Providing you are familiar with the challenges of boat fishing and kayak fishing, these activities can be extremely rewarding; therefore, make sure to read this article for more information on how to properly use the right gear to find the largest fish in the sea.
A successful fishing trip necessitates planning and preparation ahead of time to ensure that everything runs smoothly while you’re out on the water. Apart from packing the appropriate rods and reels for the type of fish you intend to catch, dressing appropriately, and having some snacks on hand to keep your hunger at bay, you may also require the assistance of special tools to lure in fish or locate where they are concealing themselves.
The use of a fish finder can assist you in quickly identifying the best fishing spot, allowing you to save both time and energy in this situation. You can learn to use a fish finder in just a couple of hours if you follow a few simple guidelines. If you’re a beginner and aren’t sure how to read the device accurately, here are some simple guidelines to follow.
Table of Contents
What is a fish finder and how does it work?
Understanding how the device operates is an important part of the process, so begin by becoming familiar with what it does. A fish finder, according to fish specialists, is an electronic device that uses sonar technology to display objects that are beneath the surface of the water. The majority of devices on the market are equipped with built-in GPS units, which improve their accuracy.
Despite the fact that the fish finder is composed of a number of different components, the transducer is one of the most important because it has direct contact with the water. This component, which is typically located at the bottom of your boat or kayak, is responsible for tracking down and catching fish.
If you’re wondering how the transducer works, you’ll be pleased to know that the procedure is straightforward. It works by sending an electronic pulse into the water, and if the pulse comes into contact with any movement or object, it will return to the transmitter. The length of time it takes the transducer to return a signal determines the type of object that was discovered beneath the surface of the water.
Additionally, a fish finder makes use of specialized software that analyzes the signal received and converts it into an image that will appear on the product’s screen when it is activated. It is necessary to have good reading skills in order to properly read the screen and identify where the best fishing spot is. However, the image is not very clear.
Instructions on how to use a fish finder and how to interpret the results
The first and most important step is to determine where the fish are, and a fish finder can assist you in this endeavor. In general, the screen of your product is user-friendly and, with the proper training, can assist you in identifying the best fishing spots in your area.
Your fishfinder is equipped with a fish ID feature that will assist you in locating the fish icons. The icons are different lengths and shapes, allowing you to easily distinguish between fish and other items found underwater, such as plants, rocks, and other objects. Take note that you must identify the correct icon on the screen, as well as its depth, in order to know how to cast your reel correctly and efficiently.
The signal from the transducer will most likely appear on the screen of your device in the form of lines and arches once it has been identified. In comparison to fish IDs, the image in the form of arches is usually clearer and easier to read. For example, if you notice a large arch displayed on the screen, it is likely that you are dealing with a large fish that is directly beneath your boat.
It will be difficult at times to distinguish between the arches and other underwater objects, and you may mistake fish for rocks or other underwater objects. The most important thing is to keep practicing until you get it right.
Identifying the size of the fish
Not everything that appears large on the screen translates into a large fish, so it’s important to pay attention to the small details as well as the big picture. It is sometimes necessary to conduct additional analysis of the displayed arches in order to determine the true size of the fish and ensure that it is worth your time to pursue the fish.
Having a thorough understanding of the arches’ length, width, and type is essential to properly reading them. The length of the fish arch is insufficient for determining the exact size of the fish, but the width can provide additional information.
When reading the screen of a fishfinder, it is generally recommended that you consider the vertical arch rather than the horizontal arch. It doesn’t matter how long the arch is; if it is thick, it indicates that your fish is large. As a result, the thicker the line is, the larger the fish beneath your boat will be.
Understanding the different types of underwater structures
Discovering how to properly read a fishfinder will also provide you with additional information about the depth of the water and, therefore, provide you with an indication of the type of fish you can expect to catch.
The depth of the water in which you are currently sailing can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. The measurement unit is set by default to meters, so if you’re more accustomed to feet than meters, you’ll need to adjust your preferences. Keep in mind to reel your device in at a slow speed so you can see the shape of the bottom’s contours. This is the quickest and most accurate method of identifying drop-offs.
As soon as you’ve gotten your drop-off, you should consider scanning the area once more, but this time with a narrower beam. In order to avoid dead zone areas during your scan and improve your overall fishing experience, you should do the following:
Alternatively, if you’re paddling in a large area, you can choose to set up a depth alarm so that you’ll know exactly when you’ve reached the desired depth, which will vary depending on the type of fish you’re looking for while paddling.
Keep in mind that each structure you discover underwater sends a different frequency to your sonar, which is then edited to produce a different color on your screen. When casting your fishfinder, knowing the color palette will help you identify logs, brush, and fish much more quickly and easily.
Other underwater objects
As previously stated, it takes time and practice to become proficient in the use of a fishfinder. It’s possible that you’ll want to head to one of these areas to fish for your favorite species if you’re looking for vegetation and weeds. In these conditions, the fish finder will perform admirably, and you will have no trouble distinguishing your prize from other underwater objects.
If you’re looking for carp to catch, you’ll most likely be looking for depressions. A depression will be visible on your device’s screen in the form of a small v-shaped dip at the bottom of the display. Once you’ve reached that point, you can begin looking for carp in the area.
You should keep in mind that you might come across some unusual objects during your fishing trip, so you should be patient and learn how to identify the type of object based on the signal it sends out before proceeding.
Make use of the return signal’s shape and strength to determine, at the very least in part, what is beneath your boat’s waterline. If the object is particularly heavy and difficult to move, you will notice that the return signal appears to be repeated on the screen.
Instructions on how to read a fish finder
We previously discussed some of the most straightforward methods for making the most of your device and making it easier to identify fish while fishing. However, there are still some suggestions that will improve your overall experience, so make sure to keep them in mind.
The first and most important step is to thoroughly read and follow the instructions in the manual before beginning. The majority of these devices come with comprehensive instructions that will help you understand and learn how the fish finder works quickly and easily.
Second, try to get a better understanding of the specific model of fish finder you’re using by putting it through its paces. What you’ve learned so far are some general guidelines for how fish finders operate, but it’s important to remember that each model is unique in its operation. Even minor differences in screen resolution, brightness, or size can have a significant impact on the overall user experience.
In addition, if you find that you cannot get used to this model, don’t be afraid to try a different one. Not all fish finders are suitable for both novice and experienced fishermen, so it is important to choose the model that is most appropriate for your abilities.
Another important tip is to start by using the device in an area you are familiar with, such as a small pond or creek, before moving on to a more challenging environment. Figure out how some objects appear on the screen so that you can recognize them in other areas later on, and then you’ll be able to find the best fishing spot.
Finally, customize the color palette to suit your preferences, keeping in mind to also modify the sensitivity of the transducers and the update speed. Your readings will become more accurate as a result of this.