The few times I have used one seemed to be no different.  An amusing anecdote involves me telling my buddy to stop the boat, I want to fish this point. 

Why bother, he asks, the machine didn't ping.

Caught the only fish of the day.


That's just my anecdotal & limited experience.  I've used one maybe a dozen times compared to the brazillian times I've not used one.  I fish for fun.  Catching is a bonus.