An Expert Guide to Choosing the Best Fishfinder


Once you get your boat or kayak loaded down with all of your gear and are ready to go, the last thing that you need to do is find where the fish are hiding at. But how do you do that? It is often easier said than done. Finding fish is the name of the game for most adventures, but luckily technology has helped to make this challenging task a little bit easier through the use of a fishfinder.

Fishfinders allow you to see what is underwater. Whether you are trying to locate the exact position of a fish or calculate the depth of the water and structure, a good fishfinder will show you everything that lies beneath the surface through a display screen in real-time. Fishfinders have come a long way since they were first created, and the sophisticated technology is much more than just a basic flasher or sounder. 

So how do you know how to choose the right fishfinder for you? Let’s talk about some criteria to keep in mind while shopping around for a fishfinder and some things to keep in mind that can help to make the process a little bit easier! 

Understanding the Technology

Fishfinders are becoming more and more controversial among boat fishermen, as the advancements of technology put the ethics and fairness of fishing into play. Some anglers will argue that using a fishfinder is an unfair advantage and defeats the sport of fishing. Others argue that it simply puts you in the best possible spots to fish and that you must still trick a fish into biting. Whatever side you might be on, it is important to understand a little about fishfinders if you ever want to purchase one. 

Most modern fishfinders use a sonar system that shows you everything underwater, and they do this by emitting a sound pulse and detecting it when it bounces off things like fish and underwater structures. As you can probably imagine, this high-tech device can be confusing for many people. This is why sticking to reputable brands and companies that have been in the business for years is very important. These companies have slowly developed their equipment and gotten it just right, while newcomers are still figuring it out. 

Stick to a Budget

Fishfinders can be expensive! This should be no secret, but it is important to come up with a budget for yourself and try your best to stick to it. If there is a particular brand or model that you have your eyes on but can’t afford, don’t be afraid of saving up your money a little while longer. It is better to use quality equipment that will do its job and last you for years than buying the cheapest thing you can that will no doubt cause you problems! 

Final Thoughts

Fishfinders can be super helpful to locate fish and make your outings even more successful. Hopefully, now you are better prepared to go out and choose the right one for you! 

Interested in checking out more information about the fishing gear you’ll need for the biggest catches? Look no further than our articles on:
Want to Start Fishing? Here Is the Basic Gear You’ll Need
The Best Rod and Reel Combo to Make Fishing Easy
Going Fishing? Here Are Our Basic Knots for New Anglers

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.