When deciding between a fish finder and a Jon Boat, there are some specific features to consider. one for a bass or pontoon boat, and so In the paragraphs below, I tried to summarize the key points.
There is a very good chance that if you own a Jon Boat, you will use it to fish at some point. You may have purchased it solely for that reason. There is no doubt that having a fish finder will increase your chances of reeling in the big one by giving you eyes in the water. But which type of fish finder is best for a Jon Boat?
The installation manual for a fishfinder on a Jon boat, however, is rarely sufficient. So, as a quick guide to walk you through the procedure, here it is.
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Best Fish Finder for Jon Boats
The Deeper PRO+, followed closely by the iBobber, is the best fish finder for fishing from a small jon boat. The Deeper model is of higher quality and more accurate. A better range and more sensitive sensors are featured.
However, despite being an excellent product in and of itself, it is significantly more expensive than the iBobber.
In a jon boat, the transducer can be mounted to hang over the side and into the water or it can be cast straight up in the air as you cruise. The best shallow-water readouts are provided by the Deeper PRO+, which can also scan deep water if necessary. It is my preferred choice for jon boats.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
We’ve got some crucial pointers and advice for you in this section. In order to make the best decision, read them and keep them in mind as you shop.
Display of the Fish Finder
I was fishing in Arizona with my Jon boat in the sweltering sun, so I definitely needed a fish finder with a well-lit and legible display. I hope that you will enjoy fishing on sunny days as much as I do.
Therefore, to make things run more smoothly, choose fish finders with excellent displays and large screen sizes so that you can easily view the details of the fish’s abundant habitats without bothering yourself.
Power Source
The power source a fish finder requires is a crucial pre-purchase factor that you shouldn’t overlook when making your purchase. As an illustration, some fish finders include cables that you must use to connect to an external source. You should refrain from buying them since they are difficult to use on Jon boats.
Another kind uses batteries as its power source. They are good choices, but you should make sure that the battery life is adequate because a short battery life will frustrate you while fishing.
How to Install a Fishfinder on a Jon Boat?
It’s simple to install a fishfinder on a Jon boat. However, if your kit doesn’t come with one, you might also need another transducer.
Before You Begin
The transducer is first mounted on a trolling motor that is fastened to the boat or to the transom in order to install a fishfinder on the majority of Jon boats. The fishfinder will be powered by the same battery that powers the motor.
A transducer and a fishfinder are both necessary. Before deciding on a model you like, make sure to ask your seller if the fishfinder comes with a transducer because not all fishfinders do. Be mindful that transducers can be pricey, and if your kit doesn’t include one, you might end up spending much more than you had planned.
The transducer and mounting hardware, power cable, and gimbal mounting bracket are included with the fishfinder we suggest.
Step 1: Position the Transducer
The device that tracks fish activity in the area beneath the boat is called a transducer and is submerged beneath the water’s surface.
The transducer can be placed at the bottom of the trolling motor of a Jon boat, though some owners prefer to mount it to the transom. This is the simplest and quickest method.
Step 2: Connect the Transducer to the Fishfinder Console
The transducer serves as the fishfinder’s eyes and ears, monitoring the water beneath your boat and relaying signals back to the main console unit.
Nevertheless, the fishfinder console is where all the transducer data is displayed. You can tell if there is fish activity occurring below the surface of the water because of the way the data is displayed visually.
Therefore, it must be attached to the transducer in order to receive the necessary images from the console. The cable from the transducer is connected to the female port on the fishfinder console. It plugs in easily.
Battery Connection
The troll motor battery is then connected to the fishfinder using the same positive to positive and negative to negative connections as the motor.
Regardless of the fishfinder you choose to buy, you will almost certainly need to modify the power cord so it matches the intended power source, i.e. you may need to attach terminal rings to the power cord.
The battery powers the fishfinder, which in turn powers the transducer.
Fuse Box Connection
Instead of connecting the power directly to the battery, you should probably connect it to your larger boat’s fuse box if it has one. Additional power connector plugs are required for this. Two power connectors that will fit the connections on the fuse box of your boat are required.
If the fishfinder doesn’t already have ring terminals made to connect straight to the battery, you might need to attach smaller ones. Check to see if any connectors in your fuse box are empty. Simply connect the fishfinder power to the accessory power plugs if you have available connections.
Step 3: Mount the Console
Since you don’t have the same amount of decking or space on a Jon boat as you do on larger boats, you might be concerned about where to put your fishfinder console.
Getting a large piece of square or rounded wood and fixing the console to that is the simplest solution. When you aren’t in the boat, you can take the console with you by detaching it from the transducer and battery.
Additionally, this gives you the flexibility to move the console as necessary to different areas of the boat.
Conclusion
It’s simple to install a fishfinder on a Jon boat. If your kit doesn’t come with a transducer, however, you might need to buy one. The transducer keeps track of activity in the water. The transducer is mounted on the transom or fastened to a trolling motor.
The fishfinder console is then wired to the transducer to show what is happening below the water’s surface. The fishfinder is powered by being connected directly to the battery of your motor or the fuse box on your boat.
I advise starting small and making few (if any) structural changes to your boat if you’re just getting into fishing and want an entry-level option.
Once you are more aware of your needs and preferences, move up to a more advanced fish finder. Finding the fish doesn’t have to cost a fortune on the first day.
