How to choose an echo sounder for winter fishing

An echo sounder is a good aid for a fisherman. It helps to study the relief of the bottom, depth, to see the presence of underwater obstacles and places where fish congregate.

The principle of operation of the device is to send an ultrasonic pulse. Meeting an obstacle on its way, the beam is reflected from it and returns. This signal is picked up by the transducer. The picture on the screen is formed by analyzing these pulses. The higher the sensitivity of the device and the better the quality of the display on which the image is displayed, the clearer and more accurate the information obtained in this way.

Types

1. Classic echo sounders – sonars

Classic echo sounders work with different frequencies of the sent pulse (200 kHz, 125 kHz, 83 kHz, 60 kHz). They come in single- or dual-beam versions. The signal itself has a conical shape in projection. The frequency determines the width of the space covered by the beam. High-frequency beams can provide more detailed information about objects in the water column over a small area. While low-frequency beams have less detail but cover a larger area and can penetrate to greater depths. Models with a single beam will suit you if you have decided exactly what tasks will be assigned to the device. To search for fish is better suited sonar with a beam of low frequency, and to understand the relief and structure of the bottom – high-frequency beam. Two-beam sonars emit two beams with different frequencies. Thanks to their joint work, you can get the most complete information.

Use for winter fishing

The most important difference between devices adapted for winter fishing is their ability to work at extremely low temperatures and poor weather conditions. Summer models are undesirable to use in winter. After all, you can not only damage in this way quite expensive equipment. Such devices designed for moderate temperatures are likely to malfunction. Give out incorrect data and poor-quality picture with interference. In the kit to many echo sounders adapted for winter fishing, there is a special sensor that works in icy water. It should be lowered behind the lower edge of the ice, so that the signal is not reflected from the walls of the hole. Modern winter echo sounders make it possible to get information without lowering the sensor into the main hole. It is enough to drill a small depression, wait until it is filled with water and place the working element there. The cable of the winter sensor should be soft and resistant to frost. In addition, to work at sub-zero temperatures should be provided with a special battery, which is slower than usual discharged in the cold.

2. echo sounder-scanner

Such echo sounders have in their design a piezo element that sends a lot of high-frequency pulses and receives the reflected signals. The projection of these beams is a strip. Thus, when the boat is moving, a much more detailed picture of what is happening underwater in the area under investigation is obtained than from a single beam of sonar. With the help of such a device can see the outline of the bottom, various underwater objects, as well as the presence of even small fish. The main used frequencies of such echo sounders are 455 and 800 kHz.

There are echo sounders with a side scanning function. Using them, you can get a picture of the underwater world for dozens of meters around the boat.

Use for winter fishing

In echo sounders-scanners, the most vulnerable to the cold element is the LCD display. For successful use during winter fishing, it is necessary to provide heating for it.

Additional functions

There are hybrid models of echo sounders, which combine the functions of sonar and scanner, which makes them universal. For easier orientation on the open water of a large water area, there are models that combine echolocation and chartplotter. With the help of such a device you can mark catching spots and navigate.

3. wireless echo sounders

They represent a volumetric float with built-in echo sounder sensors, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. To use these devices, you need to install software on your smartphone or tablet, which, as a rule, is provided by the manufacturer. Nowadays, especially for winter, wireless echo sounders are produced, which have a control unit with a display in the package. To work, you need to place the echo sounder in the place to be investigated with the help of a fishing rod. On open water, it should be evenly pulled up to itself, and during ice fishing it should be moved from hole to hole. On the display of a smartphone (tablet) or the screen of the control unit will display the information obtained.

Use for winter fishing

To the disadvantages of this type of echo sounder for winter use can be attributed low power. They can be used when the ice thickness is no more than 30cm on relatively shallow bodies of water. If you use a smartphone or similar device, you should take into account the failures in their work at extremely low temperatures.

4. Flasher

Especially for winter use, flashers have been developed. They are originally designed for stationary fishing, unlike echo sounders designed to work on the move. Flesher gives information in real time without any delay. The information received by it is displayed on a round screen with LEDs, divided into sectors. Reflected signals from objects in the beam area are represented by bands of three colors: red, yellow and green.

	Strong reflected signal. Hard bottom, large fish.
	Weak signal. Silt bottom, small objects, small fish.
	Medium reflected signal. Small fish directly under the transducer or large object away from the beam.

Round shape is due to the desire to compactness of the device – the column of the ultrasonic beam is read from zero (bottom) from left to right. You can set the bottom value at any mark you like, but setting it at zero will give you the maximum amount of information about what is going on under the hole. With this device you can determine the depth, water temperature, see the game of bait. Fish on the flasher can be distinguished when it moves, especially if it moves, reacting to the bait. Fish can be very clearly fixed if the game of the bait is carried out at a distance of 20-30 cm from the bottom.

Despite the fact that flashers are ideal for winter fishing, they are also used on open water. The advantages of flashers include the fact that they can be left in working condition throughout the fishing trip. Highly sensitive receiver easily picks up even a very weak signal, to which the fish does not pay attention. The signal from a conventional echo sounder with prolonged exposure can scare away fish.

Additional equipment for winter fishing

For more comfortable use of the echolocation device in winter fishing conditions, you may need additional accessories:

• A special pouch-case for the device;
• sensor adapted for icy water;
• sensor mount;
• magnetic lock or clamp (for first and last ice);
• additional chargers.

The echo sounder refers to high-tech and rather expensive devices. However, with its help, you can easily and quickly determine the most catchable places. When choosing an echo sounder, it is worthwhile to understand well its functional features, quality of performance and materials used. It is desirable to choose well-known and reliable brands that have proven themselves in the production of highly specialized equipment for echolocation. This is relevant both for universal models and for winter echo sounders. For example, the quality of echo sounders Lowrance and Humminbird corresponds to the world fame of these brands. Praktik echosounders of domestic production are also very popular and work without complaints.

Conclusion