Best fish finder under $250?

[7lazy77]

I am looking for a fish finder for my pontoon. Don't need anything too fancy..... just a reliable & accurate unit that locates fish & good bottom structure readings. After searching them over on several websites, I am about cross-eyed & was seeking a little help from others with their suggestions from what has worked well for them. I saw some had a picture of a fish, while others had a "curved line" (sorry for my lack of correct name). Is one better/easier to read than the other? I fish on freshwater lakes that usually are no deeper than 200'. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Best fish finder under $250?

The curved line you are referring to is called an "arch." An arch is most always a fish. A fish symbol, on the other hand, is not as precise, and may be a fish or not, which is counter-intuitive, I know. Whether the sonar displays a return as an arch or a fish picture depends upon the user setting that you select. I do not recommend using fish pictures, as you will never learn to read your machine and find real fish. All else being equal, you want the machine with the highest transmit power. Of critical importance is the proper selection of the transducer that best meets your needs. That is an entire subject unto itself, but a dual frequency transducer will give you more options on how to best view what's underneath your boat.

 

[7lazy77]

Re: Best fish finder under $250?

Looking through them, I "think" that what I am looking for is either the Lawrence Mark 5x or the Hummingbird 550. Any experience or pros/cons of each? Thanks

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Best fish finder under $250?

I have no experience with either unit, but I believe you have identified two totally different types of technology: traditional sonar versus downscan imaging (which you can research to your heart's content). Fishfinders come and go. Buy one ... have fun ... learn a few things. The first one you buy won't be your last.

 

[moi]

Re: Best fish finder under $250?

I have a Humminbird Model 570 Dual Beam that's I've been very pleased with, for the money. Had it for over a year & was having a problem with readout a monthe ago. Called Humminbird & described the problem. They diagnosed it was the transducer & sent me one no charge and it's been doing fine since then. Great customer service!!

 

[kahuna123]

Re: Best fish finder under $250?

The best buy is the Furuno LS4100.