Which sonar finder is best to choose for fishing - model rankings

It is difficult to quickly find a fishing place on your own, for this you need an echo sounder. With this tool you can find the best place to get a big catch. To understand the features of the equipment, a rating of echo sounders according to seasonality, functionality, and other features of configurations has been compiled.

What is an echo sounder for?

Every fisherman wants to bring home a big catch. Determine the place where the best fish finders can get more fish. Thanks to these devices, you can not only understand if there is a fish in a pond, determine the topography of the bottom, its structure, depth.

Various models are produced for the angler, which differ in principle of operation, price, and additional parameters. It is simple to get confused in the number of offers and information, but you can still find the best one. It is enough to consider the functionality and know the features of the devices.

Choosing a multifunctional, convenient device is not simple, but quite feasible

The equipment works by passing an ultrasound signal through the water, which is reflected from the surface of the bottom of the reservoir, its inhabitants, plants and other objects and returns to the source. The information is processed by the processor, analyzed. The time taken for the signal to return is taken into account and information is displayed on the screen, including reflection contours.

Types of echo sounders

Product specifications may vary greatly. There are stationary and portable devices, some are used for fishing from a boat, others from the shore. Separately, equipment for winter fishing is distinguished; it differs in its ability to work at low temperatures and to be in frost for a long time.

Not every device can withstand a long stay in the cold, it is even more difficult to show reliable information

Simple devices scan the area superficially, more complex ones detail the bottom, and the best echo sounders for winter and summer fishing have a lot of additional features, a color screen, 3D visualization.

Each manufacturer is trying to provide consumers with more models to choose from with or without additional features. Therefore, choosing a company, for example, Garmin or Lawrence, it is necessary to analyze additional details of various models.

Device Features

You need to understand what time of year the device will be used. If you plan to use all year round, then purchase a frost-resistant option. In the future, it will be necessary to highlight more preferred functions. To understand which of the echo sounders is better to evaluate the following characteristics:

• power that provides work with the depth of the reservoir;
• the frequency of operation of the device, preference should be given to equipment having a switch between high and low vibrations;
• sensitivity is important for obtaining the correct image on the screen; it is best to purchase equipment with the ability to adjust it;
• Convenience is not the last indicator that will allow you to clearly see the picture on the big screen, even at long distances;
• warning system that will notify the fisherman about the appearance of fish in the scanning area.

The multifunction device is more convenient to use.

Important! In addition to all the technical characteristics, attention should be paid to the case of the device, it should be waterproof, shockproof.

Top echo sounders for winter fishing

The main difference between echo sounders for winter fishing is the scanning range, which can be better determined by their characteristics and user reviews. For the cold season, the following models are recommended.

Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4CV

Bright representative of quality technology. Equipped with a large color display with anti-reflective coating, a diagonal of 4.3 inches. Designed for any weather, built-in GPS-navigator, a sensor for clear images, draws maps, stores more than 8 thousand square meters. km square with contour. It is stationary, the kit includes a transducer. The device can enlarge the image, displays the structure of the bottom, the size of the fish, the depth of its location, is equipped with an audio signal, a temperature sensor. You can purchase it from 12 thousand rubles.

Model Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4CV

Deeper Smart Sonar PRO +

Another decent device, but without a display, which for some fishermen will be a drawback. However, all information is displayed on the screen of a smartphone or tablet.Portable fishfinder, transducer comes as standard, and the device can work up to -40 ⁰C. There is a built-in temperature sensor, an audio signal, it can determine the structure of the bottom, the depth of fish, its size. The disadvantage is the built-in battery, the operation of which the manufacturer guarantees within 300 charges.

Before buying, you should check the compatibility of your smartphone and device. The price of this model starts from 17 thousand rubles.

Model Deeper Smart Sonar PRO +

ReelSonar iBobber Classic

One of the cheapest representatives of its class. Its cost is not high, respectively, the functionality is slightly cut down, but as the first device or for a beginner fisherman it will work perfectly. Due to the lack of a display, information is displayed on a smartphone, scans to a maximum depth of 41 m, powered by battery batteries. This is a fishfinder, which at a distance of 30 m will transmit everything about the bottom structure, the presence of fish, its size on the phone screen, it is possible to enlarge the image, an audio signal is built-in. The cost of this model is about 4000 rubles.

Model ReelSonar iBobber Classic

Important! When choosing a winter version of the technique, of course, first of all, you need to pay attention to the tolerance of low temperatures, the device for summer scanning will show incorrect information.

Top boat echo sounders

Those fishermen who prefer fishing from a boat, it is better to choose able to quickly read information from the bottom topography. Of all fish finders for fishing, you should purchase:

Lowrance HOOK2 4x Bullet Skimmer

Equipped with high-quality 4-inch color screen with high resolution. There is a function of precise scanning of the bottom, and an excellent signal quality will transmit the location of the fish even at great depths. The speed of reading information allows you to fairly accurately study the structure of the underwater world. Users note that the mount is not very convenient, but this does not apply to the basic functions of the device. Such an echo sounder is worth 12 thousand rubles.

Model Lowrance HOOK2 4x Bullet Skimmer

Practitioner 6M

It works more in shallow water, because its scanning depth is 25 m. At the same time, the device can operate at a temperature of -60 ⁰C that sets it apart from the rest of the models. Easy to use, intuitive interface, can determine not only large, but also small fish. Of the shortcomings, not the largest viewing angle is noted, only 40 ⁰. But such a device costs only 7800 rubles.

Model Practitioner 6M

Deeper start

It works in conjunction with a smartphone, since it is not equipped with a display, scans the bottom up to 50 m. The device’s functionality is not the widest, but one of the best as the first echo sounder will be an excellent fishing assistant. The cost is also low, only 10,000 rubles.

Model Deeper Start

Important! It is better to choose a device in accordance with the characteristics of the reservoir and ease of use, not everyone will be able to show accurate information in troubled waters, this factor must also be taken into account.

Top 3D Fish Finders

For a clearer picture, it is better to choose an echo sounder that transfers a 3D image to the screen. From a large selection of models, you can study the following in more detail.

Raymarine Element 7 HV

Equipped with high-quality 7-inch screen, the picture conveys in color, resolution 800 * 480 pixels. There is a screen backlight, which is convenient at night. It supports 10 thousand waypoints, remembers 150 routes with 250 points each. There is a slot for a memory card, supports CHIRP DownVision technology - a wide range of frequencies, SideVision - the cleanest transmitted picture, RealVision 3D - real-time image transmission in 3D format. With such a filling, the price of the device is appropriate - about 70 thousand rubles, which makes it inaccessible to many amateur fishermen. In addition, the device weighs quite a lot, almost 1.4 kg.

Model Raymarine Element 7 HV

Garmin STRIKER 4dv

A stationary echo sounder, with a color display, a diagonal of 3.5 inches, there is a screen backlight. The scanning depth reaches 530 m in fresh water, and in seawater - 250 m. A compact device that clearly transmits an image, and the battery charge is quite economical. The price is quite acceptable, from 20 thousand rubles.

Model Garmin STRIKER 4dv

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 DI

The stationary model with a rather long transducer cable is 6 m, which gives a definite advantage over other echo sounders. A color screen, transmitting 256 colors with a diagonal of 4.3 inches, scans to a depth of 200 m. The cost is only 17 thousand rubles.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 DI Model

Important! The 3D image directly depends on the quality of the screen, and therefore you should not rely on a high-quality image with its low characteristics.

The best stationary fish finders

Stationary devices are convenient in that they do not have to be held in their hands thanks to the mount. They do not interfere, have a longer data transmission distance. They are good in winter, when the street is quite cold. We offer a selection of the following models.

Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 42dv

A color display larger than four inches will give a high-quality picture, read from the bottom of the reservoir. Records up to 5000 waypoints, up to 100 routes, plays 50 tracks. The device is equipped with CHIRP, DownVu and Quickdraw Contours. You can simultaneously view the image on the screen, both on a simple echo sounder and as on a Down scanner. Chromaticity can be changed to a more pleasant eye, even made black and white. Despite the high price, about 33 thousand rubles. this model can independently draw depth maps.

Model Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 42dv

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 DI

The owner of a bright color display, there is a depth scanning technology. This model got back into the rating, now devices with 3D.

Raymarine Dragonfly 5PRO

A high-quality two-channel tool, when forming an image in structural mode, a high-definition picture is obtained. 5 inch color screen. It is possible to use map detailing; it uses C-MAP, Navionics and LightCharts for mapping. The price is 32 thousand rubles. fully justifies itself.

Model Raymarine Dragonfly 5PRO

It’s easy to choose a convenient, high-quality device, despite significant differences in functionality.

The best portable fish finders

Portable models are convenient in their own way, as fishing echo sounders for winter fishing, they are often chosen. Pay attention to such models.

LUCKY FFW718

The operating temperature of the device reaches -70 ⁰C according to the manufacturer, and viewing angle 90⁰, although the scanning depth is only 40 m, which is the only drawback of the device. If fishing takes place in shallow water, then this tool should be chosen. He does not have a screen, but all the information is transmitted to the display of a smartphone or tablet. Cost from 5300 rub.

Model LUCKY FFW718

Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0

A great tool for detecting fish, with a total scan coverage of 55⁰, the possibility of fishing in the winter. To display the read information, you will need to use a smartphone or tablet. Only 14 thousand rubles. and all the fish in full view.

Model Deeper Smart Fishfinder 3.0

Vexilar Sonar Phone SP100

A simple, convenient device that displays an image on the screen of a smartphone. Suitable for fishing from a boat or shore, compact, lightweight. Qualitatively conveys the relief, the presence of fish. The disadvantages are the lack of cards and a weak battery, but it is easy to recharge using PowerBank. The price of the model is 12 thousand rubles.

Model Vexilar Sonar Phone SP100

Important! Portable devices are made without a screen, which must be considered when buying.

Best GPS Fish Finders

When fishing from a boat, you often need to return to one place or another. Then help out devices with GPS, which with an accuracy of a couple of meters achieve the desired result. For winter fishing, you can choose the best echo sounder that will find the desired point.

Garmin STRIKER PLUS 4CV

Again, back to this model, a great picture, built-in GPS-module, the ability to build maps on a large area. The sensor will determine the route, speed. Durable and reliable.

Lowrance HOOK2 5x GPS Splitshot

Equipped with an accurate GPS module, an intuitive interface, the color screen has high detail, anti-glare. There is a function of auto-tuning, which provides freedom of movement, stay in the boat. For 28 thousand rubles. in the hands will be a reliable assistant in fishing.

The image of the bottom topography on the screen of the model Lowrance HOOK2 5x GPS Splitshot

Raymarine Dragonfly 5PRO

Using the built-in GPS module, you can plot landmarks on a map, make routes, mark fishing spots. Convenient menu, bright screen, the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the device. Will have to pay about 32 thousand rubles.

Important! The accuracy of the GPS-navigator quickly finds the right place, eliminates the need to search for landmarks on the terrain, which may well change.

Best trolling sounder

For trolling fishing, in technical equipment, several functions should be at a height at once, which will provide a high-quality picture while the vessel is moving. The following models deserved the best marks.

Garmin STRIKER PLUS 7SV

Combined a chartplotter and an echo sounder, an accurate GPS navigator will track the speed of the vessel, give a clear image of the bottom, which is comparable in quality to a photograph. It shows not only the topography, the presence of fish, water temperature, depth, but also other important data. For 42,000 rubles, a high-quality device with many functions is in the hands.

Model Garmin STRIKER PLUS 7SV

Practitioner 7 BWF Station Wagon

Budget, the price is only 14500 rubles., Can be used in winter and summer, from the shore, boat or fishing trolling. You can use the device’s display or display a picture on a smartphone. Provides reliable uninterrupted communication without

Model Practitioner 7 BWF Station Wagon

Deeper Chirp +

It gives an incredibly accurate picture, can share the location of targets even at a distance of 1 cm from each other. Detects fish at a depth of up to 100 m, just 15 cm from the surface of the water. Fast charging provides additional comfort, creates cards, saves them in the application. Cost from 26 thousand rubles.

Deeper Chirp + device in operation

For fishing trolling, you must choose a device with a more accurate GPS module. The equipment will mark, remember the fishing places, with high accuracy will find them next time.

Video about the nuances of using modern models, for example, Garmin STRIKER:

An echo sounder is used to search for fish; it does not catch or attract it. An accurate determination of the bottom topography is necessary in fishing, because most often the fish lies at a depth difference, such places will bring more catch. Depending on the type of fish, they can be in a cooler place or on the border of warm and cold water, which means a temperature measuring device will come in handy.

When purchasing an echo sounder, one must take into account a lot of nuances, including weather conditions, under which it is planned to use it. For devices without a screen, you should first check the ability to connect to a smartphone, not all can be compatible.