Thread: What fish finder features do I need

I finally ordered a Fish finder/GPS so I thought I would recap how I came to my decision. Learning about all the possible features, some available only by way of options and some very pricey, was a good thing because it gave me the chance to understand more about what these units do. I considered all the advice offered by everyone here. Thank you.

I wanted a reasonably good quality unit because, this is it, I can’t be buying more of these. With a budget, I needed to be honest with myself about the features on my list. (It’s funny how things we “want” can quickly become things we “need”.) Fortunately my need list wasn’t too long or too limiting for me.

Want >Need List:
Large, wide screen, reasonable resolution and bright display
Both down imaging and side imaging
GPS capable of saving waypoints over side scan points of interest
GPS that takes external maps
Expandable e.g., Barometric pressure monitor (I liked this)

A GPS that takes external and updateable maps seems important to me. My home lake mapping may or may not be adequately detailed but if not, a later map might be improved. I also wanted a good high-res display and when I saw the barometer feature on the Hummingbird, I thought it would be handy.

It think that side imaging is a great feature, maybe more useful than down imaging. When side imaging pairs with a GPS feature allowing interesting locations to be marked and saved for future fishing they make an important, super feature.

All this said, budget and list in mind, I found myself focusing on the Hummingbird 798. The Elite 7 lost favor because it doesn’t include a side scan although it has a very good display. The side scan doesn’t seem to be available from Lowrance short of StructureScan which seems to be significantly more expensive. Finally, I actually purchased the 898c HD SI because the price from BBG was great and I thought the 7” display and the improved specs were worth the extra cost.

Well, I hope time proves I made a good decision for myself. I’m sure some folk will feel I am wrong on any number of points and I might be, but I can accept the 898 for what it is and what it can be and I know I will get a lot of use from it.