Digital Tech Is Helping Siberian Anglers Catch Both Big and Small Fish

In Russia’s Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, a traditional northern pastime – fishing – is rapidly being reshaped by advanced technology. Local anglers are increasingly relying on a full arsenal of “smart” devices, ranging from echo sounders and underwater cameras to robotic lures and remote-controlled bait boats. This digital shift is making fishing far more efficient, according to the Ugra.ru portal.

Echo Sounders and Robotic Lures

Modern gadgets are giving anglers capabilities that were once hard to imagine. Echo sounders – now the most widely used tools – provide real-time data on underwater terrain, depth, and fish concentrations. For visual scouting, fishermen also deploy underwater cameras that stream live video directly to a smartphone.

Anglers are also making active use of robotic lures that mimic the movements of small fish, as well as automated fishing rods with self-hooking functions. The most striking device, however, is a remote-controlled boat that can precisely deliver bait to a specific spot in a body of water – a major advantage in the challenging conditions of northern waters.

Earlier, we reported that Russia’s Fisheries Monitoring and Communications Center had introduced an innovative model for forecasting fishing conditions that employs artificial intelligence and mathematical modeling.