Fish finder/bottom map

[carlos515]

I have an old Lowrance Hook5. I would like to get a newer unit that is colour and a 7-inch screen. I was looking at Hummingbird or another Lowrance. Are they all the same? My use would be for navigating unfamiliar inland waters in Ontario, Canada.

 

[Chris1956]

The size and quality of the screen drives most of the cost of the FF units. You will want the largest display you can afford. The good news is that a lot of FF become discontinued (replaced by newer models), and have large discounts on them.

Garmin usually has built-in maps. You might see if the Ontario waters are included in the FF model you choose, or whether you will need to buy additional maps.

 

[dingbat]

Are they all the same? My use would be for navigating unfamiliar inland waters in Ontario, Canada.

No, they are not the same.

Garmin owns Navionics, but markets charts under their Garmin Navionics, Bluechart, LakeVu and Vision brands

Lowrance Supports C-map and Navionics charts.
Humminbird supports LakeMaster/CoastMaster (propriatray) and Navionics charts.

Garmin units typically comes with a set of preloaded charts. Plotter part number reflects which maps are included.

Lowrance and Humminbird typically come with just "base maps".

In the end, it comes down to cost and who has maps of the lakes your interested in.

 

[carlos515]

Thank you, I will see which maps are the best in cost wise with a unit. I have limited space for the FF, but I do not need the latest greatest. Last year's model is a good idea.

 

[airshot]

If you have any fishing clubs in your area, like Bass fishing guys, ask around as often these guys upgrade frequently and get new equipment from sponsors. Sometimes you can get their used stuff fairly cheap.