How Radar Has Changed Fishing Forever

If you’re going offshore fishing, you’re going to need radar. What was once used only for war ships, it’s now one of the most important tools on many fishing boats.

In the late 19th century, German inventor Heinrich Hertz successfully demonstrated that radio waves bounce off metallic objects. He didn’t know it at the time, but his discovery launched one of the most important inventions in nautical history.

While Hertz’s work was paramount, it wouldn’t be put to major use until the early 20th century, when another German, Christian Hulsmeyer, built a simple yet effective ship-detection device. By using short pulses of radio waves, the technology could detect the distance and direction of an object. The U.S. Signal Corps further tweaked and enhanced the systems, becoming the first to use the term “RADAR” in 1939.

It saw rapid advancement during World War II, changing the way naval warfare is conducted. Eventually, radar would become one of the most important inventions for other uses, such as fishing and recreational boating.

Navigating the Coasts

For years, fishing vessels relied on light, the stars, maps, and compasses to navigate from one area to another. Offshore fishing required following lighthouses and navigation tools to maneuver safely near shore, as well as the expert training and experience to use them. Even with these methods, wrecks along coasts and islands were all too common. With the invention of radar, however, fishing boats could detect the presence of coasts, structures, and other boats without actually seeing them. This technology made boating and fishing safer and more effective, allowing anglers to stay on the water for longer periods of time.

Identifying other Vessels

All the pre-radar navigation tools in the world couldn’t tell you if another boat was in the area; only your vision could do that. With large vessels, making fast turns can be difficult and dangerous, but with the invention of radar, boats can now give each other plenty of space without ever seeing one another. This is particularly important for offshore fishing boats that could have miles of anchor ropes and fishing lines. With radar, both commercial and hobby anglers can give each other plenty of space, keeping lines untangled and creating safer waters to fish and boat.

Weather Information

Perhaps the biggest threat to a fishing boat is unexpected weather events. Before radar, there were techniques for predicting the weather and making educated guesses on what storms might be headed in your direction. Now that we have radar, we can make even better judgements on boating conditions, and anglers out on the water can have more advanced notice on upcoming weather. With radar, we can be safer on the water and head to the docks long before a storm is in sight.

Reliable Boats for Seas, Lakes, and Rivers

Whether you’re heading to the lake to catch some pan fish or traveling off shore to catch a monster marlin, Scout has the right fishing boat for you. With innovative designs, high-quality materials, and some of the most advanced technologies available, Scout is a leader in boating and fishing. Visit our website to discover why Scout is the name that all anglers trust.

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