Fish Finders Buying Guide
While fishing 
has been both a way of life and a favourite pastime for many, the gear you use to snag your dinner or that trophy fish continues to evolve. From high tech fishing rods made with metal alloys to life-like mechanical bobbers, fishing is becoming easier every day. And the latest fish finders are no exception. These gizmos can identify the size and location of fish within your body of water, along with any other structures that may block your way to getting that first big bite. Check out this guide for more information on basic fish finder features to ensure that your angling improves and your investment is sound.
Determine a Budget
Before you set out on an internet scavenger hunt, set a price range and stick to it. If you're a beginner fisherman, you should probably go for a simpler model, which will inevitably be cheaper. The more advanced you go, the more high-tech features you have to grapple with and the more money you have to shovel out. If you're trying to fish in order to eat or contribute to a business, however, the more advanced models may bring the best results for the price.
Common Features
LCD versus CRT Displays: LCD screens often provide clear pictures that are accurate and easy to read. CTR displays are a step up, offering more crisp details, but they also require a lot of power to keep them going. CRTs also often come with a lot of extra features, which may be more confusing than rewarding for a less experienced fisherman. The most important factor when choosing between displays is your ability to read them in direct sunlight. Both high quality LCDs and CTRs should be able to accommodate that need.
Colour versus Black and White Displays: While colour may be enticing, you only really need this feature if you are a deep sea fisherman where distinguishing among many structures, plant-life and other animals can prove difficult. If you're sticking to recreational use, a black and white LCD should work well.
Frequency: All fish finders have a certain frequency, which is expressed in kHZ. Low frequency fish finders are for large bodies of water, while high frequency models are for smaller bodies of water where great detail (regarding both the bottom and the fish themselves) is necessary. If you want to use your fish finder in a variety of areas, opting for a mid-to-high range frequency works well because it shows the fish in great detail while providing a limited amount of information regarding the ocean, river or lake floor.
Major Manufacturers
The brands that are associated with popular GPS devices for driving are often associated with fish finders too. Check out the products from some of these quality, familiar names:
Related Guides
External Links
