Anyone use a handheld gps?

[sndmntboy]

I was jsut wondering if anyone here has ever used a handheld gps to mark fishing spots? There are several waterproof ones to chose from. I thought it would be nice if you found a honey hole to be able to mark it and retuurn to that exact spot later. Anyone have any experiance doing this? Recommend any gps units?

[raporter]

Been using a Garmin ETrex Venture for several years to mark fishing spots as well as tree stands, mushroom hotspots, etc.

[bfish]

I use a handheld to determine trolling speed. It also shows past trolling tracks. Once I borrowed the old man's GPS, and figured out where his "hot" trolling path were from the previous trip. Occassionally I will throw a waypoint on, more so to mark certain features on my trolling path. I don't see why you could not use it to mark spots. On the ones I used,the screen size is pretty small, so it is not very helpful at navigating while under throttle.

[CatFan]

The screen size is so small it makes it tough for old eyes, especially in the glare on the water.

[sndmntboy]

I hear ya about the old eyes . I just wanted to mark structure and what not. I can get close to the area. I was hoping maybe a gps would help me pinpoint it.

[Greenwing]

I use a GPS/fishfinder on the console to get close to where I want fish and then I use a handheld on the bow to mark it. I have been doing it that way for years and I guess old habits are hard to break. I have 3 handheld units and my favorite is the least expensive a Garmin 72.

[Corker]

I've used the Garmin GPSMap 76/78 products for years and love the handheld units. On a typical fishing day, I may flip to the HB-1197's navigation view, but I don't rely on it. All my WPs are saved on the handheld units. I use them to mark and return to structure and other points of interest--including off-the water locations such as hunting destinations.

Trip tracks are also very helpful--from trip to trip and year to year. Every trip or two, I plug the handheld into my PC (USB cable) and download the tracks and WPs. When I got the 76, Garmin provided the free desktop software called MapSource. MapSource was replaced by newer software (both products were free) called BaseCamp. Both of these products let me review my trips on a large screen. It's also possible to create, edit, and resave tracks which are then loaded back into the handheld for regular use, or only when needed. Right now, for example, I may pull tracks from past years and reload them into the handheld. It's really nice to be able to see exactly where I fished at this time in other years. Chances are, the fish will be in the same vicinity this year for the same reasons I found them in the past.

The ability to download, edit, and reload WPs and tracks isn't limited to handhelds--you should be able to do the same thing with any unit that has removeable memory chips and is supported by free desktop software. What's better about the handheld is that you can take your old trip information when you're fishing in a partner's boat. (You are also recording where he took you during the day!)

One thing to consider as you shop and compare: you may have to add additional map data to a handheld at a cost of $75 and up. The "base map" Garmin supplied with the 76 was worthless when you got off the major highways. I don't remember that it showed medium and small bodies of water, either. Soon after getting the 76, I added one of Garmin's topo maps. The lake maps would have been better IF they included any of my regular fishing holes. Study product details and determine how much of what kind of map you need.

Finally, can you believe the various advertising claims about handhelds? I can tell you for a fact that the Garmin GPSMap 76 will float! Another important spec. is battery life. If you fish often, you'll want rechargeable batteries. Get the highest milli-amp-hour rating you can find and carry spares. You don't want your gps to conk out while you're using it to get back to the landing after dark.

[genec]

I have a Lowrance and can easy come on spot as good as on big units can bring closer to eyes if need be,no problem reading, batteries don,t last but I have a plug that hooks into cigarette lighter so I don,t need batteries, rarely use it any more unless going with someone so we will know where to go

[Rees Guide]

If you have a smartphone Navionics has an app that is good, ruff on batts tho so I have a plug in the boat for a charger.

[Corker]

smartphone Navionics has an app

Does it allow you to save and download WPs and tracks to a PC?