There are plenty of reasons why you should consider purchasing a fish finder. With the many advances in technology, there is no reason why you should neglect the use of tools that can improve your hobby or job.
Be reminded that the primary purpose of a fish finder is to make it easier for you to catch aquatic species. Though it can get technical when it comes to the data produced on the screen of the device, once you have learned more about the details it provides you will get the most out of it.
Aside from catching more fish, the equipment is also designed to help you find the bait when it is already hard to search for it on the surface. Normally, fishermen encounter difficulty in looking for their bait at a certain spot in the water. A fish finder will be able to find the water column where your bait is suspended or holding on to.
Furthermore, with the help of the tool, you will be able to target certain species, such as by finding flat areas or structures in the water. For instance, halibut is often traced in flat spots. Knowing the bottom depth will give you an idea where to fish.
However, no matter how useful the tool is, there are also mistakes that you should avoid when using it. Given below are a few that you should take note of:
Incorrect Installation and Setup of the Fish Finder. There are fishermen who think that the tool is a plug-and-play device. In truth, you must also follow the correct installation steps to use the equipment accordingly.
After unboxing the unit, it is very important to check out the instructions right away. The guidelines will give you the proper procedure on how to set up the equipment. Also, do not forget to register your fish finder.
Go to the manufacturer’s website. From then on, you have to register your equipment. Make sure that you will include a valid e-mail address when registering. Take note that this step is essential not for the company alone. Fish finder owners must register in order to activate the warranty of the tool. Your e-mail address will also be where important notifications and updates will be sent.
There are customers who happen to install their units without paying attention to what the manufacturer advises. This must be prevented since this can also result in quick breakage.
Wrong Placement of Transducer. When you put the bottom part of the fish finder in the wrong area, you will likely encounter cavitation. This is a problem associated with the production of water bubbles. This can interfere with the accurate transmission of signals.
In order to avoid this, you must always find a correct spot for the transducer. As advised, you should locate a spot where your vessel faces less water turbulence. The proper installation of the component must also be followed. Before using the fish finder, always check the circuit breaker, plug, or fuse.
Reliance on Waterproof Claim. You must remember that even though the manufacturer of a fish finder claims that its product is 100 percent waterproof, this does not mean that it is also completely water-resistant.
Although the tool can protect itself from the damages brought by a few drops of water, you will definitely regret using it while it has been raining throughout the day. Take note that a fish finder is first and foremost an electronic device.
Even if you think that it can withstand frequent rainy fishing sessions, sooner or later, it will also break down. As much as possible, prevent exposing the tool to salt water or rain. By doing so, you will be able to sustain its good performance and non-corroded surface.
Not Updating the Fish Finder’s Software. It is necessary to update your fish finder’s software regularly, especially now that its technology is highly advanced. The features of your tool are constantly improved in order to serve its users better.
If you fail to update the software of your tool, you can suffer from compatibility and performance issues. Normally, your computer or smartphone will constantly remind you about updating your fish finder. Follow prompts to update and never forget to read the instructions now and then.
Most likely, every update will be paired with changes in terms of features. You must not disregard information from the manufacturer, which may affect the efficiency of the tool. For instance, there are changes in terms of graph interpretations.
In most units, the installation of the software update is very easy. You simply need to download the necessary files to a blank memory card. Afterward, insert it in your fish finder. Upon opening the device, you can already proceed to an update installation.
Every time you update your fish finder, you must always restore it to its default configuration. Keep in mind that the latest software will give you the crispest and sharpest images.
Testing the Device in Shallow Water. Do you know that your tool can be broken if you test it in an extremely shallow water? As much as possible, you must check its performance when your boat is in a lake, river, or a pond.
Normally, the depth can be measured accurately when your vessel is in static or moving mode. You need hull transducers if you want to identify the water depth in spite of your boat moving at a higher speed.
Returning the Product Right Away. You must know that not all fish finders properly indicate when its display is broken. There are already cases wherein the equipment will not turn on due to a poor connection. Before you even complain to the supplier or manufacturer, check the problem yourself.
There are cases when the device is not properly connected. Alternatively, it may not be charged as instructed. Prior to requesting for repairs or refunds, inspect the connection points, contacts, and cable interruptions.
Conclusion
Not all fish finders are perfect. There are even highly commended tools that still receive complaints from its users. You should remember that not all faults should be credited to the device. As the user of the fish finder, you have the responsibility to use it accordingly. Do not use the device improperly, and keep in mind that sometimes, a fish finder can give you an incorrect data transmission.