Thread: Suggest a fish finder for me.

Originally Posted by rthensley

Thanks for the information. I have been doing a lot of research, and have learned a lot.

Now I am going to research the best bang for your buck battery options. I read that lawn mower batteries are a good option.

Again, thanks for all the info/help.

Trevor

I use a riding mower battery in my boat for electronics and other accessories. I can run the unit all day and barely drain it. Key thing about batteries is the type of battery. An automotive battery is not meant to be drained. Draining it will shorten its life span considerable. A deep cycle is meant to be drained and works better when you drain it down and recharge. Most boats have at least one of each. One for the motor (auto type) and one for the trolling motor. Which one the electronics on depends on who is doing the install. Being that your in a canoe and not drawing much, I'd go with either the riding mower battery or an ice fishing battery.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=806439

Note: That was the first site that had a picture. I don't know anything about that company.

Hanr3 is correct I've used a small 12volt 7.5 amp hr battery for my fish finder sonar for yrs. they are $20 a $40 bucks at a stores like battery plus. I used a HB 570 for several yrs and got to the point I could call the bite pretty regularly . I've been fortunate enough recently to upgrade to the big boy 1199 but I assure you a smaller cheaper unit will serve you well and teach a lot . You are doing the right thing go smaller found out how much you enjoy the fishing then keep trading up if this is your thing . Good luck good fishing

I ordered the battery and charger from Cabela's. Should be here tomorrow.

Will probably be a couple of weeks until I get to test the unit (and my canoe). Really looking forward to getting the fish finder equipped canoe on a lake and seeing how confused I can get.

You could probably get a much better unit buying used on e-bay, but you may have to study up a bit on each unit to see if it fits your needs. I wouldn't waste your money on a new $250 one myself. You can get one used that will do exactly the same thing on ebay for a fraction of that. down imaging on cheap units is basically useless, my fishing partner baught one. try to just get a good used color lowrance and you should be happy finding your sunken brush piles. Since you have a gps you really don't need to shell out the money for a gps unless you get a deal on a used one. I used my handheld for marking brushpiles on an 18000 acre lake and had no problem, but is a whole lot easier if there is a map in front of you with the icons on it directing you to the spot, if you can swing it. If you decide to upgrade. I didn't read the whole posts I had to edit, but you saved a bunch of money buying used and they last forever.

For this small of a lake, I'd think an underwater camera would work really well.

$129!!

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=12811053