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I was jsut wondering if anyone here has ever used a handheld gps to mark fishing spots? There are several waterproof ones to chose from. I thought it would be nice if you found a honey hole to be able to mark it and retuurn to that exact spot later. Anyone have any experiance doing this? Recommend any gps units?
Been using a Garmin ETrex Venture for several years to mark fishing spots as well as tree stands, mushroom hotspots, etc.
I use a handheld to determine trolling speed. It also shows past trolling tracks. Once I borrowed the old man's GPS, and figured out where his "hot" trolling path were from the previous trip. Occassionally I will throw a waypoint on, more so to mark certain features on my trolling path. I don't see why you could not use it to mark spots. On the ones I used,the screen size is pretty small, so it is not very helpful at navigating while under throttle.
The screen size is so small it makes it tough for old eyes, especially in the glare on the water.
I hear ya about the old eyes :). I just wanted to mark structure and what not. I can get close to the area. I was hoping maybe a gps would help me pinpoint it.
I use a GPS/fishfinder on the console to get close to where I want fish and then I use a handheld on the bow to mark it. I have been doing it that way for years and I guess old habits are hard to break. I have 3 handheld units and my favorite is the least expensive a Garmin 72.
I've used the Garmin GPSMap 76/78 products for years and love the handheld units. On a typical fishing day, I may flip to the HB-1197's navigation view, but I don't rely on it. All my WPs are saved on the handheld units. I use them to mark and return to structure and other points of interest--including off-the water locations such as hunting destinations.
Trip tracks are also very helpful--from trip to trip and year to year. Every trip or two, I plug the handheld into my PC (USB cable) and download the tracks and WPs. When I got the 76, Garmin provided the free desktop software called MapSource. MapSource was replaced by newer software (both products were free) called BaseCamp. Both of these products let me review my trips on a large screen. It's also possible to create, edit, and resave tracks which are then loaded back into the handheld for regular use, or only when needed. Right now, for example, I may pull tracks from past years and reload them into the handheld. It's really nice to be able to see exactly where I fished at this time in other years. Chances are, the fish will be in the same vicinity this year for the same reasons I found them in the past.
The ability to download, edit, and reload WPs and tracks isn't limited to handhelds--you should be able to do the same thing with any unit that has removeable memory chips and is supported by free desktop software. What's better about the handheld is that you can take your old trip information when you're fishing in a partner's boat. (You are also recording where he took you during the day!)
One thing to consider as you shop and compare: you may have to add additional map data to a handheld at a cost of $75 and up. The "base map" Garmin supplied with the 76 was worthless when you got off the major highways. I don't remember that it showed medium and small bodies of water, either. Soon after getting the 76, I added one of Garmin's topo maps. The lake maps would have been better IF they included any of my regular fishing holes. Study product details and determine how much of what kind of map you need.
Finally, can you believe the various advertising claims about handhelds? I can tell you for a fact that the Garmin GPSMap 76 will float! Another important spec. is battery life. If you fish often, you'll want rechargeable batteries. Get the highest milli-amp-hour rating you can find and carry spares. You don't want your gps to conk out while you're using it to get back to the landing after dark.
I have a Lowrance and can easy come on spot as good as on big units can bring closer to eyes if need be,no problem reading, batteries don,t last but I have a plug that hooks into cigarette lighter so I don,t need batteries, rarely use it any more unless going with someone so we will know where to go
If you have a smartphone Navionics has an app that is good, ruff on batts tho so I have a plug in the boat for a charger.
Does it allow you to save and download WPs and tracks to a PC?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rees Guide
I think so but not sure about that, havent tried it. Will see if I can find out
I use the Garmin 76 marine. Waterproof, floats. Use them for hunting spots, fishing, etc. Mine won't communicate with a computer, but are very handy. If I were to buy one today, I'd make sure I could swap info back and forth between the gps and computer. Good luck with whatever you buy.
Another Garmin 70 series user here, works great and will communicate with computer. Probably make some mad, but honestly don't know how anyone can stand navigating with Hbird units to back to waypoints. Fine for getting you in the ball park I guess but not great. I like the sonar fine, but returning to marked spots is cumbersome. With Garmin handheld much quicker, equals fishing more beds in a trip and catching more fish.
I used a Lowrance H2O for years. It did just fine. The nice part was when all my waypoints transfered effortlessly into my HDS unit.
I bought a Garmin 76 Cx last summer... Just for marking brush piles... The Corps. publishes the coordinates of all the piles it creates. Took a while to type in the coordinates using Map Source, but transferring them to the handheld was a snap. I found the piles just where they were supposed to be. Impossible to find Garmin compatible contour lake maps for this unit but was able to borrow the CD of an older version and load it. Tiny screen is a pain but it works... got a RAM suction mount so I can move it from console to the front easily. Saving for a Lowrance Elite 7, though.
My first was a hand held Garmin Legend. It is dead on. I later got a Eagle Intellimap 502 (bigger screen) and now have a Humminbird 798 csi and a 788. When I wanded a handheld with a usb connector for my laptop, I got a Garmin Vista. The handheld Garmins are The Most Accurate ones that I own.
Yes I use a garmin 76csx and an old school magellan no telling what model I am sure it is no longer available. Have all my way points in both. The magellen is simpler to use and just as accurate even though it is about 20 years old, but the new garmin i can load maps and way points from computer. Now i just have to figure out how to get all the way points onto my new HDS-9 touch.
I have a Garmin Etrex that is one of the earliest ones made and it still will put me right on the spot. I mean within less than 2 feet.
A lot of people have trouble finding the waypoint when they get close wheather on water or land. The reason is that most everyone slows thier speed of travel way down.
As soon as you slow way down the gps has trouble determining your movement. This especially true when you get within a 30ft radius of the marked spot. When you get fairly close it may start telling you to go diferent directions.
There is a trick that I found that will help you to get dead on the spot. If possible keep moving at quick step or just above idle speed in a boat.
Keep moving inthe direction of the arrow on the unit and the distance to way point. While still moving when it gets to zero or just before drop a bouy or marker .
I have used this method many times in open water and on land. I have found a single tree top limb under the water many times this way. Have actually tangled the line around that limb a few times.
hope that helps you out.
:hesaid exactly
been using an e-trex for yrs . make a hard copy in case gps goes on the blink . I take a note pad to write down the cord. every time I mark one . when the coe draw down the lakes you can walk/drive up to thousands of spots . Not being a tournament guy ,this seems like a better choice than a 1500.00 dollar ff .Several guys that fish tour. Have given me multiple waypoints .:fish I am a two lake kind of guy .:biggrin
I use a smart phone APP that eats battery but works decent. However, Murphy's law being what it is,the inevitable will happen. Once you drop the phone over board its done. So I am now looking at the Garmin 78 or 78s.
What he said x2 . I have had one for years and now own 3 units. ( 2 both same marks as one is a backup for home lake and 1 for other waters) I get best results going straight to mark within 100' shut off big motor . It is usually close and still moving as I drop trolling motor. Important to keep moving and drop a bouy as you pass over. I seldom drop bouy without it being within 10' and most times in small condo or on a stump. Would not be without a inexpensive handheld GPS.Quote:
Originally Posted by dfar
Tip : If you fish much buy batteries in large pack to keep in the boat. I won't go on my home lake without my Etrex.
That takes "marking a spot" to a new level.Quote:
Originally Posted by missnu
The "S" has a premium pricetag while the base product has almost all of the same features (and they both float.) :biggrinQuote:
Originally Posted by missnu
Quote:
Originally Posted by Corker
x2:biggrin