Fishing in new waters is always a challenge. There is a lot of trial and error in finding a good place to fish. And it can be frustrating to throw so many times and not even get a single bite. If you could see what’s under the water!
Fortunately, with a Fish Finder, you can do that! These devices help you find those elusive schools of fish while giving you a glimpse of the underwater structure. Plus, it’s also helpful to check what triggers those dormant fish, so you can change your tactics accordingly.
There are many options available, ranging from inexpensive portable devices to fish finders with GPS and mapping capabilities. Each one with its application, cons and pros. Here we offer you a complete selection of the best probes available on the market.
Here are the 10 Best Fish Finders in India.
Let’s take a look at the Best Fish Finders!
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Finding the best was next up on our list of challenges. After several hours of testing, we decided on a few models that we think are suited.
Here are the Top 10 & Best Fish Finders in India in 2021
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What to Look For in a Good Fish Finder
Choosing the right fish finder is already difficult with numerous options, but if you don’t even know what to look for, it can feel impossible. Most of the time, you’ll find that the best fish finders excel in three main components.
Size
If you’ve ever worked with a fish finder before, you might already know that the smaller it is, the better. Some larger vessels might require a bigger device, but if you’re on a small boat, anything larger than six inches might get in the way. This is especially true for rowboats or even kayaks.
Large fish finders can also be more difficult to mount as well as up to ten pounds heavier. It might not affect how well it works, but a fish finder that’s the right size can save you a lot of trouble.
Power Source
Every fish finder needs a power source. Smaller fish finders typically use portable waterproof batteries, but other models might use standard marine batteries as well. Standard marine batteries do require a bit more wiring and set-up, so if you’re looking to save a little time, a model that comes with a portable battery might be the better choice.
Not to mention, since you don’t have to wire your portable fish finder to the boat, you can take it with you on other vessels. Fishermen that travel or go on fishing trips with friends typically shop for portable fish finders rather than permanent fixtures.
Transducer
Many people consider the transducer to be the “heart” of the fish finder, and for a good reason. One of the most crucial steps to making sure your fish finder works as it should is installing the transducer. If you don’t install it correctly, it might not emit sound waves or pick up signals as it should.
Different transducers come with different mounts for installing. For smaller boats, usually the most convenient mount is the transom mount that you can put in the hull. Unless you plan to use the fish finder on a larger boat as well, there’s typically no reason to worry about a more serious or in-depth installation for your transducer.
Color vs. Black and White Displays
There’s a little bit of controversy surrounding the better type of display on fish finders. While a lot of standard models come with color screens, it’s not uncommon to encounter black and white displays too—especially on smaller models fit for kayaks and rowboats.
Some fishermen might argue that color screens provide a clearer image or better quality, but there shouldn’t be a difference in function. Your fish finder should work just as well in black and white as it does in color.
Buyer’s Guide: Features that You Should Look Into
Now that you know the name of some of the best fish finders available, it is time to choose the right one. As expected, this depends on how and where you are fishing. And of course, how much are you willing to put down for your brand new fish finder.
So, let’s cut to the chase and see what features you should look into when browsing you a fish finder.
Transducer
Let’s start with the heart of the device: The transducer. It is responsible for sending and receiving signals. Needless to say, if the transducer doesn’t work, the device won’t work either.
Typically, most fish finders either have a wired or wireless transducer, which one is the best depends on your needs. For example, wireless fish finders are better for shore, pier, or dock fishing. You can also use it for boat fishing as long as the craft is sitting still in the water. Otherwise, you will lose connection with it.
Similarly, wired transducer transducers are more suitable for kayak or canoe fishing. You can fix the transducer into the hull and keep rowing until you find your fish. But like their wireless counterparts, you can also use them for fishing from a dock or similar.
One thing that you should consider is the overall construction of the transduced. If it is a wire, find something both thick and strong. If it is wireless, search for a sturdy castable device.
How Does a Transducer Work?
Think of the transducer as an interpreter. It receives electrical pulses and transforms them into sound waves. As soon as they hit something, for example, a fish, the sound wave will bounce back to the transducer. It will then transform the sound wave into an electrical pulse for the echosounder to display.
Of course, different objects produce a higher or lower intensity return sound wave. Thus, it will display a unique interpretation for each returning wave.
How Does a Transducer Calculate Depth?
If we remember a little bit about high-school physics, we will be able to understand how a fish finders estimate depth. First, we need to know that sound waves travel through the water at average velocity. Thus, if we consider that this average velocity is constant, we can calculate the distance as the product between time and velocity.
Of course, there is some margin of error here. For instance, water conditions such as temperature and murkiness affect how sound waves travel through the water. But for fishing applications, this margin of error is not a big deal.
Some high-end fish finders calculate a correction factor depending on the water’s conditions to give you more accurate readings.
Frequency
Now you know that you know what a transducer is and how it works, we should take some time to talk about the sonar frequency. Typically, most fish finders work with low, high, or dual frequencies. Premium models could also work with more than two. But for the average angler, two frequencies are more than enough.
What is Frequency in a Fish Finder?
Frequency, as per physics, is the rate at which something repeats in a fixed window of time. In this case, frequency is the number of sound waves the transducer sends per unit of time.
Low Frequencies
Most commercial fish finders use frequencies in the range of 50 to 200 kHz. Typically, low frequencies are those between the 50 to 80 kHz range.
Low-frequency waves are inherently bigger than their high-frequency counterparts. Plus, the fish finder produces less of these waves. Thus, they can travel greater distances through the water. As a result, these are ideal frequencies when fishing in deep lakes or oceans.
However, the main downside is the amount of detail. Remember that the sound wave must bounce back to the transducer for it to be able to transform it into an electrical pulse and consequently show it on the screen. As we said before, low-frequency waves are bigger. Thus, they are less likely to bounce back on small objects such as tiny fishes or weeds. Hence, the lack of detail of its output.
High Frequencies
All waves with 200 kHz, or more, fall under the high-frequency category. These are shorter waves, like the one produced by a small rock thrown into a pond. The transducer produces many of these waves.
These waves produce more detail since they can bounce back with even the tiniest of targets. However, they won’t travel too far. That is why we recommend using them in shallow waters.
Another thing that could cause a problem is that high-frequency waves typically drain more battery.
Which One Should I Use?
Every tool has its purpose. If you mostly fish on shallow waters, go for a high-frequency fish finder. In contrast, for deep fishing, a low-frequency would be better.
But if the budget allows it, try to purchase one with a dual-frequency sonar. It will give you the best of both worlds, and you will have a single device that does it all.
Cone Angle
The cone angle is as important as frequency, as you will see in just a moment.
Also known as the transducer beam angle, it indicates how wide or how narrow the cone of the transducer is. Broad cones allow more water coverage at the expense of less vertical travel. Like low-frequency beams, wide cone angles are better for water coverage and shallow waters.
In contrast, narrow cones minimize horizontal travel; thereby, increasing the distance the sound wave will travel. Thus, this type of beam angle is better for deeper waters.
Typically, most companies make different combinations of cone angles and frequencies to enhance certain features. For example, you can match a high-frequency transducer with a narrow cone angle to increase its effectiveness in deeper waters.
Display
A good display is as important as a decent transducer. You do nothing purchasing a fish finder with an overkill sonar and 2 inches of display. So, a selection of a device with a decent screen is vital.
Screen Size
The first and most obvious thing is the size. We fancy large screens since they can clearly show what’s beneath the water. However, we understand that large devices are not always an option. For instance, they are commonly more expensive and take more space. Thus, if you are fishing inside a kayak, you would like a small device.
Resolution
Next is the resolution. Always go for a screen with the highest number of pixels possible. These fish finders provide an easy-to-read output, and you can see each target without problems. Obviously, a higher resolution screen also means more money. However, the rule of thumb here is going for the screen with the best resolution within your budget.
Color
Black and white fish finders get the job done, yes. Yet, sometimes the display could be hard to read. Thus, if possible, try to purchase a finder with a colored screen.
Brightness and Visibility
Do you know what grinds my gear? A display that’s difficult to read during the day, when the sun is high in the sky. If you are like me, then go for a screen with adjustable brightness. This will be helpful during the night as well.
In-built GPS
Not all fish finders come with an in-built GPS. But it is a nice feature to have around, especially if you happen to discover a new fishing spot. Fish finders with GPS systems allow you to store locations, routes, and check your current position and speed. All useful features, especially if you are fishing from a boat.
Some high-end models have the necessary tools for you to draw maps and charts, which is extremely useful when fishing in unknown waters. It will give you the possibility of checking all the areas and choose a spot according to the fish you wish to catch.
But GPS is not necessary, particularly if you already have one or if you are fishing from the dock or shore. However, it doesn’t hurt to have one, as long as the budget allows it, of course.
Portable or Fixed
Most fish finders available are either portable or fixed. By portable, we mean something small enough that you can carry it with you wherever you go. These are compact devices that usually are wireless or easy to connect, making them perfect for anglers on the go and kayak or canoe fishing.
On the other hand, fixed fish finders are typically bigger and usually come with rail-ready support for you to fix the device to your boat. You can also use this type of finder in a kayak or canoe. However, you could face some trouble if the fish finder is big or if it needs an external power source. Needless to say, fixed fish finders are a no go if you move a lot or if you switch boats constantly.
There is also a question of price. Portable fish finders are commonly more affordable than fixed devices. The main reason is that they pack fewer features and are somewhat smaller. Thus, if you are tight on budget, you are better off with the first type.
Through the Hull
This is the hardest way to install a transducer. Yet it is the best since it will be in direct contact with the water, and the signal will travel without a problem. Of course, not all boats are compatible with this option. The hull must be thick and strong, so it doesn’t break as you drill it.
Thus, the first thing that you should use is to check whether or not your hull is compatible with this mounting option. If not, don’t worry, you can use the next style.
In Hull
This is the best option if your hull is not thick enough, or if you don’t feel like piercing the hull. Here, you can glue the transducer to the hull. The sound waves will go through the hull and into the water.
Although it is a quick and safe way to secure it, the transducer won’t work properly. Why? Well, remember that the transducer determines the depth as the product between the wave’s velocity and time. Thus, the hull structure is different from that of the water; the waves will take more time to return. Therefore, the depth readings won’t be as accurate. Similarly, since the sound waves have to go through the hull, they won’t reach certain depths.
Stern Mount
As the name suggests, in this style of mounting, the transducer goes in the back of your boat (stern). You simply fix it with a couple of screws, and you are ready to go. But there is a catch. The device will take the full force of the passing water. Thus, the transducer must be tightly fixed, or it will come loose. Similarly, the stern should be strong enough to cope with the drag.
Trolling Engine Mount
Another easy and quick way to fix your transducer. You can either permanently or temporarily stick it to the shaft of the engine. Some engines come with in-built compartments for transducers, making them perfect for this kind of mounting.
The main problem is that the vibration from the engine could temper with the sound waves.
Water Protection
You might think that all fish finders are waterproof. Sadly, this is not the case. Your device will be more than fine with occasional water splashes. However, only a handful of brands offer greater protection. For example, some fish finders come with IPX7, which guarantees that the device can get soaked in water and still function without problems.
We highly recommend going for such a device, especially if you fish from a kayak, where capsizes happen quite often.
CHIRP Sonar
Not all fish finders come with CHIRP sonar. But the ones that do typically have better performance than units with conventional sonar systems.
What is CHIRP?
It stands for compressed high-intensity radiated pulse. A fancy name they gave to the multiple waves a CHIRP sonar can send.
How Does CHIRP Sonar work?
CHIRP sonar devices produce a continuous sweep of sound waves with different frequencies. It starts with low-frequency waves for water penetration. Then, the transducer starts increasing the frequency to enhance the detail. All in a single pulse. The result is a greater number of waves traveling through the water, which in turn yields a better output.
In the beginning, it was a military-only technology. Then, it found its way to the civil market, reaching the fish finders niche. Thankfully, the thriving competition forced brands such as Garmin to create affordable CHIRP fish finders. Something that was unthinkable a decade ago.
Matching the Fish Finder with Your Fishing Style
Structure Fishing
When structure fishing, or covering large expanses of water, the use of a GPS-equipped fish finder can be of immense importance. Sonar units of this nature offer high-definition depictions of what lies below an angler’s kayak at all times. This makes it possible to know when and where to cast in the bulk of situations.
Most top-tier fish finders also come equipped with a host of GPS capabilities. As such, anglers can store waypoints, judge distances, and navigate as they please. This increases an angler’s efficiency while they are on the water, and assists one in catching a greater number of fish.
Shallow Fishing
When fishing in the shallows, close to your launch location, one will need little more than a basic fish finder combo. In this situation, there is little reason for GPS use, or the use of additional mapping features, which tends to tack additional costs onto the total purchase price of a new fish finder.
In many cases, a basic fish finder can be purchased for approximately $100, with higher-end models being priced in the $200-$300 range. A unit of this nature is perfect for the avid weekend angler.
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