Fishfinders have definitely taken the frustration out of sport fishing. Instead of trying to guess where a good fishing spot may be, a fish and depth finder scans the water beneath your boat to help you find schools of feeding fish.
Even if you don’t fish often, it’s still a good tool to add to your gear, and lower end models are quite inexpensive. Some can be purchased for as low as $100.
There are so many options, features and variations of these devices that picking the best GPS fish finder can be overwhelming. You should make a list of features that you require. Once you have that list in hand you can compare them with the available GPS fish finder combos.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how GPS fishfinders work and what features you should look for so you can find the one that’s just right for you.
Many GPS fish finders include full GPS navigation capabilities, as well as chart plotting functions and are equipped with sonar. Many combos come with different kinds of preset maps of coastlines, lakes, rivers and other fishing areas of interest too.
The newest models have impressive color displays, and the best ones have sunlight viewable displays, so that on sunny days you won’t struggle to see the information you need.
Sonar signals are what allow these devices to work. The transducer that is mounted to your boat sends a signal below the craft. The signal is cone shaped. When the signal makes contact with objects like fish, weeds and other underwater structures, the signal or echo is sent back to the boat and is displayed as a chart on your screen. The power of the transducer will determine how long this process takes. As you can see, fishfinders are a great help to anglers because they’ll never again waste time in an area where fish aren’t feeding.
Correct mounting will determine the effectiveness of your fish finder. Most units will come with detailed instructions. All you should need will be a cordless drill and a few basic tools, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, then don’t hesitate to get some help.
Some models are small enough and light enough to be used in small watercraft like speedboats, canoes and even inflatable boats. Some are even handheld.
When shopping for a fishfinder, look for one that is user friendly. The idea is that you should be able to simply switch on the unit and be able to easily assess the situation. Spending some time going over your user manual to understand how all the bells and whistles work will help you get the most out of your fishfinder.
You want an accurate readout, and many fishfinders are correct up to 600 feet. Typically, the sonar chart will scroll and display what’s directly beneath the boat as you drift or troll. By using the menu options you can adjust the sensitivity of the device.
The fish will show as a straight line when you are stationary. However, although fishfinders can be amazingly accurate, sometimes branches and other debris can result in a false reading.
To get the most out of your device, you must determine which frequency to use. Generally, it’s best to use the 83 kHz option in very deep saltwater and the 200 kHz option in shallow water up to about 300 feet. You’ll find that at 200 kHz the definition and detail will be superior, but it won’t penetrate as deeply.
One of these sturdy, lightweight pieces of equipment is a must-have on every angler’s boat. But remember that fishing is still a sport. Feel free to turn off the device every now and again and fish the old fashioned way knowing that your fish finder sonar gps can be used at any time if you need a little extra help.
Part of the fun of sport fishing is being able to locate that all important trophy catch, so never forget to let instinct guide you to potential fishing sites. Once you are there, a GPS fishfinder can act as your wingman as you go for the big fish.
For more information, check my other articles under Electronic Fishing
I found the best prices to be at Bass Pro Shops and Amazon.
Fish Finders at Amazon
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