The Advantages of CHIRP Technology: Find More Fish
One of the most significant advancements in fish finders has come from the application of sonar technology known as CHIRP or Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse. CHIRP is a quantum leap over traditional fish finding equipment and has revolutionized commercial and sport fishing.
Multiple Frequencies
Traditional fish finders for decades used a single frequency like 200 kHz, 50 kHz or a combination of both. CHIRP fish finders provide a signal that sweeps over a wide band of individual frequencies. This is similar to having multiple fish finders each working on different frequencies. The result is a high-resolution picture revealing bottom detail and fish that would otherwise remain unseen.
CHIRP normally operates in (3) different frequency ranges depending on the depths and type of fish chosen. Popular CHIRP bands are: Low Band: 25 - 60 kHz, Medium Band: 85 -135 kHz and High Band: 130 - 210 kHz. A local dealer or other fisherman can best advise for a given situation.
TIP: CHIRP fish finders are best viewed on large displays with high-resolution screens.
CHIRP provides the clarity to give views of structures that need to be seen to be believed.
CHIRP increases underwater graphic details and fish-finding ability as a result of a continuous sweeping of a band of individual frequencies to build an enhanced picture of the water’s bottom, bait, fish and submerged objects. Compared to a standard fish finder operating with a single or two frequencies is like shooting at a target with a rifle while a CHIRP fish finder can be likened to firing an automatic weapon and peppering the target with multiple shots.
Multifunction displays with built in CHIRP capability, standalone CHIP fish finders and CHIRP add-on processor modules that can be added to system displays are available in a variety of prices, sizes and capabilities for any size boat or budget. Likewise there is a wide selection of CHIRP transducers needed to work with a CHIRP fish finder.
Transducer types include through hull, transom mount, tilted element that do not require a fairing block, inside the hull mount and trolling motor mount to accommodate any boat's hull or mounting situation.
This is an example of the clarity provided on Raymarine’s Axiom series with CHIRP.
CHIRP Benefits:
- Sharper and larger fish arches to identify your prey.
- Watch how fish respond to your bait.
- Help differentiate fish size and even species.
- Better bottom tracking at higher speeds while reading to deeper depths.
- Better separation of target images.
- Decreased surface and water column noise clutter and false targets on your screen which tend to mask and hide target fish.
Different Bands for Different Purposes:
High CHIRP - (130 to 210 kHz) Ideal for bay, inlet, coastal, inland and freshwater fishing. Good for baitfish and game fish including squid and cod primarily in depths of 300' (91.44 m) to 600' (182.88 m). High CHIRP covers popular fishing frequency of 200 kHz.
Medium CHIRP - (85 to 135 kHz) Works best for depths less than 600' (182.88 m). Reveals a wider coverage area at the cost of somewhat less detail than High CHIRP. Good all-around frequency band for bottom and pelagic fish species. Also includes common fishing frequencies from 88 to 107 kHz.
Even medium CHIRP provides high levels of detail as shown here.
Low CHIRP - (25 to 60 kHz) Best for deep water and bottom fishing including tuna and bluefin. Covers popular desired fishing frequency of 50 kHz.
Power is Important:
600-watt CHIRP fish finders are the most common in use. Higher power-rated models allow viewing bottom and fish down to greater depths with increased clarity. Some models offer 1, 2 and even 3-kilowatt output power. To make use of the benefits of higher power both the fish finder and transducer need to have the same power output or wattage rating.
One Technology - Many Names:
Most every manufacturer has their own versions of CHIRP. Each may have some refinements or enhancements but they are all CHIRP technology basically delivering similar high definition underwater imagery. Depending on the transducer used they can produce downward, side viewing, forward-looking and even 3D images with a manufacturer’s proprietary name.