a shaded area.
Display Resolution
The key to the display resolution is the number of pixels which is the number of "dots" on
the screen. The rule of thumb is that the more pixels on the screen the more detail that
you will see. Higher resolution models will allow you to see fish near the bottom,
distinguish tightly grouped objects from one another and be able to see fish near bait
balls.
There are two important components to the resolution: the vertical pixel count and the
total pixel count. The vertical pixel count is the number of pixels from the top to the
bottom of the display. The higher number of vertical pixels the more accurately the fish
finder will show target depths.
The total pixel count is the number of pixels per square inch of the display screen. The
higher number of pixels the more detail you will see, the better the representation on the
screen will be and the better split screen images will be. Keep in mind that in order to
6
7. take advantage of very high resolutions your unit will also need a high contrast on the
display.
Monochrome vs Color Displays
Monochrome, or grey scale, displays show images in black and white or in shades of grey.
The low priced fishfinders may have no grey scale at all or a 4 level grey scale. This
means that there will not be too much contrast on the display for different objects. The
higher priced models may have up to a 12 level grey scale per pixel. This higher level
will allow for more target contrast and definition.
Color displays are generally more pricey. You will also pay more as you increase the
resolution of the display. In general color displays actually have fewer pixels than
monochrome fish finders, but each pixel will have up to 256 color choices. The different
colors do make it easier to distinguish between different types of targets.
Split-screen or Data Window
Some fish finders will come with Split-screen displays or data windows. A split screen
allows you to see different types of information simultaneously. You may have a dual
transducer fish finder and the split screen would allow the display to show images from
both transducers at the same time. Another application of the split screen is to have a
data window on one half of the screen. A data window can display digital information
such as speed, depth, water temperature or longitude/latitude. The other half of the
screen can display the usual graphics of what objects are in the water.
Grayline?, White Line or Bottom Hardness
Most fish finder displays will depict the bottom by using a thin line with a variable width
band beneath it. This section of the display allows you to see targets near the bottom
and also indicates bottom hardness. An experience angler will often be able to
differentiate between mud, sand and rocky bottoms. This functionality has different
names from brand to brand such as Grayline, White Line or just plain Bottom Hardness.
Obviously without a reasonable display you will not be able to "see" the fish that the
sonar is finding. Make sure you know what type of display your fish finder has when
purchasing.
How To Mount A Fish Finder
7
8. One of the most common jobs would be mounting marine electronics. Almost all boats
have a fish finder installed or will have one installed at some point in their service life. Fish
finders or other electronics like a GPS will come with the standard instructions for
mounting and it's up to the individual to take care of it. The directions will usually
emphasize mounting in the correct location and insuring all electrical connections are
sound. Remember, as with anything electronic a fish finder or GPS is can be sensitive to
electrical noise and routing wires and such should take this into consideration.
Now the actual installation, you are given screws to mount with and maybe a template.
You have your drill ready and well, you're still hesitate to drill. I can't say that I blame you
just remember you have one shot at getting the location correct or you'll be left with blank
holes.
Drilling fiberglass is not hard to do and good prep work will make a big difference. A few
words of advice here always go slow. The fiberglass on a boat hull will have gel coat and
you can damage the finish if you're not careful. Also, it sometimes helps to place a piece
of masking tape over the area to be drilled. If the gel coat attempts to chip from the edge
the tape will act as a good barrier providing a clean edge. Always try to drill into the gel
coat first but if you have to you can drill from the fiberglass side just understand that a risk
of chipping is increased by drilling that direction. If drilling from the back side, always tape
the finish to protect it.
Now all the holes are drilled and you are ready to mount. You've talked to a few people on
what sealant to use but still are not sure. Based on my own experience most will use 3M
5200 which would be a huge mistake. That product is designed for a below the waterline
application and extremely difficult to remove meaning it is intended to be permanent. Keep
in mind it has strong adhesive properties and you'd literally be gluing the bracket to your
boat. If you attempted to remove, you could possibly remove the finish causing a bigger
problem. A good alternative would be a bedding compound or another marine sealant.
Never use straight silicone to avoid future problems. If you ever need to reseal or mount
something else adhesion to existing silicone surfaces is virtually impossible. I also
understand that most boat owners will change out electronics over time so it is advisable
to using something serviceable. Never use household caulking or other products even
though they are cheaper. They will not survive for very long and are not designed for
marine use.
Now as you insert the screws coat the screws themselves and only apply a small spot of
sealant over the hole. It will not seal any better by using large amounts and will not look
good either. The fiberglass should be the only surface to seal here so if you did not chip
the gel coat finish too much you should be good. Tighten only enough to serve the
purpose and allow sufficient time for the sealant to dry before using.
The last item for a successful installation is the hardware. Don't cut corners here thinking
you can purchase cheaper hardware for the job. All hardware must be a suitable grade to
8
9. withstand the environment. It is natural for boats to get wet so if using anything which
water will damage it will surely fail. Stainless steel will be the best choice while brass is
also resistant but does not work as well. If necessary, purchase extra hardware to insure
your installation is done well.
So now the job is completed and your new fish finder is installed correctly. All the holes are
sealed and drilled as required and the hardware is sufficient for the installation. It doesn't
seem so scary and now a little more peace of mind to help you along. You can do it!
Portable Fish Finder Or Fixed One
"Do I need a portable fish finder or a fixed one?" - my friends often ask me. So, here is
another article in our series about fish finders. Now that you've decided to invest in a fish
finder, your next decision will involve whether to go with a fixed or a portable set up.
This decision should be based on whether you always use the same boat whenever you
fish. If so, then a fixed fishfinder is probably a good way to go. This means you can plan
ahead and work out the best place to put up the display and position your transducer. On
the downside, you do have to make sure that your unit is installed properly so you don't
develop any leaks. You should also bear in mind that you'll be leaving an expensive piece
of electronics on board for someone to jack so weigh your options carefully.
On the other hand, if you don't always use the same boat, then portability is your most
important consideration. Remember, portability doesn't always translate to a less powerful
fishfinder. Then again, expect to pay a little more if you want the full capabilities of a fixed
fish finder in a portable unit. Do a little canvassing and you should be able to choose the
one that's right for you but won't break the bank.
As always I wish you the best of luck in your next fishing session. Get the fish finder you
like and impress your friends with your results!
How Fish Finders Work
Fish finders operate under water to map contours, identify objects, including fish, and
create a picture on the display of everything they find. These are not cameras so the
resulting display is not like looking at a video or a photo of the underwater scene. Rather
they identify objects using sonar technology and then interpret the scene using a graphical
representation. Using sonar, (sound waves) they send signals out in the water. When the
9
10. signal hits an object it bounces back to the fish finder. Using specialized signal processing
computations and by analyzing the return signal, this helpful piece of marine electronics
can give you a lot of information about encountered objects.
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Primary Components
A fish finder is made up of two primary components, the display and the transducer. The
transducer is the power source that sends a beam into the water, processes the returning
signal and sends it to the display screen. The transducer can be mounted directly on the
outside hull of the boat - called a transom mount, or through a hole in the hull of the boat
looking directly down into the water under the boat.
Understanding the Specs
Cone Angle refers to the size of the beam that spreads out under the water to provide
coverage. Angles are represented in degrees and only objects in the cone angle can be
identified. A long narrow cone focuses down in deep waters whereas a wide short cone
identifies fish over a wider area in shallow waters. Beams can vary from about 60 degrees
to 120 degrees. Multi-beam Fish Finders use more than one beam set at different angles
to cover the water at shallow and deeper depths at once.
Frequency is the strength of the sonar signal measured in KHz. It works together with the
cone angle to determine whether the beam will be focused on deep water or shallow water.
Lower frequencies can penetrate the water more deeply than higher frequencies (50 KHz
is low frequency whereas 192 or 200 KHz is high frequency).
Display Screens
Look for high resolution, sunlight viewable displays so that it is easy to distinguish features
in strong sunlight. Some fish finders have color displays while others have black and white.
Remember these are not photos but rather representations so sometimes it is easier to
see contrast in black and white, though color can be used effectively to distinguish
different targets such as fish, rocks, etc.
Integrated Fish Finders
Most people want different marine electronics components for a variety of different
purposes. It can be cost effective to buy a fish finder that is combined with a GPS or a
chart plotter. In addition to saving you money such integrated instrument has the added
benefit of taking up less real estate on your boat's dash.
Buying a Fish Finder Transducer - What You Must Know
10
11. Buying a fish finder may be a daunting task with all the models that are available, but
buying a fish finder transducer is even more difficult, particularly because information
comparing the key attributes of these devices is typically less prevalent across the boating
industry.
First, you should know that a fish finder transducer can come in both single and dual
frequency models. The most common operating frequencies are 50 kHz and 200 kHz.
Models that use higher frequencies (e.g, 200 kHz) are more precise than lower frequency
units, but will not have the same depth penetration as a lower frequency model. Thus, if
you anticipate going boating or fishing in deep water, you will probably want to make sure
that you buy a transducer that operates on a low frequency (either by itself, or as a dual
mode with a higher frequency).
Secondly, the cone of the fish finder transducer is important as it determines the area
underneath of the boat that is covered. Obviously, the wider the cone, the larger the area
that is covered and the more data that can be streamed to your fish finder. Typically, the
lower frequency models (which have better depth penetration but don't have as much
detail as higher frequency models) also typically have wider cones than their higher
frequency counterparts.
Lastly, you will need to decide on the way that the transducer is mounted to your boat.
They typically are sold as either transom mount (mounted at the back of the boat) or a
through-the-hull mount (bonded to the inside of the hull). While a through-the-hull mount
protects the transducer from the elements and means it is less likely to be damaged,
much more care is needed to install it correctly, and of course the effectiveness of the
transducer may be less considering it is now shooting its beam through the boat into the
water.
Whatever choice you make when you decide to buy a fish finder transducer, it will surely
help you find those fish, making your boating experience much more enjoyable.
Wireless Fish Finder - Enjoy the Recreational Fishing Activity
Fish finders are the most essential accessory which brings bread and butter to every
fisherman. These wireless fish finders not only help them to discover the fishes in the
Deep Ocean but also help them to check the deep topography and get familiar with the
mysteries of the water. This fishing accessory can help you to the market stores and
flourish with these essential accessories for every fisherman! I am sure that you will stay
alert when you are selecting these accessories.
Here are some important aspects which must be kept in mind when you are investing your
bucks on the wireless fish finders. I am sure that you will be gratified by the important facts
which are mentioned in this article.
11
12. Functioning Of Wireless Fish Finder
This product can be easily fixed with the help of a transform mount or any hull. This is a
portable device which can be easily transported from one place to another. This is the
main benefit of this product as over the fixed fish finder. I am sure that you will love to hunt
for the fishes and enjoy carrying this device all over the sea shore. Portability and easy
transportation is the prime feature which tempts every fisherman.
You can easily hunt the fishes with these devices. Irrespective of your location, you can
hunt for these animals from boats, ships, piers, river banks cruises and even from tube
floats. The transducer of this device is fastened with a floating bob! Yes, you heard it right.
The designers of wireless fish finders have fastened the transducer of this fishing
accessory with the floating bob. Apart from all this, this floating bob can help you to enjoy
the fishing at one place. You do not need to move from place to place when you are
enjoying this recreational activity.
This essential fishing accessory can help you to enjoy every second of your fishing activity.
This obliging trimming can help you to move your boat from one place to another and hunt
for the fishes. The transducer of this wireless fishing accessory works like the normal
transducer. It sends the sonar waves and checks the presence of any living being. I am
sure that you will enjoy the ease when you are utilizing this fishing accessory.
Try to trace the online websites which can help you to get the tempting discount offers and
avert you from extra expenditure. Hope that you will not regret after investing for this
device!
How to Choose a Lowrance Fish Finder
When shopping online for discount marine electronics, such as a Lowrance fish finder, it
helps a lot to understand a bit about the technology you are shopping for. Here is a quick
explanation of some of the terms you will encounter.
Cone Angle
First of all, fishfinders use sonar to probe the depths of the sea or lake bed and determine
a picture of what lies beneath the water. When you shine a flashlight into the darkness, the
light fans out creating a cone that is narrow at the source and wider at the distant end.
Electronics does the same thing. The Cone Angle refers to the spread of the beam at the
distant end, so a 90 degree beam offers more coverage than a 20 degree beam.
Multi-beam systems, as the name implies, send out more than one sonar beam,
cumulatively offering a much wider field of view. The Lowrance HDS-7 Fishfinder and
GPS Chartplotter series offer a stunning 120 degree view with superior clarity and
magnificent detail.
12
13. Frequency
The frequency of the sonar signal is measured in KHz. In general the lower the fish
finder's frequency the deeper the signal can penetrate beneath the surface. For very deep
waters 50 KHz will give you deep penetration using a relatively narrow cone angle. Much
higher frequencies tend to have wider cone angles and do not penetrate the water to the
same degree. Equipment operating at a frequency of 200 KHz is well suited to covering a
wide area in a shallow lake and can result in a more finely detailed picture of what lies
below the surface. Frequency is usually adjustable and dual frequency options are
common.
Fish Targets
When the sonar beam encounters an object it returns a signal to the fish finder. The
sensitive electronics in the unit analyze the characteristics of the signals returned and are
able to distinguish between marine life and other objects. Fish targets are typically
represented as a fish symbol on your unit's screen.
Thermoclines
A thermocline describes a layer of water that is at a different temperature from the waters
around it. Thermoclines form rapidly in response to changing conditions or they can be a
permanent feature of a certain ocean area. Lowrance fish finders represent thermoclines
as lines on the display.
Transducer
The transducer is the powerhouse of the fish finder. It controls the frequency of the sonar
beam and sends and receives the signals that are interpreted by the equipment into
graphical representations. Three important things to know about the transducer are how it
mounts on the boat, what frequencies it supports and the cone angle it produces.
Transducers commonly mount on the transom, or hull, out of the way of the motor.
Transom-mounts are the most common and easiest to install. Some models with high
frequency capable transducers may need to be mounted through the hull, which can be a
complicated installation requiring a hole to be cut on the hull. The Lowrance HDS-7
Fishfinder and GPS Chartplotter series and the Lowrance HDS-5X fishfinder series come
with your choice of 83/200 KHz or 50/200-KHz transducers.
Display Screen
All the detail in the world is not worth much if you can't see it! Many fish finders use LCD
color displays. Generally the larger the number of pixels, the better the quality of the
display. Grayscale displays use shades of gray to distinguish between natural and artificial
structures, the lake bottom and the type or size of the fish. CRT displays come at a higher
13
14. price but offer higher resolutions and better display quality.
Lowrance makes a full range of fishfinders, FF/GPS/Chartplotter combos and offers a full
range of other marine electronics for boating professionals and enthusiasts.
Humminbird SmartCast RF15 Fish Finder
If you haven't already you need to check out the Humminbird SmartCast RF15 Fish Finder.
This unit is a fabulous, wireless and portable fish finder. If you fish from a kayak, this
portable fish finder is for you. If you fish from a dock, this fishfinder is for you. And if you
fish from a small boat this portable fishfinder is also for you.
The Hummingbird SmartCast RF15 portable fishfinder is equipped with a revolutionary
sensor/transducer called an Advanced Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS). The RSS unit
displays fish up to 100 feet deep and allows for an ultra wide sonar coverage equal to
twice the water depth so you can see and catch more fish.
To use the Humminbird SmartCast RF15 portable fishfinder simply cast into the water as
you would any lure using a standard rod and reel. Then you can use the portable fishfinder
to either profile the bottom and look for fish or to watch fish as they react to the attached
bait.
The great features of this fishfinder don't stop there. The whole unit is waterproof, has up
to a hundred foot wireless operating range and up to 500 hours of battery life. This
portable fish finder is a great tool and sells at an unbelievable price.
When utilizing a Humminbird portable fish finder with a Remote Sonar Sensor, use it to
check out potentially productive fishing spots from a safe distance. By casting your RSS in
the area a few times to look for fish, you can avoid spooking the fish with the sounds and
shadows of your boat. Once your Humminbird portable fishfinder identifies a good fishing
spot then you can move in slowly for the catch!
What to Look For in a Fish Finder
One of the hardest parts of putting together a fishing trip is figuring out what supplies you
need to bring along. And there are few decisions more difficult or complicated than
selecting a fish finder. If you understand what a fish finder is and what it does, then you'll
make a better decision when you're ready to buy and maybe even save a few dollars as
well.
A fish finder is a device that basically serves as a guide - it measures how deep the water
is in the area where you're fishing as well as how much ground there is beneath the water.
It will also indicate where and what types of items are floating in the water. It's especially
useful for locating fish that you may not be able to see by showing you spots where the
14
15. fish are likely to be hiding.
These devices use sonar, just like submarines, to measure the distance between your
boat and the bottom of the body of water. They are also able to measure the size of any
other objects that are in the water. The sonar will only work if you have a transducer on
your boat, which is usually installed at the bottom-most level for maximum performance.
Once you've added the sonar and the transducer, you'll need to set the speed; this will tell
you at what speed your boat should be moving in order to bring in the most fish.
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The in-built GPS system will guide you to the exact point where the fish have gathered.
Just keep in mind that while GPS units are great, there are some things they can do and
some things they can't. Let's say you've found several objects that look to be about
fish-sized - the GPS will tell you where they are, but can't tell you if it's really fish or
something else that you're following. Also, GPS does not provide information on depth of
objects, which is why the sonar technology is so critical to a successful fishing expedition.
Another great feature to look for in a fish finder is a device for reading water temperatures.
Different fish like different water temperatures, and if you know which prefer warm to cool
and vice versa, you'll know which fish to look for on that day.
Garmin 400C Dual Beam Fish Finder Features and Tips
The Garmin 400C Fish Finder is a great fish finder for freshwater fishing. It can also be
used for salt water fishing, but an upgrade to a separate dual frequency transducer will be
necessary. With its bright, high resolution, color display this Garmin FishFinder will help
you to easily spot the fish even in bright sunlight. The display also has a backlight feature
which allows for easy operation during your night fishing trips.
The Garmin 400C FishFinder comes standard with a dual beam 80/200 kHz transducer
that allows for depth penetration of up to 900 feet. (Keep in mind that murky or cloudy
water can diminish the exact depth the fish finder can reach.) This transducer is best
suited for freshwater fishing due to its depth penetration.
The dual beam transducer offers a 45 degree cone angle on the 80 kHz setting and a 14
degree cone angle on the 200 kHz setting. This feature will allow you to see a wide area at
more shallow depths and will help you zone in on those hard to see fish at the deeper
depths.
If saltwater fishing is in your future it is recommended to upgrade to a separate dual
frequency transducer. The dual frequency model will penetrate up to 1500 feet and has
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16. cone angles of 45 degrees and 10 degrees depending on the setting. As with the dual
beam transducer you will see a wider area at more shallow depths, but with this
transducer you will be able to spot those hard to see fish up to depths approaching 1500
feet.
Whether you choose to catch fish in freshwater or saltwater this Garmin FishFinder can be
a great tool for you.
Remember that this model comes standard with a dual beam transducer, but that you can
buy a dual frequency transducer if desired.
FishFinder Tips
There are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning your fish finder's display. First, you
should make it a habit to gently clean the fish finder display after every fishing trip. This
best practice, along with the tips below, will keep it in good condition the longest.
When cleaning the unit's casing (except the display screen) use a damp cloth and mild
detergent solution. Then wipe dry. Do NOT use chemical cleaners or solvents as these
may damage any plastic components. To clean the display screen use an eye glass lens
cleaner and a dry cloth. The reason for using this type of cleaner is because fish finder
displays generally have an anti-reflective coating. Cleaners containing ammonia,
anti-grease detergents, alcohol or abrasives can damage this coating so use an eye glass
cleaner that specifically states it is for use on anti-reflective surfaces.
Most fish finders are also waterproof and withstand being submerged for short periods of
time. (Check your model's owner's manual to be sure.) Be aware though that submersion
for an extended period of time (generally over 30 minutes) may cause irreparable damage
to the unit. If you fish finder is submerged, dry it with a clean cloth and then allow it to air
dry completely before your next fishing trip.
How to Choose a Fishfinder to Improve Your Fishing Odds
Modern sonar processing electronics combined with ultra sensitive sensors detect marine
life using sound wave emitters that bounce off objects to produce a digital map of what lies
in the water. How does the fishfinder tell the fish from the rocks? If you fill several glasses
of the same size with different amounts of water and then "ping" the glass with your thumb
and forefinger, the glasses make different sounds or tones, depending on the amount of
water in them. This is similar to how a Lowrance fishfinder distinguishes different objects;
the frequency of the signal created when the object is struck by the sonar wave can help
determine what kind of object it is. This is an evolving science. As we learn more, and
improve existing technologies, you can expect to see the accuracy of object detection
improve over time.
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17. A good fishfinder display, such as the Lowrance HDS-5X Fishfinder, will show you the
contours of the surface below the water (up to certain depths), and distinguish and mark
with different symbols the fish and vegetation as well as any other objects, such as rocks,
that are present in the water. Less sophisticated marine electronics simply indicate that
objects are present and leave you to figure out the difference between a log and a
largemouth bass.
The Lowrance HDS-5X Fishfinder has a powerful transducer that you can set up to 200
kHz and built-in Broadband Sounder technology. It gives you a 120 degree view under the
water on its bright wide-angle 5" screen. This model retails for $649. A more economical
fishfinder from Lowrance is the X67C Ice Machine. This lightweight, portable sonar device
probes depths down to 600 feet and comes with a carrying case and battery charger,
making it perfect for ice fishing.
It takes a little practice to use fishfinders. Even though sonar is very precise and can
detect and process the presence of objects very quickly, you should also be aware that
since the fish are constantly moving, and the boat is also moving or bobbing around, the
picture on your fishfinder display is in flux at any moment in time. If the fish stood perfectly
still and your boat stopped moving, the picture would be very accurate. As it is, you must
accommodate slightly.
Another consideration when viewing the fish in your fishfinder is that the signals from the
transducer spread out in a cone shape from beneath the boat. The cone is wider at the
bottom and narrower at the top, close to the boat. That means marine life in deeper waters
might be further from the boat than fish in shallower waters even though the electronic
display makes them appear to be directly under the boat.
Lowrance fishfinders give you the ability to set alarms when you find objects of a certain
size or waters of a certain depth (whether shallow or deep) or simply when your battery is
low. Also, read the manufacturer's information to see if your fishfinder is more suited to
shallow or deep waters and whether it is designed to operate in fresh or saltwater.
Is The Garmin 140 Fish Finder Good Value?
Garmin 140 Fish finder and GPS Combo Review.
Combining a gray scale liquid crystal display with Garmin's unique fish finder engineering,
the Garmin 140 fish finder and GPS combo offers the user the perfect solution where
limited space is an issue for example;
The standard duel beam wide and narrow scan transducer issued with the unit provides
enhanced performance with the duel scan feature of the Garmin 140 fish finder
particularly useful when used in shallow water. Mounting the transducer is a cinch and can
be installed to a number of places including inside the hull, on the transom or even on a
17
18. trolling motor but care needs to be taken to ensure that it remains below water level while
planing so that air bubbles don't adversely effect the information.
Both wide and narrow beams are used by the duel beam transducer giving the unit more
tractability and are governed by the width of transmitted sonar beam and by the depth of
water in which its being used. The narrow beam can be of selected use while working in
deep water and gives clear displays when at its maximum width For example, the narrow
beam would cover an field of around a seven feet circle at a water depth of about 30 feet.
Optimum usage of the wide beam feature of the Garmin 140 is while fishing in shallow
water as it supplies the user images of what is around the boat particularly near to the
surface. While working in a thirty foot depth, a braod beam would cover an area of that of
an approximate 20 feet circle and also displays crisp precise images of objects in the
water more close to the surface.
Offering the user very clear images of what's around and under the boat, the Garmin 140
Fish Finder also displays images of the bottom.
The display is enhanced by a back light for night-fishing and can be manually adjusted to
suit conditions or turned off completely to extend battery life.
The Garmin 140 also provides the option to be able to save the settings after its shut down
giving the user the alternative of being able to find a favorite fishing spot again.
The ultra scroll feature allows refreshing at lightening speed providing accurate up to
up-to-date data. Setting the gain to automatic or manual alteration is another
characteristic allowing users to control the clarity of images displayed.
Other Garmin Fish Finder 140 features include:
* Range change Auto rescaling
* Improved See Through Technology allowing weak and strong digital signals.
The white line feature allows the user to check on the depth of the bottom underneath the
boat.
* 4X and 2X Manual and Auto zoom providing individual user mastery.
* Featured alarms for shallow and deep water, fish and fish size alarm,
A further feature of the Garmin 140 Fishfinder is the low battery level blinker.
The complete package has all you need to successfully attach and use the Garmin 140
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19. fish finder GPS combo and comes with a precise and comprehensive user friendly owners
manual containing how to install and use the unit to it's maximum potential.
How to Choose The Perfect Fishfinder
GPS Combo Device
Today's consumer electronics world is full of unrealized marketing-world promises,
causing it to be very challenging to decide for specific items; the same holds true when
shopping for the "perfect" GPS fish-finder for one's fishing and navigating needs. Just like
almost all of the consumer electronics products available today in the market, there's an
expectation that the product will do precisely what its features and functions say it will.
However, there are numerous factors you should know and consider before buying a
GPS-fishfinder to be sure that you will have the right piece of equipment for your specific
needs.
One important thing you need to keep in mind is the kind of ship that you're going to utilize
the unit with. This is with regards to two reasons: firstly, where you will you attach the
display of the device, and second where you plan on placing the actual measuring sensor
which is sending out the impulses into the water.
The placement really should be nearby the helm as the display position is important for
GPS navigation. Thus, the item really should be positioned in an open area. This means
that the radio-transmission provided by satellites must be able to reach the GPS unit. If
the particular piece of equipment you're looking at features an internal GPS - antenna,
then the display has to be positioned in line of sight to the sky.
The majority of boats which feature cabins made from real wood permit smooth reception
of GPS transmissions. However, boat cabins made from abs plastic/fiberglass as well as
metal reflect the actual transmission and need a fish-finder having an outside GPS
tracking device antenna. Additionally, it is vital that you evaluate the device's display
screen.
Larger sized and higher resolution monitors offer you more details and are quicker to
understand, especially on a fast moving and rather bouncy ship.
The position of the measuring sensor will be another essential consideration. It has to be
placed adequately to ensure that it can send the signals straight to the water. This means
that the transducer must be installed in the water having its lower portion parallel with the
water's surface.
19
20. Almost all of today's GPS fishfinder combos feature a transom-fit sensor which is best for
all kinds of power boats. However, this kind of sensor is not really acceptable for sailboats
and vessels with lots of equipment installed on the rudder.
Transducers additionally are made out of a variety of materials such as bronze and
plastic-type materials; each device does have its advantages and disadvantages.
Cartography is yet another essential aspect to think about prior to purchasing a specific
fishfinder unit. It is advisable to pick a device that utilizes your favorite digital cartography.
Many of today's fish-finder units come with complete, pre-loaded cartography data.
However, some people actually think it's easier as well as less expensive to start
completely from scratch and choose the device they really want for their particular
chart-cards.
GPS fish-finders furthermore define what kind of soundwave (sonar beam) you should
employ in your vessel. Some GPS device- fishfinders feature both narrow as well as
wide-focused sonar beams, while others feature as much as 4 different kinds of sonar
beams to get the most area coverage sideways, the backside and also in front of the ship.
Another factor to consider is the transducer strength. An increased-electrical power
transducer gives you details on the screen even at maximal depth.
Learn more about the latest fishfinder technology including the top models from Garmin,
the Garmin 441s and the Garmin 541s here.
How To Use Fish Finder Reviews
Today's consumer electronics world is full of unrealized marketing-world promises,
causing it to be very challenging to decide for specific items; the same holds true when
shopping for the "perfect" GPS fish-finder for one's fishing and navigating needs. Just like
almost all of the consumer electronics products available today in the market, there's an
expectation that the product will do precisely what its features and functions say it will.
However, there are numerous factors you should know and consider before buying a
GPS-fishfinder to be sure that you will have the right piece of equipment for your specific
needs.
One important thing you need to keep in mind is the kind of ship that you're going to utilize
the unit with. This is with regards to two reasons: firstly, where you will you attach the
display of the device, and second where you plan on placing the actual measuring sensor
which is sending out the impulses into the water.
20
21. The placement really should be nearby the helm as the display position is important for
GPS navigation. Thus, the item really should be positioned in an open area. This means
that the radio-transmission provided by satellites must be able to reach the GPS unit. If
the particular piece of equipment you're looking at features an internal GPS - antenna,
then the display has to be positioned in line of sight to the sky.
The majority of boats which feature cabins made from real wood permit smooth reception
of GPS transmissions. However, boat cabins made from abs plastic/fiberglass as well as
metal reflect the actual transmission and need a fish-finder having an outside GPS
tracking device antenna. Additionally, it is vital that you evaluate the device's display
screen.
Larger sized and higher resolution monitors offer you more details and are quicker to
understand, especially on a fast moving and rather bouncy ship.
The position of the measuring sensor will be another essential consideration. It has to be
placed adequately to ensure that it can send the signals straight to the water. This means
that the transducer must be installed in the water having its lower portion parallel with the
water's surface.
Almost all of today's GPS fishfinder combos feature a transom-fit sensor which is best for
all kinds of power boats. However, this kind of sensor is not really acceptable for sailboats
and vessels with lots of equipment installed on the rudder.
Transducers additionally are made out of a variety of materials such as bronze and
plastic-type materials; each device does have its advantages and disadvantages.
Cartography is yet another essential aspect to think about prior to purchasing a specific
fishfinder unit. It is advisable to pick a device that utilizes your favorite digital cartography.
Many of today's fish-finder units come with complete, pre-loaded cartography data.
However, some people actually think it's easier as well as less expensive to start
completely from scratch and choose the device they really want for their particular
chart-cards.
GPS fish-finders furthermore define what kind of soundwave (sonar beam) you should
employ in your vessel. Some GPS device- fishfinders feature both narrow as well as
wide-focused sonar beams, while others feature as much as 4 different kinds of sonar
beams to get the most area coverage sideways, the backside and also in front of the ship.
Another factor to consider is the transducer strength. An increased-electrical power
transducer gives you details on the screen even at maximal depth.
Learn more about the latest fishfinder technology including the top models from Garmin,
the Garmin 441s and the Garmin 541s here.
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