ReelSonar iBobber Review
ReelSonar iBobber is one of the smallest castable fish finders on the market designed with flexibility and portability in mind. It measures 2” x 2” x 1” and weighs only 1.6 oz, so you can bring it with you on all your fishing trips. It is an ideal solution if you do not own a fishing vessel and enjoy angling from docks or the shore.
If this sounds interesting to you, keep reading our honest ReelSonar iBobber review to learn more about this device and discover if it is the right fit for you.
Pros & Cons
- Compact & lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Numerous sonar functions, including fish tagging
- Free Android/iOS apps
- Integrated LED lights
- 10-hour battery life
- Low maximum reach
- Mediocre sonar
Specifications
| Specifications | ReelSonar iBobber |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging |
| Sonar | n/a |
| Transducer | 118 kHz transducer |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | No |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 1.7 oz or 47 grams |
| Batteries | Lithium Polymer |
| Depth Capability | 135 ft (21 m) |
| Frequency | 118 kHz at 90° |
| Power Output | n/a |
| Power Input | n/a |
| GPS | internal |
| Maps | No |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | Not Specified |
| Waterproof | IPX6 and IPX7 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No |
| MicroSD card slot | No |
Sonar
According to the manufacturer, ReelSonar iBobber comes with “patented sonar fish identifier technology.” However, we are not quite sure what this means and what frequencies are covered by the unit. The maximum reach is capped at 135ft in the official specifications, which makes this unit a good choice for casual inland fishing trips – but nothing more than that.
ReelSonar iBobber also comes with two snap swivel connections that allow you to either use it as a bobber or remote fish finder. Once you connect it with your smartphone or tablet, you can choose between the raw sonar or fish-tagging view. The fish-tagging function provides you with suggestive color-coded icons and the unit is also capable of showing you trip logs with time, date, location, conditions, water temperature, lure, type of fishing, and species of fish caught during your trips. You will be able to observe the lunar calendar and weather as well, including the temperature, wind, rain, and barometer. The fish ID feature also comes with an assortment of convenient strike and fish alarms.
Apart from locating potential targets, ReelSonar iBobber will provide you with some contouring functionality, including the waterbed as well as any underwater structures. The app gives you a pretty cartoonish representation of the scanned surface, so do not expect quality photos like the ones you would get with more expensive fish finders.
Navigation
ReelSonar iBobber allows for GPS spot tagging using an interactive map, which allows you to tag potential fishing hotspots but also prominent landmarks you deem important. Apart from this, the unit does not come with any navigation-related features.
Networking
ReelSonar iBobber uses Bluetooth Smart to connect with your Android (4.3+) and/or iOS (10.0+) devices and show the available imaging on your phone or tablet. Apps for both platforms are absolutely free of charge, but users have reported certain issues when trying to download updates for Apple devices. The apps also allow you to share your recordings on social media.
The unit comes with a stand-alone USB charging station and, apart from the corresponding USB port, it does not feature any other connectivity options. The battery life is around 10 hours.
What's In The Box
- iBobber
- USB Charger
- Carry Pouch
- Documentation
Verdict
ReelSonar iBobber is a simple and compact castable fish finder that can also be used as a bobber in order to record strikes and keep track of the overall fish traffic. Its maximum reach is 135ft, which is only decent if you like fishing from a dock or river bank without any trips to the open waters. The built-in LED lights make it a good option for night/ice fishing. Bottom line, this is a very affordable and minimalistic fish finder that is ok for beginners and casual fishers, but it will definitely not be able to answer the needs of any serious angler.