Whether we like it or not, the technological progress of echo sounders does not leave indifferent; some are fascinated, others interested and curious and the last ones refractory. This debate is not specific to fishing since it arises and reappears regularly in all fields.
Keep in mind the context of the competition
First of all, before building an opinion about the use of echo sounders, it is important to situate this debate and to extract it from the context of the competition. Indeed, if the Westin team of Luc Coppens and Hannu Vesaranta has been criticized for their use, judged excessive and distorting, of electronics, it should be remembered that they were participating in a competition and that the objective is simply to win.
The context that interests the majority of fishermen is simply that of leisure and immediate pleasure.
The Livescope and its 360° views
What has re-launched the debate is simply the appearance of a new technology and the possibility to probe and thus locate fish at 360°. Beyond that, the precision of the images is more like an ultrasound than a 2D view that most of us are used to.
With the Livescope, highlighted by Luc Coppens in the Zander Pro, we have reached a new stage and are finally entering a new era. We can now locate the fish in terms of depth, but also determine its direction and distance from the boat, i.e. its exact position. So we were able to watch Luc's partner Hannu give him precise directions throw at 45°, at a distance of 12m and you start to animate when I tell you! "
Finally, it is possible to visualize your lure and the predator's reactions to our presentations.
Always decried and considered too easy
This debate about fish finders is not new and did not start with the Zander Pro, but simply dates back to the introduction of its devices. From the beginning, they were considered accessories that made fishing too easyâ?¦ Anyone who uses them can admit that they help locate fish, but to say that it is easier to catch them is a step that many of us do not take. Sight fishermen can certify it, a seen fish is not a caught fish!
Do pingers distort activity?
As you can see, whatever the level of technology used, the criticism made to these devices is that they distort the activity and that for some they take away everything that makes the essence of fishing, that is to say, reading the water, feeling your lure work, being surprised by the touch, etc.. They make visible what is not and should not be.
Less natural gestures?
Beyond that, some people even wonder about the counter-productive aspect of echo sounders. Indeed, it is possible to be so captivated by what is happening on our screen that we forget to observe nature and the signals it sends us. We can thus pass by a water vein, a swirl, birds, small fishes jumpingâ?¦
Also, could the fact of seeing your lure evolve and seeing the fish attack make our actions less natural? These are just some of the concerns and questions that come up with each new technology.
Allows you to advance fishing
As much as they are criticized, echo sounders have finally, since their appearance and during their democratization, made fishing progress and evolved the possible techniques. They have allowed the implementation of new techniques, allowed to understand and identify the behavior of different species and simply opened new perspectives.
No doubt they have allowed us to catch more fish, but above all to catch them differently and therefore to change our practices and modernize our activity.
Another approach and other sensations
Basically, using an echo sounder at any level of technology is simply fishing with a different approach. Using a device, you get closer and closer to sight fishing, with the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with it. Using an echo sounder with the idea of seeing your lure and the reaction of the fish is simply one of many techniques that appeared many years ago and long before the Livescope, especially in vertical fishing for catfish and zander.
Living with the times
If they will never be unanimous and will never be used by everyone, the echo sounders are simply a technological and logical evolution of fishing. Everyone is free to use them and to change (or not) their practicesâ?¦ The main thing is to have fun on the water, whatever the technique used and without worrying about the opinion of others!
