The Best Fish Finder For Your Money: Expert Guide 🎣🐟🛶🚤

Nowadays anglers desperately looking for the Best Fish Finder. Not only are there countless models from different manufacturers in every conceivable price categories, but there are also always new devices added.

Because the technology never stands still and there are regular changes. Nevertheless, the following table offers to find the Best Fish Finder quickly and easily. There you will find the best available equipment with the most important details at a glance.

What is a Fish Finder?

The Fish Finder uses the technology of sonar. This was originally invented during World War II to find enemy submarines. The device sends for ultrasonic waves, which move at more than one kilometer per second through the water.

Whenever they hit something harder than water, they are reflected and received from a station again on sonar. Based on the time it takes for the individual waves can then distance determined very accurately. In this way, anglers know how deep the water among them. In addition, however, other irregularities are determined.

The fish finder prepares the information on a graph, which is usually displayed on the integrated display. However, this is not obvious where exactly are fish, but only approximate values concerning the established irregularities. Larger accumulations of dense objects on the seabed may, for example, be an indication of a shoal of fish.

Benefits of a Fish Finder

A fish finder is principally useful for any angler, but even in the event of normal shipping good service. Nearly every ship is now equipped with a depth sounder to measure the water depth permanently. This ensures that no one runs unintentionally from fish. But anglers naturally want primarily interesting places to find fish.

Who can estimate the information of his fish finder properly, so he needs a powerful tool in hand? Although the device can’t tell exactly how many fish are there and what types of fish are available. But it takes depending on the model very reliable so-called hot spots, i.e., places where large quantities of fish are present than in other places in a lake or the sea.

Today’s devices done their quite simple operation by convincing way by. You do not necessarily hang in the water, but can be operated easily from the boat. Another important step is to filter out your boat as well as the surrounding air. That done many fish finder automatically at some other models, the user must take some action for a good result, but the Best Fish Finder even correctly assesses the results.

The way of a Fish Finder works are interesting not only for fishermen but also for divers. This can determine the practical equipment before a dive, how deep is a body of water and whether it any obstacles or even dangers.

What kinds of fish finders are available there?

Fish Finder acts both as a mobile and stationary solutions. Mobile Fish Finder can be easily taken anywhere, so they are ready for immediate use without any complicated installation. This benefits all who are traveling on several different boats. If you own a mobile fish finder, it’s not necessary to setup your device install to all boat.

Useful is also for those who like me, who do not own a boat and so they can’t mount stationary fish finder. The biggest disadvantage of mobile Fish Finder is the less precision. Since it does not operate directly in the water, the emitted sound waves are already disturbed by the air and the boat. The results are indeed still helpful, but not as accurate as a stationary sonar.

Hard on Inappropriate boat Fish Finder achieve significantly better results. One reason is that they usually have a higher power. You can send up to 4,000 watts, whereas mobile echo sounders are rarely more than 2,400 watts. The stronger the signal, the deeper can spend a reliable sonar values. Only with stationary solutions are therefore measurements up to 1,000 meters or even more possible. So if you like in deeper water fishing, comes to the installation of a suitably equipped fish finder hardly around.

Differences between individual fish finders, there are also at the frequency to be emitted with the sound waves. More is not always better here. While indeed high-frequency waves provide more details, achieve low frequencies deeper regions in the water. For shallow water of frequency is 200 kHz, therefore, useful, but in deeper water supply equipment with 50 kHz significantly better results.

But a sensible solution for All-round equipment is also the so-called Dual Beam. Here come two different frequencies simultaneously used so that the user can enjoy both the advantages of high details and a long reach.

Much modern Best Fish Finder also uses GPS to perform better location-based measurements still. In this way, for example, measure distances very accurately, but also the water level of a water body and some other details. Users are using GPS but also capable of their measurements to document and recorded on a map. This has the advantage that no measurement has to occur at the same place twice.

Top 13 Best Fish Finder Reviews

1. Deeper Smart Portable Fish Finder

This is a great portable fish finder for the avid fisherman. Take your smartphone and monitor movement in the waters in all the right places. Find the fish and get going on your catch quickly with this great castable fish finder with echo sonar.

The app attaches to your smartphone as you probe the water for the choice spots to fish. Deeper has a recharge time of two hours with six hours of continuous use. You can keep an eye on the weather and even use the maps to keep track of the best hot spots for fishing.

The Deeper Smart has a weather forecast to keep you safe on days when the waters might just be too rough for your fishing outing. Portable fish finders are some of the best fish finders available. Take this great tool anywhere and find the fish easily even in the deepest spots you love to fish.

The color display is one of the better benefits to this depth finder. Share all of your fishing adventures with the great camera and media sharing for the Deeper water fishing you love to do with your friends. Your fish stories in color on this great depth finder have never been better.

Works in conjunction with smartphones and tablets (Best fish finder for the kayak – Both compatible – Apple iOS and Androids)

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• Smart, portable, wireless Connected via Bluetooth; Rechargeable battery
• Fish places other Fishfinders can’t reach: shore, bridges, embankments, dock, in rivers, kayak, float tube, radio controlled bait boats, ice fishing
• Dual beam:290kHz(15Degree),90kHz(55Degree). Depth up to 130ft. battery up to 4 hours
• Free application includes fish activity calendar, weather, diary, maps, sharing functions

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2. Lowrance 000-11448-001 Elite 3X Fish finder with 83200 Transducer

Mount this great depth finder to your favorite boat and enjoy the deepest pictures of structures beneath the waters. If you love finding those deeper places that the fish congregate in the summertime this depth finder is what you need. Enjoy the waterproof quality of depth finding with an LED display that shows your waterscape in color.

This depth finder also has a broadband sounder that distinguishes between the fish and the structures beneath the water. The broadband sonar has a ten-time ratio of sensitivity to most depth finders. If you love your screen large and in color, this is the best fish finder for display. This is a great depth finder for beginning fisherman and it even comes with a mount for your boat so you always have your depth finder handy.

This depth finder is so accurate it is perfect for ice fishing. Take this great fish finder to all of your favorite fishing holes. Freshwater fishing is ideal for finding the shallows and in the deeper parts of the water. Take a new look beneath the water with the Lowrance and find the fish you want to find no more guesswork with this great fish finder with the transducer.

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• 3.5″ color LCD
• 83/200KHz Fish Finder
• Transom mount transducer included

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3. Signstek FF-003 Portable Fish Finder

If you love your portable fish finder in color this is the tool for your fishing jaunts on the weekends. This great depth finder even has a backlight so it is easily readable in the sunlight. This excellent finder reads depths up to 240ft and shows detailed bottom contour.

This depth finder has 512 colors and an LED sun light readable backlight. Depths of 240ft are easily readable on this excellent tool for your fishing trips. This is an easily operating fun with the sonar sensor that you simply toss in the water and begin finding the fish with ease. You can toss the sonar from any location.

This is an excellent depth finder for pier fishing and those who love to fish for relaxation. This is a simple depth finder for those who love to camp out and fish for the fun of it. It has simple fish symbols so it is easy even for children to learn on the weekends. Get this excellent depth finder for your fun weekend fishing trips and find the fish quickly for the fun of it.

Signstek is the perfect take-along tool for the best time catching fish from all of your favorite bank fishing spots.

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• 512 colors TFT V240*H160 sunlight readable with white LED frontlight
• 100-level sensitivity setting and multi levels depth range
• Depth reading from 2.0 to 240ft in 1/10th precision
• Bottom contour and water temperature indicator
• Easy to operate; Simply turn the power on and cast the sonar sensor from the bank, rock, bridge, or boat

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4. Humminbird 409620-1 HELIX 5 DI Fish Finder with Down Imaging and GPS

This is one of the handiest fish finders available with built in SD card so that you can keep track of the maps you want to record for your favorite hot spot fishing. This great little tool has GPS tracking for the fish you want to chart along the way. Find all the places you want to keep for each of your favorite fishing trips.

This great little fish finder is great for your lake trips and fresh water haunts. You can map every place you find the fish and keep it with your SD card. No more keeping track of land monuments or maps that are outdated. You can keep up with the latest places you find the fish congregating for the catch of the trip. If you love simple technology in a depth finder that works the Humming bird is the best fish finder for your best fishing trips.

Mount this to your boat and get going with color display and precision tracking of the fish. If you like your depth finders simple and easy this is the one for your favorite week long trips of relaxing fishing with ease. Make it a competition with your buddies and enjoy showing them up with the map cartography of this great fish finder every time. (The Humminbird Helix 5 is the best fish finder for the money.)

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• Precision Internal GPS Chartplotting with built-in UniMap cartography
• Maximize your angling experience with the Humminbird HELIX 5 DI GPS fishfinder GPS system
• Micro SD card slot for optional maps or saving waypoints along with a gimbal mounting system

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5. Venterior Portable Wired Sonar Fish Finder

If you are a lover of portable depth finders this great take along depth finder is for any trip you take. If you want the upper hand this depth finder with sonar sensor with tranducer float actually sounds an alarm when the fish are nearby.

This portable depth finder will show your water temperature and give the depth of where the fish are hiding. It also detects objects, sand and weeds. It can detect depths up to 100 meters deep. You can find schools of fish with this portable little wonder. Using sonar technology, the transducer locates structures and even measures distances. It can determine the size of structure. You can use the autozoom tracking This best fish finder is even waterproof. This handheld depth finder is one of the best purchases you can make for fishing trips.

Portable and easy to carry it takes little room to pack in your tackle box. This is an excellent depth finder for those trips with your buddies where you are not the captain. This great fish finder even comes with a convenient neck strap so you can keep up with your depth finder anywhere you fish. You can find the fish no matter what fishing trip you take with this great little fish finder.

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• Get the approximate location of fish and the depth as well as the Temperature of water
• Detect and display short & tall weeds, and rocks on seabed
• Round transducer sensor with 25 feet cable, 45-degree beam angle; Depth range from 1M to 100m.
• With fish depth scale and audible fish alarm; Apply to the pond, river, sea and other fishing environment
• Attention: 1. It will turn off itself if depth display reads “–” for 5 minutes for power saving. 2. The transmitter is waterproof, but the receiver (unit with screen) is not waterproof, so please do not put the receiver into water.

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6. Garmin Echo 551dv Worldwide with Transducer

For those who love serious fish detection this depth finder is serious. Made by Garmin it has to be one of the best fish finders out there for this serious competitive fisherman. This depth finder has vertical and horizontal display with a split screen for ultimate viewing of the water below.

This depth finder even shows structures just beneath the boat you are riding in so you know what is beneath you. This depth finder even shows bottom structure in photographic display with five-inch-high resolution VGA color display. This excellent tool for the serious fisherman has a sonar that reaches 4000ft depths and shallows as well. T

his excellent little fish finder even has a trolling motor mount for those who love to use their depth finders anywhere. Mount this great finder to your boat if you want top information about your fishing haunts.

Garmin is one of the best brand names in fish finders and when you purchase a Garmin you know you are getting a quality depth finder for your fishing needs. Serious fishermen depend on Garmin for their best fishing trips. This fish finder does not disappoint those who love the Garmin brand of depth finders.

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• Color Display Fish Finder
• Includes: echo 551dv, 4-pin all-in-one 77/200 kHz HD-ID / DownVu transducer with transom mount and trolling motor mount, tilt/swivel quick-release mount, Power cable, documentation
• Display Resolution 480 x 640(VGA)

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7. Raymarine Dragonfly 6 Navionics+ Fish Finder with CPT-60 Transducer

This depth finder is easy to use with easy to learn controls for the beginning fisherman. If you want expert depth finding on your first trips out learning this great sport this depth finder is for you.

The Dragonfly has photographic imaging and fifty channel internal GPS. If you are one who loves to catch on quickly this depth finder is the one for you. Be an expert and identify structures and fish on your first trip out. Find the hot spots with a simple and easily handy depth finder with the dragonfly.

This is an excellent present for your favorite new fisherman. If you want all the depth finding without the tricky controls this simple tool is perfect to find the fish easily even the first time you use it.

VGA display makes colors come alive and the structures are easily identified. If you are just starting out this is the perfect depth finder for your brand new skills. Great depth finders are not complicated when they are made to find the fish.

If you are searching for the perfect gift for your brand new fisherman this is an excellent fish finder that they will love every trip they take. The Raymarine is one of the best beginner fish finders on the market.

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• Splay Type: LED backlit, sunlight-viewable, 5.7″diag, 640 x 480 Pixels
• 50-channel internal GPS
• Dual-channel sonar – wide-spectrum CHIRP Down Vision sonar for photo-like images and a second CHIRP conventional sonar channel for targeting fish
• Simple to use; Power on and become a Dragonfly expert in minutes

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8. Lowrance Hook-7 Sonar GPS Mid High Downscan Navionics+ Fishfinder

The best fish finders really depend on the tastes of the fisherman and this is a great tool for the fisherman who is serious about his hobby.

This fish finder has a seven-inch display using sonar imaging so you have the best view possible. This depth finder has US maps built right in so you can go anywhere and be prepared with the best possible information. If you are a tournament fisherman this is an excellent tool for your best competitive fishing.

This is an excellent gift for the retiring fisherman who wants to tour the country. The maps of every available fishing spot are loaded in and ready for the trip of a lifetime. The hot spots are all mapped with Navionics. Automatically adjusting controls reduce the need for adjusting the settings as you are catching the big one.

This great fish finder can even track back with sonar recorded history for the best places you want to revisit on your trips. This fish finder also has a great GPS antenna which increases precision tremendously for fish finding. Get this for your favorite long time fisherman who is ready to fish and have the time of their life.

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• Lowrance-exclusive, brilliant, high-resolution, 7 inch , color display
• CHIRP sonar plus downscan imaging combined to provide the best possible view beneath the boat
• Highly accurate, built-in GPS antenna plus a detailed U.S. Map featuring more than 3,000 lakes & rivers & coastal contours to 1,000ft
• Optional Americas chart upgrades include Lake insight & nautic insight Pro & HD, navionics hotmaps premium & fishing hotspots Pro
• Global chart upgrade options include navionics + & jeppesen c-map max-n

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9. Humminbird 409850-1 Helix 7 SI GPS Fish finder with Side Imaging Sonar

For the simple fishing experts this depth finder has it all ready to make your trip a great success. With a side screen sonar feature this depth finder has a display that can be read in the sun.

This simple depth finder puts more on the screen showing all of the environment you are fishing in. This is one of the best fish finders for those who want all the information without all the buttons and lights.

This is a great depth finder with a glass bonded display. The no glare screen makes your vision under water perfect for finding the best hot spots while you fish. It has a depth range of 1500ft for finding those low hiding places fish love. You can also chart your favorite hot spots for later with Auto chart along your trip.

This great humminbird even has a side sonar display which shows the bottom and the side of your boat as you fish. The screen automatically refreshes so you have a completely fresh view with this great fish finder which has a 16.9 ratio display for the clearest imaging from every aspect for your best view from this great fish finder. (The Humminbird Helix 7 is the Best Fish Finder GPS Combo .)

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• 16:9 widescreen Glass-Bonded Display
• Ultra-bright, glare-free, any-angle viewing
• Crisp 480 x 800 pixel resolution

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10. Vexilar SP200 Sonar Phone T-Box Smartphone Fish Finder

Mount this depth finder permanently to your boat and turn your tablet or smart phone into the depth finder instantly.

This great depth finder has alarms to show you where the fish are gathered and finds the fish in shallow or deep water.

If you love your technology this is the depth finder for you. With apps that trick out the display you can be an expert instantly with this futuristic best fish finder. This is a great fish finder for the technology lover who loves to fish. Show your best fish finding with the apps and easy to use controls using your smartphone or tablet.

Simply hook up your wares and start finding the fish instantly. This is for the tech savvy fishermen who love to use their apps and add even more control to set up exactly as they want to without all the built in controls the sky is the limits with this great fish finder. (The Vexilar SP200 T-Box Smartphone Fish Finder is the Best fish finder for small boat .)

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11. Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro Down Imaging Fish Finder

For the modern fisherman, there are not many gadgets that can top a GPS / fish finder combo. The Dragonfly 7 Pro features built in GPS, Wi-Fi, and an LCD display. This unit centers around the CHIRP sonar technology which is leaps and bounds beyond scanning and imaging tech of the past. The all-weather bonded LCD display has great contrast and clarity any time of day and can be adjusted with a built-in mounting system for any viewing angle.

With reliable high speed bottom tracking and CHIRP down vision, the device is reliable up to 600ft of depth. Split the screen to use one of several built-in navigation maps and charts while also taking advantage of side by side live sonar imaging. Built in Wi-Fi means you can update, download, and upload sonar logs to improve your experience and contribute to improving the community.

• Split screen capability
• Ball-and-socket mounting hardware
• CHIRP down imaging
• Wi-Fi for uploading and downloading data

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12. Lowrance Elite-7 Ti Touch Screen Combo Fish Finder

Touchscreen tech at 800×480 pixels on this 7” full color display is a great compromise between high-end and high function. LED backlighting means an adjustable, crisp light for viewing in all conditions including bright sunlight.

500W max output and multiple operating frequencies can yield great scanning depth with the CHIRP sonar, StructureScan, or DownScan imaging settings. With optional chart upgrades and software updates, you can run just about any high-end chart for navigation or information. It’s even easy to scroll back through the sonar history to find and mark fish and structure targets with GPS waypoints for future ease of navigation. Internal 10Hz high sensitivity WAAS GPS antenna makes accurate navigation possible with ease. Tons of custom mapping options are available to supplement the “Enhanced Elite Basemap” such as Lake Insight, Nautic Insight PRO, and HD as well as Insight Genesis.

• Up to 31 available language options
• Storage for up to 3000 GPS waypoints
• Depth and shallow alarms

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13. Simrad GO7 XSE Chartplotter TotalScan Fish Finder

Bright high contrast touch screen helps this device look as sleek as it operates. Chart plotter technology with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi to access maps, charts, and updates makes the device as easy to upgrade as it is to operate. NMEA 2000 access means you can control and monitor your engine, speakers, and onboard accessories from one single interface.

Another awesome feature is forward-looking sonar called ForwardScan which projects in front of the boat as you travel to search for obstructions and potential obstacles. CHIRP sonar, StructureScan, SideScan, and DownScan imaging provide you access to all the views, data, and images you’ll need to get a full picture of exactly what’s under the boat. This is the perfect unit for dayboats, party boats, and sportboats. The GO7 XSE also comes preloaded with 14 languages which makes it a great international choice for anyone.

• NMEA 2000 allows full control of your boat
• Touch screen
• Slim design
• Bluetooth Capable

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So we tested the Fish Finder

Thus, Easily the right fish finder for your very personal needs, see, we have taken the Fish Finder test in many different points of consideration. Because of course there is no Fish Finder which is equally recommended for all. Rather, it depends on what the device is to be used. Depending on the preference of an angler some categories are more important and some less important. All fish finders in the test in 2019 had to prove to us in the following categories:

Bathymetry

In this category, we test how deep a fish finder can measure, and the depth to which the results of still are using. We pay particular attention to whether a particular model can also comply with the promises of the manufacturer. Because if a fish finder with a depth ranging from 900 meters is advertised, it should reach this depth without problems and thereby provide useful results. The fact that a device in this category, it is for a purchase hardly interesting because it is one of the key points in each Best Fish Finder.

Angle

The angle is in a fish finder an important corner because it also determines the range of measurement. A single measurement of only one frequency, for example, provides a fairly accurate picture but recognized on only a relatively small point of water. With Dual Beam already higher angle can be achieved, and it can be a range of about 60 ° capture, which is approximately three times that of a conventional single-beam. The best results but provides the so-called Side Imaging, which ranges up to 86° can cover. About the technical details you need to make in this category, but not too much thought. We analyze the fish finder test exactly which area a particular model captures and how well the results of the measurements fail here.

Processing and stability

Since Best Fish Finder always free to be used, they are high loads exposed. Therefore, we consider in this category if the material easily fresh- and saltwater resists and whether it even the occasional fall or extreme weather conditions survived. At best, a user should have to worry about the state of its sonar, and this can still use in any situation.

Measurement accuracy

Even the Best Fish Finder does not help much if the instruments do not provide accurate results. Therefore, we are testing at this point, how reliable the test results turn out of each device. High-class fish finder need for constantly good results differs between fresh and salt water can. In the latter, there is a significantly greater resistance by around floating plankton and other factors, so that the sound waves are longer move. For that reason, a sonar can be arising with false results and so that the users could be misleading by it.

Display

During the presentation, we examine the way in which the measurements are processed fish finder. This is especially interesting for beginners who do not yet have the self-sufficient experience to interpret the results themselves. A good fish finder delivers so many self-explanatory pictures as possible and displays clean and clear. Especially in this respect is less sometimes more. If a fish finder can hide irrelevant information independently, which is a plus point in any case? It is also important in this regard, the display used. Only high-resolution, high-contrast LCD with adequate lighting can be read easily even in bright sunshine.

Reliability

Regarding reliability we expect from the Best Fish Finder especially that it works well for extended periods and to provide acceptable results. A wear of individual components should not take place too quickly, as this is almost a sure sign of inferior materials. We simulate these tests from many anglers who are using Best Fish Finder over several years.

Price and performance

Each fish finder test the price always plays an important role. Cheap devices do not have all kinds of features, but may still be eligible for some users when high quality and are good results deliver. Expensive equipment may other hand allow much less error and should have many useful features. We consider this point very accurately whether a particular device is worth its price or if the manufacturer has too much to ask.

What should I look for when buying the Best Fish Finder?

Anyone planning to buy a fish finder, should especially their own claims to keep in mind. Buying a sounder for deep water is about little sense if you only on a local lake with shallow waters and want to fish. Moreover, just should not necessarily spend the same amount of money for beginners. Who has not yet determined whether the hobby fishing really suits him long term, can be a guild-first effective model set?

In general, quality plays an important role when buying. Whether cheap or expensive, each fish finder should have high-quality materials. This will ensure that the results are useful, and the device withstands some loads. Of course, you should pay attention to the delivery. At best, there is everything available, which is necessary for the operation and installation of the fish finder.

Especially at stationary models, it is helpful if already all materials for mounting are included. This feature eliminates the annoying additional purchases of tools.

Brief information on leading manufacturers

There are many different manufacturers of Best Fish Finders and also no-name products are not always automatically bad. To get a first impression, but we were the four largest and best-known manufacturers considered in more detail for you.

Internet vs. Traders: where to find the Best Fish Finder?

Anyone who has once decided to buy a fish finder faces the question of where this should be bought at the best. The Internet is an excellent point. It can be found here many different stores that have a wide assortment. Almost all current models can be in this way order quickly and easily, and you do not need to leave the house for buying a fish finder.

A big advantage is the comparatively low prices. Thanks to the strong competition, providers undercut each other regularly, and customers benefit from unbeatable deals. And there have a return policy for you if you got the defective items. Even when buying on the internet you have the full statutory warranty.

Also, you even have the right to return a fish finder within 14 days and get reimbursed the full sale price. Only the postage must then take in some stores buyers.

Buying a fish finder in retail is difficult for several reasons. Firstly, it is difficult to find even a store that carries the devices. Most electrical distributors refrain, so more of a shop specifically for fishing equipment should be consulted.

But even if such a person is first found, it offers only a fraction of the selection of the Internet. Not infrequently, there are only one or two devices that have already been replaced by the successor, and the prices cannot compete with the Internet generally. Because of the numerous advantages, it is therefore strongly recommended to buy a fish finder on the Internet.

Find out & Guides

The history of the fish finder

The history of the sounder begins with sonar. During the First World War, it investigated several states simultaneously independently. In Germany, first successful sonar inventor was Alexander Behm. In the years 1916 and 1920, he applied for two patents and eventually founded his own company for the economic exploitation of their findings.

In the following years, the technology was almost exclusively in the military for use. The research dealt with it, the principle to refine ever to enemy detect submarines sure to. After the end of World War II, however, the military significance sonar faded into the background.

Instead made now more and more economic companies to use the devices to which to make shipping safer. Also, fisheries discovered the benefits of sonar in this time for yourself.

Fish finder for home saw only the end of the fifties the light of day. At this time, recognized Carl Lowrance, founder of Lowrance and his sons get benefits of sonar in fisheries. In their excursions, they found that most areas of any body of water were completely free of fish.

These collect much more at certain points. Could determine exactly where these hot spots are an angler, he would logically be a much higher chance of success. The problem for the Lowrance family was not the technology partner because this was quite already available.

However, the devices cost about 2,000 dollars. Adjusted for inflation, this represents today almost 17,000 dollars. For most anglers that was much too expensive. Lowrance and his sons made it, however, a fully functional device for only $ 150 offer. That was the birth of the first commercial fish finder.

Today barely avoided an angler on the practical devices and thanks to the great success found ever new technological developments make their way into modern Fish Finder. Also, the prices were always lower because many companies are in constant competition.

Facts and figures about the Best Fish Finder

The fish finder has developed today practically a standard accessory for every angler. This is thanks to mainly the reduction of the equipment. Goods Sounders in the fifties still the size of a closet and several kilograms, thus there are that art today in handy devices weighing partly under 100 grams.

Thanks to smartphones, the devices can now also place arbitrary, because the data simply transmitted wirelessly can be and the angler so always has an overview, without having to hold the Fish Finder to be in hand.

Unfortunately, there are no reliable figures on sales or the distribution of Fish Finders. The mere historical development gives a good impression of it. Founded as a family company Lowrance employs nowadays, for example, more than 1,000 employees around the globe.

The technical development of fish finders goes hand in hand with the public availability of GPS.Since the USA their navigation satellites make available to the public, to make this the producers of echo sounders to Use. The technique helps partly for accurately locating and may anglers betrayed beyond where they have already searched for and which sites they previously rather neglected.

It is no surprise. Therefore, hardly that navigation companies such as Garmin have discovered the market for itself the Fish Finder. Conversely, also developed Lowrance, who’ve actually known for their fish finder, from the 1990s, many GPS devices.

Modern Fish Finder for private use Send mostly with frequencies from 50 to 200 kHz, but there are some exceptions. Interesting are the devices so that for water depths of up to 1,000 meters, which should be more than sufficient for any small and larger lakes. Only on the open sea fall Best Fish Finder partly to their limits. But here anyway fishing only real experts as de needs well off the positioning are significantly higher than in other waters. Overall, make Fish Finder but newcomers as well as professionals the fishing much easier.

Explains the depth sounder

The functioning and the structure of a sonar are comparatively simple. Each unit includes first a so-called encoder. It is a structure of a conductive crystal and a mating housing. This device is capable of ultrasonic waves to produce and emit. The sound waves propagate in the water and bounce back from everything that gets in the way. The transmitter serves simultaneously as a kind of microphone.

Based on the duration until the sound waves return can be seen how far an obstacle is removed. The intensity reveals in turn, said it could be the obstacle. If virtually all sound waves reflected, as is usually the basic body of water reaches. But If only part of the sound waves back, so it could also be rock formations, shipwrecks, plants or even fish act.

How accurate the results are available, mainly depends on the frequency of the ultrasonic waves from. The higher the frequency, the more detail can be sensed as the encoder can operate with more sound waves. The disadvantage of a high frequency, however, is the relatively small range. Because the lower the frequency, the farther to the sound waves propagate. To the water depth at certain, therefore, are low-frequency vibrations recommended. Many fish finders also set equal to a two different frequencies to the advantages of both types to combine with each other.

When using sonar, in any case, the user’s expertise is in demand. Because the results of, measurement must always be interpreted correctly. While there are devices that already automatically do this part, but the predictions are never 100% accurate. The only experience reveals a fisherman, which he has conducted a measurement and what he must observe everything. It is important, for example, to determine the speed of sound in water.

This depends on several factors, such as the salinity of the water, the temperature, and the pressure. Only with a good starting value can be ultimate with the depth sounder and precise distance information calculated. Although fish finder thus gives an angler many advantages, they still cannot take over all the work.

When looking at the technology can also be seen that the name fish finder is not entirely correct. Because no device is actually certainly, findable fish. The echo sounders give only indications of possible shoals.

10 Tips and tricks for the optimal use of the Best Fish Finder

For all people new to fish finder we have tips and tricks summarized below 10, which may facilitate the introduction to the subject in some cases significantly.

1. Choose the right fish finder

Before buying, make sure in any case, to choose the Best Fish Finder. For first steps, it is of little use to access equal to expensive models with excellent facilities. Beginners can start little with most additional features anyway. Also, each has to be clear, in which waters of fishing vessels is to be used. Who wants to go fishing in shallow water with a depth up to 5 meters or dive, do not have access to a model with a long range.

2. Get to know your device

Before first use, everyone should familiarize you with its fish finder. Get to know the equipment and make yourself a picture of all of its functions. The manual is, in any case, a good companion. It answers all possible questions and helps in the introduction to the subject. Especially with the first trips; it is therefore also a good idea, the manual easy to carry.

3. Perform multiple measurements

To a very high precision is to be achieved, it is recommended that the same conduct several measurements. In this way, also any errors in a single measurement can rule better. Professionals are indeed often even with only one measuring well served, but beginners should not be afraid to work hard to change the fish finder.

4. Start small

Who has collected little or no experience with a fish catcher, this should first in shallow water make up. The shallower the water, the more accurate the measurements of a fish knife. Also, very cheap models do here already good services. In this way, fishermen can get used to the operation of their fish finder. The thus collected knowledge is helpful later on excursions into deeper water in any case.

5. Understand the results of the fish finder

Essential for every fisherman and diver, it is the results of the fish finder interpret them correctly to be able. A color display is certainly a good help, but not a must. Good fish finder provides important clues in the manual, but otherwise, the Internet is an excellent point. Incidentally, there are between individual fish finders partly differences in the manner of representation.

6. Proper care

A fish finder can only function reliably when it is well maintained. This includes, in particular, to lay the cables properly and adequately protected against external influences. Also, however, it is also important to check a device regularly for its functionality. Thus, there are no faulty measurements later on. Check the leaves easily in shallow water, in which obstacles to the naked eye already visible. Displays the fish finder will not turn you on so possibly is a repair or a new device needed. Such functional test is about all 6 to 12 months is recommended. Of which from the device should be handled with care and, of course, always good.

7. Healthy Distrust

Also, a fish finder can be wrong. Therefore, a healthy dose of skepticism is nothing wrong in using. Whenever you doubt the measurements have, it is useful to have a carry out another measurement. Only with reliable information help fish finder to success. Many models also have a certain error rate. In very favorable echo sounders, therefore, no one should place undue reliance on the results, but also listen to your own experience.

8. Preserve peace

Fish finder works best when the boat quietly located on the water. One is moving boat can contrast the falsify results. Of course, it is not always possible to achieve a complete standstill. But the boat should be kept as quiet as possible during measurement. It is of little use, a motor boat to dash across a lake and continuously perform measurements. The recovered information characterized hardly help in the search for fish or other things continue on the bottom of the water.

9. Proper placement

For a fish finder to work properly, it must also be correctly placed naturally. Where exactly is the best position, of course, depends always on the boat. As a rule, however, provides a space at the rear, where the fish finder at best has to contact with the water. Only then he can also output information on the water temperature. If this is not possible, most devices can be but also place within a boat.

10. Nothing replaces experience

Ultimately helps a fish finders cannot so well on as their own experience. Therefore, Just stay on the ball and be of any failures do not get discouraged. With each use of your fish finder you learn something new, and with time, you will be so all by itself to experts.

How to Choose the Best Fish Finder Infographic

Useful accessories

Accessories for Best Fish Finder there are mainly in the form of spare parts. These are not only suitable for replacement of defective parts but partly also to upgrade an existing device. With a new, higher-quality encoder can be, for example, the precision or the reach significantly improve. Also, some models can be retrofitted with a temperature gauge.

For each fish knife is indispensable silicone with which can be both the device and the cable for superior fit. The material has the advantage that it is not very stable, but also waterproof. Thus, it keeps the water safely away from the electronic components of sonar.

An equally interesting accessories is a so-called switch. This principle is a wire which connects to a transmitter, and two terminals can be connected. This can read out the results of measurements at the same time more than one person. For trips with friends or acquaintances, such a switch is particularly useful.

The simple structure of Best Fish Finders there is not otherwise a lot of accessories. Worth mentioning is still speedometer, but they are interesting only for special requirements. Who has problems with the installation, but found after a short search aids such as a mounting bracket or the like. But in most cases bring Best Fish Finder already in delivery, all with what for a smooth operation is required.

Whoever still buying accessories plans should already be careful when buying the Fish Finder that this order at all compatible is. This is true no means to all devices. Above all, the best versions often allow no attachment of accessories.

Alternatives to fish finder

Correct alternatives to the Best Fish Finder do not exist. Although there are some methods also to determine the depth differently in this way obtain anglers and divers no information on any obstacles or even fish in the water. Who already knows good hot spots or having let recommend certainly can go fishing even without a Fish finder. But for those who want to run this hobby something committed, there is no way past a good fish finder.

In very familiar waters such as the Baltic, there are also many in the network information on the nature of the seabed, as well as some tips on fish stocks on the Internet. For starters, this is certainly very helpful, but without its own Best Fish Finder Anglers must still reckon with disadvantages. On the one hand, they have the latest information at any time.

Schools of fish are not stationary structures, which would always find the same place. Instead, they constantly are in movement. Precise positioning is therefore only in real time possible. Moreover, those who rely on external sources of information are limited to a small selection of waters.