Navigation and Fishing Sounders — Precision, Clarity, and Control on the Water

See More, Catch More — Explore with Confidence

In New Zealand’s diverse marine environment, from deep offshore trenches to shallow coastal bays, knowing what’s beneath your boat is the key to success and safety. Navigation and Fishing Sounders are essential tools for every modern skipper, providing real-time sonar imaging, chart plotting, and GPS positioning to help you find fish, avoid hazards, and navigate with confidence.

At Action Outdoors, we stock a wide range of Navigation and Fishing Sounders from leading global brands trusted by professional fishers, charter operators, and recreational boaties alike. Whether you’re chasing big snapper in the Hauraki Gulf, trolling for tuna off the Bay of Islands, or exploring Pacific reefs, our selection of fish finders, depth sounders, and GPS chartplotters ensures precise performance every time.

What Are Navigation and Fishing Sounders?

A sounder, also known as a fish finder or echo sounder, is a marine electronic device that uses sonar technology (Sound Navigation and Ranging) to detect objects underwater. It sends sound waves into the water and measures how long they take to bounce back, creating a live image of the seabed, structures, and fish.

When combined with GPS navigation, a sounder becomes a powerful multi-function tool — helping you locate fishing grounds, mark productive spots, and safely navigate unfamiliar areas.

Modern sounders display high-definition colour graphics, 3D imaging, and detailed charts, allowing you to read water depth, temperature, contours, and fish activity at a glance.

Why Every Boat Needs a Navigation and Fishing Sounder

New Zealand and Pacific waters are incredibly varied — deep channels, reefs, drop-offs, and sandbars can make boating tricky. Having a quality sounder offers multiple benefits beyond just finding fish.

1. Improved Safety

A sounder shows the depth beneath your hull in real time, helping prevent accidental grounding in shallow or reef-strewn areas. Combined with chartplotter navigation, it gives you a clear picture of where you are and what lies below.

2. Better Fishing Results

Fishing without a sounder is like driving blind. With sonar, you can:

• Identify schools of baitfish and predators.
• Locate structure (reefs, rocks, ledges) where fish gather.
• Monitor depth and temperature changes that affect fish behaviour.
• Save GPS waypoints for productive fishing spots.

3. Efficient Navigation

Modern units integrate with GPS, radar, and autopilot systems, allowing seamless route planning and real-time positioning. Perfect for long trips or night navigation.

4. Fuel Efficiency

By knowing where to travel and where to fish, you save fuel and time. Sounders help avoid wasted trolling passes or unproductive drifts.

How Fish Finders and Sounders Work

Sounders operate by sending pulses of sound (sonar waves) downward through the water. When these waves hit an object (like the seabed, fish, or weed), they reflect back to the transducer. The unit then converts this data into a visual image on your screen.

The transducer is the heart of your system — mounted either through the hull, on the transom, or inside the hull depending on your vessel type. The higher the frequency, the greater the detail; the lower the frequency, the deeper the range.

Common Sonar Technologies:

• Traditional 2D Sonar: Displays fish arches and bottom contours in real-time.
• CHIRP Sonar: Uses multiple frequencies for ultra-clear target separation.
• Down Imaging: Provides near-photographic views directly beneath your boat.
• Side Imaging: Scans both sides of your vessel for wide coverage.
• 3D and Live Sonar: Offers real-time 3D rendering of fish movement and terrain.

Types of Navigation and Fishing Sounders

Choosing the right sounder depends on how and where you fish. Here are the main types available at Action Outdoors:

1. Portable Fish Finders

Compact, battery-powered units ideal for kayaks, small boats, or shore fishing. Easy to mount and remove, with simple displays and wireless connectivity.

Best for: Recreational anglers, kayakers, and small-boat users.

2. Fixed-Mount Sounders

Installed permanently in your console or dash, fixed-mount sounders offer high power, large screens, and advanced features like CHIRP, GPS mapping, and networking.

Best for: Offshore boats, charter vessels, and serious anglers.

3. Combination GPS / Chartplotter Sounders

The most popular category — these combine depth sounder and GPS mapping in one unit. You can view sonar and navigation charts side by side, mark waypoints, and follow precise routes.

Best for: All-round navigation and fishing applications.

4. Networked Multi-Function Displays (MFDs)

High-end systems that integrate sonar, radar, AIS, autopilot, and engine data. Perfect for large boats and professional operations.

Best for: Superyachts, commercial vessels, and dedicated game-fishing boats.

Top Features to Look For

When selecting a sounder, consider the following key features:

1. Display Quality – Choose a high-resolution colour display that’s bright and readable in sunlight.
2. Sonar Power – More wattage = greater depth penetration and clarity.
3. Frequency Options – Dual or variable CHIRP frequencies for versatile use.
4. GPS and Mapping – Built-in or compatible mapping for NZ waters (Navionics, C-MAP, or NZ Hydrographic charts).
5. Networking – Ability to link with radar, autopilot, and other onboard systems.
6. Touchscreen and Interface – Modern interfaces make operation intuitive.
7. Transducer Type – Match the transducer to your hull material and fishing depth.

Navigation and Fishing Sounders for New Zealand Conditions

New Zealand’s waters vary dramatically — from shallow harbours to deep offshore trenches like the Kaikōura Canyon. That’s why Action Outdoors only stocks sounders proven to perform across these conditions.

• Shallow Water / Estuaries: Use high-frequency CHIRP or side-imaging units to spot fish near sandbars or mangroves.
• Mid-Depth Coastal Fishing: A dual-frequency system (50/200 kHz) gives the best balance of detail and depth.
• Deep-Water / Game Fishing: Choose high-power (1kW+) sounders for readings down to 1,000 metres.

Brands we stock are built for rugged marine environments, ensuring reliability through salt, spray, and vibration.

Integrating Navigation and Sonar Systems

Modern marine electronics are designed for integration. Many of today’s sounders can connect with:

• Autopilot systems (for precise route control)
• Radar (for object detection and safety in fog)
• AIS (Automatic Identification Systems) (for vessel tracking)
• Engine monitoring and fuel data
• Smartphone apps and cloud storage for saving maps and catches

This integration transforms your vessel into a smart navigation hub, giving you total awareness and control on the water.

Top Uses of Navigation and Fishing Sounders

1. Finding Fish Efficiently

See exactly what’s happening below the boat — fish arches, bait schools, and terrain structure. You’ll spend less time searching and more time catching.

2. Marking Hotspots

With built-in GPS, you can mark productive reefs, wrecks, or drop-offs to revisit later. Perfect for building your own fishing map.

3. Reading Bottom Composition

Different bottom types show distinct sonar returns. Sand, mud, rock, or weed — knowing the difference helps target species-specific habitats.

4. Navigating in Poor Visibility

Fog, rain, or darkness? No problem. With GPS and sonar combined, you always know your depth, direction, and position.

5. Mapping and Exploration

Modern sounders can generate custom bathymetric maps as you move — perfect for discovering uncharted areas and structure.

Understanding Frequencies and Depth Ranges

Frequency TypeDepth RangeDetail LevelIdeal Use200–800 kHz (High)Shallow (0–100m)Excellent detailInshore, structure fishing80–200 kHz (Medium)Mid-depth (100–300m)BalancedSnapper and kingfish grounds28–80 kHz (Low)Deep (300m–1000m+)Lower detail, greater reachDeep drop, bluenose, hapuku

Multi-frequency or CHIRP sounders automatically sweep through these ranges to optimize clarity and target separation.

How to Get the Best from Your Sounder

1. Learn Your Display: Understand how to read arches, colours, and bottom lines.
2. Adjust Sensitivity: Fine-tune gain settings to balance detail and clutter.
3. Position the Transducer Correctly: Avoid turbulence or air bubbles behind the hull.
4. Update Software: Keep charts and firmware current for best performance.
5. Regular Maintenance: Check connectors and clean screens for reliability.

Action Outdoors provides expert advice on installation and tuning to help you get professional-grade results.

Top Brands and Models (Examples)

We offer products from leading international brands trusted by Kiwi and Pacific anglers:

• Lowrance – advanced CHIRP and side imaging for recreational boats.
• Garmin – intuitive touchscreens with LiveScope™ 3D sonar.
• Simrad – high-performance units for offshore and commercial use.
• Furuno – professional-grade sounders built for deep-water fishing.
• Raymarine – crystal-clear displays and fast GPS integration.

Each brand is backed by local New Zealand support and warranty when purchased through Action Outdoors.

SEO and Key Points Summary

Primary Keyword: Navigation and Fishing Sounders

Secondary Keywords: Fish Finders NZ, Boat Sounders, Marine GPS NZ, Depth Sounders, Chartplotter Fish Finder, Navigation Electronics, Fishing Sonar NZ, GPS Sounder Combo, CHIRP Sounder, Marine Electronics NZ

Key Selling Points

• High-definition sonar and GPS navigation in one unit.
• CHIRP, DownScan, SideScan, and LiveView technology.
• Suitable for New Zealand’s coastal and offshore waters.
• Helps locate fish, structure, and safe navigation routes.
• Compatible with radar, autopilot, and AIS systems.
• Available in portable, fixed, and networked models.
• Top global brands: Lowrance, Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, Furuno.
• Expert advice and fast NZ shipping from Action Outdoors.

Why Buy from Action Outdoors

• Authorised NZ Retailer: Genuine sounders and marine electronics.
• Expert Knowledge: Our team are boaters and fishers who understand NZ waters.
• Wide Range: From entry-level to professional-grade sounders.
• Fast Shipping: Nationwide and Pacific Island delivery.
• After-Sales Support: Setup assistance and troubleshooting.
• Competitive Pricing: Quality gear without the offshore markup.

When you buy your Navigation and Fishing Sounder from Action Outdoors, you’re investing in accuracy, durability, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts — Navigate with Confidence, Fish with Precision

A high-quality Navigation and Fishing Sounder isn’t just a gadget — it’s an essential tool for safe and successful boating. Whether you’re finding structure for snapper, marking deep-water bluenose, or navigating through coastal shallows, a sounder gives you eyes beneath the surface and confidence in every decision.

Action Outdoors brings you the latest marine navigation technology from trusted brands, tested for New Zealand and Pacific conditions. With the right sounder setup, you’ll see more, catch more, and explore further than ever before.

Shop the full range of Navigation and Fishing Sounders today at Action Outdoors — and experience the clarity, precision, and performance that every Kiwi boatie deserves.