Buying a fish finder (looking under $140 or lower)

[Bunnerrabbit]

I am looking for sugestions on buying a fish finder. I have a 87 bass tracker and am in need of a fish/deapth finder. I bought the boat for $800 and prob have $1200 into it now. (lights for trailor, new carpet, motor work, batt charger, and pair of used tires) Anyway I dont want to spend to much but not sure if I will just end up with junk buying a pirrana 1 for $80. Is a piranna 3 better for $100? Also my first choice is a Eagle Fish Easy 2 for $133 or for $20 you can get the one that measures temp. Anyway Yes its a bass tracker but I am not a big fisher so the boat will be used more for just ridding around. Thanks for any help. If you have ANYTHING to say PLEASE DO

 

[rdmcphe]

Re: Buying a fish finder (looking under $140 or lower)

I have a Fish Easy 2 (no temperature). I am very pleased with it. It has good sensitivity while on plane. It has higher power than most low end units and is rated for 800'. I can confirm that it can detect a 500' bottom in salt water while doing 20 knots.<br /><br />Great value.<br /><br />Regards,<br />Russell

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Buying a fish finder (looking under $140 or lower)

But Russell does it detect fish? I suspect that at that kind of price you are primarily getting a depthsounder with a pretty display. Very interested to hear naysayers.

 

[rdmcphe]

Re: Buying a fish finder (looking under $140 or lower)

I can't verify how well it detects fish. I am still collecting fishing gear <br /><br />The Fisheasy 2's firmware decides that certain echo patterns represent fish and places fish symbols of varying size on the display. <br /><br />Detail is definitely reduced while on plane - but on the other hand if I am doing 20 knots I am more likely to be interested in depth (to assist with determining position on a chart) rather than looking for fish.<br /><br />The original poster had stated that it would be used for "just riding around". In my experience the Fisheasy 2, with a properly mounted transducer, is good for that - and probably more.<br /> <br />Russell

 

[Thomas12]

Re: Buying a fish finder (looking under $140 or lower)

if you are limited in $ try to pick up a used one. far as new one - you get what you pay for. i use my temp and speed all the time.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Buying a fish finder (looking under $140 or lower)

Bunnerrabbit<br />It really all depends on what you will use it for. If you are a bass fisherman where you usually never fish deeper than 40 feet should be ok. If you go to salt water with the standard 20 degree transducer you will not see fish deeper than about 50 feet. My lowrance with 3000 watts will not see rockfish at 150 feet with a 20 degree transducer. It will with a 8 degree transducer. As far as the temp sensor nice when looking for a warm place to swim. For me Not near enough power. Also I did not see anything about shallow water alarm in my catalog. If you like to ride around in shallow lakes and bays a shallow water alarm can save you a prop or from being stuck in the mud. If you take good care of your unit they last forever, you may need to replace the transduscer every ten years or so. If you plan on doing any trolling a unit that has a speed sensor (paddle wheel) is a big plus. Gps can give speed over land but can not tell you speed thru water. For me the Lowrance X91 is the cheapest unit I would buy but I fish salt water out to 400 feet.

 

[racohoon]

Re: Buying a fish finder (looking under $140 or lower)

Bunnerrabbit-<br /> I purchased a pirahna 4 on E-bay for 78.00 + shipping(6.50). My buddy has one and that is what influenced my decision, better graphics over the 1,2or 3 series. The 4 has temp sensor also. If you are interested in saving money I strongly suggest you check out E-bay, I got a hheck of a deal and it was brand new in sealed bubble package.Be careful who you deal w/ if you are not familiar w/ E-bay. General rule of thumb-- CHECK FEEDBACK RATING FOR NEGATIVE POSTINGS;OF ANYBODY YOU CONSIDER BUYING FROM. Happy hunting!