It is not the first year that new technologies facilitate the work of fishing enthusiasts. On the one hand, manufacturers of fishing equipment are improving the design of equipment, making it more functional and efficient, and on the other hand, they are forming and expanding a segment of equipment that makes it possible to accurately investigate the place of fishing. The latter include sonars and sonars, which are combined into one group of echo sounders. Such devices are used in the winter, when you need to find out the depth of the bottom with its structure without immediately starting fishing. But the functions of the ice echo sounder are not limited to this. Depending on the model of the device, the user can also determine the activity of the fish and some of its parameters.
Fishfinder Overview
For private use, compact devices with displays, functional controls and battery cells are offered. Immediately it is necessary to divide the entire range into models with a different number of sonar rays - a receiver that monitors the under-ice space. The simplest devices are single-beam. They are focused mainly on determining the depth specifically at the point of drilling the hole. Two- and multi-beam devices expand the monitoring range, which makes it possible to reflect on the display and the structure of the bottom in the area of potential fishing. A professional ice depth sounder also gives an idea of the fish, fixing, for example, the dimensions of the active “object”. But it is important to keep in mind that the expansion of functionality affects the level of energy consumption - the more powerful the device, the higher its power requirements. As already mentioned, the devices are equipped with batteries, but their capabilities for battery life are not unlimited. Therefore, you should initially calculate energy consumption with battery potential.
Main characteristics
First of all, devices are evaluated according to the possibilities of working at different depths. Single-beam models are capable of determining depths at levels of 1.5–4 m. Semi-professional devices with two or more rays reach 20–30 m in this indicator. By the way, when transferring winter echo sounders of this type to summer mode, the maximum depth of investigation can reach 50– 70 m. The sensitivity and frequency parameters are also important. Sensitivity control is implemented individually in the device, and the signal frequency on average varies from 80 to 250 kHz. The higher the frequency of the echo sounder for winter fishing through ice, the more efficient and more accurate will be the analysis of the target parameters. For example, an indicator of more than 200 kHz will provide an opportunity to fix the relief structure when moving on a motor boat.
Garmin echoMAP 50s Model
High-tech offer from a well-known manufacturer of navigation equipment. The device is equipped with a GPS sensor, a 5-inch VGA display, as well as a 2-beam HD-ID sonar system. The receiver is able to update data on the studied area up to 10 times in 1 sec, which allows you to accurately record the position on the map. Garmin’s ice depth sounder features include support for the GLONASS navigation system, which also helps to obtain accurate monitoring data. The device itself is compact in size and allows you to inspect fish spots if necessary, not only when fishing from ice, but also in open water.
Model MarCum LX-6
Another compact representative of the echosounder segment for winter fishing. In this case, the user receives information about the terrain and other terrain parameters through a 6-inch 640x480 monitor. Moreover, the owner can choose different color designs for the display, depending on current needs. The screen is quite informative and, if necessary, it can be configured to display the sensitivity of the device, battery charge, monitoring ranges and other parameters. As for the research options, the LX-6 ice fishing sounder is equipped with a 2-beam receiver, which analyzes the underwater terrain in the 8 and 20 degrees spectra. It is worth noting the wide configuration of the device. Together with the device, the manufacturer offers two batteries of 12 and 9 amperes, a protective panel and a cover that allows you to use the device even in extreme conditions.
Humminbird ICE 597ci HD
Humminbird is considered one of the best developers of high-tech devices for anglers. In this modification, the creators offer a combination of a sonar and a GPS navigator, complemented by proprietary DualBeam Plus sonar technology. The user perceives information from a small 5-inch, but at the same time, a clear screen with an extension of 640x640 and LED backlight. Scanning is realized by two beams at 20 and 60 degrees. A beam with a smaller range is responsible for determining the parameters of the fish that interacts with the bait, and a wave with a wide range generally captures activity in the fishing zone. In addition, the Humminbird ice depth sounder is provided with a SwitchFire system, which allows you to adjust the instrument's operating parameters depending on the transparency of the water, depth and other characteristics of the reservoir. There are also features in the built-in GPS unit with 50 channels. This receiver is provided with UniMap cartography, which helps to find fishing spots that have already been tested before.
Model Vexilar FLX-28
This is a type of flasher sonar, that is, devices that do not have a display and partly work according to the analog-indicator principle. At first glance, the solution is old-fashioned, but it has significant advantages in terms of reliability. The device works by processing signals from the sensor, during which the user provides information about the depth and topography. There is also the possibility of automatic scaling. The advantages of this echo sounder for ice fishing include high energy saving (including due to the lack of a display), the ability to scan vegetation and multifunctionality. However, for beginners, this device will be difficult to manage, so it is positioned as a semi-professional model.
Sounder user reviews
As a rule, this equipment receives positive reviews. With varying degrees of accuracy, the instruments provide information on the fishing location, which facilitates the search for a suitable site and the selection of the optimal bait. Of course, the devices do not always give the correct results with the parameters of the bottom and depth, which is associated with incorrect settings or the influence of external factors. Nevertheless, with experience comes more skillful handling of an echo sounder for ice fishing. Reviews also criticize many models for their high energy consumption, which does not allow for the full use of the capabilities of the device during the planned fishing session. Similar problems are solved either by the initial acquisition of a model with energy-saving functions, or by supplementing the device with a second battery pack.
How to choose the best version of the device?
In addition to the main operational parameters, it is worth paying attention to the secondary nuances of using the device. First you need to evaluate in what temperature ranges the device can basically work. A spectrum from -30 to 50 is considered a standard, but there are also special frost-resistant versions, in which the lower tolerance level is more attractive. Protective characteristics are also taken into account. If we choose the best echo sounder for winter fishing in terms of reliability and the ability to resist harsh conditions, then you need to pay attention to the protection class. The average category is IPX4, which determines the water resistance of the device. But if complex insulation with shockproof function is required, then it is worth leaning on a segment with a class not lower than IPX7. Also, one should not forget about accessories and, in principle, the possibility of equipping auxiliary devices. Special sensors, sensors and extension cords, in particular, optionally allow you to expand the operating monitoring ranges.
Conclusion
High-tech equipment for fishers is constantly ahead of the real needs of users, attracting new operational capabilities. Beginners and ordinary fans often have to learn the functions that are offered in the latest versions. But the question immediately arises of how to choose an echo sounder for winter fishing so as not to overpay for extra opportunities? Nevertheless, multifunctional devices cost about 8-10 thousand rubles, which is not cheap for a fishing aid. Experts recommend choosing a model that can at least perform high-quality monitoring of the depth of the bottom and its topography. For more discerning consumers, options can also be helpful in identifying and monitoring fish.