Lakemaster vs Navionics

I am going to pick up a chart recorder that uses one of these SD cards over the winter. I get mixed messages when I search to see which might be better. The one plus that may push me to Lake Master is that you can get a card that includes both Nebraska and Iowa. It looks like I would have to buy two of the Navionics because the states are in different regions.

I have two questions. The first one is about the Navionics Gold. It it true that it only shows coastal areas?

The secnond is about LakeMaster. Does anybody us it? Would you recommend it?

Any input would be appreciated.

If you are looking at possibly getting a LakeMaster mapping card then you are talking a Humminbird brand unit as they are the only ones that the LakeMaster cards work in. Humminbird units can use either a LakeMaster or Navionics mapping card. I recommend reviewing the lake lists for each mapping card to make sure the waters you fish on are covered to the level you want them to be (not just a lake outline). Then get someone to post or send you some screen snapshots from each.

Just a heads-up but the AutoChart feature from LakeMaster would make it possible for you to make your own lake maps.

You need to make sure the Lakemaster chart for your area is HD. If it is, they are hard to beat, plus there are a lot of features such as shading a depth range, water level offset, plus the HD coverage is phenomenal. Plus the Autochart feature mentioned above is coming out next year where you can make you own maps. I use the Lakemaster Southeast card that is great for the HD lakes, but leaves a lot to be desired on the lakes that are not HD. If the lake you fish the most is not HD in Lakemaster, go with the Navionics chip.