Echo Sounder depth finders

[Vagabond]

Have used my Eagle Magna III for many years, but last year it started playing silly beggars, and we had to troll blind (still caught a charr though ). Experience with aging electronic equipment tells me the trouble is likely to be permanent, perhaps terminal

 

With a major ferox onslaught coming up it seems a good time to buy a new, up to date, state-of-the-art echo sounder. One that gives a reliable depth reading , and an indication of the nature of the bottom. Cost is not much of a consideration - reliability is.

 

Before looking at manufacturers' hype, I would like to hear from people that use echo sounders in freshwater, and why they chose the one they have - especially if they are now regretting their choice !

 

I'm looking for experienced boat anglers opinions, not, please not, links to manufacturers and retail outlets.

[Anderoo]

I am not an experienced boat angler but I'll answer anyway. Last year I fished quite a few times with a friend (Alex, in fact) on his boat on the Severn and a couple of the reservoirs. He's got 2 echo sounders, a fairly old hummingbird and a brand spanking new one. (I don't know what models they are, but I can find out if it's helpful?) The difference between them is astonishing.

 

The old one does the usual stuff - depth, hardness of bottom, speed. The new one is like looking at a 3D picture, and also has side-scanning facilities.

 

We went over something on the bottom on the Severn, which on the old one was a block of colour showing a brief shallowing of depth. On the new one, you could see quite clearly an old rowing boat on its side sitting on the bottom. On Grafham there's a big pipe that runs along the length of the reservoir. On the old sounder it was quite hard to see, it just shows as a slightly thicker 'hard' line. On the new one it's as clear as day, a round pipe laying along the bottom.

 

I don't know about reliability as he's only had it a year. I think he's had the old one for ages though, so that should get a tick

[Brian Carragher]

Don't use mine in freshwater but do use one at sea in depths of up to 30 fathom, 60 yds or 180 ft in old money,only one brand

 

LOWRANCE

[JV44]

I am not an experienced boat angler but I'll answer anyway. Last year I fished quite a few times with a friend (Alex, in fact) on his boat on the Severn and a couple of the reservoirs. He's got 2 echo sounders, a fairly old hummingbird and a brand spanking new one. (I don't know what models they are, but I can find out if it's helpful?) The difference between them is astonishing.

 

The old one does the usual stuff - depth, hardness of bottom, speed. The new one is like looking at a 3D picture, and also has side-scanning facilities.

 

We went over something on the bottom on the Severn, which on the old one was a block of colour showing a brief shallowing of depth. On the new one, you could see quite clearly an old rowing boat on its side sitting on the bottom. On Grafham there's a big pipe that runs along the length of the reservoir. On the old sounder it was quite hard to see, it just shows as a slightly thicker 'hard' line. On the new one it's as clear as day, a round pipe laying along the bottom.

 

I don't know about reliability as he's only had it a year. I think he's had the old one for ages though, so that should get a tick

 

 

Anderoo i would be interested in the model no of his new one to as need to get another one ta Steve.

[Steve Burke]

Some years ago I used to have a mail order business selling freshwater boat gear. This naturally included a lot of fishfinders, and I was probably the only one in the UK to have done head-to-head field tests between various makes and models. The best choice depended on what type and depth of waters the fishfinder was going to be used on, what species were being sought, and whether you were more concerned with finding features rather than fish.

 

The makes I was most familiar with were Eagle (these were more or less identical to Lowrances but lower powered as the power wasn't needed for the depths we fish in freshwater), Humminbird and Bottom Line. I've owned fishfinders of all 3 makes myself.

 

Unfortunately I'm a little out of touch with the latest models, although I did some research for Alex's fishing and supplied him with the Humminbird that Anderoo referred to.

 

My choice would still be Humminbird as the best all-rounders for a variety of depths and species. I particularly like the optional sidescan accessory, although you won't need it for ferox. However for shallow water fishing it's invaluable and Humminbird make by far the best sidescanners on the market.

 

For very deep water you may find a low frequency model preferable, or better still one with dual frequencies for added versatility.

 

As Andrew said fishfinders have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. I owned an Eagle Magna myself for many years, and you're certainly going to notice the difference between that and current technology, especially for feature finding.

[Renrag39]

Going to hang on to this thread as I've just gotten a Kayak and a depthsounder/fishfinder is on the list of eventual equipment to get. My main concern for the 'yak is waterproofness/reliability followed by detail. Any suggestions will be noted

Sorry to hijack your thread Vagabond.

[JV44]

Some years ago I used to have a mail order business selling freshwater boat gear. This naturally included a lot of fishfinders, and I was probably the only one in the UK to have done head-to-head field tests between various makes and models. The best choice depended on what type and depth of waters the fishfinder was going to be used on, what species were being sought, and whether you were more concerned with finding features rather than fish.

 

The makes I was most familiar with were Eagle (these were more or less identical to Lowrances but lower powered as the power wasn't needed for the depths we fish in freshwater), Humminbird and Bottom Line. I've owned fishfinders of all 3 makes myself.

 

Unfortunately I'm a little out of touch with the latest models, although I did some research for Alex's fishing and supplied him with the Humminbird that Anderoo referred to.

 

My choice would still be Humminbird as the best all-rounders for a variety of depths and species. I particularly like the optional sidescan accessory, although you won't need it for ferox. However for shallow water fishing it's invaluable and Humminbird make by far the best sidescanners on the market.

 

For very deep water you may find a low frequency model preferable, or better still one with dual frequencies for added versatility.

 

As Andrew said fishfinders have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. I owned an Eagle Magna myself for many years, and you're certainly going to notice the difference between that and current technology, especially for feature finding.

 

Steve can you still source that finder....and how much??? your bestest rate pm if prefered thanks Steve.

Edited January 26, 2012 by JV44

[Steve Burke]

Steve, I'm afraid I'm now (at last!) retired and so won't be able to help. I don't even have the literature now, so that's why I'm not up to date. Alex's was the last fishfinder I sold. Sorry.

 

If anyone's got any general questions though I'll try to help.

[JV44]

Steve, I'm afraid I'm now (at last!) retired and so won't be able to help. I don't even have the literature now, so that's why I'm not up to date. Alex's was the last fishfinder I sold. Sorry.

 

If anyone's got any general questions though I'll try to help.

 

 

Steve no worries bit cheeky but don`t ask an all that steve.

[Steve Burke]

Steve no worries bit cheeky but don`t ask an all that steve.

 

Not in the least. If I hadn't retired I'd have been happy to have helped.