I guess I am not a good fisherman!

I have been taking mental notes and researching sonar units. I fish small lakes that I have been fishing since I was a kid (and that has been ALONG TIME.) I am out there to fish, have a good time and observe what GOD has provided. Here is the sticky..... I don't care about maps, quick draw, connecting units, and only a few way points. I came to FISH, not watch sonars. Please don't take offence if this is your passion. I am probably way older and not as proficent as others in using new technology.....Where is this going?..... I would be better served with something simple like the Garmin Striker 7 sv (old model,not the Plus)as I have GPS on my other sonar. Bottom line, you have to buy what works best for you and your style of fishing That is the area, the makers of sonar units need to be aware of. Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles. I am leaning towards the Lowrance 7x tripple shot or the old model Garmin Striker 7sv. Any one have any thoughts or comments.......Thanks to everyone..... crappie1133

I think the manufacturers do a great job of building units for just about every market that is out there. From someone that simply wants a unit to find depth, water tempurature, and show fish, to a step up unit with downscan imaging. They do a pretty good job now days of having units that are for everyone.

I recommend a couple of different options. The first thing I would do is to head to one of the bigger box stores and play with the units. This will give you a good inidication of what is "too much" or "not enough" for what you are looking for. The only unfortunate thing about this is that the majority of these stores simply cannot have a model of every unit on the show room floor at one time. It would be impossible. Another consideration is that many of these box stores do not have an employee that actually works the department. Many of the people that are working there are factory reps. So, if you find that they are trying to steer you in one direction, keep that in mind. ON the flip side, they usually know about everything there is to know about that particular product line.

I would contact Brian over at BBG marine. He is very good about knowing what he has, how it works, and how it would work for you. Once he tells you about it, you can research it online or find out of a local store has one on demo that you can look at. I've had really good luck with the simple Garmin units over the years. They were very easy to use, very few buttons, and did exactly what I needed it to do. Tell me depth, tell me tempurature, and mark fish arcs on the screen.

I own all lowrance units now and have little experience with the smaller type units you are looking for so I would be of little help in that regard.

Tell us what features you DO want in your unit.

I understand your sentiments . Here is a base finder with just fish finding may be what you're looking for. I still have and use an old humminbird legend 2000. It's got knobs instead of buttons LOL.

https://www.humminbird.com/Products/HELIX-5-SONAR-G2/

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Originally Posted by BobB

Tell us what features you DO want in your unit.

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I like regular 2d, down scan, and si. Maps and connection to other sonars is over kill. Thanks for asking

What's your budget ... sorry should have asked that in the previous post.

While I can understand the want for something easy and simple. I find at 70 years of age. It keeps me interested overall in the actual sport of fishing. I had an old Lowrance X-70A. For quite awhile thinking it was the ultimate and more than I would ever need.

As the technology progressed it became more challenging. But also more rewarding and interesting.

To me that is the beauty of the electronics options we fishermen enjoy today. A myriad of choices that fits any wallet or mental investment.
While I can't always afford the " latest and greatest ". I remain interested in the advancements that seem to come fast and furious at times.

One of the axioms I have always lived by. The day I quit learning is the day I will be staring at the wrong side of the grass.

To address the original poster though. The greatest fishing tool is the thing between your ears. I have known guys in my life that couldn't catch fish. Regardless of how much they spent on equipment. While others have an almost super talent for catching anything they want.

To me that is the most intrinsic attraction of this sport. It is up to the individual. How much time and effort to get what is wanted. Is completely up to that person.