A fish finder is a device that uses sonar technology to detect the presence of fish underwater. It works by emitting sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting an object.
By analyzing the data from the reflected sound waves, a fish finder can create a visual representation of the underwater landscape, including the location and size of any fish in the area.
Fish finders are an essential tool for many anglers because they can help locate fish that may not be visible to the naked eye.
This can be especially useful in murky or deep water, where visibility is limited. Fish finders can also help identify underwater structures such as reefs or drop-offs, which can be good places to find fish.
In addition, some fish finders have GPS capabilities, which can be useful for navigating to specific fishing spots and marking them for future reference.
Overall, fish finders can greatly improve the chances of a successful fishing trip by providing valuable information about the underwater environment.
Basic components of a fish finder screen:
Depth display:
This shows the depth of the water at your current location, usually in feet or meters. Some fish finders can also display the depth of the bottom or any underwater structures.
Bottom contour or structure:
This shows the shape and contour of the bottom and any underwater structures, such as drop-offs, points, or reefs.
Water temperature:
This shows the temperature of the water, which can be helpful for finding areas where fish may be more active.
GPS location:
This shows your current location on a map, usually with longitude and latitude coordinates. Some fish finders also have a built-in Chartplotter function that allows you to navigate to specific locations or mark points of interest on the map.
How to determine the depth of the water and any underwater structures
Interpreting the depth display:
To interpret the depth display on a fish finder, you will need to pay attention to the depth scale on the left or right side of the screen. This scale will typically show the depth in feet or meters, with the shallowest depth at the top of the scale and the deepest depth at the bottom.
As you move your boat, the depth display will show the depth at your current location. If you are in shallow water, the depth will be indicated near the top of the scale. If you are in deep water, the depth will be indicated near the bottom of the scale.
To determine the depth of any underwater structures, you will need to look for changes in the depth display. For example, if the depth suddenly increases or decreases, it may indicate the presence of an underwater structure, such as a drop-off or a point.
You can also use the bottom contour or structure display to get a better understanding of the underwater landscape. This display shows the shape and contour of the bottom and any underwater structures, and can be helpful for identifying areas where fish may be more likely to be found.
How to distinguish between different types of fish and their size
Identifying fish on the screen:
There are a few ways you can try to distinguish between different types of fish and their size on a fish finder screen:
- Look at the shape of the fish icon: The shape of the fish icon on the screen can give you an idea of the size and type of fish. For example, a long, thin icon may indicate a smaller fish, such as a perch, while a round or elongated icon may indicate a larger fish, such as a bass or a pike.
- Pay attention to the depth: Different types of fish tend to inhabit different depths of water. For example, smaller fish may be found near the surface or near the bottom, while larger predatory fish may be found in mid-water or near the top of the water column.
- Look for patterns: Some fish, such as schools of baitfish, may appear as a group of closely spaced icons on the screen. Larger predatory fish may be found near these schools, so if you see a group of small fish icons followed by a larger fish icon, it may indicate a predatory fish stalking its prey.
- Use the fish size display: Some fish finders have a feature that estimates the size of the fish based on the strength of the echo returned from the fish. While this is not always accurate, it can give you an idea of the size of the fish you are seeing on the screen.
It’s worth noting that it can be difficult to identify fish on a fish finder screen with certainty, as there are many variables that can affect the accuracy of the display.
How to identify different types of underwater terrain and how it may affect fishing
Understanding bottom contour and structure:
There are several types of underwater terrain that can affect fishing, including drop-offs, ledges, underwater points, and submerged structures such as weed beds, sunken logs, and brush piles. Here is a brief description of each type:
- Drop-offs: These are areas where the bottom changes from shallow to deep quickly, often forming a cliff-like edge. Drop-offs can be good places to fish for species that prefer deep water, such as bass and walleye.
- Ledges: Ledges are similar to drop-offs, but the transition from shallow to deep is more gradual. Ledges can be good places to find a variety of fish species, as they often provide a range of depths for fish to inhabit.
- Underwater points: These are areas where the bottom sticks out into the water, forming a point. Underwater points can attract a variety of fish, as they provide cover and a place for baitfish to congregate.
- Submerged structures: These are man-made or natural objects that are submerged in the water, such as sunken logs, brush piles, and weed beds. These structures can provide cover for fish and attract baitfish, making them good places to fish.
When fishing in these types of underwater terrain, it’s important to pay attention to the structure of the bottom and how the fish are related to it. For example, if you’re fishing over a weed bed, you may want to use a weedless lure to avoid snagging on the weeds.
If you’re fishing near a drop-off, you may want to use a deeper diving lure to reach the fish that are holding in deeper water.
How water temperature can affect fish behavior and where to find the optimal temperature for fishing
Using the water temperature display:
Water temperature can have a significant effect on fish behavior, as different species of fish have different temperature preferences. In general, warmer water temperatures can cause fish to be more active, while colder water temperatures can cause fish to be less active.
Optimal water temperatures for fishing can vary depending on the species of fish you are targeting. For example, bass tends to be most active in water temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while trout tend to prefer water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
To find the water temperature, you can use a water temperature gauge, which is a device that measures the temperature of the water. These are available as standalone units or as features on fish finders and other electronic fishing equipment.
When fishing, it’s important to pay attention to the water temperature and how it may be affecting the behavior of the fish.
For example, if the water temperature is very cold, you may want to fish more slowly and use baits that mimic the movements of slower-moving prey. If the water temperature is very warm, you may want to fish more actively and use faster-moving baits to imitate the movements of more active prey.
How to navigate to specific fishing spots and mark them for future reference
Using GPS location:
GPS (Global Positioning System) technology can be extremely helpful for navigating to specific fishing spots and marking them for future reference. Most modern boats and fishing boats come equipped with a GPS unit, which can provide accurate location data and help you navigate to your desired fishing spot.
To navigate to a specific fishing spot using GPS:
- Enter the coordinates for the spot into your GPS unit. You can find the coordinates for a spot by using a mapping website or app, or by asking someone who has fished there before.
- Follow the directions provided by your GPS unit to navigate to the spot. Some GPS units will also provide real-time navigation data, such as your speed, distance to the destination, and estimated time of arrival.
- Once you arrive at the spot, you can mark it as a waypoint in your GPS unit for future reference. This will allow you to easily navigate back to the spot in the future by following the saved waypoint.
It’s a good idea to bring a paper map or nautical chart of the area as a backup, in case your GPS unit fails or you lose signal.
