How to Read a Fish Finder Screen

As someone new to fishing you may be asking yourself how to read a fish finder screen? This is a common question that many people have. There are many different types and brands of fish finders but today we are going to learn the basics of how to read a display. This helpful information will guide you in the right direction and will help you catch more fish!

Locating and Identifying Fish

One of the first things you will need to master when reading a fish finder screen is locating and identifying fish. Once you learn how to do so things will become much easier for you. Start by utilizing the Fish ID technology that comes standard on most fish finders. This feature will convert raw data that is provided by your fish finder into easy to read fish icons. Larger fish will have a bigger icon while smaller fish will look tiny on the screen. This can help you determine which fish you should go after. Additionally, you will be given the depth of the fish so you will know where to cast your bait.

Reading Fish Arches

Many fish finders have a fish arch mode that allows you to locate fish more accurately. While the Fish ID feature is easy to use, it is not as accurate as the fish arch mode. When learning how to read a fish finder screen, you should put this technology to good use. While many people find this feature much harder to learn, it will pay off if you know how to use it. The most important thing to note about this feature is that the bigger the arch the larger the fish. Also, the thickness of the arch can indicate what size fish you are looking at. The thicker the arch the larger the fish will likely be. This is how many professional fishermen locate big fish.

Locating Bait Fish

When searching for larger fish, it is a good idea to look in areas that have schools of bait fish. Bait fish as you probably already know attract larger fish that love to pursue them. When trying to locate bait fish on your fish finder screen, you have to pay careful attention to the data being displayed. Bait fish will often come up as smaller dots, lines, and even dashes.

Once you have mastered the art of locating bait fish your chances of landing a large bass or walleye will be much improved.

Read the Instructions

Last but not least we recommend that you read the instructions that came with your fish finder. Since all fish finders are a little different, reading your owner's manual will help you better understand your particular model.

In Conclusion

Now that you know how to read a fish finder screen why not get out there and catch some fish? Fish finders are very easy to use when you know how to properly read the screen. The more practice you have using your fish finder, the better you will be. So get out there and hit the water today!