new fishfinder ??
What is the best fish finder to buy, to just hook it up turn it on and go. I don't know how to work or understand all the buttons (down cones, side monitors ect) Just want to turn it on leave it on automatic out of the box and be able to see bottom depth and fish.
Don’t know any that do what you want. I know you need a transducer attached to the fish finder. All I’ve used and have seen need to be “learned” in order for the operator to use them to their max capability. If you find one let me know 😊
Gordon
Loc: Charleston South Carolina
saltwater catman wrote:
What is the best fish finder to buy, to just hook it up turn it on and go. I don't know how to work or understand all the buttons (down cones, side monitors ect) Just want to turn it on leave it on automatic out of the box and be able to see bottom depth and fish.
Thats a good question catman. Go to west marine on savanna hwy. The have a guy there that is real good on there electronics. Be careful, they are salesmen. Stick to your guns and tell them what you are looking for. Welcome to the forum. Lot of good people on here. Gordon
I have a "Fishin' Buddy". Clamps on the side of the boat, runs on 8 "aa" cells, I believe it's about $250, these days. Bought mine 2 years ago off CL New in PKG for $75. Gives me depth and marks fish.....all I need.
Catman... I use a Lowrance Hook2 7X triplescan. It's got all that crap, sonar, downscan, sidescan, GPS plotting but it was designed to take it out of the box, put it in Auto, and just use it. That's what I've done for the last 6 months while I slowly learn about it. I'm very happy with the unit and paid $399.
get a garmin striker 4 . depth-shows fish- gps shows speed -temp -waypoints - easy to use about $100
I would do like Gordon said go somewheres that sells Depth Finder‘s and let them show you that way you can pick the one that fit your needs
I have the garmin striker 4 and I agree it's simple. And if it gets changed just go to factory settings and you're good to go again.
Might look at the Lowrance Fish Hunter Pro. I’ve got one and love the simplicity of it.
I have a Hummingbird portable unit.It operates on two 6 volt batteries. It has a suction cup to stick to the boat.it displays the bottom , has zoom,marks depth and fish. It is very easy to operate , just turn it on and go.
Get a fishing buddy. It’s a portable unit. You can even use it on a pier. Have had mine around 15 years
ssbob wrote:
get a garmin striker 4 . depth-shows fish- gps shows speed -temp -waypoints - easy to use about $100
I had one of those, and really liked it. So I upgraded and now have the Striker in a 5" and I love it. So simple to use, and even draws contours of what the bottom looks like, and you can save it, for the next time you go out. For under 300 bucks it is the best bang for you bucks.
Go to a dealer and explain to xactly what you want, and where you’ll put it (boat type, dash or front, sitting or standing). These are important for screen size, etc. know your expense boundary before you go in and stick to it! All LCR’s, when turned on, will show the bottom and what’s on it (and what’s in the water between you and the bottom). Only difference is type of display (live real-time picture, really expensive, to simple ‘bounce’ technology). Lower end (price wise) units are probably what you’re looking for (in the screen size for your needs). Make sure it comes with a matching transducer. Then go to Facebook and search for ‘understanding lcr’s For beginners’ to better interpreting what you’re seeing (maybe you should do this first?). I use a Striker 4 on my small inflatable and full-blown Humminbirds for my big rig. Both basically do the same job (adding to the total fishing experience). Best of luck, hope this helps.....
I live my garmin striker 7 sv and the ease of use is why even a first timer can understand them and there is no need to study a manual the menu on it is so easy to use. I also love the fact that you get a clear view even in the Calif sunshine which is a drawback on my hummingbird fish finder. I also like the GPS function on the garmin and the ability that it has to mark the location of the fish and bring me back to the location and alert me when my boat gets off track when I am coming back to the location of the fish.
I had an Eagle back in the 80's went around in a circle Line on top and bottom anything in between was fish. Had a Hummingbird on 16ft trihull in 90's never could figure it out. HAD a NEW hummingbird on Key West 3rd time I looked at the temp thinking I was in 58ft of water ONLY to realize I was in 9ft just before I tore off the lower unit on the rocks. IT HOW LIES IN THE BOTTOM OF LAKE MOULTRIE ! ! Thank for all the info guys. West Marine sounds like where I might be heading.
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