Amanda Knapp
Fish finders are used by anglers to detect fish and other structures in the water. There are several types of fish finders, including side imaging sonar, down imaging sonar, front/forward-facing sonar, traditional sonar, 360 sonar, and CHIRP sonar. Each type of fish finder has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of range, precision, and ability to detect small objects. The direction in which a fish finder works depends on the type of fish finder and the mounting style. For example, side imaging sonar sends out signals from both sides of the boat, while down imaging sonar focuses directly downward. Forward-facing sonar shows what is in front of the boat, and 360 sonar displays fish and structure in an arch around the boat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Sonar | Side imaging, down imaging, 360, front/forward-facing |
| How it works | Sends out signals directed outwards from both sides of the boat, or downwards, or in a 360-degree arch |
| What it detects | Major features in the area surrounding the boat, individual baitfish or fish resting on the bottom, weed beds, rocks, trees |
| Advantages | Can get a general sense of major features in the area, captures higher definition details |
| Disadvantages | Not great at detecting small objects |
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What You'll Learn
Side imaging sonar
To improve detail and deep-water performance, CHIRP sonar transmits a longer signal that ascends through a range of frequencies. This allows the signal to capture detail and still reach hundreds of feet below the boat.
Forward-facing sonar shows what is in front of the boat in a live view. A special transducer is usually mounted to a trolling motor. Fish finders are available in different types and mounting styles. For example, the transducer of a castable fish finder sits on the water, and the display is provided by a user's smartphone or tablet.
A 360-degree sonar transducer displays fish and structures in a 360-degree arch around the boat. This type of sonar has a wider field of view than down imaging and requires the boat to be in motion. It will pick up structures like weed beds, rocks, and trees, but it's not great at detecting smaller objects.
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Down imaging sonar
Forward-facing sonar is another type of fish finder that shows what is in front of the boat in a live view. A special transducer is usually mounted to a trolling motor, allowing the angler to turn the transducer to shoot the signal at potential targets. This type of sonar has changed the way anglers target fish, as it provides a live view of fish and structure in any direction from the boat.
Traditional sonar uses a single signal to identify objects below the boat. Adjusting the power of the signal changes the return detail, with high-frequency providing more detail and low frequency travelling further through the water. CHIRP sonar transmits a longer signal ascending through a range of frequencies, improving detail and deep-water performance.
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Front/forward-facing sonar
Forward-facing sonar has changed the way anglers target fish. The advanced transducers allow a live view of fish and structure in any direction from the boat. The angler can turn the transducer to shoot the signal at potential targets.
Forward-facing sonar is different from 360-degree sonar, which displays fish and structure in a 360-degree arch around the boat. 360-degree sonar uses a transducer that rotates 360 degrees, scanning all around the boat. This type of sonar has a wider field of view than down-imaging sonar and requires the boat to be in motion. It will pick up structures like weed beds, rocks, and trees, but it is not as good at detecting smaller objects.
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360-degree imaging sonar
Fish finders work in different directions depending on the type of sonar used. A 360-degree imaging sonar uses a transducer that rotates 360 degrees, scanning all around the boat. This type of sonar provides a live view of fish and structures in any direction from the boat. It has a wider field of view than down imaging and requires the boat to be in motion. While it can pick up structures like weed beds, rocks, and trees, it is not as effective at detecting smaller objects like fish.
Side imaging sonar, on the other hand, sends out signals from both sides of the boat, providing a broader range than 2D sonar. It is often used in combination with other sonar technologies as it is not ideal for detecting small objects. Down imaging sonar is the most precise and accurate type, capturing higher-definition details directly below the boat in a narrow beam.
Forward-facing or front-facing sonar shows what is in front of the boat in a live view. A special transducer is usually mounted to a trolling motor. Castable fish finders are app-based and ideal for shore fishing or stable boats, while boat-mounted fish finders are more traditional, with the transducer mounted to the transom and the control head by the helm.
CHIRP sonar improves detail and deep-water performance by transmitting a longer signal through a range of frequencies, allowing it to capture detail and reach hundreds of feet below the boat. The choice of sonar technology depends on the specific needs of the angler, with 360-degree imaging sonar offering a comprehensive view of the surrounding area.
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Traditional sonar
Forward-facing sonar shows what is in front of the boat in a live view. A special transducer is usually mounted to a trolling motor. The transducer of a castable fish finder sits on the water. They are app-based, so the display is a user-provided smartphone or tablet. They are ideal for those who fish from the shore or from extremely stable boats. Boat-mounted fish finders are what many of us view as typical fish finders. The transducer is mounted to the transom while the control head is mounted by the helm.
Side imaging sonar sends out signals directed outwards from both sides of your boat (right and left). It’s broader ranging than 2D sonar and is a great way to get a general sense of major features in the area surrounding your boat. However, side imaging sonar is not great at detecting small objects—such as fish. It’s usually used in combination with other sonar technologies.
Down imaging sonar is the most precise and accurate of the three main types of fish finder sonar. By focusing directly downward in a narrow beam, it captures higher-definition details such as individual baitfish or fish resting on the bottom.
360-degree imaging sonar allows the transducer to rotate 360 degrees, scanning all around the boat. It will pick up structures like weed beds, rocks, and trees. But it’s not the best at picking up smaller objects.
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Frequently asked questions
A fish finder is a device that uses sonar to detect objects in the water.
A fish finder uses sonar to send out signals and detect objects in the water. The signals can be directed outwards from both sides of the boat, or straight down.
You should use a forward-facing sonar fish finder. This will allow you to see what is in front of your boat in a live view.
You should use a side-imaging sonar fish finder. This will send out signals directed outwards from both sides of your boat.
You should use a down-imaging sonar fish finder. This type of fish finder focuses directly downward in a narrow beam, capturing higher-definition details.
