For fishing enthusiasts, understanding having the right fishing tools to improve one’s fishing experience is always relevant. One of those tools is helping anglers find where there is an abundance of fish that are hiding. Although seasoned anglers can easily locate fish, sometimes, they need some help from a technological device, especially if they are fishing in uncharted areas. Two popular pieces of equipment are widely used by anglers all over the world to find the species they are aiming to target. These are fishfinders and depth finders. Although they seem similar at first glance, they have different functionalities which makes one more efficient in fishing excursions. Let’s delve more into the difference between the two before you go and buy any of this equipment in your local boat shops:

Differences Between Fish Finders and Depth Finders  

One of the key differences between the two is their functionality. Fish finders provide useful information on fish and their location and the depth of the water they are located in. Depth finders, on the other hand, won’t provide you with further information on where the fish are. So, if your main goal is to locate fish, a fish finder is your best option. If you’re only trying to determine the depth of the water, you’re much better off using a depth finder.

Another difference between them is the technology they use. Although both rely heavily on sonar technology, one piece of equipment has additional technology installed in it. A fish finder has additional features included such as GPS navigation, chart plotting, and multiple frequency capabilities. A depth finder on the other hand, only provides more in-depth information about the water’s depth.

What To Consider When Getting Both or Either of These Devices

Let’s talk about the considerations you need to take when choosing a fish finder first. The transducer is important to figure out which best suits your needs. This feature is responsible for emitting sound waves and receiving echoes. Make sure the transducer can be mounted in different ways to accommodate your boat’s hull.

Another feature to consider is the display resolution. You don’t want to get a fish finder that is hard to see, let alone read. A high-resolution display allows you to see all the details on the screen such as the fish present in the area, the underwater structures, and the depth of the water. Screen size is important to consider as well. Larger screens can provide a better viewing experience. Make sure the screen can still be read in the daylight. You don’t want to squint and cover the fish finder’s screen just to see its displays. If you’re looking for more advanced fish finder technology, get the ones that offer GPS navigation and chart plotting. These features can help you navigate unfamiliar waters and mark your favourite fishing spots. A fish finder with a side imaging capability can help you see a wider area of the spot you’re currently on. A Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a great fishfinder that incorporates the features mentioned above. This device is a good starting point for anglers who will be using a fishfinder for the first time.

For depth finders, factors such as reading accuracy, screen resolution, and power output are important to obtain the best equipment for your needs. A depth finder that can provide precise measurements of the water’s depth, has a high screen resolution to let you see the depth readings and other important details such as underwater structures and terrain and is sturdy enough to emit stronger sound waves that can penetrate deep into the water and provide more accurate readings.

When using a depth finder, it's important to understand how to interpret the information displayed on the screen. The depth measurement is typically shown in either feet or meters, depending on the user's preference. It's crucial to be familiar with the unit of measurement and understand how it relates to the water depth to make accurate judgments while fishing.