GPS Fish Finder

GPS Fish Finder

Why use GPS (Global Positioning System) to help you find fish?

• Need to know where you are on the open water?
• Need to know how fast you are travelling?
• Want to find your way back to that great, but remote, fishing spot again?

Use a GPS Fish Finder!

Clever fishermen have been using GPS Fish Finders for a lonf time to prepare and record fishing trails with greater accuracy on the water.

What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. government. GPS works in all weather conditions, all over the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.

How it works
GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. Using triangulation, these signals can be used to calculate the user's exact location. A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can use other satellites to calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.

The hard-working 12-channel Garmin GPS 12 (right) is the perfect entry level GPS fish finder for the sportsman who doesn't want to spend a bundle. A host of advanced navigation features bring innovation and performance at great value.

How accurate is GPS?
GPS receivers in today's market are extremely accurate, thanks to parallel multi-channel design. For example, new 12-channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks. GPS fish finder receivers are accurate to within 15 meters on average, while newer GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve accuracy to less than three meters on average.

The Garmin Vista eTrex GPS fish finder (left) is one of the most popular handheld GPS systems available today. It combines a compact pocket size with a 12-channel receiver and WAAS capability to provide exceptional power to the angler.

With a GPS Fish Finder, no matter how open the seas are, you will be able to find your way home. It's easily the most accurate method of electronic navigation available to the fishing public today. Remember, however, that a GPS receiver is only a tool. Its recommended to have another method of navigation available, such as a map or chart and a compass.

Which GPS Fish Finder for me?

There is a huge range of GPS Fish Finders currently available to anglers, ranging in price from $99 to $1800, depending on your specific requirements. Click here to browse a range of over 30 GPS fish finders from variety of manufacturers.

Alternatively, have a look at our reviews on this site by browsing the manufacturer sections at the top of the page.

Associated article

Electronic Fish Finders - Don't leave fish finding to chance. Use an electronic fish finder. How do they work and what could they do for you?