When searching for fish finders, you may be inclined to purchase a portable model. While portable fish finder are typically less expensive than fixed devices, they may not be the ideal choice for every situation. In the long run, a portable device may wind up costing you more and may also be a major inconvenience.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a portable fish finder to see if this is the right choice for you.
Pros
- Less Expensive: Generally speaking, fixed fish finders cost five times more than portable fish finder models.
- Easy to Use: With a portable device, no permanent installation is required.
- Versatile: As its name implies, portable fish finders can easily be mounted and transported from one location to another. This versatility can be convenient when renting boats, fly fishing, ice fishing or fishing on the shore.
- Adaptable Transducer: These devices can easily be thrown into the water for dock, boat or shoreline use. They can also be mounted onto boats, canoes or kayaks.
Cons
- Insecure: Portable fish finding devices are mounted using a suction cup, which can make them unstable. This can be problematic when moving above trolling speed.
- Unreliable: Because the device is unstable, the movement can make it difficult to tweak its settings to appropriate levels. This leads to inconsistent results each time you use the device.
NorCross HawkEye F33P
The NorCross HawkEye F33P is both compact and accurate. It features a 25 degree sonar beam angle. This beam allows the device to provide precise readings up to 99 feet. It also comes with three sonar sensors: Trollable, floatable and mountable. With 35 feet of cable, the NorCross HawkEye F33P can be tossed from the shoreline, bridge or a boat and still provide accurate readings of depth, fish, contour and weeds. The HawkEye F33P is incredibly versatile and easy to use. For added convenience, the antenna is powered by battery and provides 20 hours of uninterrupted use.
Garmin echo 100
he Garmin echo 100 is affordable and precise. With a 600ft max depth and 4 inch display, this fish finder allows you to see more than other devices on the market. The device uses HD-ID tracking technology with fast refreshing to create a clear image. Thanks to its 200kHz transmitter, the device allows you to scan up to 600 feet below the surface. This makes the echo 100 ideal for freshwater lake fishing. The device also features a quick-release tilt mount to make installation simple and easy. The echo’s affordable price makes it the ideal choice for any budget-conscience fisherman.
Signstek FF-011 Wireless Fish Finder
Designed for both professional and amateur fisherman alike, the Signstek FF-011 uses advanced technology to locate fish, measure the depth of the water and map out the contour of the water. This model features five sensitivity levels and a water temperature indictor. The Signstek FF-011 can scan from two to 100 feet with 1/10 precision. A depth and fish alarm make the device even more convenient. As an added bonus, a fish symbol and depth indicator is included. The FF-011 runs on 4 AAA batteries for the utmost in portability and convenience.
Fishing Guide 101 