DIY Salmon Fishing in Eastern Canada: Breaking Myths, Finding Rivers
Fishing | August 7, 2025
SAIL
August 1, 2025
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In Canada, we are lucky enough to have access to a vast array of lakes and rivers that offer an almost infinite number of possibilities for fishing. Some bodies of water are poorly mapped — or even unmapped — making navigation more difficult and fishing more of a challenge. Discover how a fishfinder can help you make the most of every outing and get tips for choosing the right one for your needs.
IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT FISHFINDERS AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MODEL:
Ready to level up your fishing game, but not sure which gadgets are essential and which ones you can skip on? Here’s a quick rundown.
Power is measured in watts, and the higher it is, the deeper and faster your sonar can scan. Those skimming shallow lakes won’t need loads of power, while deepwater and offshore anglers should look for more powerful models. The same goes for saltwater fishing, which typically requires extra juice.
The transducer sends and receives sonar signals, so choosing the right frequency is key:
High frequency (200 kHz and up): offers more detail and is ideal for shallow water
Low frequency (50 to 83 kHz): reaches deeper but provides less detail — great for offshore or deepwater fishing
Many models now use dual frequency or CHIRP (more on that later) for improved accuracy and target separation.
A clear, readable display can make a huge difference when you’re out on the water chasing the big one. Larger screens are easier to read, especially on a moving boat or in bright sunlight. The higher the resolution, the sharper the details, making it easier to tell fish apart from structure or debris. And yes, colour screens are now standard, so don’t settle for the old-school black and white!
Side imaging scans outward from both sides of your boat, giving you a broader view of the water around you. It helps you spot fish without cruising right over them. For a full picture, look for models that combine multiple sonar types.
Your choice of fishfinder will depend on your fishing style. Aside from functionality, the type of mount will also be a key selection factor.
Easy to install and remove, transom mounts are ideal for beginners and anglers with smaller boats like kayaks or canoes. They’re budget-friendly, but don’t offer the same level of accuracy as higher-end setups.
Planning to fish in rough water or chase trophy catches at speed? A thru-hull mount is your best bet. It delivers a strong, reliable signal even at depth and performs well at high speeds. The trade-off? It requires drilling into your hull and comes with a higher price tag.
In-hull mounts are a solid middle ground for anglers looking for a permanent setup without drilling through the hull. They are well protected and create no drag, but they only work with fibreglass boats, and their signal is slightly weaker compared to thru-hull mounts.
Looking for stealth while navigating shallow or weedy spots? Trolling motor-mounted sonars are built for quiet, precise fishing. Just keep in mind they’re not ideal for high-speed outings, as vibrations can interfere with performance.
A fishfinder, also known as a sonar, is a must-have for easier navigation and a better fishing experience. It emits waves that bounce off the bottom and any objects within range below the surface. These waves are then sent back to the transducer, which converts them into images that deliver useful data.
A fishfinder has three main functions that can enhance your fishing experience:
Other benefits of using a fishfinder include:
Over the years, technologies have continued to develop and become even more accurate. The process of choosing a fishfinder is now a bit more complicated than it was a few years ago. That’s why it’s important to consider a number of factors before shopping for the model that suits your needs.
Your needs will vary depending on where you plan to fish and whether the area is mapped or not.
If you’re fishing in a familiar lake, you may only need a fishfinder that helps you accurately locate fish to boost your chances of success.
But if you love discovering new fishing spots, a model with advanced features will be your best ally. That way, you can enjoy plenty of details on bottom topography, water depth, temperature, and more. With this handy tool by your side, you will be set for some great fishing wherever you cast your line!
The type of boat you’re fishing from is an important factor when choosing a fishfinder. For smaller watercraft like kayaks or canoes, there are lightweight, portable, and energy-efficient models powered by rechargeable batteries that are easy to mount. For larger boats, fixed sonar units that connect to the vessel’s power supply are a solid choice.
To better understand how fishing sonars detect bottom topography, structures and objects in the water, let’s take a closer look at the specific features of each technology.
The two-dimensional system is the most common, and most fishfinders come equipped with it. While the images it produces aren’t the most detailed, they are useful for identifying the type of seabed you’re working with. This system is a great option for occasional anglers or those fishing in familiar waters.
Fishfinders that are equipped with Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse (CHIRP) rely on the same principle as 2D technology, but emit higher frequencies. The result: a clearer and more detailed image with a wider and deeper coverage of the water beneath your boat.
This system provides a high-quality image of the bottom structure, which is nearly as sharp as a photograph. It surpasses CHIRP technology in both radius and depth coverage, offering a clearer vision of vegetation and fish.
This sonar system is also highly accurate, but contrary to down imaging (and as its name suggests), it provides images of the areas on both sides of the boat.
With this system, you can get an ultra-precise and detailed real-time view of what is going on beneath the water’s surface. Panoptix technology allows you to keep an eye on your bait, the fish swimming around it, and the underwater structure near your boat – all in 3D. It is by far the most advanced technology, and it makes a considerable difference.
Another useful feature to consider when choosing a fishing sonar is the inclusion of a GPS. This greatly improves navigation accuracy and efficiency. It also allows you to monitor your boat’s speed while the detailed maps it provides help you avoid rocks and other near-surface obstacles.
In addition to helping you determine your position and find your way back, a fishfinder with a GPS navigation system can save you a lot of time locating potentially productive fishing areas like humps, points, channels, and other types of structure. You can even save prime fishing spots on your device when you find them to return more easily next time.
For those who like to fish all year round (or would like to give it a try), it’s worth considering a fishfinder with features designed for ice fishing.
In ice fishing, a portable fishfinder with a rechargeable battery is essential. Since you likely won’t have access to a motor battery and may need to move frequently to drill multiple holes, portability and power independence are key.
The main advantage of ice fishing sonars is their ability to detect water depth and the presence of fish. Their technology differs from other fishfinders. Some models have an adjustable rotating circular display: red shows water depth, green marks your lure, and a sensor flashes when fish are nearby. The readings are immediate and in real time, providing great accuracy, though they don’t identify fish species.
Choosing the right sonar for ice fishing can be complicated, especially with the wide variety of models available on the market. Check out our article on the best fishfinders of the year to make your search easier.
Happy fishing!
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