[January 14, 2013]

Introducing ReelSonar: A High-Tech Bobber and Fishfinder App Give Anglers the Most "Bite" for Their Buck

ReelSonar is a new wireless fishfinder that uses sonar inside a bobber on the water to locate fish, and transmits the data via Bluetooth to nearby smartphones and tablets. Embracing current technology, its patent-pending elements combine the functionality of more expensive fishfinders with the convenience, community, and affordability of mobile apps.

Innovative Technology of ReelSonar

ReelSonar is unique in the way it combines two technologies. First, the 'smart bobber,' which is about the size of an apricot and is attached to the fishing line, emits ultrasound waves (sonar) into the water to gather data on whatever is in the surrounding water up to 150 feet deep. Second, custom-made circuitry within the bobber receives, filters and transmits Radio Frequency (RF) signals to a nearby paired smart-device using Bluetooth® v4.0 technology.

Several features allow the unit to be priced well below other fishfinders on the market, and still use a 3V rechargeable battery. Low frequency ultrasound transmits strongly through water without the signal getting lost, and fish are highly reflective surfaces, making the signal easier to process. "When there is enough sensitivity on the receiving circuit, paired with a well-designed signal processing unit, there is no problem with power," explained Alexander Lebedev, the founder of ReelSonar. The app (on Android (News - Alert) and iOS devices) displays data and images in a dynamic, user-friendly interface - no separate display panel is needed.

Functional Features of ReelSonar

Before they bite

• Locate fish and underwater structure up to 150 feet away, and 150 feet deep
• Map the entire waterbed using synthetic aperture, from a composite of multiple images (this feature is also useful for boat navigation in unknown areas)
• Check water temperature and salinity

When they bite

• Bite (News - Alert) Alarm - the smart bobber lights up, and the app signals when fish are near the bobber
• See relative sizes of fish, and estimate how many there are
• Get suggestions on bait and lures based on data and location

After they bite

• Keep track of favorite fishing 'hotspots' and location history using GPS tags
• Tap into or contribute to aggregate 'hotspots' based on other ReelSonar bobber data
• Record location, date, size/weight and photos of the day's catch all in one place

ReelSonar Product Launch

With R&D nearing completion, ReelSonar will retail for under $100. Besides the app itself, it consists of the bobber and its USB recharging cable, making it easily portable. Because users cast the ReelSonar bobber as far as they like, it extends the under-boat views of existing boat-mounted fishfinders. It works in any water temperature, in fresh and salt water, in boats or on the shore.

"ReelSonar is a unique innovation that gives people who fish another tool in their arsenal to both have fun and be productive on or near the water," says avid angler and longtime fishing and boating industry leader Terry Carlson.

Whether learning to fish, teaching someone to fish, gathering data on fish or lake conditions, practicing for the tournament, or sharing fish-tales, the easy-to-use ReelSonar system can enhance the whole experience.

Get more details and updates at Indiegogo: http://www.indiegogo.com/reelsonar

Development Team

ReelSonar was developed by serial Seattle entrepreneur Alexander Lebedev, who enjoys fishing as a hobby.  With a background in medical ultrasound technology, he applied knowledge of sonar to mobile devices in the development of the ReelSonar app.  The ReelSonar team is proud of its creative engineers (RF, embedded software and mechanical), app designers, and anglers.   Alexander is also the founder of Mirabilis Medica and JeNu Biosciences, two ultrasound-based tech companies in Seattle.

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