Newbie first post...lotsa questions!!!

[Jimmyjohn]

Wonderful site, guys n gals! I'm in east Texas and this first post is one of many that will be a question.

I've "kindasorta" decided to buy a BassTracker Crappie Pro in @ two weeks. It comes with a Lowrance 30something model number depth finder which does not have gps. One sales pro suggested I go ahead and step up to the Lowrance X57 or something like that which does have gps. It won't mount on the right (water) side of console without hanging over the side a bit so complications start already.

If you just want to be able to locate a spot you doctored up, will a hand held gps in conjunction with the stock Lowrance 31 do ok?

I am open to all comment and criticisms about all my decisions on any matter and thank you in advance for your willingness to freely share your experience.

You can bet when I finally know something, it will be yours for free!!!

Jim Davis

[Cane Pole]

Starting out, I would keep it simple. Keep the sonar (if it is functional) and get a cheap gps. Why got to the water and get frustrated instead of getting fish?

Do the basics first. See how you like it and see if you feel comfortable with the gadgets. Crawl first, then see if you are ready to change your diapers.

Old man's opinion.

Tom

[luvjign]

I 2nd what Tom said. My Tracker came with a get-by bottom line Humminbird finder. It lasted about a year, and konked out (screen fogged / quit powering up, etc.....) One of the first things I did when I got the boat was mount an Eagle up front. The H-Bird helped me mainly in finding the river in our lake, but that's about all. Since then, I've replaced the H-Bird with an Eagle. Yes, it does hang out over the mounting surface that Tracker provides for the "package" finder. But, it doesn't matter to me.

All said, keep the "package" finder, and get you a hand-held GPS. I've got a Garmin, and it does me good.

A young man's opinion

LJ

[Quicksilver1958]

Starting out, I would keep it simple. Keep the sonar (if it is functional) and get a cheap gps.
Tom

Good advice...

Welcome Aboard JimmyJohn from a fellow Lake O' The Pines fisherman....

[Jimmyjohn]

Dang!!! Ain't been a member for 30 minutes and done saved $550.00!!!!

I'm liking this site!! :D

Jim

[TnT]

Starting out, I would keep it simple. Keep the sonar (if it is functional) and get a cheap gps.

I have been using a cheap Garmin handheld for 2 years and has done a great job. Only this year did I buy a FishFinder/GPS combo because I got a decent deal on it. All these components can help catch fish, but you gotta be on the water first. Congrats on the boat!!

[Bob # 1]

Starting out, I would keep it simple. and get frustrated instead of getting fish?

Do the basics first. Crawl first, then see if you are ready to change your diapers.

Old man's opinion.

Tom

First off welcome from Indiana

2nd agree with the Old man's opionion.

3rd Research, research.

PS
The coffee pot is on.

[stinkies daddy]

The old man nailed it! also read this http://www.crappie.com/crappie/archi...hangy-etc.html

[Wannabe...]

If you decide to go with a new unit - look at the Ram Mounts. That way you can get more options on the mounting position and can fold it in for trailering and or take them off easily.

I agree with the handheld GPS if you want to get one, but spring for the color and stray from the X57 - don't think it has GPS. Maybe you're thinking of the M68C, which also wouldn't be a good choice IMO - doesn't accept map cards. Lots of better bang for the buck out there.

A handsome, intelligent and quite witty man's opinion.

Wannabe...

[FroggerZack]

Another welcome from a LOP fisherman. I run a Lowrance Ifinder hand held GPS and a Humminbird 515. I will probably upgrade to an Eagle 320 or some other Lowrance depth finder before too long the Humminbird just doesn't cut it in the clarity/fish marking dept.