FS Digest

I have been kayak fishing for around 10 years, but just recently got a much nicer kayak than I was using previously. I have the perception outlaw, and am looking to add a fish finder to it. I am thinking I will get the Garmin Striker 4 Portable model. Will this be easy to take on and off of my kayak? It runs of its own rechargeable batteries correct?

I have never had a fish finder previously, so I am just trying to make sure I know what's going on lol.

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by Gopokes115

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Looks like a nice set up you'll have. I looked it up online but did not see any pictures of the bottom of the hull.

Hopefully there is a recess underneath where the transducer could be mounted safely out of harms way just behind the front scupper hole under the small stretch canopy. That is how it works on their Predator models.

Having the transducer "in line" with the hull is more efficient than having it over the side...but that scenario can work as well. Commercially available side mounts seem flimsy to me...like the Scotty brand, so you might consider fabricating one of your own in terms of a mount for the transducer itself. The "head" should be easy to mount anywhere it is convenient for you.

I have posted these photos before, but since we may have many new users here are a few snapshots again.

Hope this helps...and enjoy your new kayak!
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Over the side mount using a custom made aluminum bracket with a 1/4" hole. Mount transducer on a 10 mm hollow graphite stem and use marine epoxy to bind a cut off 1/4 -20 screw head via a thread cutting tool inside of the shaft.


Transducer assembly before actually mounting thru scupper hole. Small aluminum bracket gets secured to top side and the transducer gets pushed up from the bottom after threading the cable into the kayak.

Whitereb Loc: Lake Guntersville Alabama

I bought a Hawkeye fish finder runs off 4 AA batteries last quite a while. I made a transducer mount from a support bracket from a satellite dish.

lvpfisherman

For shore, dock, bank and kayak fishing, you could find "not-gold-plated" under $100 fishing finder units such as: Deep Start, IBobber. online They are light, easy-use and versatile though there are weaknesses on them as you would find in the customers' reviews. Am also searching for an economy-budgeted but more reliable than those mentioned. Pls. let me know if you folks find a suitable and reliable one. :)