Depth/Fish Finder Reccomendation

[Eddie Mullins]

I have my first boat and am looking for a first fish/depth finder. I mainly use it in shallow rivers / lakes , so I need something that is going to function well in shallow conditions to help me find and avoid structure. I would also like to easily be able to identify fish, I've seen some displays that just look down right confusing to me. I prefer the KISS (keep it simple stupid) philosophy with electronics and am also on a budget. So let me hear your reccomendations. Not looking for fancy models with built in GPS, just the basics, but it needs to be durable and functional.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Color or Black & White display?
Do you have a display size preference?

[gabowman]

For a first I'd look at an Eagle 320 or 480. You get your money's worth with either of those two IMO.

[Eddie Mullins]

Color or Black & White display?
Do you have a display size preference?

No preference, just easy to read, easy to use. Mainly want a simple, durable unit without spending a lot. Couple years down the road I might upgrade, but right now I just want something to get me started.

[Eddie Mullins]

For a first I'd look at an Eagle 320 or 480. You get your money's worth with either of those two IMO.

I'll check em out. Thanks!

[Crestliner08]

Eagle is made by Lowrance. You won't do much better. Depending on your budget, look at the Lowrance X-135 black & white. High pixel count, great resolution and plenty of features to help you improve as you become more familiar with it. Plus, they have a nifty down-loadable demo that you can use on your computer the same as the unit on the water. This will be my 5th. season with it....no problems....no worries.

[Eddie Mullins]

Eagle is made by Lowrance. You won't do much better. Depending on your budget, look at the Lowrance X-135 black & white. High pixel count, great resolution and plenty of features to help you improve as you become more familiar with it. Plus, they have a nifty down-loadable demo that you can use on your computer the same as the unit on the water. This will be my 5th. season with it....no problems....no worries.

Just did a search and it seems to be discontinued. Found one place carrying it , on sale for about $400. Is there a current comperable modle? Hopefully a little cheaper?

[Fishon!SC]

I would go with the hb 718. You can pick one up for 200. It is what I use on my Jon boat. I love it. I have had bad luck with lowrance.I was on my 3rd hds 5. It can not get wet at all or it goes crazy. Tossed it in the lake about 2 weeks ago. It had let me down for the last time.

[Jason Gilstrap LOWRANCE]

check out the new Fish Elite and Marks from lowrance. you can view them on the lowrance website.

[Eddie Mullins]

I would go with the hb 718. You can pick one up for 200. It is what I use on my Jon boat. I love it. I have had bad luck with lowrance.I was on my 3rd hds 5. It can not get wet at all or it goes crazy. Tossed it in the lake about 2 weeks ago. It had let me down for the last time.

Thanks for the tip.



Has anyone used Garmin systems? I'm not looking for a GPS feature here, as I already have thre Garmin GPS units. For GPS I only use garmin, and have seen good revieves for the dpeth finders. I actually was directed to the Garmin 140 when I looked for the hb 718. Its got really good reviews and is only $100. The thing I liked about the 140 reviews, was the dual beam works really well in shallow waters and works well at full speed. I fish and hunt in shallow rivers lakes where that would definitely be a plus for me.

Besides the dual beam feature, 1 thing I saw on I think on a Eagle unit was a setting that diplays fish symbols rather than arches, but can be set for either if you want more detail. Not familiar with using them, that seems like a good option to me.