How to Interpret Fish Finder Displays: A Guide for Bass Anglers

Fish finders have changed the way we find and catch bass. To use this technology well, you must know how to read the display. This guide will help you interpret fish finder displays and give you tips to become a better bass angler.

Understanding the Basics of Fish Finder Technology

Fish finders use sonar to show what’s under your boat. They send sound waves that bounce off fish, structures, and the bottom. The fish finder then turns this information into pictures on the screen.

There are different types of sonar in modern fish finders:

• Traditional Sonar: Shows a basic view of what’s underwater. It is suitable for seeing depth and significant structures.
• CHIRP Sonar: Gives a clearer picture, making it easier to see small targets and groups of fish.
• Imaging Sonar: Includes down imaging and side imaging. Shows detailed pictures of underwater structures and fish.

New fish finders like the GAMWATER DVR Fish Finder and the EYOYO EF43A Fish Finder have transparent colour screens that are easily read. They use good sonar to show detailed underwater images, helping you find bass and see where they live. You can see the screen well in different lights, whether fishing early in the morning or the middle of the day.

Decoding 2D Sonar Displays

2D sonar is the most common type of fish finder display. It shows what’s directly under your boat. Here’s how to read it:

• Fish Arches: Bass and other fish often look like arches on the screen. Bigger, thicker arches usually mean bigger fish. But remember, the shape can change based on how fast your boat moves and how the fish swims.
• Bottom Type: The line at the bottom of the screen can tell you about the lake or river bottom. A thin, hard line usually means a hard bottom like a rock. A thicker, fuzzy line might mean a softer bottom like mud.
• Structures: Look for lines or shapes coming up from the bottom. These could be sunken trees, rock piles, or other places where bass like to hide. Pay attention to sudden changes in depth, too.
• Baitfish Schools: These often look like clusters of small dots or clouds. Finding baitfish can help you find bass nearby.
• Thermoclines: You might see a line across the screen in deeper water. This is often a thermocline, where the water temperature changes quickly. Bass usually hang out near thermoclines, especially when it’s warm.

Both the GAMWATER and EYOYO fish finders have transparent 2D sonar displays. You can change the colours to see better in different water conditions. Practice reading these images in places you know well to improve.

Mastering Down Imaging

Down imaging shows a detailed picture of what’s right under your boat. It’s excellent for seeing specific structures and finding bass hiding in cover. Here’s what to look for:

• Fish: In down imaging, fish look like bright dots or short lines. They don’t make arches like in 2D sonar. Look for white or light spots that stand out. The size and brightness of these spots can tell you how big the fish is.
• Structures: Down imaging is good at showing details of structures. Sunken trees will look like trees, and you can see individual branches. Look for bright white areas that show solid objects like rocks or logs.
• Bottom Hardness: Hard bottoms show up as bright white lines. Softer bottoms look darker and less clear. This info helps you find places where the bottom changes – bass often hang out in these spots.
• Shadows: Pay attention to shadows in the down imaging display. Things that stick up from the bottom will cast a shadow. The length and direction of these shadows can tell you about the size and shape of underwater objects.
• Water Column: Down imaging lets you see all the water under your boat. Look for changes in water clarity, which might look like changes in the background colour or texture.

The advanced electronics in modern fish finders make down imaging helpful for bass fishing. Use it to find exact spots where bass might be hiding around structures. Using it with 2D sonar gives you a complete view of what’s underwater, helping you decide where to cast your line.

Understanding Side Imaging

Side imaging lets you see what’s on both sides of your boat, often up to 100 feet or more in each direction. It’s great for quickly checking large areas and finding good fishing spots without driving right over them. Here’s how to read side imaging displays:

• Fish: Inside imaging, fish often look like bright dots. If you see a dot with a shadow behind it, it’s probably a fish floating in the water. The shadow’s length can tell you how far off the bottom the fish is.
• Structure: Side imaging is excellent for finding structure away from your boat. Look for bright lines or shapes that stand out from the bottom. Hard things like rocks or logs will show up bright and clear.
• Drop-offs: You can easily spot changes in depth with side imaging. Look for lines where the bottom changes from light to dark, showing a drop-off. Bass often like these areas.
• Bottom Type: Side imaging can show you what the bottom is made of. Hard bottoms like a rock will look brighter, while soft bottoms like mud will look darker.
• Water Column: While side imaging is mainly used to see the bottom and structures, it can also show things in the water. Look for changes in the background colour that might show where baitfish are.
• Shadows: Inside imaging, shadows are essential for understanding what you see. Objects that stick up from the bottom will cast a shadow away from the boat. The shadow’s length and shape can tell you about the size and structure of underwater objects.

Side imaging is beneficial for finding schools of bass or good structure without having to drive your boat right over it. This is especially helpful in shallow water or when you don’t want to scare the fish. By learning how to read side imaging displays, you can quickly check large water areas and find the best fishing spots before you cast your line.

Adjusting Settings for Optimal Performance

To get the best results from your fish finder, you must know how to adjust its settings. Here’s how to set up your fish finder for bass fishing:

• Sensitivity: This controls how much detail you see. Turn it up in clear water, down in murky water. Start high and lower it until the image is clear.
• Frequency: Higher frequencies (200 kHz) show more detail but don’t go as deep. Lower frequencies (like 50 kHz) work better in deep water. For most bass fishing, use a higher frequency.
• Depth Range: Set this to focus on where you think the bass are. As a rule, set it to about 1.5 times the water depth.
• Scroll Speed: This is how fast information moves across your screen. Try different speeds to find what works best for you.
• Colour Palette: Try different colour schemes to find one that’s easy to read.
• Noise Rejection: If you’re getting interference, adjust this setting. Start low and increase it only as much as needed.
• Fish ID: This feature tries to identify fish automatically. More experienced anglers often turn it off to interpret the raw data themselves.

Both the GAMWATER and EYOYO fish finders are easy to adjust. Try different settings to see what works best where you fish. Remember, the best settings can change depending on the water, time of day, and what you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to change settings during your fishing trip to keep the display clear and helpful.

Common Misinterpretations to Avoid

As you learn to read your fish finder, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Mistaking Debris for Fish: Not every dot on your screen is a fish. Learn to distinguish between fish and other things like plants or trash.
• Relying Too Much on Fish ID: The automatic fish identification feature isn’t always right. Learn to read the raw sonar data for best results.
• Ignoring Water Temperature: Remember that bass acts differently in different water temperatures. Use your fish finder’s temperature reading to help guess where the bass might be.
• Misunderstanding Fish Size: The size of a fish arch doesn’t always show the fish’s actual size. Look at how thick and bright the arch is instead of how long it is.
• Missing Small Details: Sometimes, the best fishing spots are shown by small changes on the screen. Pay attention to little differences in the bottom or small pieces of cover.
• Not Changing Settings: What works in one place might not work in another. Be ready to adjust your settings as conditions change.
• Misreading Down and Side Imaging: These advanced views can initially be confusing. Practice in places you know to get better at understanding them.

For more tips on avoiding fishing mistakes, check out our tips and techniques section. Remember, it takes time to get good at reading fish finders. Don’t worry if you make mistakes at first – even experienced anglers are always learning.

Choosing the Right Fish Finder for Bass Fishing

When picking a fish finder for bass fishing, think about these things:

• Screen Size: Bigger screens are easier to see but cost more. The GAMWATER and EYOYO models have good 4.3-inch displays.
• Imaging Types: Look for a unit with 2D sonar, down imaging, and side imaging. CHIRP sonar is also excellent to have.
• GPS and Mapping: Built-in GPS and the ability to make custom maps can be invaluable for marking good fishing spots.
• Transducer Quality: A suitable transducer is essential for clear images. Both the GAMWATER and EYOYO come with good transducers.
• Networking: If you want to use multiple devices or connect your fish finder to other boat electronics, look for units that can do this.
• Power Output: Higher power usually means better performance, especially in deep water. For most bass fishing, 500 watts or more is good.
• User Interface: Pick a unit that’s easy to use, with menus that make sense.
• Durability: Ensure the fish finder can handle water, sun, and bumps.

The GAMWATER DVR Fish Finder ($77.95 – $174.95) and the EYOYO EF43A Fish Finder ($114.95 – $122.95) are suitable for bass anglers. They have transparent displays and good sonar technology and are built to last. The GAMWATER lets you record and replay sonar images, which is remarkable for studying fish behaviour over time. The EYOYO EF43A is challenging and has high-resolution imaging, making it great for fishing in harsh conditions.

Conclusion: Putting It All Together

Learning to read fish finder displays takes practice, but it can help you catch more bass. As you get better at it, you’ll spend less time looking for fish and more time catching them. Remember these key points:

• Understand how sonar works and how it makes images on your screen.
• Learn to read 2D sonar, down imaging, and side imaging. Combining all of these gives you the best picture of what’s underwater.
• Change your settings for different conditions. Water depth, clarity, and the type of place you’re fishing can all affect how you should set up your fish finder.
• Avoid common mistakes by staying alert and always trying to get better. Don’t be afraid to question what you see and compare it with your fishing results.
• Choose a fish finder that fits your needs and budget. Think about screen size, imaging types, and extra features that match how and where you fish.
• Practice in places you know well. This helps you understand how familiar structures and fish look on your specific fish finder.
• Use your fish finder along with your other fishing skills and knowledge. Technology is excellent, but it works best when you understand bass behaviour, seasonal patterns, and good fishing techniques.

With time and practice, you’ll read your fish finder well. You’ll find bass more efficiently and have more successful fishing trips. Remember that every day on the water is a chance to learn and improve. Check out our other articles and product reviews for more information on fishing gear and techniques. Keep learning, keep practising, and most importantly, have fun becoming a better bass angler. Happy fishing!