Depth FInder/Fish FInder?

[jerome1036]

I'm looking for a reasonably priced fish finder that will give accurate depth readings at higher speeds. 40-55 mph. Any suggestions?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Depth FInder/Fish FInder?

There are many that will work at higher speed. The issue is usually related to transducer location. The most common spot, just below the base of the hull at the stern, is subject to a lot of air bubbles, etc. when underway, resulting in loss of reading. The other issue is that by the time the transducer detects a rock or shallow water, it's too late. At higher speeds, you need to check depths from a chart.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Depth FInder/Fish FInder?

It's a mistake to rely on a depth finder at high speeds. I'll give you an example: On my favorite lake, there's a fairly narrow passage from one end of the lake to the other. On one side is the shore. On the other side, there is a rocky point that extends out into the lake.

Right smack in the middle of that narrow passage is a hump that rises from 23' to 18" or less in about 50 feet of distance. Now, it's a great fishing spot, but there have been lots of lower units ruined on the rocks at the top of that hump when people in larger boats come blasting through there at 50 mph. Doesn't matter to my boat, which can run in less than a foot of water.

By the time you saw that hump on your depth finder, running at 50 mph, you would not have time to slow down before you passed over it, since your transducer is at the stern of your boat.

The spot is marked on the topo map of the lake, but you'd never think it was there if you hadn't looked.

Know your water. Don't rely on depth finders.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Depth FInder/Fish FInder?

if you adjust the position of the transom mounted transducer right, it will read at high speeds. the humminbird i had on my old boat read perfect at the boats top speed of 39mph. new boat now has a garmin and it reads fine at the top speed of 46mph, although i had to adjust it slightly after initial install.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Depth FInder/Fish FInder?

While I agree 100% with CATransplant, I'll throw in my recommendation for the one I got last year. I'm no expert in these devices, but I've been pretty happy with mine & it was pretty cheap:

Eagle FishMark 320 ($145):
http://www.marineboatsupplies.com/eagle-fishmark-11170-p-1190.html

If you had some extra cash to spend, I'd probably think about getting one with a chart plotter & GPS built in ($500-$600 range). I've been playing with the Navionics app for the iPhone which does chartplotting/GPS for ~$10 per region:

http://www.navionics.com/MobileMarineFeatures.asp

 

[jerome1036]

Re: Depth FInder/Fish FInder?

I appreciate the input. I'm just looking for the best of both worlds. One that I can use to locate deeper ledges, structure, etc... where the fish hang out. Any input as to particular makes/models would be appreciated. I've considered a Lowrance model for approx. $150. But have no experience with this particular model. I was told that I would have to have a "thru-hull" transducer in order to get an accurate depth reading at higher speeds. This is an additional $100+. Would like to find a model that I can get for less than $200 that will fill this need. THe Eagle 320 is looking like the best fit at this point.

 

[MRS]

Re: Depth FInder/Fish FInder?

If you are looking at the X96 it is good plus the fishmark 320 is also good I have both and they are both made by lowrance. And both under two hundred bucks I run a touch over forty mph and they both read great unless you mount the transducer wrong.....