Fish finder? Never had one so I did a search here and did a lot of reading and watched a few vids but I would like to here what some of you have to say and what works for you..I mostly...

Beretta Loc: Northern NJ

Never had one so I did a search here and did a lot of reading and watched a few vids but I would like to here what some of you have to say and what works for you..I mostly do pond and lake fishing and I just ordered a twin troller that I hope to have in a few weeks. I would like to keep it simple and under $500. Thanks guys.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Get the best you can afford. You won't regret it later. Bass Pro Shop had they big sale on now. Check them out. Some decent prices

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Beretta wrote:

Never had one so I did a search here and did a lot of reading and watched a few vids but I would like to here what some of you have to say and what works for you..I mostly do pond and lake fishing and I just ordered a twin troller that I hope to have in a few weeks. I would like to keep it simple and under $500. Thanks guys.

Beretta, all 3 of the popular brands,Lowrance, Garmin, and Hummingbird all make excellent entry level models, under $500. That being said, I don't know your age or how good your eyes are. Regardless of all the fancy features, I would advise you to get the largest screen you can, within your budget. Since you're new to fishfinders, and it's for a small boat, I'd look for something with regular Sonar and Downscan, and get a bigger screen, as opposed to something that also has Side Scan, and Navigation, all crammed onto a smaller screen.
The thing many people forget is,when you run multiple screens, each one is 1/2, 1/3or 1/4 the size of your original screen size. If there's a BPS/CABELAS, or West Marine,or something similar nearby, go and play with the Demo models they all have setup and running. See which one is more intuitive to use,for you. Good luck, and let us know what you choose.

Beretta Loc: Northern NJ

Thanks Fred, I’m 61 and my eye’s are not what they used to be but usually fish with my 12 year old grandson and he’s got the eye’s LOL.. Great info and thanks as I was looking at the Hummingbird Helix 5 that does have side scan and only a 5” screen.. So now going to look at just sonar and down scan..
I’m in Florida till Saturday so Ill hit Bass pro that’s not to far to go play...There’s a Dicks just around the corner from here so I’m going there after dinner...

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Beretta wrote:

Thanks Fred, I’m 61 and my eye’s are not what they used to be but usually fish with my 12 year old grandson and he’s got the eye’s LOL.. Great info and thanks as I was looking at the Hummingbird Helix 5 that does have side scan and only a 5” screen.. So now going to look at just sonar and down scan..
I’m in Florida till Saturday so Ill hit Bass pro that’s not to far to go play...There’s a Dicks just around the corner from here so I’m going there after dinner...

You're welcome,and happy hunting!

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Beretta wrote:

Never had one so I did a search here and did a lot of reading and watched a few vids but I would like to here what some of you have to say and what works for you..I mostly do pond and lake fishing and I just ordered a twin troller that I hope to have in a few weeks. I would like to keep it simple and under $500. Thanks guys.

Hi Beretta. At Bass Pro sale on till 3/21

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Beretta wrote:

Never had one so I did a search here and did a lot of reading and watched a few vids but I would like to here what some of you have to say and what works for you..I mostly do pond and lake fishing and I just ordered a twin troller that I hope to have in a few weeks. I would like to keep it simple and under $500. Thanks guys.

Darn forgot the attachment button

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Grizzly 17 wrote:

Hi Beretta. At Bass Pro sale on till 3/21

Sale ends 3/31 Grizzly.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fredfish wrote:

Sale ends 3/31 Grizzly.

U right Fred. I got up too early n been running errands all day. 2moro me n my cuz are heading to bass pro. Thanks for the date ck

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Grizzly 17 wrote:

U right Fred. I got up too early n been running errands all day. 2moro me n my cuz are heading to bass pro. Thanks for the date ck

Happy hunting!

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fredfish wrote:

Happy hunting!

My cuz wants to get back into bass fishing. Since I already have way more than i need I'll only get a few things. IR SO LOL

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Grizzly 17 wrote:

My cuz wants to get back into bass fishing. Since I already have way more than i need I'll only get a few things. IR SO LOL

Beretta Loc: Northern NJ

Another question guys, I see a lot of the ones say they have GPS mapping but a lot of the reviews say that there is no mapping it just makes a map when your on the water. Do I really need maps? I do like the idea of marking areas of interest.. Thanks

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Beretta wrote:

Another question guys, I see a lot of the ones say they have GPS mapping but a lot of the reviews say that there is no mapping it just makes a map when your on the water. Do I really need maps? I do like the idea of marking areas of interest.. Thanks

The cheaper ones have a "Plotter " which draws a line on a blank screen. You can save points on your path for the day, but I'm not sure you can save them.
Real GPS Navigation uses internal charts, or charts on a chip. Those waypoints you CAN save for another trip.

Beretta Loc: Northern NJ

Thanks Guys, Right now looks like the Garmin Striker 7 SV or the Humminbird Helix 7 MDI
Anyone have anything to say about either one? Reviews seem to be mostly positive but I have not got to play with either one yet. Trying to get out today to Dicks to play...
Thanks Again....