Mr Sonar

Mr Sonar Your In Depth Marine Electronics Specialist
(1)

Merry Christmas to all you sonar users out there. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Christmas with your family an...
24/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all you sonar users out there. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.

14/11/2025

Check out this pike getting ready to ambush a school of bait 👀

14/11/2025

People often ask what’s the best shallow-water transducer for different sonar styles, and what suits freshwater fishing around the 30-foot mark. To make it simple, here is my list of the most reliable and well-matched options across Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance. These cover both standard CHIRP/Down/Side Imaging and the live-sonar systems many anglers now rely on.

What these transducers are best for?

Standard CHIRP / Down / Side Imaging
Best for anglers who:

- Fish around structure, w**d lines, drop-offs and rocky edges

- Want clean 2D readings and detailed structure scanning

- Spend time mapping banks or finding isolated cover
These excel in shallow to mid-depth freshwater and are ideal for trolling, casting and general lake work.

Live Sonar (Forward / Down / Scout / Perspective)

Best for anglers who:

- Cast at fish and want to watch fish react to their lure in real time

- Fish around timber or hard structure

- Chase species that suspend or move quickly
Live sonar shines in 10–40 ft where clarity matters more than depth.

Garmin

Standard CHIRP / Down / Side

1. GT20-TM
General-purpose CHIRP and ClearVü, perfect for most small freshwater boats.

2. GT22HW-TM
High-wide CHIRP with strong target separation in shallow water.

3. GT36UHD-TM
Ultra-high-definition DownVü and SideVü for structure, w**d and bait in 30 ft.

Live Sonar

1. LiveScope Plus LVS34
Highest clarity, excellent for cast-and-watch fishing.

2. LiveScope LVS32
Earlier but still excellent for freshwater and structure work.

3. Panoptix PS22
Forward/down real-time viewing, simple and reliable for shallow lakes.

Humminbird

Standard CHIRP / Down / Side

1. XNT 9 HW T
Good high-wide CHIRP for general freshwater soundings.

2. XM 9 HW MDI T
MEGA Down Imaging for vertical structure.

3. XM 9 HW MSI T
MEGA Side Imaging for scanning banks and detecting isolated cover.

Live Sonar

1. MEGA Live Imaging
Forward, down and landscape modes for real-time casting.

2. MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock
Locks onto structure while the trolling motor continues to steer.

3. MEGA Live Imaging Universal Mount
Pole-mount option for anglers wanting manual control.

Lowrance

Standard CHIRP / Down / Side

1. Active Imaging 3-in-1
CHIRP, DownScan and SideScan in one unit; ideal for 30 ft.

2. Active Imaging HD 3-in-1
Higher clarity for detecting w**d lines, rock and bait.

3. HDI 83/200 + 455/800
Reliable CHIRP and DownScan combination for basic freshwater structure work.

Live Sonar

1. ActiveTarget 2
Sharp, fast real-time returns in forward, down and scout views.

2. ActiveTarget 1
Slightly older but still very capable for shallow lakes.

3. Active Imaging Forward
Forward-looking real-time style sonar for basic live viewing.

24/03/2025

Mega Live 2... another leap forward by Humminbird who's excited?

In a confusing world of marine electronics, here is a Mr Sonar overview for those who are starting out with a budget. Th...
16/03/2025

In a confusing world of marine electronics, here is a Mr Sonar overview for those who are starting out with a budget. There are several entry-level fish finders from Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird, and Raymarine that offer a variety of features tailored to your needs.

Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv

The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is equipped with a 5-inch color display and advanced sonar capabilities, including CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar. These technologies provide detailed underwater images, enhancing fish and structure identification. The device also features built-in GPS, allowing users to mark waypoints and monitor boat speed. The Vivid series introduces new color palettes for improved differentiation of underwater objects.

Lowrance Eagle 5

The Lowrance Eagle 5 is a 5-inch fish finder that offers essential sonar functionalities suitable for entry-level anglers. It includes traditional sonar for basic fish detection and depth measurement. However, it lacks advanced features such as CHIRP sonar, DownScan, or SideScan imaging. Additionally, the Eagle 5 does not have built-in GPS capabilities, limiting its utility for navigation purposes.

Humminbird PiranhaMax 4

The Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 features a 4.3-inch color display with a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels. It utilizes DualBeam sonar technology, operating at frequencies of 200kHz and 455kHz, providing a depth capability of up to 600 feet. The device offers a target separation of 2.5 inches, aiding in distinguishing between fish and structures. Notably, the PiranhaMax 4 does not include GPS functionality, focusing solely on sonar capabilities.

Raymarine Element 7

The Raymarine Element 7 boasts a 7-inch display and incorporates advanced sonar technologies, including HyperVision 1.2 MHz sonar, DownVision, SideVision, and RealVision 3D. These features deliver high-resolution imaging and comprehensive underwater views. The device also includes a fast quad-core processor and supports Raymarine’s LightHouse 3 operating system, ensuring a responsive user experience. Built-in GPS and chartplotting capabilities enhance navigation, and the unit is compatible with various mapping options.

Comparison Summary

Display Size: The Element 7 offers the largest screen at 7 inches, followed by the Eagle 5 and Striker Vivid 5cv at 5 inches, and the PiranhaMax 4 at 4.3 inches.

Sonar Technology: The Element 7 leads with advanced sonar features like HyperVision and RealVision 3D. The Striker Vivid 5cv provides CHIRP and ClearVü sonar. The PiranhaMax 4 offers DualBeam sonar, while the Eagle 5 includes basic traditional sonar.

GPS Functionality: Both the Striker Vivid 5cv and Element 7 have built-in GPS. The Eagle 5 and PiranhaMax 4 lack GPS capabilities.

When selecting a fish finder, consider the importance of advanced sonar features, display size, and GPS functionality relative to your fishing needs and budget.

Humminbird
Lowrance
Garmin Marine
Raymarine

Understanding Transducers: Types and FunctionsA transducer is the key component of a fish finder or sonar system. It con...
02/03/2025

Understanding Transducers: Types and Functions

A transducer is the key component of a fish finder or sonar system. It converts electrical signals into sound waves and then interprets the returning echoes to create an image of what lies beneath the water. The type of transducer you use greatly impacts sonar performance, depth pe*******on, and image clarity. Below is a breakdown of the different types of transducers and how they function.

1. Based on Frequency

Different transducers operate at different frequencies, each suited for specific applications.

A. Low-Frequency Transducers (10-100 kHz)

Best for: Deep-water applications (e.g., offshore fishing, deep-sea exploration).

Pros: Greater depth pe*******on.

Cons: Lower resolution; less detail in images.

B. Mid-Frequency Transducers (100-300 kHz)

Best for: General fishing in inland waters and nearshore coastal areas.

Pros: Balanced depth and detail.

Cons: Not as precise as high-frequency imaging.

C. High-Frequency Transducers (above 300 kHz, often 455-1200 kHz)

Best for: Shallow water, structure scanning, and imaging.

Pros: Provides highly detailed images of the bottom, structure, and fish.

Cons: Limited depth pe*******on.

---

2. Based on Sonar Type

Transducers can be classified by the type of sonar they support.

A. Traditional 2D Sonar (Single or Dual Beam)

Uses a conical beam to detect objects below the boat.

Available in single or dual-frequency models.

Good for general depth-finding and fish arches.

B. CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse)

Uses a range of frequencies rather than a single one.

Provides more accurate target separation and better depth pe*******on.

Reduces noise and improves clarity.

C. Down Imaging / DownScan Sonar

Uses high-frequency sonar for a near-photographic image of what’s directly below the boat.

Excellent for identifying structure, vegetation, and fish.

D. Side Imaging / SideScan Sonar

Sends sonar beams to both sides of the boat rather than straight down.

Creates a detailed map of the bottom over a wide area.

Ideal for scanning large areas quickly.

E. Live Sonar (Forward-Facing Sonar / Real-Time Sonar)

Provides a real-time view of fish and structure.

Uses phased-array technology to steer sonar beams.

Allows anglers to see how fish react to lures.

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3. Based on Mounting Style

The placement of the transducer affects its performance.

A. Transom-Mount Transducers

Mounted on the stern (back) of the boat, just below the waterline.

Easy to install and ideal for small to mid-sized boats.

Can be affected by turbulence at high speeds.

B. Thru-Hull Transducers

Installed through a hole in the hull, giving the best signal clarity.

Used on larger boats, offshore vessels, and sailboats.

Requires professional installation.

C. In-Hull (Shoot-Through Hull) Transducers

Mounted inside the boat hull, transmitting sonar through the fibreglass.

Works only on solid fibreglass hulls (not metal or wood).

No drag, but reduced sensitivity compared to other mounting styles.

D. Trolling Motor-Mount Transducers

Attached to the lower unit of a trolling motor.

Ideal for freshwater anglers who want sonar while using their trolling motor.

E. Pole-Mounted / Ice Fishing Transducers

Mounted on a pole for use in open water or through an ice hole.

Typically used with real-time sonar systems.

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4. Based on Beam Configuration

The beam angle determines the sonar coverage area.

A. Single Beam

A single conical sonar beam.

Common in basic fish finders.

B. Dual Beam

Uses two frequencies (e.g., 200 kHz for narrow beam, 83 kHz for wide beam).

Provides better coverage and detail.

C. Multi-Beam

Uses multiple beams for a wider scan area.

Often used in side imaging and forward-facing sonar.

D. Phased-Array Beam (Live Sonar)

Uses electronically steered beams to provide real-time sonar views.

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5. Specialised Transducers

A. 3D Sonar Transducers

Creates a three-dimensional representation of the underwater environment.

Helps with mapping structure and fish positioning.

B. Forward-Looking Sonar (FLS)

Projects sonar beams forward to detect obstacles before hitting them.

Useful for navigation in shallow or rocky waters.

C. Dual Spectrum CHIRP

Uses both wide and narrow CHIRP frequencies for improved fish targeting.

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Choosing the Right Transducer

Deep-water offshore fishing? → Low-frequency CHIRP or traditional sonar with thru-hull mounting.

Shallow water structure scanning? → Side imaging, down imaging, or high-frequency CHIRP.

Trolling motor use? → Trolling motor-mounted CHIRP or live sonar.

Ice fishing? → Pole-mounted or ice-specific transducer with CHIRP.

High-speed performance? → Thru-hull or in-hull transducers with fairing blocks to reduce turbulence.

📸: Lowrance Electronics

Shallow water sonar settings. 4-10ft.1. Lower Sensitivity/GainToo much sensitivity amplifies multiple echoes (your jig s...
24/02/2025

Shallow water sonar settings. 4-10ft.

1. Lower Sensitivity/Gain

Too much sensitivity amplifies multiple echoes (your jig showing up in multiple places).

Reduce sensitivity until you see only the necessary targets (jig, fish, structure) without excess clutter.

2. Increase Surface Clarity & Noise Rejection

Surface Clarity: Set to Medium or High to filter out surface interference.

Noise Rejection: Use Low or Medium to reduce excess background noise while still keeping target returns.

3. Set Depth Range Manually

Avoid Auto Depth—set the range just below the actual depth (e.g., 5 feet for 4 feet of water).

This prevents the sonar from searching deeper and displaying unnecessary bottom echoes.

4. Adjust Ping Speed

Higher ping speed provides more updates but can cause excessive signal returns in very shallow water.

Try Medium to High but not Max.

5. Change Frequency

Use Higher Frequencies (200kHz or 455kHz/800kHz for CHIRP units).

High frequencies provide clearer, shallower returns with less interference.

Avoid 50kHz or low CHIRP settings, as they are designed for deep water.

Relief shading on Navionics charts is an excellent tool for both pre-trip planning and on-the-water adjustments, helping...
22/02/2025

Relief shading on Navionics charts is an excellent tool for both pre-trip planning and on-the-water adjustments, helping you locate productive fishing areas with greater precision.

Pre-Trip Planning Benefits:

1. Identifying Key Structures – Before heading out, you can scan the map for drop-offs, ledges, reefs, humps, and depressions where fish are likely to hold.

2. Mapping Out a Game Plan – Relief shading helps you mark potential fishing spots based on underwater terrain, allowing you to create waypoints and a logical route to cover the most promising areas.

3. Understanding Depth Transitions – You can quickly locate areas where shallow flats drop into deeper water, which are prime ambush points for predators.

4. Studying Bottom Composition – While relief shading doesn’t directly show bottom type, it often highlights changes in texture, helping you differentiate between rocky, sandy, or muddy areas.

5. Checking Tides & Currents – Combining relief shading with tide and current data helps predict how fish will relate to structure at different times of the day.

On-the-Water Adjustments:

Use relief shading alongside sonar to confirm structure details and fine-tune your approach.

Adjust fishing locations based on real-time conditions like bait presence, fish marks, or wind and tide influences.

By integrating relief shading into your planning, you maximise efficiency and spend more time fishing productive areas rather than searching blindly.

What set up suits you, focus on features that provide versatility for all types of on-water activities, including fishin...
20/02/2025

What set up suits you, focus on features that provide versatility for all types of on-water activities, including fishing, navigation, and structure mapping.

Sonar Capabilities

High-Resolution CHIRP Sonar: Offers superior clarity for detecting objects underwater, whether fish, debris, or structure.

Side Imaging (SideScan): Provides a wide view of the underwater environment, useful for identifying structure, submerged obstacles, or wrecks.

Down Imaging (DownScan): Gives a detailed, vertical view of what’s directly beneath the boat, helping with depth reading and object identification.

Real-Time Sonar: Enables live viewing of underwater changes, beneficial for tracking moving objects or monitoring the bottom in real-time.

Mapping & Navigation

Live Mapping Features: Ability to create and customize real-time depth maps for uncharted waters.

Detailed Charting & GPS Integration: Supports high-resolution maps with depth contours, navigation aids, and waypoints.

Waypoint Marking & Route Planning: Allows precise location marking for navigation, hazards, or areas of interest.

Transducer Considerations

Multi-Frequency CHIRP: Provides better depth pe*******on and object separation.

High-Powered Transducer (1kW+): Needed for deeper water applications beyond 200 feet.

360 or Forward-Facing Sonar: Expands situational awareness by providing a broader underwater view.

Display & User Interface

High-Brightness, High-Resolution Screen: Ensures visibility in direct sunlight.

Customizable Split-Screen Views: Allows simultaneous viewing of sonar, mapping, and other data.

Touchscreen & Physical Controls: A combination offers ease of use in different conditions.

System Integration & Expandability

Multi-Unit Networking: Ensures compatibility with additional screens and accessories.

Trolling Motor, Radar, & Autopilot Support: Useful for advanced navigation and control.

Wireless & Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables syncing with mobile apps and firmware updates.

Best Overall Setup

For general boating, navigation, and structure scanning, the ideal system should include:
✅ A high-resolution CHIRP sonar unit with SideScan and DownScan for detailed underwater imaging.
✅ Advanced GPS mapping and live depth contour creation for real-time charting.
✅ A large, easy-to-read display with customizable views and touchscreen functionality.
✅ A network-compatible system for future expansion, whether for radar, autopilot, or communication devices.

Using the zoom function your sonar is useful in several situations, especially when you need a more detailed view of a s...
17/02/2025

Using the zoom function your sonar is useful in several situations, especially when you need a more detailed view of a specific depth range. Here are the key times when zoom comes in handy:

- Bottom Fishing & Structure Identification

When targeting bottom-dwelling fish like, grouper, or snapper, zooming in on the bottom 5–10 feet helps distinguish fish from the structure.

Helps clarify hard vs. soft bottom and locate ledges, wrecks, or rocky outcrops where fish hide.

- Deep Water Fishing

In 100+ feet of water, zooming in prevents losing details in a compressed sonar return.

Helps separate baitfish from predators in mid-water columns.

- Drifting for Fish in Mid-Depths

If you're drifting for striped bass or bluefish in 50–200 feet, zooming into the thermocline or suspended bait schools helps track where fish are feeding.

- Ice Fishing or Vertical Jigging

Zoom mode is critical for ice fishing or when jigging directly under the boat.

It enhances visibility of lures and fish response in a narrow depth band.

- Finding Fish in Weedy or Mucky Bottoms

In areas with heavy vegetation, zooming in helps separate fish from w**ds.

Useful for species like yellow perch, walleye, or bream, which hold tight to structure.

Your Active Target, LiveVu, and Mega Live sonar already give great real-time views, but zooming on your 2D sonar or down imaging can still help fine-tune details, especially in deep water or when stationary over structure.

While I work through the 100s of messages and emails, show me some sounder screenshots for inspiration. Show me your fav...
13/02/2025

While I work through the 100s of messages and emails, show me some sounder screenshots for inspiration. Show me your favourite. I'd love to see them.

📸 Shrimp cast net doing its thing.

Recording your sonar log has several benefits.- Post-Trip Analysis – You can review your sonar data later to better unde...
12/02/2025

Recording your sonar log has several benefits.

- Post-Trip Analysis – You can review your sonar data later to better understand bottom structure, fish movements, and areas where you had success. This helps refine your fishing strategy for future trips.

- Mapping and Contour Creation – Recorded sonar logs can be used with mapping software like Navionics SonarChart Live or ReefMaster to create detailed depth contours, helping you build custom charts of your fishing spots.

- Fine-Tuning Sonar Settings – Reviewing logs allows you to see how different sensitivity, contrast, and frequency settings impact your sonar image. This helps dial in the best settings for various depths and conditions.

- Identifying New Structure – Sometimes, subtle features like small ledges, rock piles, or submerged debris are easy to miss in real time. Reviewing recordings at home can reveal productive fishing spots you overlooked.

- Sharing and Learning – If you're fishing with others, sharing sonar logs can help teach them how to interpret sonar data. Some tournament anglers and guides also use recorded sonar to strategise or provide training.

Who here records their sonar log?

📸: ReefMaster
Humminbird

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