All anglers worth their salt are looking to invest in fish-finders with a GPS depth finder component. Having these capabilities can assist with almost everything needed to find fish and to navigate successfully. Some units can be purchased as standalones but others come in combo form and this will usually mean that you save money. Also, purchasing a combo means that only one unit needs to be installed, which saves space and makes it helpful in that there is only one screen to monitor.
How does a GPS depth finder work?
Depth finders work on sound or electromagnetic waves. Once these waves bounce off solid objects, they are able to transmit images from under the water – and these can be displayed in clear color pictures on the device’s screen. It stands to reason that you need a screen that is of sufficient size or quality that you can interpret the images on the screen more effectively. Obviously, the further the sound wave needs to travel, the deeper the water is. The sound wave is also able to interpret the object that it bounces onto – it might be the wreck of a craft, rocks on the bottom, or even a shoal of fish.
The obvious benefits of such a system are numerous: you will always know the depth of the water beneath you for successful navigation, you will be able to identify the best possible locations where you can stop to fish, and you will even be able to determine the composition of the bottom beneath you. If the floor bottom is rocky or muddy, you will be able to gauge whether a specific fish type can be found there or not. For the commercial fisherman who may have discerning clients on-board, this type of information can be vital. Of course, the device still can’t guarantee that fish will be caught, but the technology will assist greatly in letting you know that you’re in a likely place!
Advantages of using a GPS depth finder
Most GPS fish-finders come ready loaded with detailed information on lakes, rivers and coastal waters. If you are searching for a specific fish that inhabits deeper water, you will be able to use your GPS to identify the depth of the water around you. You’ll see exactly where the deeper areas are and will be able to travel to those parts where your particular fish will most likely be found. Most devices will allow you to capture the location where you’ve been particularly successful so that you can return for further good fishing in the future.
A GPS depth-finder can prove invaluable in finding the exact species of fish you desire. Speak to Hodges Marine about the right device for your needs. Click here to view their products.
