How Fishing Sonars Work

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Garmin LiveScope Underwater Tree

Back in the day, before you got in your boat, you spoke to the locals to get an idea of where to go—what’s working, what’s not, etc. And that’s what you’d get: an idea.

Well, folks, the times, they are a-changin’! With today’s technology, those ideas become reality.

We’re talking about down-scan and side-scan multi-beam echo-sounding depth finders that use CHIRP technology.

Traditional sonars use a transducer to send a single pulse of a specific frequency downward. The pulse reflects off the bottom and is then measured by the transducer. This reveals a circular area on the lake floor directly beneath the boat.

CHIRP technology, however, sends multiple frequencies within a range at a much higher rate of emission, resulting in a more accurate picture of what’s down there.

When CHIRP is coupled with side-scan and down-scan sonar, you can see a highly detailed view below and to the sides of your boat. It’s like looking at a photograph of the lake bottom.

And now with 3D sonar, you can see what’s around your boat in real time!

Fishing will never be the same.

Angelo Viola

ANGELO VIOLA is one of Canada’s most recognized and respected outdoor enthusiasts. His passion for the outdoors and skills as a creative director / producer have served him well crafting a broadcasting career in TELEVISION and RADIO that spans over 30 years. His relentless pursuit of the ultimate adventure and the ability to share the moment with audiences landed him the “best jobs in the world”, co host of The Fish’n Canada Show, The Outdoor Journal Television Show and Outdoor Journal Radio. In 2010 Angelo was inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall Of Fame making him a true fishing legend.

One Response

  1. Fishing sonar? Echo sounding? Through my understanding and naval experience, SONAR is an acronym for (SO)und, (Na)vigation and (R)anging. Fish Finders do not incorporate sound nor can they be used for navigation. They are what could be referred to as underwater RADAR (RA)dio, (D)etection (A)nd, (R)anging.

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