You've just bought your new float tube or you're thinking about buying one, and now you're wondering whether a sounder portable for small craft is a good idea. In fact fishing sounders are a matter of course on a boat, but for a float or other portable craft, the question arises.
Manufacturers have not missed a beat and have come up with little marvels that fit very well with a float tubeAs you'll find in our accessories catalogue. A fishing sonar is virtually indispensable for efficient and effective fishing, as it will enable you to read the bottom of the water over which you are fishing.
The fishing sounders will take you to a whole new level, the depth finder will help you understand your spot and analyse, for example, why your lure systematically gets stuck there. If you choose gPS sounders, you'll be able to track your drift and save the location in the event of high productivity so you can come back to it.
We are going to see which models of fishing sonar are the most suitable for use in float tube, like the lowrance hook2 GPS sounder or the sounder lucky fish finders for example.
Screen sizes
Before choosing a screen size, it's important to know that a fishing sonar can use two types of technology that we will look at in detail in the second part of our article: the down imaging such as the lowrance hook2 GPS sounder and the side imaging present on some deeper sounder.
It's important to know what technology you're using, as the optimum screen size will be different. Selecting the best fishfinder is essential, but you also need to know how to install it correctly on your boat. Our article How do you install a fish finder on a float tube ?, deals with the subject from every angle to give you all the keys to maximum performance! If you choose to go for a 'side imaging' model, we recommend 4", 5" or even a 7" screen if you can afford it. These sizes are the best compromise between a small footprint and good screen visibility, which is essential if you want to get the most out of your camera portable sounder of this kind.
If you have a limited budget, there are a number of ways of finding the right solution for your needs kayak sounder or float of your dreams. On the other hand, you will need to turn to "down imaging" technology, which will require a much smaller screen to be able to take full advantage of it, such as the sounder lucky fish finders for example. For this type of technology, we recommend a screen of at least 3''. You won't have GPS on screens of this size, but you will have a wired sonar or to wireless tube which will do the trick.
The different technologies
As we mentioned earlier, the manufacturers of kayak sounder and other portable craft offer several types of technology that will provide you with more or less different ways of using your gPS sounders or not. You'll find a depth sensor more or less effective, a sonar sensor or a beam angle more developed than on a deeper sounder for example.
Some wired fishing sonar use so-called traditional 2D probes, it will enable you to detect fish with a high degree of accuracy beam angle in a cone shape that outlines the seabed and the location of the fish. This type of sonar sensor (such as fish finders alarm 100m) is used for vertical fishing with wireless tube or not.
Down Imaging technology delivers much better, more realistic image quality than a simple 2D transducer (such as wifi deeper). The beams emitted are much finer, so details are much more visible and structures appear more clearly. But you'll need to keep moving at a steady speed.
Side Imaging is a technology that uses a lateral function, and it also requires you to be constantly on the move, as it simply won't work when stationary. Another negative point for use in a float boat is that every stroke of the fins risks distorting the image due to the instability of such a craft.
Finally, GPS technology, the source of much debate between fishermen because of its real usefulness. Of course, not opting for a GPS will save you money at the outset, but you may well regret it later. We recommend that you take the GPS function without the cartography, as this is the best compromise. You'll be able to save your best spots, analyse your drift, and so on.
The right batteries
The battery is an essential part of your wi fi deeper sounder or any other sonar of the same type must be supplied. On the other hand, a fish finders alarm 100m will be able to operate autonomously thanks to a set of AAA batteries.
We recommend that you opt for the simplest and most economical solution, a weight-acid battery. Sure, it weighs a lot, but it'll do the job just fine, and will remain relatively discreet. A 7Ah capacity will give you a whole day's use.
Our selection
We have selected three sounders, an entry-level product for fishermen who don't necessarily have the means, or who want to try a lower-cost solution, a mid-range and a top-of-the-range.
We offer you the brand Deeper ideal start for an initial purchase, the pro version of wireless sounder Is a very good choice, offering excellent value for money.
Using Wi-Fi increases the range to 100m. Image quality has been improved, so you can count on twice as many images per second compared with the Bluetooth version. Objects as small as 1.3cm will be visible on your screen. It will work in the sea and in freshwater without any problems, with a continuous operating time of 6 hours thanks to its own built-in battery.
Our selection for the mid-range we have selected the from Humminbird, one of the leading brands in fishfinders. All the features of the Humminbird piranhamax 4 colour are repeated in this model with the added Down Imaging function. This will give you an almost photographic quality image of the seabed you are exploring. The details will be sharp and will ensure that your technique is more effective. It comes with 200 and 455 dual-beam 28° and 16° probes, plus Down Imaging technology.
A compact sounder that packs a lot of advanced technology for a reasonable price, reminiscent of the ideal deeper start but with a lot more features.
Finally, the top of the range, the from Humminbird. It benefits from the addition of important features including CHIRP on all technologies (2D, Down and Side Imaging), the enhanced version of AutoChart® Live with vegetation and bottom hardness mapping, as well as the revolutionary MEGA Imaging ™ technology.
The H10G2 also features a Bluetooth module, synchronised with smartphones. It will allow you to read text messages and view incoming or missed calls directly on your screen Humminbird (a feature that doesn't exist on the wireless wifi deeper). It's a top-of-the-range fishfinder that brings together all the best features, although you'll have to pay a high price for it.
Our other articles about float tubes :
- How do I choose my Float Tube ?
- Which electric motor for a float tube ?
- Which rod for Float Tube fishing ?
- Which float tube is right for you ?
- Which waders for float tubes ?
- 7 accessories for your Float Tube
- Float tube or kayak: how do you choose ?
- How to start Float Tubing: equipment, spots, techniques
- How do I inflate a float tube ?
- How do you install a fish finder on a float tube ?
- How do I repair a float tube bladder ?
- Which fins should you choose for Float Tube fishing ?
- How do you move forward and steer a float tube ?
- Float tube sailing: what does the law say ?
- Float tube storage and maintenance: Complete guide
- Which float tube is right for catfish fishing ?