Last Updated on July 27, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
Do you love spending time fishing on the lake? If so, you know how important it is to have the right equipment. A fish finder can be a crucial piece of gear when it comes to locating fish in murky water. In this blog post, I will take a closer look at how a fish finder work and explore the technology that makes them so effective!
What Is a Fish Finder?
A fish finder is a device that uses sonar technology to locate fish in the water. The device emits sound waves that travel through the water and bounce off of objects. When the waves hit a fish, they will reflect back to the fish finder. The device then uses this information to generate an image of what is below the surface of the water.
How Does Sonar Work?
Sonar stands for sound navigation and ranging. When used in a fish finder, sonar waves are sent through the water and bounce off of objects in the path. The waves that hit a fish will reflect back to the device, while the waves that hit other objects will be absorbed or scattered in different directions. The fish finder then uses this information to create an image of what is below the surface.
How Does a Fish Finder Work?
Ideally, there are two major parts of a fish finder a transducer and a digital display.
A transducer is a technology behind fish finders that emits and receives sound waves. The transducer is usually mounted on the bottom of the boat and sends out sound waves through the water. When the waves hit an object, they will reflect back to the transducer. In simple words, the transducer scan the data underwater and displays the information on the screen for the angler to interpret.
These electrical signals are then sent to a digital display, which will use them to create an image of what is below the surface. The digital display is usually located in the cockpit of the boat so that the user can see it while driving.
Fish finders are an essential piece of equipment for any fisherman. By understanding how they work, you can make the most of your time on the water!
Types of Fish Finders
There are different types of finish finders with different working mechanisms. The three most common types of fish finders are: pulse induction, down imaging, and side-imaging fish finders.
Pulse Induction Fish Finders
It works by emitting short pulses of sound waves into the water. These sound waves then bounce off of objects in the water and are reflected back to the device. The fish finder then uses these reflections to create an image of what is below the surface.
Side Imaging Fish Finders
Side imaging fish finders work by emitting sound waves from two transducers, one on each side of the boat. These sound waves then bounce off of objects in the water and are reflected back to the device. The fish finder then uses these reflections to create an image below water, it is a bit more complex but it gives a more real-time image.
Down Imaging Fish Finders
Down imaging fish finders work by emitting sound waves from a transducer that is mounted on the bottom of the boat. These sound waves then bounce off of objects in the water and are reflected back to the device. The fish finder then generates an image, and in my opinion, it is the finest choice for fishermen.
How to Install a Fish Finder on Your Boat
Many fishermen struggle with finding the right spot to fish. By installing a fish finder on your boat, you can take the guesswork out of fishing. But installing these fish finders on them is a bit different so let’s have a look at each type individually.
Boats
Fixing a fish finder on a boat is easy and can be done in a few simple steps:
- In order to mount the transducer, you first have to locate a place in the boat’s hull. The problem is that you need to make sure the transducer is submerged when the boat is submerged.
- Then mount the device after you have found a suitable location and tested the wires to make sure they are long enough.
- Make sure that the fishing finder wires do not get in the way of moving parts on the boat while running the wires from the transducer to the fish finder.
- Lastly, make sure that you mount the fish finder so that you can easily see it while you are fishing.
Kayaks
Installing a fish finder on a kayak is a bit different than on a boat. Many kayak fishermen use a portable fish finder that can be mounted on the kayak and then taken off when they are done fishing but I don’t recommend this. They must go for a more sturdy and permanent solution.
- The first step is finding a PVC pipe that will fit in the scupper hole if you decide this is the route to take.
- Place the mount in the pipe and then drill the hole. A transducer wire will pass through this hole.
- In order to install the transducer in the hole, you will have to cut off the PVC pipe portion you don’t need.
- To seal the pipe, push it through the scupper hole.
- To finish, cap the top.
And there you have it, your very own fish finder installed on your kayak.
Things One Should Consider When Using a Fish Finder
Now that you know the basics of how fish finders work and how to install them, let’s take a look at some things you should keep in mind while using one.
Sonar Scans Cones Instead of Lines
The sonar on a fish finder emits sound waves in a cone shape instead of a straight line. This is why you will see the image on the screen widening as you increase the depth. Sonar waves are emitted in a cone shape- as you go deeper, the coverage area expands
That’s why you need to be careful while picking a transducer. So always adjust the angle of the transducer in a narrow beam while fishing in a deep water area.
Surface Clutter
Surface clutter is the image of things that are not fish. This can be caused by waves, plants, or even your own boat. Surface clutter can make it hard to see fish, so always be aware of it. One way to reduce surface clutter is to use a transducer with a narrow beam.
Another way to reduce surface clutter is to use the Fish ID feature on your fish finder. This will color code fish so you can easily see them on the screen.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the ability of the fish finder to detect small objects. The larger the object, the easier it is for the fish finder to detect it. Smaller objects are more difficult to detect, so you may need to adjust the sensitivity of your fish finder.
To do this, simply adjust the gain. The higher the gain, the more sensitive the fish finder will be. However, too much sensitivity can cause false readings, so be careful not to set the gain too high.
A Scrolling Screen Doesn’t Mean a Moving Sonar
The sonar on a fish finder is always moving, but the image on the screen may not be. This is because the sonar waves take time to travel from the transducer to the bottom and back. The image on the screen is simply a representation of where the sonar waves have been.
The image on the screen will scroll from right to left as new sonar waves are emitted. However, this does not mean that the sonar is moving. The sonar waves are always emitted in a cone shape, so the coverage area is always expanding. Keep this in mind when interpreting the image on the screen.
Thicker Sonar Lines Mean Harder Bottoms
You will experience that in some places the bottom is brighter and thicker and in some places, it is thinner. The thickness of the bottom line indicates how hard or soft the bottom is. If the bottom is hard, the sonar waves will bounce off and the bottom line will be thicker. If the bottom is soft, the sonar waves will penetrate it and the bottom line will be thinner.
Some fish prefer hard bottoms while some prefer soft bottoms. So, when you are trying to locate fish, pay attention to the bottom line and look for areas with the type of bottom that fish prefer.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of how fish finders work and how to install them, keep these things in mind while using one for a successful fishing trip. Consider the sonar, surface clutter, sensitivity, and bottom type to up your chances of reeling in a big one. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! happy fishing!
