Electronics, omnipresent on board freshwater or sea fishing boats, is constantly evolving. Manufacturers are constantly striving to bring us new features. Some of them have been available for several years and are considered fundamental. Others, totally innovative, embody the future of boat fishing electronics. Being constantly at the cutting edge of technology represents a significant cost. But is it essential and what is the real added value?
2D, the basis of everything
It is the mode that equips by default all the devices and which was present from the beginning on the monochrome screens. This technology allows vertical detection. It is necessary to consider a cone where your probe corresponds to the tip of it.
The 2D mode is not designed for prospecting but for targeting what's going on under the boat. It will provide you with the maximum amount of information as long as you know how to manage the available filters.
With this mode you can determine the depth of course but also the type of bottom (sand, mud, rock), the thermocline and if your settings are fine enough, you will see your lure on the screen, which will be a great asset for all vertical fishing techniques.
The vertical "Down" view
Whether it's called Down Imaging by Humminbird, Down Scan by Lowrance or Downvü by Garmin, this feature is all about the same thing: the vertical view. First introduced in 2008 on the top of the line fishfinders, it's now available at the entry level.
It consists of a fine and detailed view of the background using a beam not circular as in 2D but oval with a frequency of 455 khz for a wide beam or 800 khz if you choose a narrow beam.
This technology is not primarily intended to detect fish, although this is of course possible, but to provide a detailed and meaningful view of underwater structures, weed beds and to define more precisely the nature of the bottom.
Its range remains limited to 50-70 meters of water.
The side view
Called Side Imaging or Structure Scan, it is the prospecting tool par excellence. Its operation consists in the emission of lateral beams on frequencies of 455 or 800 khz on a maximum distance of 150 m on each side.
In order to obtain a good quality image, it is necessary to prospect at reduced speed (5 knots) and when the water is relatively calm.
These technologies have evolved since they first existed with the arrival of CHIRP probes for 2D, Humminbird's Mega Imaging and now the successive innovations of the brands concerning Live detection.
Should you change your pollster?
The 3 technologies presented have proven themselves and continue to perform well despite recent developments. So if you are a technology enthusiast and want to stay on the cutting edge of technology you can indeed acquire one of these new devices. If, on the contrary, you are satisfied with your current installation, don't worry, your devices, provided that they don't date from the last century, will be sufficient.
