Fish Finder Advice

[gonefishin19]

New crappie fisherman here. I have always fished the spawn and usually hang it up. Looking for a fish finder to show depth, water temp, and possibly structure. I'd like to continue fishing for them during the summer and I know a fish finder is key. The places I usually fish are shallow, 5-20ft tops. I have a 15 john boat that I will be putting it on. It's a stick steer so I'm assuming I need to attach it to the trolling motor. My budget is around $300. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[wicklundrh]

The spawn is awesome but your missing out on some great fishing. Welcome to the site by the way.

You don't necessarily need a trolling motor mounted fish finder. I've seen everything, but you can make a removable transducer mount to clamp on your boat that you can take with you, remove when not needed, and so on.

We all say buy the best you can afford. If I were you, I would head to your local big box store (cabela's or Bass Pro) and take a look at some units side by side that are in your price range. Based on what you have said you would like, you should not have a problem buying a top brand unit that will fit the bill. Look at both the lowrance as well as the Hummingbird units. Specifically look at DI (Down Image) as this will give you a very clear picture of what is under the water.

Most units in your price range are very durable, reliable, and easy to operate with few menu functions to deal with. The guys and gals that work the electronics departments are experts (so to speak) in that subject. Plus, you get the ability to look and compare models. You can't go wrong with either of the above mentioned brand names.

Welcome to the site and welcome to the Crappie Addiction!

[gonefishin19]

Thanks for the advice. I have absolutely no idea what to look for though. What's the difference between side imaging and down imaging? I'm seeing both and am somewhat confused about them.

[Cray]

DI gives you a picture of the structure on the bottom SI gives you a picture out to the side of the same thing. Your best bet in your price range is one of the Lowrance 4 series units. Good quality and great picture.

[Humminbird_Greg]

gonefishin19,
You need to figure out what type of sonar you want, what size display, color or B&W display, GPS and if you later want to connect this unit to another unit to share data with.

As cray stated, the DI (Down Imaging) sonar will show a very detailed image of what the boat went over, while the Si (Side Imaging) sonar can show you about the same but to either (or both) sides without having to go over it with your boat (and maybe spook the fish). Humminbird DI and Si models also have the more conventional 2D sonar included with them.

GPS will allow you to mark those fish catching locations so that you can return to them again.

Color display units can show more detailed sonar information versus a monochrome (B&W) display nit but they are more expensive. In fact; the bigger the display, the more expensive the unit will be.


Greg Walters at Humminbird

[brettw]

I'd look for a good unit on eBay, Craigslist, you can get a good deal when someone is upgrading.

[crappielimits]

Check Bass Boat Central for used unit!