Fish finder first timer

[82Johnson]

I am looking to purchase a fish finder in the near future. I have never purchased one before what do I need to look out for. I fish in mainly smaller lakes and rivers in MN. I have fished with a Lowrance X52 on a freinds boat and it seems to be decent. Any ideas on a good unit without spending a fortune?

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Fish finder first timer

First are you mounting this on a boat, want a portable unit, or something you can use for both open water fishing and ice fishing? How much do you fish or would you use this? Do you want complete automatic operation or do you want to play? If in twin cities area then check Gander mountain or Joe's sport shop. If in southern part go to Cabbela's. Do a search on the internet and you will find all you want for info. <br /> Now as a basic response I would suggest a quality Lowrance, Eagle, Bottom Line or Garmin unit as have used all and good units. I personnaly like the Vexilar unit for an all around. I use it for ice fishing and open water. It works great in shallow water which I usually fish. <br /> Here is their web site: http://www.vexilar.com/ and it does have other info. you might want to look at. <br /> Also I do not work for them, have no clue who owns them etc. Just my opinion.

 

[mikeyzx2]

Re: Fish finder first timer

I bought an Eagle Cuda 128, I think it runs about 80 bucks, and I've been satisfied with it thus far. It has built in temperature too, which lets me know if the water is suitable for jumping off into when the heat is on .

 

[82Johnson]

Re: Fish finder first timer

I have looked a little at the Eagle Cuda fish finders. Is this a quality unit? I know people that have the Fisheasy 2 and they like it. Initially the price throws me off thinking it may not be as good of quality. <br />I do have a FL-18 for ice fishing. Do they work well for open water? I looked at the transducer kits and they were about $90. I try to get out 1-2 times a week.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Fish finder first timer

Lowrance makes the Eagle finders. I was looking at an X91 (few years back) but found a Fishmark240 locally. Checked the websites and realized the only difference was the power (lowrance was double). As I use it only in pretty shallow lakes, the power was a non-issue and I picked up the Eagle for a lot less money.

 

[82Johnson]

Re: Fish finder first timer

I am mostly in shallow water also. 15 feet or less. Any experience with the combo units? Like the Cuda 240S/GPS? I kid of like the idea of GPS for marking spots and danger areas.

 

[FishyFun]

Re: Fish finder first timer

Lowrance/Eagle all the way, and get one wit GPS and color. www.lowrance .com check em out. i bought my LCX 26CHD at Cabelas and just love it.<br /><br />lee