In need of a new depth/fish finder
Oct 14, 2021 10:20:40 #
dnhanson
Loc: East Tx
I have a fully loaded out John boat with front and back casting desks, trolling motor and 25hp Honda. I need a good size fish finder. Any suggestions?
Oct 14, 2021 12:17:10 #
You've opened the proverbial Chevy, Ford, Dodge debate right here!! I'll pass my thoughts first.. GARMIN 1st because of ease of use.. The Echomap touchscreens are as easy as using your phone.. I used to be a 'Bird guy but some of the settings were difficult to find. Just seemed like it was 1 drop down menu after another.. As far as size, that is determined by your wallet!
Oct 14, 2021 12:23:49 #
Seems like a great setup, what is your budget as the choices seem almost endless?
When in doubt, go to a BassPro (or similar) and talk to the experts as they can show you their selection as well as the various features so you can make an educated decision.
When in doubt, go to a BassPro (or similar) and talk to the experts as they can show you their selection as well as the various features so you can make an educated decision.
Oct 14, 2021 14:06:46 #
Just remember to take it off the simulator mode! Just kidding! I am a fan of Garmin units. I have a simple Striker 4 that does a great job at depth and marking fish for basic needs. Also have a CV43 that has somewhat of a sidescan styled transducer and head to interpret the data that makes for a nice picture below, as well as depth and fish marks.
Neither one was very expensive and they get the job done. I use a separate unit for my GPS location and Lakemaster chip for hydrographic lake bottom contours and a bread crumb trail along with setting waypoints as needed. That is an old Lowrance H2Oc color hand held unit. This is mostly because I already had the equipment and did not want to spend ,more $$ on a full blown single unit that had both fish finder capabilities as well as charting ability.
Good advice from others about just going into a big box store and poking around the displays to see what is offered that will suit your immediate and future needs as you decide to get more sophisticated.
....
Neither one was very expensive and they get the job done. I use a separate unit for my GPS location and Lakemaster chip for hydrographic lake bottom contours and a bread crumb trail along with setting waypoints as needed. That is an old Lowrance H2Oc color hand held unit. This is mostly because I already had the equipment and did not want to spend ,more $$ on a full blown single unit that had both fish finder capabilities as well as charting ability.
Good advice from others about just going into a big box store and poking around the displays to see what is offered that will suit your immediate and future needs as you decide to get more sophisticated.
....
I use this set up on a kayak, and keep the transducer permanently mounted while the "head" unit just clicks off of the base for easy removal between trips. Both units run from a lightweight Lithium iron phosphate 12V 10 amp hour battery.
Oct 14, 2021 16:22:40 #
dnhanson
Loc: East Tx
Thank y’all for responding your thoughts and ideas. I we’ll definitely go to Bass Pro shop and see what i can find. Trying to stay around $500 or under. Want something that will mark locatins and has gps.
Oct 14, 2021 19:11:20 #
dnhanson wrote:
Thank y’all for responding your thoughts and ideas. I we’ll definitely go to Bass Pro shop and see what i can find. Trying to stay around $500 or under. Want something that will mark locations and has gps.
Just one more comment...regarding the GPS aspect. Most of the higher end models, and even mid range ones, will allow for a "split screen" mode so you can mark fish, model bottom texture & see depth on one side...while having a top view map on the other with your tracks and way points shown. The bigger the screen the better unless you don't mind seeing things in miniature!
The issue can be in what quality you get with an onboard "pre-loaded" internal map database of lake contours. In my experience, the best way to get nice detail is by being able to install an auxiliary map chip for specific regions. Maybe that has changed over the years, and I am off base in even suggesting that it could be a problem. For the most part, I am using units that are fairly "old", and they all work best with a map chip...like LakeMaster as an example. I really like my portable hand held units because they are terrific for ice fishing as well...not so bulky.
Oct 14, 2021 20:34:27 #
Oct 14, 2021 21:32:43 #
Oct 15, 2021 09:22:55 #
Jeff k
Loc: Reading,Pa.
I have a Garmin Echo551dv on my kayak. Easy to use works great. I previously had a bass boat with 2 Lowrance units and I didn’t like them to complicated for my electronically challenged mind.(lol) I think it’s 7 years old no issue at all.
Oct 15, 2021 10:25:26 #
Draco
Loc: Arizona
I've had a few finders too, But I've noticed the graphics on a Dragonfly very clear down imaging and very simple to operate.
Its worth a look?
Its worth a look?
Oct 15, 2021 11:25:04 #
Oct 15, 2021 12:38:25 #
Grizzly 17
Loc: South central Pa
Draco wrote:
Raymarine a Dragon Fly 5 or 7 great graphics
Draco I have a dragon Fly with vDI on my pond boat excellent graphics 👍
Oct 15, 2021 13:06:11 #
trlittle
Loc: Chico CA
Totally agree with everything, as I have both n my boat. Although, humminbird help is getting a little better, garmin is still better response
Oct 15, 2021 15:21:32 #
dnhanson wrote:
I have a fully loaded out John boat with front and back casting desks, trolling motor and 25hp Honda. I need a good size fish finder. Any suggestions?
I have the Garmin (Ecomap) love it and easy to use I have the 7inch screen it is great. Bigger the screen the more money I'll get the bigger screen next year .
This Garmi dose it all but catches the fish. You won't go wrong !!
Andy
Oct 15, 2021 15:32:22 #
dnhanson wrote:
I have a fully loaded out John boat with front and back casting desks, trolling motor and 25hp Honda. I need a good size fish finder. Any suggestions?
Also clarity is very clear
And I love the touch tone
System.
I got mine at Bass Pro iwas lucky to get a salesman who knew alot about the electronics and had more experience than I did .
Good luck in finding the one you want.
Andy
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