Fishing Electronics Explained: Fish Finders, GPS, and More

Modern fishing electronics have transformed how anglers find and catch fish. From basic flashers to high-definition sonar with GPS mapping, today's technology gives you an underwater view that was unimaginable just a decade ago.

Types of Fishing Electronics

Fish Finders (Sonar)

The most essential piece of electronics for any boat angler. Fish finders use sonar to show you water depth, bottom contour, structure, and — of course — fish. Modern units offer CHIRP sonar, down imaging, and side imaging for crystal-clear underwater pictures.

GPS/Chartplotters

GPS units let you mark productive spots, navigate safely, and track your routes. Combined with detailed lake maps, they're invaluable for finding specific structure, dropoffs, and humps that hold fish year after year.

Combo Units

Most modern units combine fish finder and GPS into one screen. This is the best value for most anglers — you get sonar and mapping without mounting two separate units.

Key Features to Look For

• Screen resolution: Higher pixel count = clearer images. Aim for 800x480 minimum
• CHIRP sonar: Sends multiple frequencies simultaneously for better target separation
• Down/Side imaging: Photo-like views of what's below and beside your boat
• GPS mapping: Preloaded lake maps with the ability to create custom contour maps
• Screen size: 5" minimum for readability, 7-9" for split-screen use

Tips for Reading Your Fish Finder

Arches = fish. The classic fish arch appears when a fish passes through the sonar cone. Larger arches typically mean larger fish. Baitfish appear as clouds or balls of dots.

Hard bottom vs. soft bottom: A thick, bright return indicates hard bottom (rock, gravel). A thin line suggests soft bottom (mud, sand). Fish often relate to transitions between the two.

Ready to upgrade your electronics? Explore our fishing electronics collection for top-rated units. Complete your boat setup with our full range of fishing gear.