Map suggestions for new Humminbird

[ccm]

I just placed an order for a Humminbird 959 CI HD DI and would like some advice on maps for the new gps. The unit comes with the Humminbird Contour XD maps and I have looked at them on the display unit at our local BPS. My fishing is comprised of 75% in the marshes in South Louisiana with the remaining 25% on Louisiana inland lakes. My fishing in the marsh is usually in water in the 2' to 4' range and the freshwater fishing is in water no deeper than 40'. The Contour XD maps have less than impressive detail so I am seeking advice from other Humminbird owners to help me make an informed decision. It appears the most popular options are the LakeMaster maps and Navionics. I have the Navionics maps on my IPhone and find that the areas I fish don't have very good detail. Since LakeMaster does not give you a preview of how their maps look like, as Navionics does, I have no idea what detail they offer. So, I would appreciate any input you can give me on what maps you use and what you would suggest for my new unit.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Charlie

[Humminbird_Greg]

Charlie,
You could try e-mailing the Humminbird Customer Resource Center folks and ask that they send back some screen snapshots of the area you want to look at. Not 100% sure that they have that map card but if they do they should be able to send you the pics. Another option would be to hit up Doug Vahrenberg over on the BBC Humminbird boards for the same. I don’t have that map card or I would have posted some screen snapshots for you.

[ccm]

Charlie,
You could try e-mailing the Humminbird Customer Resource Center folks and ask that they send back some screen snapshots of the area you want to look at. Not 100% sure that they have that map card but if they do they should be able to send you the pics. Another option would be to hit up Doug Vahrenberg over on the BBC Humminbird boards for the same. I don’t have that map card or I would have posted some screen snapshots for you.

Greg,
Thanks for your opinion. I will contact them Monday. I have an unrelated question. Just received my new bird and notice the screen has a couple of places that look like small squares that are lighter colored than the rest of the screen. Do the new birds ship with a protective film over the screens to protect the screen when you are going through the installation process? If so, this could just be air bubbles that were not squeezed out when the film is installed. What do you think?
Thanks again for your help.

Charlie

[Humminbird_Greg]

No, generally no clear films are shipped on the displays of the larger units like your 959ci HD DI model unit unless someone forget to remove one during the manufacturing of your unit. If it is a covering film just look for the edges and remove it. If not, contact the Humminbird Customer Resource Center folks. Mondays are their busiest day.