How to Interpret Fish Finders
A useful tool often utilized by anglers when boat fishing is a fish finder. Being able to interpret the information presented by this device often enables a more efficient and successful fishing expedition. Using this sonar technology, you can obtain a virtual visualization of what is beneath the boat. Knowing the water depth, structure and fish presence may increase the odds of catching fish.
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Instructions
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Study the instruction manual corresponding to the fish finder model that will be used. Educate yourself on all the calibration settings available on the unit. Many of the most up-to-date models offer different frequencies, presentations and display modes. Learn these settings and how to manipulate them to achieve optimal performance from the fish finder.
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Use the "side-finding fish-finder." These models are programmed to ignore ground clutter, thus displaying only fish. When ground clutter is present on a fish finder, it is more difficult to determine if fish are actually present. The side-finding models differ from the traditional fish-finders based upon the way they are able to send and receive sonar signals.
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Follow these steps to interpret the data displayed on the screen: As the boat moves through the water, most fish-finders present a scrolling display going from right to left as the sonar signals are being sent and received. Depending upon the model of fish-finder, a transducer mounted near the bottom of the boat will be scanning the water to pick up fish echoes. The most recent signals received from the transducer will appear on the right side of the fish-finder screen, and gradually scroll to the left and off of the screen as new signals are received. The floor of the body of water will most often be displayed as a dark mass on the bottom of the screen. Fish that are located will generally be depicted as a lighter shaded, silhouette symbol either suspended in the water, or along the bottom.
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Set the corresponding alarms on the fish-finding device. For example, you may consider setting an alarm to notify you of shallow water depths, or when fish are present. There are often additional settings that allow display of special symbols for fish in the immediate area. This enables you to further distinguish between clutter in the water and actual fish.
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Tips & Warnings
Navigate the water slowly, thus giving the transducer time to work effectively.
Avoid fines and penalties, study the rules and regulations governing the fishing in the area.
Always practice safe boating habits, including the proper use of flotation devices.
