How to Read a Fish Finder Screen: Complete Guide

Fish finders are setting off their popularity day progressively because of their utility. Specifically, anglers, fishers, divers, and water-loving people get hold of its utility much.

A fish finder is used for detecting fish schools with numerous underwater information. It uses sonar technology to catch fish and fish school distribution.

Still, many people do not have a very clear idea about fish finders. So, this article is a complete guide on how to read a fish finder screen with pictures.

Basics of Fish Finder: Everything You Need to Know

To understand and learn how to read a fish finder screen or display, first, you need to know the basics of a fish finder device. And for that, you need to know what sonar technology is as a fish finder device works based on sonar technology. The technology is based on sending and receiving sonar signals.

The transducer first delivers sonar sounds down into the water. The sonar signal is referred to as the sonar cone here. After sending the sonar signal, the sound hits an object underwater.

That hit goes back to up, and then the receiver of the fish finder receives the signal. Once the device receives signals, then it interprets the signal and shows the result on the screen.

The sonar beam is thin in size most of the time. So, possibly you can only see what is directly underneath of the vessel. So, you need to learn to use it to its full potential and effectively, so you get the opportunity to spot more fishing possibilities.

Keep in mind that the sonar technology works in water only. So, when you start using a fish finder, learn how deep the water is, the depths, temperature, speed sensors, etc. After learning fish finder reading properly, you can estimate the size of the fish also along with its location.

Can You Use a Regular Fish Finder for Ice Fishing?

Display of depth

It is important to understand the work method of the fish finder. As we know, the working process of a fish finder is a bit different and new for us.

In the bottom part of a fish finder, the transducer from which sonar waves are emitted reads the speed, distance, and rate when the wave of water returns every time to it.

After receiving the data from the underwater, the transducer converts the data into visual data. The optical data are shown in the form of thick, colored lines and arches. The thickness shows the depth of the lines. So, you can find a fish easily based on the depth.

The most common feature in every fish finder is “depth finder.” The transducer in the fish finder contains a depth sensor that tells you the depth ness of the vessel. That means you can get the knowledge of how deep the vessel is below the water. 

So, this information helps you to understand the type of fish below the water level. The depth lines are shown on the left side of the fish finder’s screen. The depth can be measured both in meters and feet. Whatever fish finder you choose, be sure that the reading is accurate and clear.  

Temperature

Along with depth, you can check the water temperature from your fish finder device. The water temperature is shown below the depth line reading on the screen.

Water temperature is important to locate the species of the fish. Because some fish prefer warm water and some prefer cool one. So, when your device can detect water temperature, you can look for specific species of fish.

You can also check different environments under the water so it will be easy to detect fish in warm water and cool environment. You need to set your preference for the environment.

Speed Sensors

Now, we will be talking about displaying the speed sensor. Speed sensor shows the movement – a kind of speedometer. It is much useful for anglers.

Knowing this basic thing about fish finders is essential for anglers to be more experienced. But with these basic sonar readings, there are more additional features available in a fish finder, which an angler must know. All these little fish finder things will gradually go up to the pro level of operating the device.

Thus, pay full attention to your new fish finder to learn all the attributes.

How does a Fish Finder Work

Significance of color and echo return strength

In the above section, we already know about the reading of depth, temperature, and speed sensor. Now we will start reading about how you can learn reading results from a fish finder.

Fish finders are of many colors. Or sometimes it is only black and white or grayscale. It is because colors have great significance on echoes return to the transducer.

For echo return strength, it is important how hard the object is and what the density is. These two factors also have an impact on the reading of echo returns. Fish finder display uses a darker color on the display if the echo return is stronger.

The seafloor is usually the darkest object you will come across. So, the display will show a bold or thin line based on the bottom of the river or lake or whatever you are.

Light line will be shown if the bottom is softer, like clay or other ground material. But the line displayed on the screen will be thicker and bolder if the base is tough or less porous.

You might think that these are small issues, but you need to learn this thing because it helps you know the idea of the fish environment.

You can interpret the display screen fluently if you know all the things and colors about your screen. This will also improve your skill to read the fish finder screen.

Humminbird Helix vs Solix Fish Finders Know about the Best

Importance of data display sequence

You already might have known that color has significant importance in presenting accurate information on the fish finder screen. When you are habituated with the colors and other readings, try to interpret the results you get from the device.

At first, set up your fish finder device. And then move around slowly in any environment you want. Do some test runs for better understanding and learning. Be careful on monitoring the screen of your finder. You will get used to the speed.

The whole process is not complicated, but you need to get used to and familiarized with the system as a newbie. Try to make yourself comfortable using the device and watching the screen regularly.

The speed of the fish finder display differs due to sonar waves emission. But most of the fish finders are at a slower pace. The speed will manipulate if you move to the mountain or the boat.

The funny thing is that the fish finder display shows the reading right to left. That means the opposite of you reading a book. The display will show you the most recent result on the right side of the screen. And the most previous result will be shown on the left.

That means, if you are still, you will get a relatively stable image. But if you move, the fish finder screen display will show you the recent result at the right corner, and the left corner will show what you have passed from the left side below the transducer.

When you are more comfortable and used to the device, you will also be used to the general proportions of your vessel. But you can customize zoom on your specific area to focus on directly below you or if you want to watch more closely to one particular region.

How do you read the fish finder screen?

If you are searching for a fish finder, it is better to research enough to decide which model will fulfill your target.

When you decide which fish finder model you call for, you need to learn the installation process. Do not think that setting up the fish finder is complicated because it is not.

Yes, it can be hard for you if you are operating it as a newbie. You need to understand the screen of the finder that you are using to catch fish.

Thus, reading the fish finder screen is crucial for you. Many anglers and fishers cannot read the fish finder screen well because the sonar technology is new in the hall.

So, be sure before buying a fish finder. You need to learn the skills before buying it for utilizing. The technology is new, so you need to be more careful while learning it.

Otherwise, if you purchase a fish finder without knowing to read the screen properly, you will drop the device into the water.

It doesn’t matter how expensive your fish finder is – you need to learn to read and interpret the data shown on the screen.

The two types of fish finder screens are elaborated below:

How to read Fish-ID

In the last portion, we already know what parameters are shown on the fish finder’s screen. But now, we need to learn how to read the fish finder.

Your fish finder screen will not show you only the colors, depth, or speed sensors. It will also show objects, fish, fish schools, harboring objects, etc., so you need to learn what the things are, what the fish or fish schools are, how the structure and how they look like in your fish finder screen.

Once the Sonar waves are returned to the transducer, the fish finder will show you the display in two ways. One is your fish finder screen will show you the raw data it finds. The other is the device will have a program that will convert the raw data into little icons based on the lines and arches the fish finder finds.

Fish ID Technology

Now we’ll be talking about Fish ID Technology.

The program that converts the data into a small icon is called Fish-ID technology. The small icon interface is user-friendly and simpler compared to the raw data that reads the device.

The technology helps to detect the fish size and shows the icon accordingly. The technology also offers different icons for different types of schools of fish, rocks, and plants.

When comfortable reading your device screen, you will easily know which icon displays what according to the depth reading.

For example, if you see a big rock on your screen, it is expected that there will be a certain species of fish around there. So, it is that simple!

Note:

Fish-ID technology is not out of its cons. Sometimes, the readings are not correct and accurate from Fish-ID. From time to time, it confuses the school of fish with a group of plants or maybe rock with the plant. It can be confusing and annoying for the angler.

But if you want to spend less time learning your fish finder screen and more time for fishing, then Fish-ID can be your option.

How to read Arch Fish Finders?

Another reading display of fish finder is to read arch fish finder or reading raw data of the device. This type only shows the lines and arches that a transducer receives.

These might be troublesome for the angler for the first few days. But once you cope up with the device, it will save your time much.

The arch is read when a sonar wave is reflected off a target as fish move objects to be read as arches. And the other stationary things will be read as lines. The benefit is that the reading is much accurate than Fish-ID technology.

The simple rule is the bigger the arch is, the bigger the fish. With arch fish finder, you will get more accurate data as plants and rocks are not that identified at first. So, it is a better option if you will use your device for the long run.

The best thing about arch fish finder is, it is easy to explain. It is also true that when you are a newbie, you will find it difficult to use. So, it is better for you if you give time to learn it thoroughly. You are not an expert, so it is okay to take time to learn how to read arches.

When you are comfortable identifying arches, you will easily classify fish based on their size and location.

Best Fish Finder Under $300 [Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Review]

Fish arches vs. fish dots: Know the difference

A 2D sonar fish finder which includes CHIRP, makes sure that the arches are displayed on the screen with their apex points.

But, on the down imaging fish finder, the object is displayed as dots. Here, the technology uses a narrow sonar cone that shows only your boat’s direct underneath sight.

So, it would help if you differentiated between the dots and the arches on the screen of your fish finder to find out the schools of the fish with accuracy.

You can estimate the size of the fish if you practice reading your display regularly. Regular practice will help you to differentiate between fish and underwater objects.

How to read down imaging vs. side imaging signals

There is a significant difference between down imaging and side imaging. Down imaging is done using a very narrow sonar cone. Down imaging is good for viewing the sight inside water. It is sent vertically down into the water.

On the other hand, side imaging is used with two sonar cones. Sonar cones are sent to the left and right sides of your boat to get an overview of underwater of each side of your boat.

So, when you want to get an image of your side underwater, use side imaging and when you are identifying fish in a specific location, use down imaging.

How to estimate fish size with a fish finder

One of the frequently asked questions is can you estimate fish size with your fish finder. From the above discussions of the article, we know that the fish size is larger if the arch or dot is bigger.

But you can know more about the shape and thickness of the arch. You can estimate fish length based on the width of the arch. And you can also identify big fish with thick and curved arch. Usually, small fish do not show up with much thickness and curves.

For example, small fish schools will show up on the screen as dots, not as arches. There is another behavior pattern of small or large fish that you can distinguish through the arches and dots thickness and shape.

Final Remarks

Getting acquainted with a fish finder is not that hard. When you practice it regularly, you will overcome all the barriers you face while using it.

The device is a bit complicated yet much useful for fishers and anglers. It makes your fishing easy by locating fish and underwater structures.

This article will lead you to a complete guide on how you will read your fish finder to make your fishing hassle-free. Happy fishing!