Some anglers prefer a simple device with less data while others go for a device with multiple graphics and data. Fishing with either of them is a matter of preference as they perform the same task–to find fish. To help you make the decision to enhance your fishing experience, let’s look at what each offers.
Depth Finder
A depth finder is also called an echo sounder. This device is used to find fish. It measures the depth and temperature of the water under your boat through digital recording. On the device, you can choose from a range of angling modes like deep water, shallow water, fast trolling, slow trolling, or ice fishing.
A depth finder works by sending sound waves through a transducer into the water. Once the sound waves hit a target–fish, a log, rock or bottom structure–the sound waves return from the object to the transducer’s receiver, the signal is then processed and recorded on the display screen.
The benefit of a depth finder
- Simplicity: A depth finder is easy to use especially if you get the basic model. You do not have to be a professional to use this device, all you have to do is submerge a part of it into the water and wait for a signal.
- It’s portable: Depth finders are small, so if you have a small boat, an essential depth sounder is the fishing device you might want to have on your boat as it won't affect the boat in any way.
Fishfinder
Just like the depth finder, the main function of a fishfinder is to locate fish. A fishfinder shows a graphic image of the location of the water under the boat and the location of fish on its digital screen. Fishfinders come with a specialised guide that helps your fishing experience.
A fishfinder works by using a transducer to send sonar signals. Once the signal locates an object under the water, it then takes the estimate of the size and depth of the object. The object could be anything from a fish to a log, or the floor. The sound wave (an echo) returns to the device, and the information is fed into the equipment. The information sent to the transducer is then used to create graphic images.
Benefits of a fishfinder
- Location: With a fishfinder, it is easy to know whether or not the body of water has fish or not. A fishfinder will help you locate the flat areas (halibut) and structure (bass) especially if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. The device shows large bait schools, whether the feeding fish are nearby, so you know when to drop your bait.
- Find Specific Species: Fishfinders help to locate specific types of aquatic animals. It helps you to know the depth of the water particularly if you are netting in thearea for the first time. If you find that the area could have much fish, you can mark the spot with the GPS and go back to the area later.
- Show the temperature: The temperature of the water means a lot to fish. A fishfinder will help you find spring-fed cracks based on the sea and this will help you know where the temperature transition is located.
Types of Fishfinders
You can get different fishfinders from Marine Services. The fishfinder you get depends on your preference.
- Standalone fishfinder: This fishfinder has just one function, giving a visual representation of the water to find fish. It is affordable and suitable for small boats.
- Combination fishfinder: They are bigger than the standalone fishfinders and come with GPS to navigate the waters. They are suitable for medium-sized boats and come with split screen options.
- Networked system fishfinder: This fishfinder is suitable for large boats. They have a huge range of data sources like SiriusXM satellite, raster, and victor GPS charts. They also come with Bluetooth and WIFI and can be controlled with your smartphone, iPhone, or Android.
How Do You Make the Right Choice?
To get the most out of your boating experience, you need to have the right equipment.
Both fishfinders and depth sounders provide enough data that an angler needs, the major contrast is that a depth sounder shows strings of numbers representing the depth of the water which might be tough for beginners for usability, while a fishfinder displays the timeline in graphics. Both the fishfinder and depth finder have transducers. They both use sonar units (sound navigation and ranging), though the fishfinder has a more sophisticated sonar unit. Sonar is a system that uses sound waves to map out, navigate and communicate with objects under or on the surface of a body or water. Unlike a fishfinder that can be used on medium to large sized boats, a depth finder is suitable for a smaller boat.
To pick between a fishfinder and a depth finder, know the overall experience you want to have, the boat you are using, your level of expertise, and how much you can spare for the device. All these questions will affect the choice you make between picking a fishfinder or a depth finder.
