FishFinder or Depth Sounder

[mike-the-cobra]

For the boat in my signature. What do you guys prefer? I do a little fishing (mostly on vacation), but I mainly want one for safety (shallow water). My mounting options for a fishfinder are limited, not a whole lot of available room with out blocking view of gauges. I was looking at the Garmin 90 just because it is less than 5" x 5". Is that too small? Or maybe the Garmin 140?

Depth sounder would definitely be more unobtrusive, but also would not be as versatile (water temp, bottom contour, etc), and less "right there in your face" with a reading. And I have always had fishfinders.

What do you guys like and where do you mount? With a fishfinder I could put it to the right of the dash over the cup holder (but loose my cupholder!)

I posted this in the electronics section not realizing it was repair/maintenance section. My apologies and if a moderator could delete it there I would appreciate it.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: FishFinder or Depth Sounder

Get a little round depth gauge with a water temperature reading.
Same size as the rest of your gauges.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: FishFinder or Depth Sounder

I would prefer a fish finder/GPS combo. I like to see more of what is below me and not just the depth. I would like to see which way the bottom is rising or falling so I can steer accordingly. The depth gauge is not telling you that.

 

[StoutMann]

Re: FishFinder or Depth Sounder

I have a depth/fish/gps combo as well. It is great. Provides all the info I'll ever need. It's mounted on a ram mount so I can vary the actual position a little and the space needed to actually mount the ram is minimal. If you can work out a place to put one, I highly recommend it.

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: FishFinder or Depth Sounder

definitely go with a fish and depth combo to see the contour of the bottom

 

[mike-the-cobra]

Re: FishFinder or Depth Sounder

Went to Bass Pro Shop yeterday, they have a great display where you can check them all out (in demo mode of course).

I originally thought I wanted the Garmin 90, but after seeing it and the diaply quality, I went with the Hummingbird 170 instead. Also looked at the Eagle (which my last boat gad), but the Hummingbird definately had the better display, in quality and brightness......

 

[mike-the-cobra]

Re: FishFinder or Depth Sounder

PS, I also bought the RAM mount for it.