Combining state of the art sonar and GPS technology, today’s fish finders are a versatile, highly functioning tool that no fisherman should be without. A number of manufacturers are selling high tech instruments that make it easier than ever to find where the fish are concealed, and also provide you with all sorts of other valuable information to make your fishing expedition go more smoothly.
Despite their complicated technology, using a fish finder is actually pretty simple. There are two basic components, the transducer and the display unit. Both are attached to the boat; the transducer goes underwater, and the display component is located in a convenient location where it can be consulted easily.
The transducer is responsible for finding the fish. It sends out a sonar signal that makes its way to the bottom of the water in a cone shape and then returns. Along the way, any objects it bumps up against are echoed back to the transducer unit. All the data received is processed and relayed to the display unit, to which it is attached by wires.
The basic fish finding devices will have a black and white display that uses simple icons as a visual representation of the fish and other aspects of the terrain. Higher end products will have full color screens, some with VGA graphics that provide incredible clarity to the scene below.
There are some relatively basic products on the market, such as the Eagle Cuda 300 with its black and white screen display screen and simple icons. These devices are affordable for any angler out there, usually around $100 or so. They will give you all the information you need without a high learning curve.
On the top end of the scale, however, are extremely sophisticated products like the Lowrance HDS 10. It has a screen that measures 10.4 inch that offers a full color, high resolution readout. You’ll be able to see the screen with ease in both full daylight and nighttime conditions, thanks to the backlit screen and keyboard. Products such as this cost in the $2000 range, but offer incredible functionality for the committed fisherman.