Newbie Fishfinder question / help needed.

I've never owned a fishfinder, although I've used an ancient Hummingbird a few times on a buddies bass boat. Anyhow, I'm in the process of getting things together to outfit my new (electric power only) Crappie/bass fishing boat. What I need input on, is what is the best fishfinder for under $200??? (or should I bite the bullet and raise my ceiling another 100 or so? I don't really want to, but if the pay-off is worth the investment........... . I will be using it primarily in lakes in water in the 4' to 40' depth range. I'm considering a Hummingbird 560 for $149.99 at BPS, but there are several other makes/models available in that price range, so I really don't know which unit will work best for me. Any input/suggestions are very much appreciated!!!

not familiar with that model, are you wanting gps as well to mark waypoints, brushpiles, structure, etc., or just a FF. I have a cuda 300 for $100 that works for me, I have a HH gps for marking my spots etc.,

You really need to shop around on line and off.Under $200 will not get you much more than a grey scale unit.Keep in mind that you will not see much at 4 ft of water.I recommend you bite the bullet for a small portable 300 series hummingbird with built in GPS.You can enter way points,and follow your trak back if you get lost in a waterway swamp.The fishing buddy is ok also if it is the model with side scan.I really like that feature.Do some homework on the models,then check ebay,CME marine,and the hummingbird on line site.Beware of Walmart.They sell obsolete and discontinued item.Good luck.Rick

If you are close to a store that sells a variety go and checkout the different displays. In your price range you should find a good unit to suit your purpose. Quality on garmin, lowrance and H B are about equal. In my opinion if you are fishing the kind of waters where you will stay electric for a while and do want to spend a few dollars more take color over GPS. Good luck with you purchase catch lots of fish.

www.c-mesales.com has the 560 for $146 free shipping.I bought my 385 ci combo gps unit there a year ago.Love it.They have a 365 for $279.It is a grey scale version of mine.I used the combo unit to replace a month old grey scale 565 last year that i bought from walley world.Sad to say,It was obsolete and out of production.Bass pro shop could not give them away,and the ebay hawkers made a killing selling the units to people not in the Know.Humminbird Fishfinders - Depth Sounders - ChartPlotters may give you some good ideas.Rick

Gunslinger....there are many options out there in the price range you're looking at. Give us a call. We can give our best pricing over the phone and are a board sponsor !!!

Brian

For the money it's hard to beat an Eagle 320 or 480. I prefer the 480 because of the higher pixel count.

Thanks for the replies so far!!!

I'm not at all concerned with GPS on it (If I want to plot something via GPS I already have a unit I use for hunting) and while color would be nice, it isn't a necessity by any means. I'm more concerned with clarity (pixels) and ease of use. I look at pictures from FF's and in many cases I don't see anything that would indicate fish or structure to my uneducated eyes, while with others it is very clear where suspended fish are, where trees, creekbeds, etc. are. It's just hard to tell without taking them out and working with them (which I don't think the local BPS would appreciate!). I need a pretty much idiot-proof finder that even a newb like me can operate and comprehend. Lots of options available (especially if I go up to the $300 range). I've considered one of those portable Hummingbirds also, but haven't heard anything good or bad about them yet. Decisions, decisions.

BPS flyer I just got has a mark 5x for 159.00 would be a good unit 480 by 480 pixel.

I bought my unit from BBGmarine, brian was most helpful answering all my questions & his price was right. Lots-Lots better than them big box stores.........................it really helped me to be able to talk with someone who knew what they were talking.. about.

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Originally Posted by cray

BPS flyer I just got has a mark 5x for 159.00 would be a good unit 480 by 480 pixel.

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Ya, that's another model I've been considering. They also have the Mark-5X Pro for $199.99, or -- the one I'm starting to really lean towards after looking at one this afternoon --- the Mark-5X DSI Grey scale for $299.99 (Now THAT is the type of picture I'm looking for! Even a technology-challenged person like me can interpret that display!).

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Originally Posted by jimp

not familiar with that model, are you wanting gps as well to mark waypoints, brushpiles, structure, etc., or just a FF. I have a cuda 300 for $100 that works for me, I have a HH gps for marking my spots etc.,

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Yep, what he said. I have a Cuda? and it does everything I need it to do, easy to use, shows the Temp. and you'll have $200 left to buy "A LITTLE GAS!!!! lol..

Lowrance Go Beyond Sonar

New Rebate program just starting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYWYoLHvhUs

$199

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Originally Posted by Gunslinger

Ya, that's another model I've been considering. They also have the Mark-5X Pro for $199.99, or -- the one I'm starting to really lean towards after looking at one this afternoon --- the Mark-5X DSI Grey scale for $299.99 (Now THAT is the type of picture I'm looking for! Even a technology-challenged person like me can interpret that display!).

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That is the oneIam saving for. Neighbor just bought the one in color. It is fantastic just can't afford 600.

ya, I like the color models alright, but a $600+!!!!!!:eek: FF to go on a Jon boat!!! I just can't see doing it. $299 on the other hand, is well within reason in my book, and the DI display is just like looking at a photograph!!

if you want something simple and easy to use, and you don't have some experience with DF/FF, then I would suggest/recommend any of the entry level models, maybe one step up they will give you the temp, some structure depending on the depth, stumps, rocks, drop offs, etc., even submerged trees. The more features on the FF you get, the more you have to learn how to use, which takes away from time actually fishing. Lots of guys here have the latest and greatest, which is good if that's what you want, but a plain jane FF (cuda 300 and Lowarance x37) does what I want/need at a glance. My HH gps tells me what i want/need to know at a glance as well, 2 seperate units, but side by side.

Gunslinger, I checked that BBGmarine. Their price is better than BPS even with shipping.you also might PM MRHotspot on here and get a price onHB from him once you figure out just what you want.