The Benefits of Fishing GPS
Most of the fishing boats you can buy today, come equipped with some type of fish finding gadget. The latest technology for fishing and water safety has been revolutionized with GPS tools. GPS devices can help you navigate waters and keep track of your favorite fishing spots, quickly finding and returning to them any time you want.
GPS or global positioning systems are most commonly used in navigation. These devices use signals transmitted from satellites that the United States Government put in orbit around the Earth. One of the best advantages of a GPS system is its ability to work no matter the time of day or type of weather you are in, thanks to their satellite access.
The satellites are able to transmit signals to Earth as they travel around it twice each day. With triangulation and pin-point positioning, the satellite signals can calculate exactly where the user is at any given time. Triangulation locks the GPS device into three different positions before establishing and displaying a longitude and latitude calculation. Once the location has been mapped, the GPS device uses information from other satellites to calculate speed, trip distance, track, distance to destination, and even the time of sunrise and sunset.
The multi-channel designs used with a GPS device make it extremely accurate and reliable. Once the GPS is locked onto a satellite it will maintain that signal on one of its channels. Most GPS units used in fish finding have an accuracy of fifteen meters, but the newer, advanced models are now coming out with an accuracy of three meters.
GPS devices are quickly gaining popularity as people discover more of their benefits, turning away from traditional maps and charts to the accuracy provided in a GPS device. You can use your GPS device to save the plot points of your favorite fishing location, so that you can easily find it the next time you fish, saving you valuable time and hassle. Fishing GPS units also allow you to easily find the best fishing spots that often go undetected with outdated charts and maps. You can also share your favorite fishing spots with your friends or keep them with you when you go fishing on someone else’s boat.
When you are fishing out in the open water, GPS devices are a wonderful safety tool to have. It is very easy to become disoriented and lost on the water, particularly when your attention is focused towards the other people on your boat rather than your location. If you find yourself lost on the water, a GPS unit is a great tool that will help you find your way back to shore. A GPS device is also very useful if you find yourself caught in a heavy fog, rain, or storm. GPS systems come with special mapping software that will help you safely find your way to a dock. In the case of an emergency, the accuracy of a GPS unit allows you transmit exact locations to recue crews or the Coast Guard.
Most marine and boating stores sell GPS devices, or you can purhase one online. Ask someone to help you understand the different models, their costs, and the features they have. You can now opt for a built in GPS unit when you buy your boat from a dealer. Consult with a boat supplier to find someone that will install your GPS device correctly for you.
When you are out on the water it is best to use more than one tool for navigation. While a GPS can do many things, it is still an electronic device that can fail. It is important to keep safety in mind when you are on the water, so always have maps or charts on hand. In case an emergency should arise, you should keep a handheld radio on board as well.
