Kayaking and fishing are two of the most exciting outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are someone who loves to kayak and fish, then you would know how challenging it can be to find fish in open waters. However, thanks to the advancements in technology, finding fish in deep waters has become much easier with the use of kayak fish finders.
A kayak fish finder is a device that uses sonar technology to locate fish in deep waters. This device is installed on a kayak and provides information about the water depth, the location of the fish, and the temperature of the water. Kayak fish finders come in different shapes and sizes and are designed to meet the needs of different types of anglers.
If you are new to kayak fishing and are planning to buy a fish finder, then this guide is for you. Here are some of the important factors that you need to consider when choosing a kayak fish finder:
- Transducer Type
The transducer is the most important part of a fish finder as it sends the sonar signals into the water and receives the echoes that bounce back. There are two types of transducers – the down-looking transducer and the side-looking transducer.
The down-looking transducer is mounted on the bottom of the kayak and provides a clear image of the fish directly beneath the kayak. On the other hand, the side-looking transducer is mounted on the side of the kayak and provides a wider coverage area of the water.
- Display
The display is another important factor to consider when buying a kayak fish finder. The display should be clear and easy to read even in bright sunlight. You should also consider the size of the display as it determines the amount of information that can be displayed at once.
Some fish finders come with color displays that provide better visibility in different lighting conditions. However, color displays are more expensive than the black and white displays.
- GPS
Some kayak fish finders come with built-in GPS systems that allow you to mark and save the location of the fish. This is especially useful if you plan to return to the same location at a later time. GPS also provides information about the water depth and the location of underwater structures such as reefs and drop-offs.
- Portability
Portability is an important factor to consider if you plan to move your fish finder from one kayak to another. Some fish finders come with a portable kit that includes a battery, a transducer, and a mount. These kits are lightweight and can be easily transported from one kayak to another.
- Price
Kayak fish finders come in different price ranges, from as low as $100 to as high as $1000. The price depends on the features of the fish finder, such as GPS, color display, and transducer type. It is important to consider your budget and the features that you need before making a purchase.
Once you have chosen the right kayak fish finder for your needs, here are some tips on how to use it effectively:
- Mount the fish finder properly
The transducer should be mounted correctly to ensure that it is in the water and not touching the kayak. The transducer should be placed on a flat surface and away from the paddle.
- Adjust the sensitivity
The sensitivity of the fish finder should be adjusted based on the water depth and the size of the fish. If the sensitivity is too high, it can cause false readings, while if it is too low, it may not detect small fish.
- Interpret the data
The fish finder provides information about the water depth, the location of the fish, and the temperature of the water. It is important to understand how to interpret this data to locate the fish.
- Use the GPS
If your fish finder comes with a GPS, make sure to use it to mark the location of the fish. This will help you to return to the same location at a later time.
- Stay Safe
While using a kayak fish finder, it is important to stay safe. Always wear a life jacket and make sure that the kayak is stable before using the fish finder.
In conclusion, a kayak fish finder is a valuable tool for any angler who loves to fish in deep waters. With the right fish finder and the right technique, you can locate fish easily and improve your chances of catching them. So, follow this guide and start exploring the waters for your next catch. Happy fishing!