Understanding Your Needs

• 1). Figure out what types of fishing you want to do and the location. Will it be shallow or deep waters? Will it be used everyday or just occasionally? Will it be sunny or shady? Will you need a bigger screen to show multiple features at once or will a smaller screen work?
  
  
• 2). Figure out a budget. If you can't afford $2,000 for an expensive model, then decide what price you can afford. This will narrow down the number of choices that you have available. As of November 2010, LCD sonars cost approximately between $91 and $2,000. Knowing your budget will save you time and keep you from looking at sonars that you cannot afford in the first place.
  
  
• 3). Decide what features that you want your LCD sonar to have and which are not important to you. Knowing which features that you definitely want will narrow your choices down as well. Do you want real-time sonar (RTS) or is that not important to you? Do you want clearer details, one that will penetrate deep water better, or both? Do you want one with glare-reducing coating and internal backlighting or is that not important?
  
  
• 4). Do your research. This step is probably the most time consuming and crucial. Make sure that you have researched your available options. Compare prices and availability both online and in stores, to ensure the best price. Talk with friends or experts in the field to get their opinions on models that you are considering. Join some forums and talk with people who fish about the finders that you are considering.
  
  Compile as much information as you can before making your purchase. The more knowledge that you have, the more likely you will purchase the correct LCD sonar for your needs.