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The Top Fish Finder Apps for iOS and Android

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Fishing is a favorite pastime for avid outdoorsmen, but finding the wily fish and their habitats can sometimes be a source of frustration. Thanks to the ever-evolving world of technology, fishermen and women can now locate their quarry with ease by using one of several convenient fish-finder apps for Android or iOS-compatible systems.

Deeper: Smart Fish Finder app

This app provides information about the current weather conditions, including wind speed, humidity and barometric pressure. Moon phases are also included, as well as a fishing log for recording that once-in-a-lifetime catch. It can be used in a fresh or saltwater environment, summer or winter. Interested parties will want to note that the device’s sonar function will only work with the Deeper-Smart Fishfinder electronic device.

Platforms: iOS and Android. Where to find it: click here for official website

Fishhunter app

As with the Deeper, the Fishhunter mobile app requires a separately-purchased fish finder for sonar capability. The app itself is free, and includes advanced GPS tracking and mapping. This app offers advanced social networking tools, including a log book that enables fishermen to see what others in their area are catching. The handy Fish Database shows fish enthusiasts the kinds of fish that may be lurking the depths, waiting to be caught. This app is also Bluetooth compatible.

Platforms: iOS and Android. Where to find it: click here for official website

iBobber app

While this castable Bluetooth Smart bobber requires an initial purchase, the downloadable app is free and has most of the same features of the others. The waterproof bobber can be used in almost any weather condition and includes a one-year warranty. The bobber can be used from a boat or the shore, and can be programmed to map water contours to 135 feet.

Platforms: iOS. Where to find it: the iTunes app store

Big Fish Finder app

Marketed as the “first and only completely free” fishing app, this app enables fishermen to mark their favorite fishing hole, take pictures and show their catch to online acquaintances, and make sure weather and water conditions are right for obtaining that perfect catch. It also allows users to tap into notes and knowledge left by previous fishermen, enabling them to find the best spots no matter which part of the lake they’re fishing.

Platforms: iOS. Where to find it: the iTunes app store

With the help of these user-friendly, often free apps, fishing has never been easier. Taking just a few minutes to download an app to their mobile device can save fishermen time and ensure that they bag that perfect catch every time.

Which Is Better For Fly Fishing: Canoe vs Kayak

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Anyone who is interested in fly fishing will inevitably ask the question: “What’s better, a canoe or a kayak?” The answer isn’t crystal clear. There are advantages to both.

Kayak for Fly Fishing

For fly fishermen who will be out on the water by themselves, it is advisable to use a SOT style recreational kayak. SOT stands for sit on top. If you feel a bit off balance in your SOT kayak within the first few minutes, don’t panic. Most SOT kayaks feel a bit unstable during the first few minutes. After about half an hour, you’ll feel settled and confident. Believe it or not, it takes a lot of momentum to tip a single person kayak over. A SOT kayak is much easier to recover from compared to other kayaks in case you do take a spill.

SOT kayaks are very easy for one person to paddle and many fly fishermen are out on the water to relax and enjoy themselves, not to work up a sweat paddling through the water. Kayaks are also a bit more intimate than canoes. You feel more like you are part of the water when you are in a kayak. This is a big reason why fly fishermen perform the activity in the first place. It connects them with nature.

Some fly fishermen complain that kayaks are too cramped. If you only plan on bringing a fly rod and a fishing vest, then it will suffice. If you plan on bringing more than a few items into a kayak, you’ll likely run out of space.

Click HERE for our reviews on the top fishing kayaks for the money.

Canoes for Fly Fishing

Canoes are more utilitarian in nature. If you are looking for a comfortable boat with plenty of space for gear, go for the canoe. A canoe is also preferable to many fly fishermen because it allows them to stand up and fly fish. This helps out when your rear end gets sore or falls asleep from hours of remaining still and pressed against the boat. Fly casting is much easier when you’re standing instead of sitting. This is by far the most significant advantage of fly fishing in a canoe.

You can easily add a motor to a canoe and move upstream in a jiffy. Fly fishermen who don’t want to put in the work involved with paddling will especially enjoy a motor powered canoe. Yet fly fishermen who don’t equip their canoes with a motor will end up expending significant effort paddling through the water.

Some manufacturers produce hybrid style boats that merge the best of kayaks and canoes together. These are referred to as “deep hulled SOTs” by those in the industry. They are the happy medium between the two boats. See if your local retailer will allow you to test paddle whichever boat you choose so that you can get a better idea of what suits you the best. You’ll have a better idea if the boat is a fit for you when you are actually inside of it.

How To Choose The Right Fish Finder

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If you are thinking about investing in one of today’s state-of-the-art fish finders, it’s important to know what separates one from another. It’s so easy to get confused by all the jargon but here are a few main points to keep in mind when shopping for a fish finder that will best suit your particular needs.

Higher Frequencies Enhance Detail

Different transducers (or fish finders) emit different frequencies that make all the difference when it comes to the detail of images projected on the screen. As a general rule, higher frequency transducers are great at producing crystal clear images in shallow water while low frequency transducers tend to work best for deep water or commercial fishing vessels.

To get the best of both worlds, consider purchasing a fish finder that can switch between low and high frequencies depending on water depth. If you like to take your boat out on the open ocean as well as fresh water lakes, a multiple frequency transducer may be the best choice.

Wattage Determines Depth

For those who want a fish finder that can scan the deepest recesses of a lake bed or ocean shore, go for a unit with higher wattage. The more power a transducer receives the more effective it will be at transmitting and receiving signals. For fishermen who like to stick to rivers and lakes, a fish finder that operates between 100 and 250 watts should be adequate. On the other hand, a transducer with 1,000 watts of power operating on a 50 kHz frequency can scan over 4,000 feet deep.

The Difference Between In-Hull, Thru-Hull and Transom Transducers

Transducers can be installed in many ways but each has its advantages and drawbacks. An in-hull transducer can be easily mounted on most boats but will not offer the same quality signal as a thru-hull transducer. A thru-hull transducer, however, does require that a hole be drilled through the boat which is simply not an option for wooden boats. Special housing for these transducers must be considered as well depending on whether your boat is comprised of metal or fiberglass. For instance, installing a thru-hull transducer on a metal boat without proper housing can cause some serious problems. Plastic housings for fish finders are recommended for metal or fiberglass vessels.

If you’d like to avoid any confusion about transducer housing, consider buying a transom fish finder which can be easily attached to and removed from the outer hull of your boat. Transom transducers will not work so well with sailboats, though, due to the constant heeling of the ship. Also, if your boat’s engine is mounted inboard, the turbulence will interfere with the transom’s signal.

After evaluating all these aspects of transducers, you’re all set to buy the unit that will work best for your kind of fishing. If you’re ever in doubt, do not hesitate to ask a professional for help or get advice from an expert in sonar and fish finding equipment.

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