For most who have purchased a fish finder, the preference is usually a unit with a color display. The color displays have increased their usefulness overall. At first glance, it can seem a little overwhelming seeing a color display in action. Many who have been using marine electronics for some time are accustomed to only a black and white display and it may seem like overkill seeing a color fish finder in action for the first time. It really isn't too complicated and those colors that appear so bright do in fact come in use while on the water.
The colors represent signal returns which paint a picture to be decoded. The technology has gone through phases starting from a simple depth flasher, progressing to a chart recorder, and finally to a real display. The color display is even one step further as it represents differences in objects by using a color representation. A fish finder will use like colors to represent objects starting with red being the strongest echo return and then going to lighter colors. For example, if an echo showed a round looking object mostly yellow with a few red spots, it would most likely be a school of small fish while a solid red echo may represent a larger fish. This is probably the most important value to owning a color fish finder as the ability to accurately determine what is in the water is increased by using color. Catching more fish will be easier because you are able to accurately identify them properly.
A black and white or sometimes called mono (once these units were called monochrome) fish finder is limited by comparison to accurately identify objects. For some fisherman this is critical but some are just fine and only need to see objects not necessarily their density. The function of a black and white fish finder is also good for showing darker and lighter shades of gray to represent objects differently. This will not work as well as color however, there is an increased cost associated with purchasing a color fish finder.
A color fish finder can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars moving up into the thousands. Different technologies generally cost more and also the higher resolution units tend to be more expensive. The black and white fish finder is a good alternative even for those that may be on a tight budget. Overall the color units offer more advancements and may allow you to catch more fish; while a black and white fish finder offers older technology although cheaper may not allow you to catch more fish. Ultimately, this decision shouldn't be taken lightly as the primary purpose of purchasing a fish finder is to find fish or objects underwater accurately. Trips out on the water without a good fish finder will produce poor results which may lead to wasted time. Always choose the best option to suit your situation.
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