In today’s world, you would have a hard time finding a fishing boat that doesn’t have a fish finder and a GPS. When it comes to fishing, GPS devices are not only an indispensable safety factor on the water, but also help to mark good fishing spots or find FAD again. They serve as an aid to navigation and as a way to mark your location so you can return there in the future.
What is GPS?
A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigational system. They rely on a network chain of satellites that the US government has launched into space. The most extraordinary thing about a GPS is that, because it is satellite-based, you can utilize it at any time, place, weather, and at any time of day.
How does a GPS work?
The GPS satellites are about 22,000 miles away from the so-called geostationary orbit, which means they are always stationary over the same point on earth. Because they don’t move relative to earth the signals that they relay to Earth always come from the same place.
By applying triangulation and identifying specific places, you may utilize the signals to compute your actual location. Before a computation of longitude and latitude can be shown, the GPS receiver must be locked into three satelites. After the satellites have mapped the position, the GPS may focus on additional satellites to obtain valuable data such as speed, track, journey distance, destination distance, and dawn and sunset times.
Because of the multi-channel designs that are available, the GPS’s accuracy is relatively high. A GPS will lock onto a satellite and keep that lock using one of their channels. A GPS fish finder has a range of accuracy of up to forty feet – fifteen meters, with newer versions having an accuracy of up to 10 feet – three meters.
There are several advantages to purchasing a GPS, and people are increasingly relying on them over more traditional navigation methods such as maps and charts. If you have plot points stored on your GPS, you may be able to save time and hassle on the open seas by heading straight to the spot where you caught the fish the last time you fished. Another advantage of the GPS is that it may discover hot fishing areas that older maps and charts may miss. Furthermore, if you find a great fishing area, you may tell a friend about it when you go fishing on another boat.
When you’re out on the water, GPS systems are also an excellent safety tool. It’s easy to lose attention on a boat, especially if many people are chatting. People are often lost or turned around, and a GPS is a simple tool to use to go back home. If there is unexpected adverse weather, such as fog or severe rain, you can also utilize a GPS device. GPS devices come with mapping software that makes finding a dock much easier. Because the GPS is so precise, it can send specific positions to the Coast Guard or rescue crew in an emergency.
A portable GPS can be purchased online or at a local marina or boating store—request assistance from a salesperson in explaining the various models’ features and prices. If you buy your boat from a dealer, you’ll need one with a built-in GPS. Your local boat dealer will be able to suggest you to someone who can install your electronics appropriately.
When fishing, you should never rely on just one navigation instrument. Although a GPS appears to cover all bases, it is still a computerized device. Always be proactive about your safety and have maritime maps and charts onboard. In case of an emergency, you should also have a portable radio on hand.