Basic Differences Between Fish Finders and Chartplotters

A fish finder is an echo sounder (sonar) specifically designed to detect where the fish are in the water under and around the boat, in addition to measuring the overall depth of the water. A fish finder uses echo-location to reflect a narrow beam of sound frequency by a transducer. The sound waves are reflected off fish and other underwater solid features and converts this information into a graphic image on the display screen, which is a full color HD screen or an LCD unit. The image on the screen, which represents individual fish with a small icon or as a series of arcs, allows you to identify suitable targets and lower their baits or lures to the correct depth. The display on the fish finder show you where the fish are and you can see the difference between bait fish and the fish you are going to catch.

Chartplotters are a very useful navigational tool when you are out on a fishing trip. It does not matter what the size of the boat is or where you are fishing. Chartplotters can create a plan for your route and provide accurate information on your location and what course you are on. The display unit is usually mounted at the helm of the boat or can also be mounted by the controls and the antenna is mounted at the top of the boat. The position of the boat is sent to the display screen by GPS and translated by the chartplotter as latitude and longitude which will be seen in a graph on the chart. The chart on the screen will look close to a paper chart and show depth, land mass and navigational aids.

Chartplotters are generally easy to use depending on the make and model and you can easily plot your trip on the chart in the display. Some models will let you point to a destination and it will create the coordinates for you. Chartplotters use two different types of charts - raster and vector to produce information. Vector charts were once preferred because they are small and have crisp,clean images and can place more charts in the chartplotter, however technology progressed and the difference between raster and vector charts became negligible.

The display can either be LCD or a full color screen and this is very important. The size of the screen can be a few inches wide to a foot in diameter. The full color display shows the information and symbols more clearly and is preferred but usually more expensive. It is sometimes very bright where the chartplotter is mounted so readability in the glare is very important and is a useful feature to look for. There are many different models of fish finders and chartplotters to choose from and you can benefit from either unit for a great day of fishing.

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