Today, fishing has become one of the most beloved and popular recreational activities all over the world.
Out of this equipment, one important device you must carry is a GPS. An efficient GPS not only helps you to track where the fish are but also helps you navigate your way back.
So, if you want to know which system is the right one for you, focus on these factors!
1. Water Resistance
The first factor you must check while buying a reliable fish finder GPS is whether it will hold well in the water. Since fishing involves unpredictable weather conditions, you never know when the waves might become turbulent or the winds might get too harsh.
In such situations, the GPS needs to be water-resistant and sturdy enough to withstand even the most harsh weather conditions.
Good fish finder GPSs have internal parts made of high-quality metals. Special water-resistant seals are also applied to ensure that the salt in the water doesn’t harm it.
2. Display Size and Resolution
Next, focus on the display size and resolution. If the screen size is too small, it will become difficult for you to read the navigation charts and images shown. On the other hand, if the display is too large, the device will become bulky.
Therefore, choose the screen size that is optimum and can be easily fitted along with your fishing gear.
The display resolution should also be clear and colorful. The high-transducer-frequency devices show sharper images and can more accurately detect the presence of fish, even in deep water.
3. Sonar Technology
Fish finder GPS devices use a special technology called SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging). Based on your specific fishing needs, you can choose from different types of SONAR-based GPS:
- CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) SONAR: In the CHIRP SONAR system, multiple frequencies are simultaneously sent in the depths of the water body. It gives you clear images and is ideal for areas where fish are found at greater depths.
- Side Imaging: In side imaging, you can cover a wider area of the water body. It scans both sides of the boat, which makes you see fish and other marine life that can’t be seen directly underneath your boat. It’s perfect for fishing in shallow waters.
- Down Imaging: Down imaging shows you high-quality images of fish that are directly underneath your boat. Often, you can’t notice the fish under the boat’s bottom, making this important. Down imaging GPS is mostly used in deep water bodies.
- Live SONAR: Live SONAR or Livescope is a very popular type of fish-finding GPS that offers real-time images of any marine life or objects moving in the water. If you’re a serious angler, a Livescope is your best shot because you can capture every motion of the target fish in real time.
4. Connectivity with Phone
Many smart GPS trackers can be seamlessly connected to a corresponding app on your phone, making it even easier to find the catches you want.
Moreover, these devices don’t require Wi-Fi or cellular connections, so they can be easily used in remote locations. When the location is synced with the phone’s app, you can access real-time fishing maps offline.
If you need this feature, check if the GPS device can be properly connected and synced to the phone’s app and whether your phone’s operating system is compatible with the tracker’s system.
5. Basic vs Advanced Mapping
When it comes to the mapping system, you can choose between either basic or advanced mapping.
If you have just started fishing as a hobby, you can check out GPS devices that have basic mapping. Here, you can check out navigation systems and mark your waypoints to make sure you don’t lose track.
However, if you want to catch big fish or you’re experienced enough in fishing, you can try out fish finders with advanced mapping. These systems show you detailed maps of the water body, and you can do activities like custom mapping and chart plotting.
Conclusion
While these are some of the major factors you need to keep in mind while purchasing a good GPS device for fishing, you also need to take into account the price of the device and the company selling it. Invest in fish finder GPSs only from reliable sellers and check their guarantee and warranty periods as well!
