How to Hook the Best Fish Finder in 2023

A fish finder can be an invaluable tool that utilizes sonar technology to help you locate fish and other underwater structures and features. However, with the vast array of options available, it can be tough to determine which fish finder is right for you. To assist you in making an informed decision, here is a guide on buying a fish finder. We've outlined some of the most important features to look for when buying a fish finder.

Display Type

There are two main types of displays used in fish finders: color and black and white. Color displays provide a more lifelike representation of the underwater environment and can make it easier to identify different types of fish and structures. They also tend to have a wider viewing angle and be easier to read in bright light conditions. However, color displays may also be more expensive and require more processing power, which can drain the battery more quickly.

Black and white displays, on the other hand, are generally less expensive and require less processing power, making them a good choice for basic fish finding needs. They may also be easier to read in low light conditions and provide a clearer image of the underwater environment. However, they may not be as lifelike as color displays and may be more difficult to read in bright light conditions.

When deciding on the best display type for you, consider your budget and your personal preference. If you're looking for a more lifelike representation of the underwater environment and don't mind paying a bit extra, a color display may be a good choice. If you're on a tight budget or prefer a simpler display, a black and white display may be a better choice.

Display Size

The size of the display on a fish finder can be an important factor to consider when shopping for one. A larger display can make it easier to see details on the screen, especially in bright light conditions. This can be especially helpful when trying to identify individual fish or distinguish between different types of underwater structures. However, keep in mind that a larger display may also make the fish finder itself more bulky and difficult to handle. When deciding on the ideal display size for you, consider your personal preference and the type of fishing you'll be doing.

Display Resolution

The resolution of a fish finder's display refers to the number of pixels on the screen, with a higher number of pixels resulting in a higher resolution display. A higher resolution display will show more detail and make it easier to distinguish between fish and other underwater structures. This can be especially helpful when trying to identify individual fish or determine the size and shape of underwater objects. However, keep in mind that a higher resolution display may also require more processing power and drain the battery more quickly. When deciding on the ideal display resolution for you, consider your personal preference and the type of fishing you'll be doing.

Sonar Types

There are two main types of sonar used in fish finders: traditional pulse or broadband. Pulse sonar sends out a single pulse of energy and then listens for the return echo, providing a simple image of the underwater environment. This type of sonar is generally less expensive and requires less processing power, making it a good choice for basic fish finding needs. Broadband sonar, on the other hand, sends out a continuous stream of energy and can provide a more detailed image of the underwater environment. This type of sonar is better suited for more advanced fishing applications, but may be more expensive and require more processing power. When deciding on the best sonar type for you, consider your budget and your fishing needs.

Frequency

Frequency is an important consideration when shopping for a fish finder. Fish finders operate at different frequencies, and different frequencies are better suited for different types of water and fishing situations.

Low frequencies, such as 50kHz or 60kHz, are better for deeper water and can penetrate to greater depths. These frequencies are also good for detecting larger fish and are generally more sensitive to larger objects in the water. However, low frequencies may have a harder time penetrating through debris or weeds and may not provide as much detail on smaller objects.

High frequencies, such as 200kHz or higher, are better suited for shallow water and can provide a more detailed image of the underwater environment. These frequencies are better at detecting smaller fish and can provide a clearer image of smaller objects, such as weeds or structure. However, high frequencies may not penetrate as deeply as low frequencies and may not be as sensitive to larger objects.

When deciding on the best frequency for your needs, consider the type of fishing you'll be doing and the depth of the water you'll be fishing in. If you're planning on fishing in deep water, a low frequency fish finder may be a better choice. If you're fishing in shallow water or looking for smaller fish, a high frequency fish finder may be a better choice. It's also worth noting that some fish finders offer multiple frequencies and allow you to switch between them depending on the situation.

GPS Receiver

Some fish finders include a GPS receiver, which allows you to mark fishing hotspots, track your boat's movement, and create maps of the areas you fish. This can be especially helpful for finding your way back to productive fishing spots or navigating unfamiliar bodies of water. GPS can also be useful for recording the location of underwater structures or other points of interest.

When considering a fish finder with GPS, it's worth noting that not all GPS systems are created equal. Some may offer more advanced features, such as the ability to store and display maps or provide real-time data on tides, currents, and water temperature. Others may be more basic, offering only basic location tracking and the ability to mark and navigate to waypoints.

If you're an angler who frequently fishes in unfamiliar areas or likes to track your fishing spots, a fish finder with GPS may be a valuable feature to consider. Just be sure to consider the type and quality of the GPS system when shopping for a fish finder.

Mapping Capabilities

Some fish finders include the ability to create maps of the underwater environment, which can be useful for finding structure and drop-offs. These maps can be created in real-time as you fish or can be created by uploading data from a previous fishing trip. Mapping features can be especially helpful for finding underwater features that might not be visible on the surface, such as ledges, drop-offs, or underwater valleys.

When considering a fish finder with mapping capabilities, it's worth noting that not all mapping systems are created equal. Some may offer more advanced features, such as the ability to store and display multiple maps or the ability to customize the map with additional data, such as depth contours or water temperature. Others may be more basic, offering only basic mapping functionality.

If you're an angler who frequently fishes in unfamiliar areas or likes to track underwater structures, a fish finder with mapping capabilities may be a valuable feature to consider. Just be sure to consider the type and quality of the mapping system when shopping for a fish finder.

Connectivity

Some fish finders can be connected to other devices, such as smartphones or tablets, allowing you to view and record data on a larger screen or share it with other anglers. This can be especially helpful for anglers who prefer to use a larger screen or who like to share their fishing experiences with friends and family.

Connectivity can be achieved through a variety of methods, including Bluetooth, WiFi, or a physical connection such as a USB cable. Some fish finders may also offer the ability to upload data to a cloud service or use an app to access additional features or functions.

When considering a fish finder with connectivity, it's worth noting that not all connectivity options are created equal. Some may offer more advanced features, such as the ability to share data in real-time or access additional features through an app. Others may be more basic, offering only basic connectivity options.

If you're an angler who likes to use a larger screen or share your fishing experiences with others, a fish finder with connectivity options may be a valuable feature to consider. Just be sure to consider the type and quality of the connectivity options when shopping for a fish finder.

Additional Features

Autochart Live is a feature that is available on some fish finders and allows the user to create real-time maps of the underwater environment. It works by using sonar data to create a detailed map of the bottom structure and can include features such as depth contours, vegetation, and other types of underwater structure. The maps can be created in real-time as the boat is moving or can be created by uploading data from a previous fishing trip. Autochart Live can be especially helpful for finding underwater structures and fish-holding areas, and for creating custom maps of specific bodies of water. Some fish finders with Autochart Live also offer the ability to share the maps with other anglers or to access additional features and tools through a smartphone app.

Dual Spectrum CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) sonar is a type of sonar technology that is used in some fish finders. It works by transmitting a continuous range of frequencies, rather than a single frequency like traditional sonar. This allows the fish finder to provide a more detailed image of the underwater environment and make it easier to distinguish between different types of fish and structures. Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar can operate at two different frequency ranges, typically low and high, allowing the user to switch between the two depending on the fishing conditions. This type of sonar is generally considered to be more advanced and accurate than traditional pulse sonar, but may also be more expensive.