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Lowrance fish finders are so high-tech that they seem almost sci-fi. Imagine being able to fish with the help of a device with HDTV technology for their screens, an Ethernet expansion port to transfer data and a weather tracking service through Sirius Satellite. The Lowrance models have become popular with serious fishermen because of their simplicity and their reputation for being able to take a beating. In this article, we’ll look at how this brand of electronic fish finders can help you get a better catch every time.
Lowrance Fish Finder Features
The Lowrance fish finder is very easy to use. Start by mounting the unit on your boat using the mounting kit that came with the unit. The three most common places to mount fish finders are on the bow, stern or near the steering wheel. The device that actually sends a sonar signal into the water and relays information to the fish finder is the transducer. Some units come with transducers, while others require a separate purchase. Mount the transducer on the back of the boat so that it’s underwater. Finally, connect the transducer wire to the fish finder. The device can be operated either manually or automatically and will measure water depth, temperature, and the speed of the boat. On the Lowrance models, a flat line corresponds with a flat bottom. If the line slopes downward, the water is getting deeper. Conversely, if the line angles upward, the water is getting shallower. The icons that represent fish will be in the shape of fish or in the shape of a boomerang depending on which device you have.
If you are considering adding one of the Lowrance fish finders to your fishing equipment, then the transducer should be your main concern. A transducer’s cone angle determines its coverage area. The wider the cone angle is, the greater the area that will be covered. Lowrance offers a variety of 200 kHz transducers with either a wide (20 degree) or narrow (12 degree) cone angle. The 50 kHz transducers come with a 35 degree cone angle. The dual-frequency transducers come with both a narrow (12 degree) 200 kHz and a wide (35 degree) 50 kHz cone angles. And the dual-search transducers come with both a narrow (12 degree) 200 kHz and a wide (35 degree) 83 kHz cone angles. Generally, anglers should use a wide cone angle for fishing shallow to medium depths. The narrow cone penetrates to deeper depths, but shows less fish and structure due to its narrow beam.
Installing your transducer correctly is critical to the operation of your fish locator. Most of the Lowrance permanent-mount transducers are designed for high-speed operations. For the best results, the transducer should be placed where a smooth, undisturbed flow of water will pass across the face of the transducer at all boat speeds. Make certain that the chosen location doesn’t interfere with the boat’s trailer. Read your owner’s manual carefully before installing the transducer! If you do have problems, then Lowrance offers an excellent technical support system and self-service. A plastic transducer is recommended on aluminum or steel-hulled boats to avoid potential electrolysis problems.
Final
If you’re a novice with portable fish finders, then Lowrance fish finders are a good choice because the basic models are very simple to install and operate. Once you have the device programmed to suit your needs, you can save the settings so that you don’t have to reprogram the device the next time you use it. Another big selling point is the price. Lowrance products are very competitively priced and have a solid reputation in the market. Before you make a purchase, go online to read customer reviews and have a look at some of the competitors, like Garmin and Raymarine. However, you’ll find that Lowrance can hold its own in this niche market.
