Whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, through the ice or even from shore, portable fish finders make it easier than ever to find fish.
These devices use sonar technology to detect fish by emitting sound waves, which bounce back to the transducer. The more accurately you can get these readings, the better your chances are of catching fish.
Features
A handheld fish finder is a handy tool for any angler who wants to locate fish without the need for a boat. Its main function is to locate and identify schools of fish.
The best handheld fish finders also have the ability to pinpoint hot spots where fish are a lot more likely to bite. This can save a lot of time and hassle when it comes to finding and catching fish.
Many of these devices also feature a CHIRP sonar, which sends a continuous sweep of frequencies to detect and identify things below the water. This makes it much easier to pinpoint and identify fish than traditional 2D sonar.
Portable fish finders are small, lightweight units that can be easily packed and moved. Some even have castable transducers that can be attached to your fishing line and lowered into the water.
Screen size
Screen size is one of the most important features to look for in a handheld fish finder. If it’s too small, you won’t be able to see all the information your unit is trying to give you and it will be frustrating to use.
A good screen will be large enough to be readable at all times, even if it’s bright outside or you’re fishing in the dark. It also won’t drain your battery too quickly, so you can keep using it for longer.
There are many different screen sizes to choose from. Most of them measure at least 3.5 inches diagonally, but you can get screens as large as 7 inches or more depending on the model you choose.
Battery life
A handheld fish finder is a device that can be used to locate schools of fish underwater. This can be helpful when you’re fishing, especially in lakes or rivers where there are a lot of fish.
A fish finder uses sound waves to scan the water and determine where there are more fish than usual. It can also indicate how deep a spot is and what kinds of fish are in the area.
To run a fish finder, you will need a battery that is strong enough to power it for a long time. A good fish finder will use between 7 and 18 amp hours (Ah) of battery capacity.
Ideally, you should choose a 12V, lithium-ion battery that can provide the necessary power to run a fish finder for up to 24 hours. This will ensure that you have plenty of time to explore the waters before your battery needs charging.
Waterproofness
A handheld fish finder needs to be waterproof in order to withstand a variety of factors, including rain, splashes, and submersion. Fortunately, most well-known brands have been designed to be water-resistant.
The internal components of a handheld fish finder, such as the transducer, are usually fully sealed to prevent water from entering and damaging them. If you plan to use your device in saltwater, however, it is a good idea to clean off the internal parts with fresh water after every trip.
You may also want to apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connection points on your cables and power source. This will help stop corrosion at those connections and allow electrical currents to flow freely, keeping your electronics safe from damage.
You should also be careful not to let water come into contact with your fish finder batteries or wiring. These are very sensitive to moisture, and if they come into contact with water, they can short out and cause your fish finder to malfunction.