Nowadays professional crappie angler and guide Steve Coleman outfits the front
of his boat with a Garmin Livescope and a Humminbird 360 unit. (Photo: Steve McCadams)
Navigating the Challenge of Selecting Sonar
by Steve McCadams
It doesn’t matter if you are a professional fisherman or if you are a first-time boater. A sonar unit – also called a fish finder or a depth finder – is an essential piece of equipment these days. Even if you don’t fish, just knowing exactly how deep the water is beneath your boat can protect your vessel, and maybe even your life.
But if you’re reading this, chances are you are most interested in finding fish.
We will start out saying that you do NOT have to spend a huge amount of money.
Capt. Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor and a professional guide on the Tennessee River said, “I have about $3,000 worth of electronics on my boat. But day-in, day-out the unit I probably watch most when I’m fishing is a basic Humminbird with a 5-inch screen that cost me about $100 (ten years ago). Today a comparable model would cost about $200.”
You can probably find other models even cheaper that that. And if you simply want to see how deep the water is, mark the bottom structure and/or see fish directly under the boat, that is all you need.
But like any electronics you buy these days, there are dozens of whistles and bells you can add to your fish-finding capabilities. However, every whistle and every bell increases the price you will have to pay.
DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
When it comes to pulling the trigger on that final choice of a new sonar unit for your boat or pontoon, it can be quite a dilemma for the average crappie angler. So many choices; so little time! A few trips to mass merchants or even a visit to boat shows to talk with an expert can sometimes be even more confusing.
The first consideration is your budget. You don’t necessarily have to fork over a house payment or two for the electronics on your boat. Decide what you can afford, or are willing to pay for finding more fish and start from there. Once you have that bench mark you can start deciding what whistles and bells you can get within your budget
Most of the major manufacturers provide websites that help guide fishermen and boaters through the process of deciding which unit with work best for your needs, and your budget.
If you start looking for ALL the whistles and bells, be prepared for sticker shock. High-end electronics are not for the faint of heart, or wallet.
A few tips, whatever brand you choose, be sure and consider the best warranty and the need for potential service. There are a lot of horror stories floating around on social media and among your fellow fishermen.
Is there a certified repair facility near you in the event you do have a problem, in warranty or out?
You may want to call upon that facility to do your installation, or perhaps there is a reliable installer near you whether they do repairs or not. Regardless, know before you buy.
Back when I started, crappie anglers either bought a Humminbird or Lowrance flasher and took off to the lake after a minor installation and a little silicone on the transducer. Not so with today’s sophisticated electronics.
LET’S CUT TO THE CHASE
Most of today’s conversations among anglers winds its way around to side-imaging and forward-facing sonar (FFS). Albeit FFS controversial in some circles – both brought a new dimension to fishing.
Crappie anglers can seek out structure and baitfish within casting distance. With sidescan bluegill fisherman can easily spot those dinner plate depressions of spawning beds that jump on the screen like moon craters.
Catfishermen mastered the technology too and now stay hot on the trail of deep balls of baitfish that pull catfish to their locale – or locate deep-water rockpiles, ledges and other structure.
Units with larger screens – 12-inches or more – reveal much more detail. Whether you use a trolling motor shaft mount for your forward-facing sonar transducer, or an independent shaft is something that must be factored into the cost of whatever you buy.
But those features mean you need a bigger wallet or pocketbook. If you’ve got it, and you are serious about your fishing success, be prepared to pay it.
EXPECT TO SPEND SOME BUCKS
I never thought I would see so many people fishing out of bass boats that cost up to $100,000, but their numbers are abundant. Forking over big bucks for state-of-the-art sonar technology is just one ingredient in that recipe.
These days many success stories among bass and crappie fishermen involve forward-facing sonar (FFS).
These days most fishermen on the bass and crappie tournament trails rely on FFS. Scores of reviews give high marks to the Garmin LVS34 model transducer. But that transducer unit has to be paired with a display unit, such as the mid-range Echomap™ UHD 93sv. Plan on spending about $2,700 total, not including installation. Go to a 12-inch screen or larger and plan to spend way more.
Before spending that kind of money, I suggest spending some time in the boat with someone who has already mastered the art and science of FFS. And it is wise to seek out, and pat for, a professional installer.
It’s kind of like cars. In days gone by almost everyone could handle doing routine repairs and maintenance on vehicles. But nowadays it often requires a master mechanic with a high degree of training, and fancy computers, to do even routine engine repairs.
It can be the same with fishing electronics. There is more to it than just the purchase and turning on the power. Several professional guides and tournament anglers offer instructional, on-the-water electronics courses. That additional investment can help insure you are getting everything out of whatever unit you buy.
“I wouldn’t be without my Garmin Livescope but I also like to use it in conjunction with my Hummingbird 360,” said National Crappie Champion Steve Coleman. “When you travel to new lakes or even on my home at Reelfoot Lake, these units help eliminate dead water. They’re nothing short of amazing.”
Coleman quickly proved his point to me after marking a snag with two fish showing on the screen. Within five minutes he landed them both – two nice slabs. Quite impressive.
“Experience helps you identify fish too,” continued Coleman. “You’ll learn to identify rough fish and catfish from crappie.”
Logging a few hours with someone will get you started on the right path. After that it’s up to you to spend time out there on the water.
There are scores of good sonar units on the market and technology keep changing rapidly. A wide range of prices awaits you but don’t let the whole ordeal turn you away. Do a little homework and make friends with folks already in the technology club and soon you’ll be bridging the gaps just like they did.
Steve McCadams is a professional guide and outdoor writer from Paris, Tenn. near Kentucky Lake. A member of The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Legends of the Outdoors he’s been under the spell of the great outdoors for more than 60 years.
