Currently more than 20 million people enjoy leisure fishing in Japan, where the fishing equipment market is as large as approximately 200 billion Japanese yen. However, conventional fish-finders--large equipment normally installed on board--usually require complicated handling to find a shoal of fish and are difficult for fishing beginners to use. Panasonic's new product, however, is as light as 415 g (including batteries) and small enough to be hand-carried. The sensor can be detached from the main body and hung from a float in the water as well. By pushing a single button, the size, shape, and depth of a fish shoal, as well as the sea depth up to 70 meters can be clearly shown on a digital readout with numbers and graphics. An alarm function also gives notice when a fish shoal is found. The Panasonic fish-finder is ideal for those looking for an easy-to-use and versatile fishing equipment at a reasonable price. 

The Panasonic FJ-LGF1 fish-finder is scheduled to be exhibited at "Japan International Sportfishing Exhibition 2001" from Feb. 2 to 4 at Tokyo Big Sight, and "Fishing Show OSAKA 2001", from Feb. 16 to 18 at INTEX Osaka. 

Specifications (FJ-LGF1)
Model name: Digital Fish-Finder
Model number: FJ-LGF1
Market price: 25,000 yen (without tax)
Oscillation frequency: 200 kHz, looks for fish shoals
Measurable range (deg.): 22 deg. (-6 dBA)
Measurable range (m): Approx. 2 - 70 m
Voltage: 9V alkali battery x 1
Battery life: 8 hrs. continuous (Panasonic alkali battery)
Waterproofing: Splash-proof type (JIS-C-0920)
Length of sensor code: Approx. 7 m
Dimensions: 105 (diam.) x 83 (H) mm
Weight: 415 g (incl. one 9V alkaline battery)