Interview: How modern technology is changing fishing

​For Jan Pusch, identifying underwater structures has always been part and parcel of fishing. As a young boy, his grandfather showed him how to measure water depths using a simple rope on the vast Lake Schwerin. In this interview, he explains how technology is changing fishing – and why experience, an understanding of nature and passion remain irreplaceable.

BOATS: Jan, when you think back to the first echo sounders, how far have we come since then?

Has technology become simpler or more complicated?

It’s actually simpler. Modern devices, like a smartphone, are designed to be intuitive; many of their functions are almost self-explanatory. The challenge lies in interpreting the information correctly and using it to make decisions.

What do you think is the most important basic set-up on a fishing boat?

A properly fitted transducer, a good chartplotter and an accurate depth chart. That’s the basis. With 2D, DownScan and SideScan, you can spot a lot: edges, beds of aquatic vegetation, hard bottoms, baitfish or shoals. It’s important to choose an expandable system right from the start. Many devices combine a fishfinder and a chartplotter. Digital depth charts can be updated and expanded using community data.

How has live sonar affected fishing?

LiveScope shows fish behaviour. Not only can you see that there are fish there, but you can also see, almost in real time, how they react to the bait. Are they rising? Are they following? Are they turning away? This immediate feedback makes fishing exciting and educational.

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That sounds almost humble.

It certainly is. You can see not only the fish, but also your own lure and how it moves through the water. This teaches you a great deal about lure presentation, lure selection and fish behaviour. Nevertheless, LiveScope is no guarantee of a catch. You can do everything right and still not get a bite.

In your view, what is the greatest benefit of modern technology in guiding?

I can spot where the fish are more quickly and make better use of our time together – because time is fish. Many guests book a guided trip precisely because they want to experience modern boat electronics in real-world conditions. In specialist shops, you usually only see a demo mode. It’s out on the water that you can really see what modern boat electronics are capable of. For me, it’s precisely this combination that makes it so special: finding fish together, explaining the technology in a way that’s easy to understand, and creating unforgettable experiences.

How has modern technology changed the role of a guide?

In the past, a guide was primarily someone who knew the fishing grounds well. Today, many guests expect more. They don’t just want to catch fish; they want to understand modern boat electronics and use them safely. That’s why, for me, explaining the technology in a way that’s easy to understand is just as much a part of the job as knowing the waters. For me, a successful day’s guiding therefore means not just catching some fine fish, but guests taking home new knowledge.

Does modern technology make fishing too easy?

No. Modern technology helps us to understand bodies of water better and to navigate safely on the water. Digital nautical charts offer a significant safety advantage, particularly on unfamiliar waters. Nevertheless, they do not take decision-making away from the angler. Everyone must find the right spot, the right bait and the right way to present it for themselves. Technology enhances experience – it does not replace it.

Are there situations where you make a conscious effort to spend less time looking at the screen?

To be honest, no. My boat’s electronics, my smartphone and my watch are all part of the kit on every trip. A guest once said: “Without your tech, you wouldn’t catch a single fish.” I switched off all the displays – and we still caught fish. Technology is a tool. Water turbidity, wind, light, baitfish and temperature all play just as big a part. It’s only when experience, observation of nature and technology come together that you get the full picture.

What makes for a good electronics set-up?

It has to work reliably. I rely on a fully integrated Garmin system. LiveScope, SpyPole, Force Kraken and ECHOMAP Ultra all work together, and the engine data from my Suzuki outboard is shown directly on the displays. Equally important are professional installation, neat cabling, the power supply, batteries, chargers and a stable network. I’m out on the water all year round – in heat, rain, wind and cold. Everything has to work. The best technology is the sort you don’t even have to think about whilst you’re out on the water.

What remains unchanged, despite all the technology?

That moment. You’re out on the water, the wind in your face, the boat beneath your feet and a lure in the water. You have to decide where to stand, where to cast and how to work the lure. Technique helps you understand the interplay of factors. But it doesn’t do the fishing for you. And that’s exactly how it should be.

Does modern technology make fishing more enjoyable?

Yes – if you use it properly. Modern technology helps us to understand the water better. You gain a deeper understanding, learn more quickly and discover connections that would previously have remained hidden. That is precisely what makes fishing even more fascinating for me. The real excitement only comes when technology, experience and nature come together. When my guests step off the boat in the evening with a smile on their faces, it’s been a successful day – regardless of how many fish we’ve caught. That’s exactly why we head out. And that’s exactly why, for me, now more than ever, time is fish.