Best Fish Finder for Your Fishing Trip

Fishing has been one of the most popular wildlife activities for centuries now. In the ancient days, humans used to rely on fishing in order to survive since it was the only source of food for them. However, times have changed, and now fishing is more or less a hobby or a fun activity for individuals who still like to get their hands in the water.
In the past, fishers had to learn the art of angling and come up with strategic practices to catch the most fishes. For them, patience was their strongest virtue as it helped them get closer to their goal. But with the advancement in today’s technology, the lives of angler’s have become a bit simpler and easier with the help of fish finders.
Fish Finders are devices that amplify the strategy of the angler and help them utilize their time more efficiently. Fishing days are always fun and enjoyable. However, catching some wins amplifies the fun and makes the day even better. So, why not save some time and put in the best bait where there are more chances of checking one.
If you are not comfortable working with the fish finder or haven’t used the device before then, there is no need to worry. We are going to help you throughout the entire procedure so that you can invest in the best fish finder for your next coming fishing trip.

How does a Fish Finder Works?

Fish Finder, in scientific terms, is a type of sonar that is designed to help the anglers find fish underwater to make their task much more comfortable. Sonar is a device that detects sound in a particular region to locate certain objects. The same phenomenon is used in the case of fish finder or sounders you may call them.
The device is either attached under the boat or at the side of the boat depending on the type of fish finder you use. The tool then sends a sound pulse in the water and waits for it to echo. The device then detects the motion of the vibration to locate the exact location of the area where the sound bounced off. Underwater this is mostly at the place where there is a pool of fish. Thus the fish finder displays the location of the bounce off point on the screen provided.
Newer models of fish finders come with several smart features that add to the usability of the fish finder.  You can now find fish finders with different frequencies, integrated GPS navigation, marine radar, and compasses. All these features help you locate the pool of fishes underwater and mark the location for future use.

Type of Fish Finders

At this point, there are two basic types of fish finders that you can invest in depending on the two of fishing strategy that you tend you go with. The two types of fish finders commonly found are;

Down Scan Fish Finder

The purpose of the fish finder is prominent from the name. Such fish finders are attached to the base of the fishing boats and give you a clear picture of the area below the boat. They come in handy as they are directly submerged in the water and tend to provide a clear picture.

Side Scan Fish Finder

Side scan fish finders are attached to the side of the boat. They have the ability to scan images up to 240 feet away from the boat from each side. It is mostly used by professionals to explore sea wrecks as they give a clear picture of the surrounding area but can be used for scouting and fishing in lakes.

Benefits of Buying a Fish Finder

The traditional fishermen tend to stick to the old ways as they believe that using such technological products for fishing kills the actual fun of the whole activity. However, there might be some truth to that statement, but people who choose fishing as a profession tend to benefit a lot from technological products such as a fish finder. So let us look at the benefits of a fish finder which might convince you to invest in it for your next fishing trip.

Saves Time

The most significant advantage of a fish finder is that it saves a lot of your time and ensures that the time you spend fishing is productive and efficient. Instead of wasting your time at locations where you might not find anything, it is better to use the fish finder and locate the area where you can get what you came for.

Easy to Use

All fish finders are designed with the end-users in mind. Every fish finder brand has kept a simple user interface to ensure the ease of use of the devices. The graphics and icons are specific and easy to understand. A beginner or an inexperienced angler can also use the fish finder to make the most out of his fishing trip.

Predicts Quantity

Fish Finders have the ability to predict the number of fishes below you or in the surrounding region. This gives you the opportunity to choose your fishing location wisely. You can actually see the number of fishes in an area on your fish finder screen. Count them and make a decision whether it is enough or should you check out another location for better luck without wasting any time. 

Calculate Depth

Every fisherman is aware of the fact that different types of fishes reside in different depths. A fish finder helps you calculate the depth of the area where you might find the kind of fish that you are looking for. Knowing the right depth enables you to place the bait at the exact location so that you can easily catch what you came for. It saves you from the hassle of throwing your bait blindly in the water.

Predicts the Size

In densely populated areas, fishermen tend to compete with one another in terms of the size of the fish that each one catches. The one who catches the biggest fish tends to win. In such a case, fishfinders help you predict the size of the fish in your area so that you can be sure of it before you start getting excited. Knowing the size of the fish also helps you predict the type of fish that you might end up catching so overall, this is a great advantage.

Right Spot for Fishing

Fishing blindly in a river or lake is kind of stupid, especially for the beginners who have no idea what they are doing. In such a case a fish finder comes in handy and helps you choose the right spot for fishing. This means that you can easily spot the location where you will find the most fishes in a lake or a river. With the help of a fish finder, even the beginners can become pros. Plus the GPS navigator allows you to pinpoint the location and you can mark it for the next time as well so that you don’t have to go through the hassle again.

Affordable

As compared to the number of features that the devices provide, we must say that they are quite affordable. Knowing how to use the fish finder the right ways can help you catch some great wins for the day. They are expensive, but you can get cheaper alternatives if you keep a lookout for great deals on pointsuppliers.com.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Fish Finder

There are several great fishfinder brands out there, and each brand has launched many models; thus, it can become hard at times to pick out the best one. It is okay to feel lost at sea when looking for the right device for your use. The best way to overcome the problem is to learn about the essential features that you need in a fish finder and then use your knowledge to pick out the best fish finder that meets your standards. So let us look at the features that you need to keep a lookout for when buying a fish finder for your next fishing trip.

Transducer

The transducer is the most essential feature of the fish sounder. It is the part of the sounder that sends out the sound waves and receives the returning echoes to get an idea of what might be lurking underneath your or around you.
The cone angle, operating frequency, and installation type are the three main features that you need to consider when choosing the right transducer. The kind that you pick depends entirely on the kind of fishing strategies that you practice. Wider angles are much effective in proving a broader view in shallow waters as compared to deep water, so make your choice rationally.

Portable or Fixed

You can find both portable and fixed fish finders. Most anglers tend to invest in the portable version as they provide you with the luxury to carry them almost anywhere, plus they are much cheaper than the fixed sounders with require to be fixed in one place.
Although the portable models are getting more and more popular, but you can't ignore the luxuries that the traditional fixed units provide. They allow you to mount them in whatever way you wish. Plus they are more stable and consistent than portable models as well. If you have the budget, then it would be best to invest in a fixed model!

Screen size and display

The screen size and the display of your fish finder are as important as any other factor. You need to make sure that you get the fish finder with the right screen size, color, contrast, and other small details. All these features of the display determine the quality of the scanned image that you will get from the returning echoes.
Pixels are the most crucial feature to concentrate. More pixels mean a clearer picture, but at the same time, it also means more money. Although many users believe that it is worth every penny to invest in a fish finder with a colored large screen with high resolution as it makes deciphering much easier. So consider your budget and make the decision.

Frequency

Imaging sonars have the ability to operate at either low frequencies or high frequencies depending on how they are manufactured. Sonars with low frequencies cover hover around 50 kHz whereas sonars with high frequencies range from 192 kHz to 200 kHz.
Both the frequency options come with their own advantages. The low frequencies sonars work best in deep waters whereas high frequencies sonars work best in shallow waters. If the high-frequency sonars are used for deep waters, the frequency of the sound wave produced will get absorbed by the water, and the resulting image would be distorted. Thus choosing which one to invest in depends on the location where you will be fishing.

Cone Angle

Cone Angle is an essential feature to look for before you look at any other features. The thing about cone angle is that it affects the type of transducer and the frequency that you wish to go with. So considering it before any other factors is very important.
Cone angle refers to the width of the sound wave that is sent out. Since it travels in the shape of a cone thus the term is referred to as cone angle. A wide-angle will cover a wider area. This will provide you with a wider field of vision. So make sure to invest in the one that suits your budget.

GPS Integrated

GPS is come equally handy in the water as it does on the road. Many new models of the fish finders come with an integrated GPS which helps you reach the dry land easily after you are done for the day. Along with that, they also enable you to mark the locations of the fish pools for next time.
However, it is not an essential feature to look for when it comes to buying a fish finder. It is just an additional feature that enhances the functionality of the fish finder; thus, it depends entirely on your personal preference whether you wish to get one or not.

Scanning

Fishfinders conduct either a downscan or a sidescan. Each type of scan comes with its own perks and drawbacks. The downscan provides you with a detailed view of the fish school underneath your boat, whereas the sidescan provides you with a detailed view of the undisturbed water around your boat.
However, the downscan is too powerful for shallow waters; this can result in distorted images but works wonders in deep waters. The sidescan, on the other hand, is perfect for shallow waters but ineffective results in deep waters. Some newer models offer both the sidescan and the downscan option to the anglers.

Durability

Durability is another important feature that you need to consider before buying a fish finder so that your investment doesn't go to waste. You must make sure that the device securely mounts to the boat and has the ability to withstand the wears and tears from your fishing adventures. Choosing a durable model means having the device last for years.

Top Fish Finder Brands

There are several fishfinder brands available in the market, but only a few of them offer high-quality devices to the consumers. A fishfinder is a highly technical device. Thus it needs to be adequately manufactured to work efficiently.
It is best to purchase fishfinders from reputable brands. The thing about branded items is that their overall function remains constant. Plus every brand tends to manufacture new models every now and then, and each new model comes with advanced technology that enhances the functionality of the device.

• Lowrance
• Humminbird
• Garmin
• Raymarine
• Furuno

These are the top most reputable brands that offer trustworthy products to their consumers around the globe. These brands offer a number of fishfinder models that for sure are equipped with smart technologies that suit the needs of every angler. You won’t find a bad review for their products so if you wish to invest in a fishfinder, make sure that you get it from one of the brands mentioned above.

Best Lowrance Fish Finders

Lowrance HOOK2-5x 5"

The Lowrance HOOK2-5x 5" is one of the best fish finders manufactured by Lowrance. We must admit that it is a beast and one of the best choices that you can go with. But the thing about Lowrance HOOK2-5x 5" is that it is made for recreational fisherman.
The Lowrance HOOK2-5x 5" comes with a TripleShot transducer that comes with the DownVu, SideVu, and a CHIPR sonar. This provides you with the luxury to enjoy a much better fishing experience along with the foot cone that covers both side of your boat.
One of the greatest things about this device is that it comes with C-MAP US Inland Lake Maps with 1-foot contours for over 3,000 lakes plus standard coverage of an additional 9,000 lakes. This comes in handy to the fishermen who are stull inexperienced.
The 5 inch LCD provides you with enough visibility to check the depth and structure. However it is not as great as the 4 way split mode that is offered in other models but the two way vertical pains are also enough for recreational fishers.

Specifications;

• Easy to use
• Detailed lake maps
• Wider sonar coverage
• SplitShot Transducer
• CHIRP sonar

Our Verdict

We must say that the Lowrance Hook 2 – 5x5” provides you with the best value of money and defeats all fish finders similar to it that belong to the other brands. You can depend on the features and the functionality of the device to add the factor of ease in your fishing trips.

Lowrance HOOK2-7x 7"

The Lowrance HOOK2-7x 7" is another great two in one sonar that comes with a number of features and functions that make your fishing experience much more fun and exciting. The 7-Inch screen of the fishfinder comes with Solar Max Display that provides visibility to the users even in bright day light.
It doesn’t get easier than the Lowrance HOOK2-7x 7" because it comes with an automated sonar that allows you to focus more on your fishing and less on setting the sonar because we all know sometime inexperienced anglers spend all day long setting up the sonar the right ways.
The sonar offers 2 in 1 view which means that you can get both the side view and the downscan with the help of Lowrance HOOK2-7x 7" SplitShot sonar can give you are better view of your surroundings and help you find better schools of fishes in your area.
The built in navigation system and easy to install brackets add to the luxury of the fishfinder. You can easily set up the whole thing without having to go through any hassle.

Specification;

• 7-inch SolarMAX™ Screen
• Automated sonar settings
• Easy to use Interface
• SplitShot 2-in-1 Sonar
• Built-in GPS Plotter

Our Verdict

The Lowrance HOOK2-7x 7" come with a 2 in 1 automated sonar system that enhances the overall fishing experience of the fishermen. You can simply plug in the device with your boat and start fishing right ahead without any hassle.

Best Humminbird Fish Finders  

Humminbird ICE 35 - Ice Fishing Flasher

The Humminbird ICE 35 Ice Fishing Flasher is the best fish finder manufactured by Humminbird for diehard fishermen who love to fish in the icy lakes and rivers. We must admit that there haven’t seen any bad review for this fish finder which confirms that it is the best in terms of features and an affordable one as well.
The device offers a Dual Beam 9 Degree (240 kHz) and 19 Degree (455 kHz) transducer that offers you a wide corner angle allowing you to cover more area at a time. The flasher has the capability to run at the depths 20 ft., 40 ft., 80 ft. and 200 ft. which makes it perfect for both shallow and deep waters.
The three colored fiber optic flasher highlights the smallest of the details in the screen and makes it easy for the anglers to use the device even in low visibility. The face of the sounder also contains four extra buttons for zoom, noise, beam and gain selections that add to the functionality of the device.

Specification;

• 3-color fiber-optic flasher display
• Overlay depth scale delivers excellent viewing in sunlight
• 800 watts peak-to-peak power
• 10-step interference rejection
• 4 depth scales: 20', 40', 80', 200'
• 4 button control pad
• Dual Beam 9/19° Transducer
• Battery status indicator
• Shuttle mount with built-in gimbal bracket

Our Verdict

The Humminbird ICE 35 Ice Fishing Flasher is perfect for both deep water and shallow waters since it comes with a dual transducer which makes it quite versatile for the fishermen who love to fish at different depths. It is a bit expensive as compared to the other Humminbird fish finders but with the features that it offers, we believe it to be worth every penny.

Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 Fishfinder

You might be able to look under the clear waters but when it comes to ice fishing, it becomes impossible for you to look beneath the surface without the help of a fish finder. The Humminbird ICE Helix DI 5 Chirp G2 is one of the best choices for ice fishermen.
The fish finder comes with an in-built GPS that makes it easy for you to move around in the water and locate your exact location. It also comes with the Dual CHRIP sonar technology that gives the ability to send pulses with different frequencies. The dual technology makes it compatible for both shallow and deep waters.
The unit comes with the Xi 9 1521 ice transducer which covers the cone angle between 15° and 21°. The fish finder is equipped to work with any of the Helix 5 transducers, which gives it versatility but if you choose to stick with the one it comes with then it can reach the depth of 400 ft.

Specification

• CHIRP Frequencies (Out of Box Transducer)
• 455 kHz:  420-520 kHz
• 800 kHz:  790-850 kHz
• Maximum Depth:  600 feet
• Down Imaging Sonar

Our Verdict

The Humminbird ICE Helix 5 Chirp DI G2 offers a great number of features including the dual CHRIPP sonar technology, a 5” diagonal screen that comes with high resolution and a wide angle beam that allows more coverage at a time. It is an expensive choice though so it depends on your budget where you wish to go with this one or the ICE 35.

Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 DI

The Humminbird family has recently launched the PiranhaMax series and if you are recreational angler who is on a budget or isn’t comfortable spending a few hundred dollars on a fish finder then this must be the best choice for you.
The Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 DI is the most upgraded model of the series that is available in the market. The package comes with a transducer that supports 2D and down imaging. It has the ability to reach at the maximum depth of 600ft. 
It comes with the Dual Beam technology that offers two frequencies, 200 kHz and 455 kHz which allows it to work perfectly both in shallow and deep water. The beam angle for the two frequencies is 28 degrees and 16 degrees respectively.
It also offers down imaging and covers the cone angle of 75 degrees for 455 kHz. The CHRIPP technology is missing in this model but it does come with 2.5’’ target separation which allows you to separate the fish from the vegetation underneath.
Apart from the sonar related features, the control unit of the fish finder offers versatility and ease of use to the users. With its LED display, it makes it easy for the users to understand the scanned imagine even in low visibility.

Specifications;

• Frequency: 200/455/455
• Included Transducer: XNT-9-DI-T
• Resolution (VxH): 480 x 272
• Screen Size: 4.3'
• Speed/Temp: Temp Only
• Transducer Type: Transom Mount
• Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
• Watts RMS: 300w
• Box Dimensions: 2"H x 8"W x 11"L WT: 2.6 lbs.
• UPC: 082324048739

Our Verdict

The Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 DI with its dual beam technology and high power ability has become one of the most popular fishfinders in the market. Plus its screen in 20% bigger and its resolution is 70% better than the previous models which makes imaging and deciphering much easier.

Best Garmin Fish Finder

Garmin STRIKER 4 Portable Fishfinder

Garmin Striker is one of the best fish finder manufacturers in the market at the moment. The brand has produced a number of portable fishfinders but the STRIKER 4 fishfinder is the best that we have tried so far. The device comes with a 3.5 inch colored screen, an integrated GPS and a portable kit which adds to the versatility of the device.
The CHIRP sonar transducer offers a details and structure along with the higher level of clarity to the fishermen. It sends out continuous beeps at different frequencies at regular intervals which are individually interpreted by the device when they return. This gives you a much precise idea of where you might find the most fish.
The integrated GPS system provides you with the luxury to mark your hotspots and return to docks and ramps. Plus you can always upgrade the transducer if you want to invest in a good one.

Specifications;

• Easy-to-use 3.5-inch color fishfinder with built-in, high-sensitivity GPS
• Find fish; mark and return to hot spots, docks and ramps
• Convenient keypad operation
• Includes CHIRP (77/200 kHz) sonar transducer; transmit power (200 W RMS)/(1,600 W peak-to-peak)
• Upgrade to high performance CHIRP with a GT8 or GT15 transducer (each sold separately)

Our Verdict

A portable kit is available to protect and carry your STRIKER fishfinder with GPS, so it's perfect for kayak, canoe or ice fishing. It includes a sealed, rechargeable battery with charger, built-in transducer cable management and storage and suction cup transducer mount and float.

Final Words

Fishfinder have become essential fishing devices. No matter whether you are an experienced fishfinder or an inexperienced one, you can always use the help of a fish finder to make the most out of your fishing day. It is practically impossible for one to know what is under or around his boat in the water but with the help if a fishfinder it all becomes clear and ensure that your trip an efficient and effective one.
But there are different types of fishfinder available in the market. It is important that you choose the one that suits your fishing style and meets your needs. Get your marine navigation skills on point by investing in the best fishfinder available on Point Supplies Inc.