GPS - Newbie

[skunked again]

Thinking about getting a gps. Never had one or messed with one. Currently just looking for the basics, being able to find spots. What brand or model? Features? Price? The cheaper I stay the easier to convince the wife! Any help is appreciated.

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P.S. I see "IMO" on here alot. What does it stand for?

[CrappiePappy]

Thinking about getting a gps. Never had one or messed with one. Currently just looking for the basics, being able to find spots. What brand or model? Features? Price? The cheaper I stay the easier to convince the wife! Any help is appreciated.

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P.S. I see "IMO" on here alot. What does it stand for?

IMO = In my opinion
IMHO = In my humble opinion

About the cheapest you'll want to go is a Garmin handheld GPS .... something in the eTrex series, which range from ~$100 to ~$300 depending on features/capabilities. Other than that ... you're looking at a new depthfinder (w/gps). I also understand that certain cell phones are GPS capable, or an app can be had.

... cp

[Dutch552]

I have an older Garmin GPS Map 76 that you can find around for less than 100 bucks. It was a mid-grade marine unit when it came out and has served me well for marking waypoints and speed control. One of these days I will bite the bullet for a combo unit but the 76 has served me fine for years.

[vic n]

You've opened up a can of worms, bud! You have to decide if you just want to save places you find, or do you want to have a full map of certain lakes. You can create "waypoints" on all of them....that is, save spots you want to come back to. But if you want to look at a GPS pic of a map with depth contour lines, you will probably have to get a specific lake map that goes into a GPS/Sonar unit. There is always the Navionics app for smart phones, too. Probably the cheapest way to go, and maybe a good way to get your feet wet learning it all. After you get some exp. with the app, you can decide which direction you want to go from there as far as upgrading to a GPS unit

[Wood_Duck]

I was in the same boat earlier this month. need to mark structure i'm sinking and havent ordered my new boat yet. trip to bass pro got me a garmin etrex for $119. Easy to use and cheap.

[Slabs Inc]

Get an iPhone. For the $ you'll spend on a basic gps you can buy an iPhone and have gps, a dig camera, Navionics, etc etc

[Rakoprtr]

I just got the app waiting to try I out against my garmin rhino which I usually use

[kosmo]

Thinking about getting a gps. Never had one or messed with one. Currently just looking for the basics, being able to find spots. What brand or model? Features? Price? The cheaper I stay the easier to convince the wife! Any help is appreciated.

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P.S. I see "IMO" on here alot. What does it stand for?

a hand held garmin is what i used for years before i got a sonar with gps.i still use ny hand held.i never go fishing without it.(imo) its the best and cheapest way to go.get one that connects to computer use oziexplorer free version.you can scan paper maps then load and calibrate with program free.try it out

[kosmo]

Download OziExplorer GPS Mapping Software heres the link.the free version is all that ive ever used.

[skunked again]

I would do the app thing, don't have a smartphone though. Cant bite the bullet for the extra $30 a month for the data plan. Don't even text, we still have texting blocked! The FF i have is a humminbird 525. Thank you all for the input.