More Fishfinder Selection Questions

[minuteman62-64]

I've been reviewing posts on this forum and searching the web for selection criteria for a fishfinder. Based on this research, my understanding is that (what seem to be the most important criteria):

1. Pixels are important, the more the better. Vertical pixels are particulary important if I want to be able to discriminate between fish and bottom structure.

2. Power is important, particularly in salt water. The deeper I want to read the more power I'll need.

3. Transducer frequency is important in salt water.

Great info to have - but, how many pixels, how much power and what transducer frequencies? Is there any info that will allow me to basically dial in my use parameters and make those determinations?

My use will be exclusively salt water. Mainly in San Diego Bay, at depths maybe 60 ft. max. in the main channel. Occasionally offshore in the Point Loma kelp beds, max. depth 200 ft.

Any ideas on how many pixels, how many watts and best transducer frequencies? Or a source of this info?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: More Fishfinder Selection Questions

More is better so look at the specs for locators in your price range. A less expensive and "less capable" locator (say in the $200 range) will generally do just fine at 60 foot depths but probably not so well at 200 feet. How much you spend and the locator capability depends on what you actually end up with. If money is no object, then that opens the field up considerably. If money is a major consideration then you need to determine where you fish most of the time and pop for something that works fine for those conditions. Beam angle was not mentioned in your list of pertinent specifications. For very deep water you probably want a narrow beam. A wide cone angle will cover a great deal of water and show targets well away from the boat. That's of no use unless you move to get within reach of those targets. A narrow beam in deep water will show you whats within a reasonable area around the boat. You might want a wider angle in shallower water. I realize this is not what you are asking but you need to be a little more specific on price and capability.

 

[dingbat]

Re: More Fishfinder Selection Questions

In the digital age, the number of pixels is no longer a prime importance. The digital zoom function effectively made pixel counts obsolete. A resolution of 240 x 320 is more than enough unitl you get into large screen displays

The transducer and the unit’s detection algorithm determine what you can and cannot see. The unit can’t display what your transducer can’t detect.

Power is important anywhere. More power equals more signal equals better detail. Think of it as a flashlight. If the light is too bright you can always wear sunglasses. If you don't have enough light, you can't see a thing.

A 200/50 KhZ transducer will do anything you want to do. Contrary to popular belief, 50 kHz comes in very handy in water as shallow as 30’ once you know how to use it.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: More Fishfinder Selection Questions

I'll be looking in the $250-$350 range. From the reviews I've done it looks like I'll have units available in the 300-500 Watt range. Is that enough power for 200 feet in salt water?

Good to know about transducer beam angle. Is that related to the frequency or independent of the frequency?

Also, based on the store models I've seen, I'm pretty sure I want a color display. It appears that, dollor for dollor, I'd get more performance from a B&W unit, but I find the color display easier to read for my tired old eyes. Are there any downsides to the color display? Which do you guys prefer?

 

[dingbat]

Re: More Fishfinder Selection Questions

With your budgets I'd be looking for a good used unit. If you can swing a bit more money, the Furuno LS41XX and LS61XX can be purchased new in the $350-$400 range w/o a transducer. The LS is the best $350 sonar on the market, bar none.

Power wise, 300W RMS is the bare minimum I would recommend for the application. You will see the bottom with 300W but you will sacrifice definition.

When it comes to displays, size trumps pretty much anything else. A color display is not going to do you any good if you can't see it. Most color units in that price range have postage stamp sized displays. As a test, stand in your normal postion while fishing and see if you can see the details on screen. If not, consider going to a larger B&W display.

You need to watch color displays. Some displays are sunlight visible, some are not. Other than that, there is no downside to a color display except cost.

BTW, Check the ping rate of the unit in consideration. While usually not available in units in the lower price ranges, a variable ping rate will greatly enhance the overall performance of the unit.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: More Fishfinder Selection Questions

I should add that my previous unit was a 1980's "flasher" type. I could pick out the side cuts of the major channels and sunken battleships and get a depth reading. It won't take much to constitute a major upgrade