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Fish finder technology has come a long way as years ago you would need a boat and a 12-volt battery to power a fish finder. But, these days, you can use a rechargeable fish finder from the shore. How amazing is that!
Deeper is the leading brand regarding portable fish finders you can use anywhere on a boat or from the bank. Their range is quite comprehensive and covers everything all anglers need in a portable option,
Join me as I run through all the models including the Deeper Start, the Pro and Pro+, Pro+2 and finally the Deeper Chirp, so you can decide which Deeper Fishfinder is right for you?
How Do Deeper Fish Finders Work?
Before diving into all the different fish finders in the Deeper Series, let’s first discuss how they work, as there is common ground across the models.
All the Deeper fish finders come with a rechargeable transducer unit around the size of a tennis ball. The unit connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet through the Deeper App and uses your phone/tablet as the fish finder display.
Once connected, you can cast the Deeper unit into a lake, river, or sea and slowly wind it in to see depth changes, fish, and the depth location of the fish. The Deeper Pro range is perfect for all specimen hunters for use on carp fishing syndicates. You also have the option of trolling the Deeper unit behind a boat and using it like a regular fish finder, making them perfect for picking up big-sized bass shoals.
These truly are the solutions anglers have been looking for.
The Deeper Series
As I mentioned in the introduction, there are 5 different fish finders in the Deeper Series, including the Deeper Start, the Pro, Pro+, Pro+2, and the Deeper Chirp.
We will first look at the Deeper Start, the most basic and affordable model, and slowly build up to the from there.
Deeper Start Fish Finder
The Deeper Start is the model most beginners should consider due to its ease of use.
Once paired to your phone or tablet and put in the water it will tell you the depth, water temperature, changing bottom contours and bottom type, and indicate via the screen, any fish swimming under it too.
This is all very valuable information displayed in your hands on your phone/tablet. You have the choice to use the basic view which creates fish icons with depth labels and shows vegetation shading, making it very easy to read or you can use the detailed view which looks more like a high-end fish finder.
This fish finder has a maximum depth range of 165 feet, which is more than enough for most shore and boat anglers to boot. The connection range is also 165 feet meaning you can cast the unit out 165 feet from the shore and it should give you a reasonable reading but in practice, it will clear information at less distances of around 100 feet.
The battery life is pretty solid at 6 hours, but it might only last 5.5 hours sometimes, so don’t depend on 6 hours all the time.
The main issue with this more basic model is the target separation. Target separation is vital when identifying a shoal of small bait fish or a sizeable stand-alone fish. Since this unit’s target separation is relatively low, it will likely flag shoals of small fish as big fish. Therefore it does have certain limitations.
Overall, the Start provides a lot of excellent fishing information that helps you catch more fish at a much more affordable price than the other models, so it is a great place to start.
Specs
- Max. depth: 165 feet
- Max. range: 165 feet
- Transducer beam angle: 40 degrees
- Frequency: 120 kHz
- Battery life: up to 6 hours
- Charging time: 2.5 hours
Pros
- Easy to use
- Very affordable
- Simple to understand the display
- Detailed and basic display settings
- Quite good at finding fish
- Best Deeper for beginners
Cons
- The connection range is less than 165 feet
- Poor target separation
- Not suitable for ice fishing
Deeper PRO, PRO+, And Pro+2 Fish Finder
If you have quickly looked at the specs below and compared them to the Deeper Start, you will have noticed that the Deeper Pro and Pro+ fish finders take things to the next level!
Both of these units come with a boatload of more sonar technology and can therefore read to a larger maximum depth of 260 feet and have a much better connection range of 330 feet.
This allows you to use the Deeper Pro and Pro+ in deeper environments and further away from the shore.
You will notice that these two models come with two beam angles and two simultaneous frequencies. This takes a more extensive and more detailed reading of what is below the surface.
With a target separation of 1 inch, you will get a ton of detail about the fish you are seeing and easily tell the difference between a shoal of bait fish, smaller, and larger fish.
The Pro and Pro+ do all this while offering the same features as the Deeper Start. It will show you the depth, water temperature, bottom contours, and bottom type on your phone/tablet. You can also switch between primary and detailed views to make reading easier for a beginner.
Specs
- Maximum depth: 260 feet
- Maximum range: 330 feet
- Transducer beam angle: 15 and 55 degrees
- Frequency: 90 kHz and 290 kHz
- Target separation: 1”
- Battery life: up to 6 hours
- Charging time: 2 hours
Pros
- A much more extensive range of 330ft
- Greater maximum depth of 260 feet
- Still easy to use
- Excellent target separation
- Dual-beam picks up a lot more detail
- Provides very detailed sonar images
- The Pro+ creates contour maps for you
- Good battery life of 6 hours
- Great value for the quality
- Best Value For Money Deeper fish finder
Cons
- Heavy to cast, use 60lb braid or fishing line, or it might snap off
- More expensive than the Deeper Start
What Is The Difference Between The Deeper Pro and Pro+?
One key difference between the Pro and Pro+ is important to consider. The Pro+ will record all the mapping data for you and build a bathymetric map of the areas you are fishing in with GPS.
This is incredibly useful as you can review the areas you have previously fished, and allows you to slowly build a map of a lake, and then use the GPS to navigate to the best spots. You can even mark good fishing spots, boat ramps, routes, and anything else you want to note down.
Overall, both of these units are excellent, but in my eyes, the additional benefit of the Pro+ having the GPS and being able to create maps for you is well worth the extra cost.
What Is The Difference Between The Deeper Pro/ Pro+ And The Pro+2?
The Deeper Pro+2 has several key improvements over the slightly cheaper Pro/Pro+ fishfinders.
- Increased min/max scanning depth of 6“-330ft / 15cm-100m vs 19“-260ft / 50cm-80m
- 100% target separation improvement of 0.4“ / 1cm vs 1”/2.5cm
- Lighter 3.2oz / 90g vs 3.5oz/100g
- Three angles (47°, 20°, 7°) vs two angles (55°, 15°)
- Faster charge capability
- Provides a 9 hour battery life vs. 6 hour
The Pro+2 improved target separation gives a better resolution and far clearer visual detail than the Pro and Pro+.
Deeper CHIRP 2 Fish Finder
The Deeper CHIRP is by far the best portable fish finder in the Deeper Series, but it is also the most expensive, as you would expect.
The Deeper CHIRP does everything the Deeper Pro+ does and more. The key difference is that it uses CHIRP sonar technology, which sends out multiple sonar waves across multiple frequencies and beam angles at the same time.
Low sonar wave frequencies penetrate deep into the water but don’t pick up much detail, while high sonar wave frequencies don’t go as deep but pick up a lot of detail. Using 100 kHz, 290 kHz, and 675 kHz sonar waves simultaneously, the Chirp picks up all the details from 330 feet down from the surface.
Overall, the Chirp creates a far more detailed sonar image and goes down to deeper depths than all the others, but that is not the only benefit. This model also has an extended battery life of up to 15 hours and charges much faster, filling the battery in less than 75 minutes.
This unit also has a built-in GPS and will build maps of the bottom for you, plus you can mark good fishing spots and anything else you want to note down.
Overall, it is the best Deeper fish finder in the series, but it is the most expensive too!
Specs
- Maximum depth: 330 feet
- Maximum range: 330 feet
- Transducer beam angle: 7, 16, and 47 degrees
- Frequency: 100 kHz, 290 kHz, and 675 kHz
- Target separation: 0.4”
- Battery life: up to 8 hours
- Charging time: 75 minutes
Pros
- Multiple beam angles and frequencies
- It provides a much more detailed sonar image
- Incredible target separation of 0.4 inches
- Increased depth range to 330 feet
- Longer battery life of 8 hours
- Super fast charging time
- Built-in GPS
- Creates maps for you
- Simple to use
- Best Overall Deeper for professional anglers
Cons
- More expensive than the others
What Type Of Fishing Are Deeper Range Fishfinders For?
The Deeper fishfinders can be used for the following types of fishing:
- Carp and specimen fishing in lakes
- Fishing from a kayak
- Fishing in a boat
- Fishing from the shore
- Ice fishing
If you are a carp fisherman, these fish finders can be used in conjunction with the Nash Bushwacker baiting pole system, as the Nash baiting pole has a designed-in adaptor specifically to hook up the Deeper Pro with the bait pole.
Which Deeper Fish Finder Should I Buy?
Choosing the right Deeper fish finder for you comes down to how much detail you want to see on your sonar image, what features you want, and what your budget is like.
All the units are simple enough for a beginner, and I highly recommend ensuring you get the self-mapping feature. Building a bottom contour map of where you fish allows you to plan ahead, mark fishing spots, think about your next move, and ultimately find the fish easier.
You go from fishing blind to having a chart of where you are fishing, which you can use to focus your fishing time on areas you know the fish will be holding in.
Therefore, I would recommend the Deeper Pro+ to anyone on a tighter budget and the Deeper CHIRP 2 if your budget allows, as it shows incredible detail.
Deeper Fish Finder Accessories
There are several useful and affordable extras you can use with your deeper pro units to enhance their capability and versatility.
Deeper Smartphone Mount For Fishing Rod
This Deeper Smartphone mounting bracket lets you attach your smartphone to your fishing rod handle. Not only do you get a hands-free operation and an assurance that it is held securely, but the key to this fantastic option is it makes the screen easy to view any data whilst you are fishing
It can fit any phone from 9cm up to 13cm and is made from durable silicone. Attaching and removing it is very fast using two rubber elasticated O rings.
Deeper Night Fishing Cover (Orange)
This is a must-have accessory for use on the Deeper fish finders. This high visibility cover fits on Deeper 3.0, Deeper PRO, Deeper PRO+, and Deeper CHIRP Smart Sonars. All that’s needed is to unscrew your original black cover and replace it with the orange-colored night cover.
I find this night cover perfect for night fishing and also in the late evenings. Its flashing LED light on the top makes it easily visible at long ranges, even with my poor eyesight!
Deeper Flexible Arm Mount 2.0 For Boats & Kayaks
If you are trolling from a boat, the flexible arm mount is an excellent addition to your smart fishfinder. This Deeper fish finder bendy arm has a length of 31” and can provide 8” wave adjustment.
All you need to do is position the flexible column to be semi-submerged in the water while connected to your smartphone. The adjustable G clamp fits onto the side of your kayak or boat.
The arm mount is not compatible with the deeper start range.
Deeper Chirp Winter Bundle
In this special Deeper bundle, you get the Deeper Chirp, a Stainless Steel Thermos (17oz), a camouflage neck gaiter, and a yellow night fishing cover, which is designed for use in foggy weather and when you are fishing in very heavy rain.
If you plan to buy the deeper chirp, this offer is an outstanding deal, with over $70 of free add-ons. It’s the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas for any fisherman.
Deeper Pro – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Deeper Pro/Chirp2 For Ice Fishing?
Yes, all the Deeper Pro series and the chirp2 fish finders can be used for ice fishing. Only the Deeper Start is not compatible with freezing water temperatures.
Does The Deeper Pro Have WiFi?
Yes, all Deeper Pro series use wifi for positional accuracy and communication.
What Is The Wifi Password On My Deeper Fish Finder?
All Deeper series including the pro-family have a factory wifi password setting of 12345678. To enter the password, first open the settings menu on your phone, press wifi, and turn on to yes. Then, when the list of available wifi networks appears, click to pair it to your phone.
Does Deeper Pro Work With Android And iPhone?
Deeper Pro will work with any smartphone, providing it has wifi capability. You do not need Wi-Fi available at your fishing spot (just a 4g/5g connection); the built-in Wi-Fi internal access point will provide the connectivity.
Can I Use Metric & Imperial System On Deeper Fish Finders?
Yes, you can switch between the metric and imperial systems on all the Deeper series of fish finders.
Can I Use Deeper Fishfinders In Saltwater?
Yes, the system is fully sealed to prevent saltwater from entering the insides of the deeper fishfinders.
What Is The Warranty For Deeper Series Fish Finders?
Yes, the standard Deeper series are covered by a two-year limited liability warranty from defects in material and workmanship. Only the deeper Chirp2 has the extended 5-year limited warranty.
Beaming Out
Thank you very much for reading my article. I hope you enjoyed it and now know the differences between all the Deeper fish finders so you can confidently decide which one is right for you. They are all pretty incredible in my eyes!
Please share the article with your fishing mates, and why not look at some of our others? We cover everything you need in fishing, from ice fishing to carp fishing and trout fishing, including where to fish, tactics, baits, and choosing the best fishing gear!
Steve holds a special place in his heart for the mighty Carp and the elusive Tench
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