The best fish finders for fishing

A fish finder is a small fishing device designed primarily for locating schools of fish at different depths. Also, his tasks include the study of the type of soil, the state of the bottom of the reservoir and its features, drawing up routes. Without this device, the catch will not be so rich, but it requires choosing only the best fishfinders for fishing. We studied the offers available on the market, selecting the 30 best ones. By comparing their characteristics and analyzing reviews, the rating included 9 models for fishing in winter and summer.

Fish finder for fishing which company is better to choose

There are many companies on the market that produce echo sounders, but not all of them are worthy of attention. We studied the current offers and selected the products of the 8 most reliable manufacturers, according to customer reviews. Among them there are both European and Asian and American firms. Here are the brands we are talking about:

• Deeper - the company produces echo sounders for professionals and amateurs. They, depending on the model, have a wide range of functions and allow you to explore in detail unknown places. The devices in its range are distinguished by increased power, the presence of a GPS module and an optimal casting range. On average, their scanning depth is 100 m.
• Lowrance - manufacturer of echo sounders for winter and summer fishing from a wooden or PVC boat, as well as from the shore. He also manufactures the accessories necessary for the efficient operation of these devices. Their cost is adequate, and a wide range allows you to choose the most optimal option. Usually they come with a 1-2 year warranty, although their service life is much longer. Most of them are equipped with a display that is distinguished by brightness and image detail.
• Raymarine - radars, autopilots, thermal imagers and echo sounders are produced under this brand, and the company has a very decent choice of the latter. The manufacturer's devices are automated to the maximum, which greatly simplifies their use. Some of them can operate under ice and detect fish even through the thick bottom of a boat or larger vessel. True, the cost of the company's products is quite high.
• FishHunter - radars, autopilots, echo sounders and various accessories for them are produced under this brand. She has both wired models and devices that work without cables. Such products are sold with a 3D attachment, which gives a three-dimensional image of the bottom. With the help of both, you can fish from the shore, a small boat, from the pier. There are suggestions here for both beginners and experienced fishermen. As for the cost, there are both budget options and more expensive devices.
• Practician-NTs - the company has its own production, which produces echo sounders for summer and winter fishing, fishing from the shore and boats, for amateurs and professionals. With their help, depending on the model, you can create your own depth maps, determine the size of the target, study the state of the bottom, build routes to selected points. They have a sealed housing and simple, flexible settings.
• Lucky - the motto of this company is the phrase “You will always know where to fish better”. The basis of the company's assortment is represented by devices with wireless technology, which have no analogues on the market. Some of them work on their own, others require connection to gadgets. Due to the need for additional equipment, the latter are usually cheaper.There are suggestions here both for use in a relatively stationary position of the fisherman, and when moving him at speed.
• Garmin Is one of the most popular companies in the market for the production of fish finders, which are considered the best among the competitors. They are unique in that they have advanced echolocation technology with precise modulation, which makes it possible to obtain images without distortion and special settings. Many of them have built-in GPS for easy navigation, as well as a water temperature sensor. Garmin products have a good viewing angle and high sensitivity.
• Humminbird Is an American company that has been helping fishermen to get good catches for over 40 years. Moreover, it works for both amateurs and professionals. The creation of the company's products is based on innovative developments that have no analogues. So, it is she who owns 3-D technology, which opens up a more visual overview of the underwater space. Its range includes both budget options and products for complex tasks.

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Rating of the best echo sounders for fishing

The basis for including this or that device in this TOP was customer reviews, expert opinions, and the results of our testing. Naturally, the analysis took into account the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. Here are the selection parameters taken into account:

• The purpose of the device is for winter or summer fishing;
• Weight and dimensions;
• Sonar type - for fishing from the shore or from a boat;
• Scanning depth;
• Functionality - determination of the type of soil, search for depressions, assessment of the bottom structure;
• Mounting method;
• Availability of options for compiling and saving maps;
• Search speed for fishing spots;
• Power supply method - from the network, accumulator, batteries;
• Viewing angle;
• The number of rays;
• Brightness and detail of the image;
• Display diagonal;
• Is there Wi-Fi;
• Transducer cable length.

One of the parameters for the selection of echo sounders was the ratio of their price and quality, as well as the reputation of manufacturers and their availability in the market.

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The best fish finders for winter fishing

When selecting the best echo sounders, we compared 15 models, but only 5 of them were included in the rating. The reason for this was successful testing and many positive reviews. These models need to withstand low temperatures and be suitable for fishing under ice.

Deeper Smart Sonar Pro

This device was chosen among 5 models, winning in terms of efficiency, accuracy and versatility. Although officially intended for use in the winter, you can go fishing with it successfully in the summer, using it as an ordinary flasher. This is a multifunctional assistant that allows you to make maps when moving around any water bodies and determine the bottom topography. This is one of the best echo sounders for boat fishing with the ability to cast it up to 100 m.

Advantages

• Scans to a depth of 80 m;
• Precise focusing on the target;
• High scanning frequency - 15 times per second;
• Built-in GPS module;
• All built maps can be saved on the device;
• Weighs 100 g;
• Two beams;
• Powered by both batteries and accumulator.

disadvantages

• You need a smartphone to display information.

Deeper Smart Sonar Pro helps you observe the movement of fish and find the most suitable moment and place to fish.

Lowrance HOOK2 4x GPS

This fish finder is good, according to reviews, makes simple and quick navigation, which helps to instantly respond to the appearance of a sufficiently large number of fish. Its sensor is very sensitive to her movements, and this is not affected by the depth, which can reach 150 m. One of the advantages is the wide operating temperature range, down to -55 ° C. Thus, the device can be used even in very cold water in winter.

The model is interesting from the point of view of functionality - it allows you to plot and save the found routes to fishing spots using the built-in GPS navigator.The reviews speak out positively about the automation of the device, which can independently carry out all the settings, taking into account the situation. The device is equipped with a screen with a diagonal of 4 inches, which eliminates the need for additional gadgets.

Advantages

• There is a screen backlight;
• 1000 waypoints;
• There are 6 routes in the settings;
• You can enlarge the image;
• The presence of a sound alert about finding a fish;
• Accurate GPS.

disadvantages

• Power supply is possible only from the mains;
• Only one beam.

Raymarine Dragonfly-4 PRO

It is one of the most versatile echo sounders in the rating, as it can detect fish at a depth of 275 m. At the same time, it displays a high resolution image of the bottom and allows you to accurately detect targets. The screen is glare-free and easy to see in all weather conditions. It has a useful option - determining the size of objects, which helps to decide in advance whether it is worth spending time fishing.

The GPS receiver is responsible for fast location detection. Navigation in space allows support for cartography Navionics, SMAP. Raymarine Dragonfly-5 PRO is installed on the boat transom and is held securely there. The device can accept a MicroSD card, a slot for which is made on the body of the remote control, and due to this, loaded maps and other data can be saved here.

Advantages

• 300,000 waypoints;
• Transducer cable length is 6 m;
• Easy transition between operating modes;
• No manual configuration required, automatic selection of the required parameters;
• Dual channel CHIRP technology;
• Can be installed almost anywhere on the boat;
• One year warranty.

disadvantages

• Weight in 540 g.

The frequency modulation technology used here facilitates the processing of the signal sent from the sensor and suppresses noise.

FishHunter Directional 3D

This is a state of the art wireless 3D float sounder and one of the best for boat fishing. Its peculiarity lies in the possibility of immersion in water to a depth of 50 m. When a fish is found here, it instantly sends a signal and displays the necessary information on the screen of a phone or tablet. Compared to previous models, this option is better due to the presence of 3 beams, which speeds up object detection. This option is mainly suitable for throwing from the shore or fishing on ice. It can be used even in the coldest season, at temperatures down to -35 ° C.

Advantages

• You can create bottom maps and save them in the FishHunter app;
• Directional echolocation function;
• Shows the depth and position of the fish relative to the echo sounder;
• Five sensors, and each one displays the reflected signal in split screen mode;
• Good color scale making it easy to find grooves;
• Saves time when assessing the relief;
• Determines the depth through ice.

disadvantages

• GPS is only available through a mobile device;
• There is no arm cover included.

Reviews show that the FishHunter Directional gives a clear, detailed picture and has good viewing angles due to the 3D function.

Practitioner ER-6Pro2

It is the best low cost fish finder for locating fish, but its capabilities are somewhat limited. With the help of this device it is possible to assess the condition of the bottom, but the Practitioner ER-6Pro2 will not physically be able to draw it in detail. It offers 28 levels of active operation, which makes fishing more efficient. With its help, even a novice fisherman will be able to get a good catch due to almost automatic operation, including when switching depths. The only thing missing here is GPS for mapping, and recording points would also be useful.

Advantages

• Good sensitivity;
• Two operating modes - "Flasher" and "Pro";
• Determines the size of the fish;
• Frost-resistant screen;
• Determines the density of the soil;
• Clearly displays the bottom structure;
• Automatic sensor diagnostics.

disadvantages

• One beam;
• Black and white screen.

Lucky FF1108-1

This is a budget fish finder for winter fishing from the shore or from a boat. With its help, it is possible to detect fish at a depth of 100 m, which it immediately notifies with sound. It is characterized by all the same functions as for most other such devices - determining the depth and size of fish, displaying the structure of the bottom. True, due to the black-and-white type of screen, it is impossible to quickly navigate, although it is good that for such little money it is here at all. The situation is somewhat corrected by the possibility of enlarging the image.

Advantages

• Works at temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees Celsius;
• Waterproof construction;
• Ergonomic, rubberized body;
• Beam angle 45 degrees;
• Catches a signal through the ice and the bottom of the boat;
• The cleanliness of the image when scanning.

disadvantages

• There is no boat mount.

The presence of the depth scale for fish detection makes this fish finder the best trolling for fishing.

The best fish finders for summer fishing

In the summer, an ordinary phisher may be enough. If the budget allows, then you can choose a more functional model from this category. It included 3 devices that received the most positive reviews. They are the most reliable, easy-to-use and effective.

Garmin Striker Plus 4

This is a professional fishfinder for summer fishing, which attracts with the widest possible range of functions. So, it not only determines the location of fish, compiles and stores maps using the built-in GPS, but also shows the speed of the boat. It delivers accurate data with a dual-beam transducer and clear color display. The 4.3 ”display is quite high-quality, it shows all the necessary information even in bright natural light. The device can act as an ordinary phisher and thus saves on its purchase.

Advantages

• Process automation;
• Can store up to 2 million acres of maps;
• Good separation of goals;
• Gives a good picture of what is under the ship;
• Flexibility in adjusting settings when trawling;
• Shows the bait if it falls into the range of the beam;
• Works both in a stationary position of the fisherman and when he is moving.

disadvantages

• It's unusual that the screen is not touch-sensitive.

Buyers choose the Garmin Striker Plus 4 for its ease of use, high reliability and good catch.

Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4

The device is designed to be mounted on a transom, it is used for fishing from a boat. This echo sounder is recognized as one of the best on the market due to the amplified signal and increased depth of echo location. Equipped with a dual-beam sensor, you can scan the water both around the craft and under it. Thus, it is possible to capture more targets and improve the catch. The tilt angle here is small, but due to the possibility of rotation and tilt of the support, it can be expanded.

Advantages

• Bright, color screen;
• 6 m transducer cable;
• Bright screen backlight;
• Scans water to a depth of 200 m;
• Easy control of echo sounder settings;
• Built-in temperature sensor.

disadvantages

• Small angles of exposure of the beam - 16 and 28 °;
• Power supply only from the mains.

Deeper Start

This model is suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. It is sold ready-to-use, complete. The device favorably stands out among other options from the rating with flexible settings and ease of control. Everything is in order and with functionality, with its help you can find out the type of detected fish, find out exactly its location and, thanks to the function of notes, save the places you like. A detailed echogram deserves special attention here, which helps to improve the catch. The echo sounder scans the water space to a depth of 50 m.

Advantages

• Magnetic USB charging cable without unscrewing the case;
• Automatic on and off;
• Charges from both batteries and accumulator;
• Affordable price;
• One year warranty;

disadvantages

• Does not determine the density of the bottom;
• Does not display water temperature.

Which fish finder is better to buy

Summing up the review of echo sounders for fishing, it should be noted that for use in local conditions with a shallow depth of water bodies, budget options that scan the water space by 50-200 m will be quite enough.If you plan to fish from a boat, especially from a motor, you need to consider that the device should not crash when used at speed. But in this case, you will need a device whose screen has a resolution of at least 300 pixels, otherwise it will be more difficult to see something.

Modern echo sounders usually have a built-in transducer with a frequency of 50 and 200 kHz. The former gives a greater angle of view and depth, while the latter works better at shallow depths. For fishing on a track or in trolling, a four-beam sensor will be relevant, and in other cases, a 1-2-beam sensor will be enough.

Here's what you can choose depending on your goals:

• Those looking for a basic flasher should consider purchasing the Deeper Smart Sonar Pro;
• For applications in very low temperatures, such as in the North, the Lowrance HOOK2 4x GPS can be used;
• For boat fishing, the Raymarine Dragonfly-4 PRO is the best choice;
• Those who plan to often fish on ice can take a closer look at FishHunter Directional 3D;
• From the shore, you will be able to fish well with the "Praktik ER-6Pro2" echo sounder;
• Lucky FF1108-1 behaves perfectly at high speeds;
• Those heading to new places should check out the Garmin Striker Plus 4;
• Beginner anglers should choose the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4;
• At shallow depths in summer, the Deeper Start performs well.

Of course, it is impossible to say unequivocally which echo sounder for fishing from our rating is better. As you can see from the above, there is one device for each task, therefore, when choosing it, one should rely on the conditions in which such a device will be used.