Recreational fish finder

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I'm looking from a fish finder for some recreational fishing (not serious) with the kids. I like to purchase a unit that can identify fish (important), give depth readings (important), and water temperature (not a must thought). I don't really need GPS function. I don't want to permanently attach the transducer to the transom. Suction cup or trough the hull would be ideal. I have a ski locker in the middle of my 18 footer that the transducer can be placed. <br /><br />My priced range is up to $200.00. I did a little research and was overwelm by the selections and options. We will use it for lake fishing only (crappie, bass, catfish, trout). I don't want to pay for function that I don't need. I think having a fishfinder will entertain the kids on slow finish periods. Atlease, give them a visual of what is below them. We are not hardcore fishing people. Any thoughts and recommendation would greatly be appreciated.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Recreational fish finder

get the best resolution you can (vertical pixels per inch). Note that the shoot-thru-hull installation can't give you water temp, though. the Eagle Fishmark 480 meets all your requirements, it's about as good a value for the $ there is, IMHO.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Recreational fish finder

Cabelas has a Bottom Line 320 for $119.00. It is also available elsewhere on-line at the same price. Large screen and has all the basic stuff you are after.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Recreational fish finder

We attached a piece of 4" x 4" x 1/2 inch thick plastic panel w/adhesive to my brothers boat and mounted the transducer to it. No holes in boat.<br /><br />When you buy one, make sure it comes with the accessories you need to use the extra features. I have a Humminbird Wide Portrait that has the ABILITY to show temp and speed but I need special add-ons for it to work. Some models include this stuff, some don't. Given the choice, I'd sacrifice speed and temp over better resolution any day.<br /><br />-and don't think of it as a "fishfinder". It'll mess with your head. Use it to locate where fish "should be" and go from there. Unless you fish offshore...that's a whole nudder situation.<br /><br /><br />spots

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Recreational fish finder

Fishfinders DO NOT show fish. They show ANY object suspended in the water. Lower a piece of water soaked wood down to 30' or your anchor. Bingo a fish. Does show fish, along with anything else. They drive some river fisherman crazy after rains and loads of crap is rolling on the bottom. Chase those fish for miles. The instruction book and built in screen shows, should help you. In a lake it is very accurate. Small groups of bait fish can appear as 1 big fish that never bites, but follows your lure.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Recreational fish finder

see this thread for a couple photos of a FishMark 320 marking schools of striped bass & hybrids.<br /><br />cyclops is right but with experience you learn to distinguish between the crap and the fish. <br /><br />whenever I see fish on the fishfinder that I can't catch, I just assume they're carp or gar. Makes me feel better anyway.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Recreational fish finder

I thing I have the same issue you have. I got me the Eagle 168 for 69.00 at the sporting goods place here in town. I tore up another prop!!! <br /><br /> I figure I could afford a fish finder if it only shows me that when I am 20 yards from shore the water is 2 ft deep GRRRR.<br /><br />Only good thing is a prop housing is $44.95 here on iBoats.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Recreational fish finder

i have a 320 fish finder just like in pic.i think it works great.you didnt say weather you have a boat?my buddy has a smart cast works great.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Recreational fish finder

The Smart Cast from Humminbird works well on a boat. You can cast it out far from the boat so you can sneek up on the fish!