Fish finder - GPS

[CntrySngr]

Hey all,<br /><br />With my new (used) boat I am anxious to get on the water and do some fishing. I have been debating on which is more important to get, a GPS or Fish Finder. I read earlier that combo's aren't necessarily the way to go since the screen can/is split.<br /><br />So, what are the oppinions of my new iboat's friends? Should I do the fish finder first, or the GPS. Keep in mind, if I do the GPS I want one I can download maps to.<br /><br />Any tips on brands/models, etc. would be appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Steven

 

[Boatist]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Both are important. If you are a offshore boater or boat in large bodies of water I would get the GPS first. Always nice to be able to tell someone where you are if you get in trouble. However depth finder can keep you from running agound. I agree if you can afford and have the room for two units get seperates units. If you do not have the room then get a unit with a screen big enough that when your split the screen both are still usefull. I like Lowrance fish finders and GPS units for water under 200 feet. Lowrance displays are brighter and have brighter colors than garmin. Lowrance GPS units come with better free base maps than Garmin. However Garmin also very good just expect to have to buy the maps and unlock codes. I belive Garmin is the most popular as well.<br /><br />This post may get a better responce in the electronic area.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Agree with boatist.<br /><br />I use a combo unit with a large colour screen. (The black and white screens are useless in bright sunlight, which is what we have here all the year round - sorry fella's).<br /><br />I keep my gps maps running - no split screen, as I like to see detail while I'm poking round the creeks. <br /><br />But I need water depth all the time, so I superimpose the depth figures at the top of the screen. I also superimpose speed, and a couple of other bits of info. These figures do not split the screen, and don't obscure my boat position (which shows up all the time on the moving map) at all.<br /><br />Hope that helps. Plenty of other guys here with their own views I'm sure.

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

CntrySngr,<br />If you have a generously sized helm two units would be fine but I personally like the combo units provided the screen is 7" or larger. A 5" split screen is just too small for me in split screen SONAR/GPS mode. I got my first color unit last fall and truly love it! Like Stillfishing said the color has B&W beat hands down, especially in the sun. I too have heard a lot of good about Garmin but use Lowrance.<br />For the type fishing I do GPS is almost as important to me as SONAR. My unit has a 10" screen so I almost constantly run it in split mode. You can test drive the Lowrance units by downloading their emulators from:<br /> http://www.lowrance.com/Software/PCSoftware/demos.asp

 

[stevens]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

I second JD and Stillfishing on this. I have the Lowrance LMS 330C combo unit, and it works like a breeze. The 5" screen is sufficient, but I wouldn't mind a larger one.<br /><br />I usually also run the full-screen gps map with the depth data and speed as a numerical overlay. Then you have the option of switching to split-screen or full-screen fishfinder once you are looking for the fish or are especially interested in the bottom terrain.<br /><br />You really can't rely on the built-in maps, they are too coarse to be useful, at least in my part of the world. However, the Navionics maps (that come on memory cards that you insert in a slot) are impressively detailed and useful.<br /><br />The product emulator for your PC, mentioned by JD, is really useful for trying before you buy, and for training.<br /><br />Finally, a combo unit saves space on your dashboard so it looks a little less like a video game arcade.<br /><br />Should I buy one today, I would probably get the current similar Lowrance combo unit, or a Navman Trackfish combo unit with the 6,4" screen.

 

[JB]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Electronics topic

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

I have an inexpensive combo unit...Humminbird Matrix 17. For as cheap as it was, it works great. Doesn't have built-in map download capabilities, that's it's huge downfall...it only tracks my waypoints. But for $150, waddaya want? It gets me back to the marina on a big lake, shows fish and bottom contour/structure, has an accurate speedo, etc. The split screen problem you mention is unfounded...even with my cheapo unit you can set up the screen to show anything you want. Split, all bottom, all GPS, 1/4 of one and 3/4 of the other, depth superimposed over GPS, the list is pretty much endless.<br /><br />Get a combo unit, but you might want to spend more than I did.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

IMHO get the GPS first if you know where you want to fish they will get you right there w/ good repeatability, if you share spots w/ friends, you can get right to their numbers. I don't like combo units, because I fear if one thing fails I would lose both units. I look for 2 things when I buy electronics, 1, I need to see it when I am bouncing around the ocean, &don't have time to stare at the screen to look for stuff, & 2, It needs to be easy to use, the least amount of button pushing to get what I want, Things happen in a hurry out there, & they go from bad to worse quickly, & you need to concentrate on what to do now not on seeing or using the machines. Good Luck, Joe

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

These are great recommendations. I should have stated that I am inland, planning on doing mostly lake fishing. Southern Indiana, Western Kentucky and the like. This is why I was leaning towards the fish finder first.

 

[amirm]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Then a fishfinder is the best choice for you as it is doubtful you are going to get lost on smaller inland lakes....<br /><br />Still, if it were up to me, I would get also get a GPS (in the form of combo unit) so that you can mark you favorite spots on it. Note that you would need to get the special maps for inland waters...<br /><br />Amir

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

One other thing that is worth mentioning. If you get a current combo model, most probably the manufacturer will come out with a newer, updated software for the unit. With the chart recorder feature and a memory card, you can download updates/enhancements for your unit. With SONAR only you're stuck with what you buy at the time of purchase.

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Thank you. Will keep all that in mind.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Sonar only reads whats actually there.

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

I found a few combo units I am considering. Anyone have anything to say about these:<br /><br />Eagle Fishelite 480<br />Eagle Fishelite 500C<br />Lowrance 332C<br />Humminbird 595c<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[stevens]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Here's my opinion, for whatever it is worth.<br /><br />Eagle Fishelite 480 - No colors on that screen! Forget this one - the colors are really useful.<br /><br />Eagle Fishelite 500C - seems identical to last year's Lowrance LMS 330C, which is what I happen to have. Nice enough, but I'd go for the better screen of this next one. The upgrade is only about $50, and worth it.<br /><br />Lowrance 332C - looks very similar to the two above, except the screen is much higher resolution (480x480 pixels, vs. 320x240 for the Eagle). Twice the resolution means it is much easier to see the small details, even in bright sunshine. Also equipped with a later software version that might be a bit faster in processing the map updates and the sonar signals.<br /><br />Humminbird 595C - Not quite the same resolution (only 320x240), meaning a coarser picture. However, it has a nice snap-on bracket that is easier to connect/disconnect than the others (they're still quite easy to hook up). About $60 less than the Lowrance 332C.<br /><br />All of these use Navionics maps, so the contents of what they show will be the same. They will differ in how well they're able to show it and, of these, I would go with the Lowrance-332C, at around $600.<br /><br />Edit: The Lowrance models all come with a protective detachable white face plate that I just discovered will also fit on top of the unit, like the visor on a baseball cap. Might be handy on the really sunny days, which unfortunately are eluding us over here so far this year.

 

[FishyFun]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Lowrance all the way. I have a LCX 26C HD with GPS. First GPS I have ever used and the color screen is fantastic. Plus Cabelas has them loaded with alot of software, and you get additional maps as well. Go to Lowrance.com and look at them, plus they have emulators you can download and try. they work like the real thing.<br /><br />lee

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Originally posted by Lee Gisvold:<br /> Lowrance all the way. I have a LCX 26C HD with GPS. First GPS I have ever used and the color screen is fantastic. Plus Cabelas has them loaded with alot of software, and you get additional maps as well. Go to Lowrance.com and look at them, plus they have emulators you can download and try. they work like the real thing.<br /><br />lee

This one is well out of my price range...I am looking at maybe the 332C. Thank you both for the input!

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

Edited: I asked about Transducers but found information online about them. I think I have my choice narrowed to a 332C with a 200kHz Transducer with a 60 degree spread. Seeing as I will be using for inland, freshwater lakes, this seems like the best one.<br /><br />Now to try and find it for $500!!

 

[stevens]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

You're in luck as the 332C unit comes standard with exactly that transducer included in the price. This transducer also has a built in thermometer for giving a reading of the water temperature.

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: Fish finder - GPS

That's the unit I want, but friends and family are talking me out of spending that much money on a fish finder/GPS for the inland fishing I do. They think I should just get a fish finder, the GPS isn't really needed...so, I'm back to finding something...