BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

Hello lunker hunters! I have written to you about my little 2021 Lowe Johboat before and have asked your advice and have always appreciated your kind and helpful answers. You have been so helpful that I thought I would ask once again.

First off, I am looking for a budget friendly fishfinder…something in the $200-$300 range. I think I will mount it on one of my rod holder mounts that I can see from the rear seat while I tiller control the 9.9 Mercury Motor. I think I will glue a transducer mounting block to the transom of my johnboat so that I do not have to drill any new holes below the waterline.

I’ve never been big into fishfinders. I don't really understand all the technicalities of fish-finders. My main concern and need is to read water depth and temperature and to be able to see where the fish are, so that I don’t spend quite as much time fishing over unproductive water. I don’t need “fancy” and do not want to put a lot of money into a big computer screen that might be worth more money than my boat.

I have already searched through the YouTube videos and have seen what various Vloggers have suggested. Surely some of you have a smaller fishing boat like mine and you’ve purchased something for your boat, so what would be your suggestion???

I’ll attach a picture or two so you can see what sort of a boat that I will be adding the fishfinder to…. THANK IN advance for your able assistance! Beavertooth

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Beaver you can buy a portable transducer mount at bass pro pretty cheap. It clamps to transom n is adjustable. I have two of them. Works very well. Get one with down imaging you'll like it👍👍

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

You just passed up on some good deals at Christmas time BT. Wal-Mart on line had some excellent deals on closeout models from Lowrance, Hook ²(also Lowrance), and Garmin. My advice would be, look for a Hook² Splitshot model. That would give you traditional Chirp Sonar, Downscan, and Surface Temperature. Also their screens are horizontal, so the image is on the screen longer than vertical screens, like the small Garmin and Hummingbird models. You can get the Hook²in 4", 5",7",and 9" models. Shop around online for the best deals. Here's a couple from Wal-Mart.

7" closeout on an older model, just over half the original price


5" current model, regular price.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

BT,
Budget and space is all you need to consider.
Fred has provided some excellent options for you. I like my little Garmin unit as it is very simple to use.
Grizz has suggested an adjustable, clamp on, transducer mount so all you need is a rechargeable battery and you’ll be good to go.
I just bought the transducer mount for my jonboat, but have yet to try it.
Good luck!

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Oj I like my portable mount. When I got my tracker I bought a quick disconnect mount n transducer for my hummingbird. When I got a down image unit I didn't want to put out a few hundred for a transducer n a mount.when I got the side image I knew what I was doing. With the portable transducer mount I can use that unit on all 3 boats. It doesn't have a quick disconnect so the mounting bracket doesn’t cost much👍

BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

I realize there were some great deals to be had at the Christmas season but I had just finished a series of modifications on the new boat and was completely out of money. I had to make a decision as to whether or not to go ahead and purchase on a credit card or just wait until next spring to begin again. I opted to wait until spring since my wife was applying some pressure based on the amount of money I had already spent on the boat. Thanks for your suggestions. I will take them to heart. Beavertooth

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Yep you need to save some money for gas Beaver. I will say get the biggest screen you can afford. You'll never regret it brother. 👍👍

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Watch for the pre-season close out sales, the stores will be wanting to move their older stock to replenish it with the shiny new stuff!

Justoldjim Loc: JUNCTION CITY, OR.

My garmen portable has a suction cup it has never failed

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Just I had one like that when I first started. The graphics on it was readable n that's about all. It was a start. The evolution of depth finders have surpassed anything I can understand n darn sure can't afford 🤣🤣

Justoldjim Loc: JUNCTION CITY, OR.

I have the 4 + and it does very well for me about 18 months old now

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Mine was very old. I took the sq I think it was 6v battery like old flashlight used. The graphics was more like the early video games. I have a 4" on my pond boat down imagine only graphics are excellent 👍

BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

Ok…Good advice!

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

BT, I went from an old 4"Eagle, to a 9" Hook² Tripleshot. My only regret is not going for a 12".

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

I had one of those also Fred😂