*taaaaaa-raaaaa taaa-raaa ta-ra ta-ra ta-ra-ta-ra* Eeeek! We’ve all seen Jaws and good grief, while sharks are majestic, who tf wants them next to them while kayaking? Not me!
When you’re out on the water, it’s essential to have all of the right gear to make the most of your fishing expedition. One tool that’s become increasingly popular among anglers is the fish finder.
It can help locate fish and sharks and improve your chances of having a successful day on the water. But can your fish finder detect sharks?
In this guide, we’ll look at the science behind fish finders and if they can pick up sharks.
First, How Does a Fish Finder Work?
To understand whether your fish finder can detect sharks, you first need to understand how fish finders work. Fish finders work by sending out sonar waves that bounce back when they hit an object.
The fish finder then interprets the returned signal, displaying a picture of the area under your kayak. The system uses different colors and shapes to indicate the size of the object, the distance from your kayak, and if it’s moving.
How Does a Fish Finder Detect Sharks?
Like many other sea creatures, sharks have a swim bladder that the fish finder can detect. For instance, sharks have a large internal organ called a liver, which is less dense than water and acts as a buoyancy aid.
This organ can show up on a fish finder’s display as a large object with a specific shape and can be an excellent way to identify sharks. However, not all sharks have a swim bladder, making detection difficult.
Another way that fish finders can detect sharks is by detecting the prey fish that sharks hunt. Sharks’ love to chomp on schools of smaller fish which are also detected by the fish finder. If you notice on the fish finder that there’s a large concentration of small fish in a specific area, there could be sharks nearby.
It is essential to note that fish finders have limitations in detecting sharks. Many factors can affect how well they pick up different types of marine life. The depth of the water, the type of fish finder, the strength of the sonar waves, and the weather conditions are just a few examples.
Why Don’t Sharks Show Up on a Fish Finder?
As mentioned above, not all sharks have a swim bladder which may make it hard for the fish finder to detect.
Also, some shark species are quite small and can easily be missed by the sonar waves. The strength of the sonar wave also matters, as higher frequencies do a better job at detecting smaller objects than lower ones.
Can Sonar Detect Sharks?
Yes, sonar can be used to detect sharks. As mentioned above, sharks have a swim bladder that makes them easier to spot on a fish finder’s display.
Sonar can also be used to detect the movement of prey fish that sharks hunt, making it easier to spot a shark’s presence in the area.
Is There a Shark Detector?
Yes, there are several shark detectors available on the market. These devices use sonar technology to detect sharks in the water and alert you when a potential danger is present.
However, these detectors can be expensive and may not always work as intended.
Can You Use a Fish Finder in a Kayak?
Yes, you can use a fish finder in a kayak. Many anglers have found that it helps them locate the best places to cast their line and increases their chances of finding fish.
A few things to keep in mind include the size of the device, how much power it will require, and if you need an additional antenna for better reception.
What Can You See with a Fish Finder?
A fish finder can be used to see the location and size of objects under the water, such as rocks, sunken logs, and schools of fish. It can also detect sharks if they have a swim bladder or are hunting prey fish.
In addition to this, it can display accurate depths so you know how deep to cast your line.
In Summary
So can your fish finder detect sharks? It’s challenging to give a straight answer as it depends on numerous variables.
The good news is that fish finders can detect the prey fish that sharks hunt and, for some species of shark, detect the presence of their swim bladder. As a kayaker, it’s always essential to stay alert and aware of any potential dangers.
A fish finder can be a helpful tool to locate fish and understand what’s happening under your kayak, but it should never be a replacement for using your eyes and common sense. Go ahead and make the most of your fish finder but always remember to stay safe on the water.
