Last Updated on July 26, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
Do you love spending time on the water, but find yourself struggling to bait your own hook? Or maybe you’ve tried kayaking or canoeing, but just can’t seem to keep up with the other paddlers. Introducing the best way to get onto the water without all that pesky work — the inflatable fishing boat! With a little know-how, you can have your very own inflatable fishing boat set up in no time, complete with portable fish finders to help you reel in those big ones. Keep reading for tips on how to install your fish finder on your inflatable fishing boat!
How Does a Fish Finder Work?
Have you ever wondered how those little handheld devices are able to help fishermen locate fish beneath the surface of the water? It may seem like magic, but it’s actually pretty simple science! A fish finder works by using sound waves to detect the presence of fish. The device emits a sound wave that travels through the water and bounces off any objects it encounters.
When the sound wave hits a fish, it reflects back to the fish finder and is converted into an electronic signal. This signal is then displayed on the device’s screen, giving the fisherman an indication of where the fish are located. Fish finders can be used in both fresh and salt water, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs depending on your settings. So next time you go fishing, be sure to bring along your trusty fish finder!
How to Mount a Fish Finder and Transducer on Your Inflatable Boat
Fishing from an inflatable boat can be a great way to enjoy a day on the water. But in order to make the most of your time on the water, it’s important to have the right gear. A fish finder is a valuable tool that can help you locate fish below the surface. But when you’re fishing from an inflatable boat, mounting a fish finder can be a bit tricky. The fish finder can be attached in various ways to the inflatable boats. In general, these are the most widely used techniques:
Mounting Using a Strap
Fish finders can be attached to inflated tubes using a strong strap. Fish finder straps can be used on any inflatable boat, regardless of their size. Polypropylene is the most common material for the strap. The screen can be mounted on the pontoon’s top, and the transducer can be mounted on the bottom.
Screw Mounting
Screws, of course, are the most reliable method. You’ll have to drill your transom to achieve this, and that’s not something everyone is excited about doing. If you opt with the screwed holes, you run the risk of leaking as well, so be extra careful! In all my years of boating, I can honestly say that I have never screwed anything into my transoms.
Attaching to the Transom With Suction Cups
Suction cups can also be used. Suction cups aren’t ideal for high-speed boats, but they’ll do just fine if you’re moving slowly. Make sure the suction cup is attached to a non-porous, straight surface before using it. It’s possible that the suction cup will come loose while you’re on the water if you don’t. One time this occurred to me, and the fish finder screen went nuts right away. Good thing the transducer is tied to a cable, so it was not lost, but the incident was still a nuisance.
Suction Cup Stern Pad for Transducer Mount (Transom Saver)
The stern pad is a good alternative. If you don’t want to use screws, then this is a good option. The transom saver has been tested and found to last around ten years. Stern pads can be screwed into by simply gluing them on. The stern pad requires marine-grade screws that penetrate at least half an inch into the pad. The standard pad has a thickness of 0.75″, while the jumbo pad has a thickness of 1″. To avoid screwing into your boat’s transom or pushing the pad off of your boat, use screws that are not too long.
The Transducer Mount for the Stern Pad Saver
Transducer Mounting With a Magnetic Force
A magnetic transducer mount is another option. Transoms up to a quarter-inch thick can benefit from this ingenious technique. The transom acts as a channel for the magnetic pull of two large magnets.
Mounting Options for Magnetic Transducers
Any inflatable boat, tube, or kayak would benefit greatly from the addition of a glue-on mount. On the watercraft’s tube, you’ll find a glue-on pad that you can connect to a variety of accessories. We used a fish finder screen and transducer, but specialized adapters allow you to mount anything. All of the above-mentioned items are included in this category.
Taking the mounted object off is a snap when it’s time to deflate and carry your boat. The tube’s glue-on base will never come off.
As an option, you can also use a second adhesive base and an adaptor for securing your transducer, if you want.
Trolling Motor Transducer Mounting
It’s easy to attach the transducer to the electric trolling motor, using a mounting device.
The bracket, which includes a clamp, is used to secure the transducer. In order to secure the clamp to the transom, it could be manually tightened.
Mounting Bracket for Fish Finder Transducer Mounting on Clamp and Pole
To put your fish finder on a transom, you can purchase the clamp and pole shown. The telescopic pole extends from 24 to 40 inches in length, and the clamp can be taken with you at all times. The clamp is multi-directional and may be attached to almost any surface, without the need for a transducer or any other rigging or wiring.
Sonar That Can Be Floated
When it comes to finding fish, a floatable sonar is one of the most convenient options for inflatable boaters and kayakers. Using a Wi-Fi hotspot, these floatables may be easily synchronized with your Android or iOS smartphone. You can cast with the floatable attached to your line. As you reel it back in, the device creates a map of the lake, which you can then save.
Depending on the model of castable fish finder that you use, the communication range can be anything from a few hundred feet to a few thousand. Aside from the distinctive design and usefulness, a floatable sonar has all of the standard fish finder functions, including a GPS receiver.
Conclusion
Installing a fish finder on an inflatable boat can be a great way to improve your chances of catching fish. By considering the different factors mentioned above, you can compare fish finders and choose the best one that will get you out on the water for some great fishing!
