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I am looking at buying a fish finder but not sure what would be best for me. I fish oxbows 90% of the time but would like to fish a few larger lakes on occasion. I usually vertical jig and will occasionally cast if they arent biting good. Trying to get an idea of what would be best for my situation just 2d or would di or si benefit me more as i have never used either of them. Any tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Get all the goodies you can afford. I was recently shown the value of side image with GPS. I can honestly say I would probably not have caught a fish that day in my boat, let alone the fact that we were culling 11"+ fish. You can learn so much more about a body of water by using all the goodies:twocents
If I had it to spend I would have at least two 10-12" units with all the bells and whistles on my boat.
Chris
A lot may disagree and that's fine. But if u got the money...go side image with GPS. If that is too expensive....go with 2D with GPS. Either way you go...GPS IS A MUST! There is some benefit of down image compared to 2D but not worth the difference in money in my opinion. Because if it is beneath you...2D and DI will both show u something is there. The DI will show you a much more detailed image....other than being just plain cool....u don't necessarily need to know "what" is there you just need to know that there is something there and is it holding fish and 2D will tell you that! Side image on the other hand....WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY BOAT! I feel like I cannot catch a fish without it!
Well although i will have the money for bells and whistles i am trying to stay close to 500. What is the big advantage of si? Does it help map the bottom quicker?
I know i want gps. I just mainly want to be able to map the bottom and be able to locate under water structure to help me when they go back to the deeper water
In that price range maybe look at a Garmin Echomap 73sv unit. Has side view, down view, accurate GPS. More bang for your buck IMO. I just put the 93sv chirp on my boat and I'm loving it. Quickdraw Contours lets you make your own maps as well.
I like my Garmin and I'm about to buy a 73sv myself!
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Most bigger units with side imaging will also have down image and GPS . There are some small units with all the bells and whistles but bigger screens easier to see . BBG Marine a sponsor on here has lots of options at great prices . I started out with handheld GPS and a cheap sonar both under 100 bucks each . But since upgrading several times to 10'' screen with all the bells and whistles I would replace it if it were gone and I am ordering another 10'' screen for the bow of my boat now .
Some lakes are in need of cover , build it and they will come . Too many just buying high end electronics and not building cover . The more stuff we can sink the better our fisheries will be on the older lakes without lots of cover .Quote:
Originally Posted by cordb
You might keep an eye on the personal classified section of the main forum, seems there's always some used ones for sell in that price range or less , someone's always upgrading to larger units , even if you get an large older unit ,my advise would be go as big as you can afford because you just can't see much clarity or definition from the smaller SI units
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Go to BPS, play with all the units and look at the features. Pick the one YOU like.
I agree with Greg, I'd rather have a bigger used one than smaller new one. Once you hook them up you can't tell a used one from a new one, but you definitely can tell a bigger one (more detail) from a small one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Crappie Greg
Used IS a great option, but if it takes a dump on ya in two weeks, you still need one or sending it for repair. That is very rare tho.
I totally agree. Bigger is better in fish finders. Makes them easier to see and read.
cordb, you want to use the unit to map the bottom, so which unit is a better use of you time on the water. Down image and 2D give you that in a narrow scope of view. Side image gives you a wide scope of view and allows you to eliminate more water. I have heard it said that 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water. A large amount of effort can go into eliminating barron water. I will take whatever shortcuts I can.
Chris
Thanks for all the tips and suggestions guys! Most of the lakes i fish are pretty heavy with trees so i figure they have a good amout of brush but if they arent i will definitely stick some out there. I have only used a 2d one time and it was a cheap one. It will be a couple weeks before i pull the trigger so i have plenty of time to look the units over and make a pick. Thanks again fellas!