Fishfinder: what to get?

[dixie_boysles]

As ya'll know, im getting a 14' jon boat. im going to paint it and redo interior. For christmas, i have asked for a fishfinder for it. I have looked at a few on bass pro, and read the reviews. it seems like some of the ones i like have good revies then you always get that one review that throws it off! So what would be a good fishfinder for a jon boat for a budget of around $100-$150? please provide a link to it if possible.

here is the one i am looking at: it has a lot of good reviews! (EDIT: but still ahs a few bad reviews, i dont know what to do!)

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...10151_-1_10001_58748____SearchResults#reviews

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

i have 2 humminbirds, both prianhamax 160, one fixed, the other is the self contained portable unit, which i like extremely well.

 

[soundman2424]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

I have a Humminbird 300TX that I'll sell you that's within your budget. I upgraded to a Humminbird 987c/GPS so I have no need for this unit anymore. It comes with X-ducer and the speed/temp option. I won't buy anything but Humminbird, great units with unbeatable customer support.

 

[JB]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

I have had a few H'birds. Each failed me.

I have had about a dozen Lowrance/Eagle SONARS. Each was excellent.

My recommendation is an Eagle Cuda 168 unless there is a more recent model.

 

[John_S]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

I have had a few H'birds. Each failed me.

JB, I have seen you post this a few times. I would like to know what models, how long ago, and what the issues have been? I expect that the technology and mfg have changed significantly since your purchase. I have had HB's back since the TCR days and haven't had one fail. I have only had a couple of Eagles, but they didn't fail either.

I can tell you, I have had experience with both HB and Lowrance/Eagle tech service, within the last year, and HB has been far more supportive and quicker to respond.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

I currently have a lowrance which I really like I had a similar model hummingbird(entry level) that just wouldn't read at speed above 20mph no matter the transducer placement.

 

[soundman2424]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

I've owned many HB units since the mid 80's and have never had one fail. What are you doing to break them?

 

[JB]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

The HBs I have had were all installed on boats when I got them, and we are talking late 90s technology. Most common problem was loss of bottom over about 10 knots.

My first SONAR was a Lowrance X-15 paper graph unit I got about 1982. It was still working fine when I couldn't get paper rolls for it anymore. That must have been about 1989. I have had a bunch of Lowrance/Eagles since then. . .some used, some new.

 

[John_S]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

The HBs I have had were all installed on boats when I got them, and we are talking late 90s technology. Most common problem was loss of bottom over about 10 knots.

Yep would agree, that most HB transducers take more fiddeling with to find a good spot on the transom. Usually because their transducers are rather large.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

Fortunately, with all of the various brands and models of fish finders I have had or worked with over many years, each has been rather exceptional once the transducer is correctly mounted and adjusted. Certain brands seem to be more popular than others (probably as a result of advertising efforts and word of mouth) and many must have all of the trendy bells and whistles. Even the ones with the most basic features are great performers and do exactly what they were designed to do. So, you need to know what you would like your electronics to do for you while shopping. Most all of them can have a cantankerous nature and when issues arise (and they usually will), there is a natural tendency to place blame on something other than the manner in which it was mounted. Whether the transducer is mounted port or starboard, too close or too far from the motor, or you believe that the shape or style of the boat hull is the problem, we seldom will admit that the problems are the manner in which we have installed and adjusted the transducer.

We use an Eagle FishMark 480 now, which as been great and performs flawlessly.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fishfinder: what to get?

I ALL depends on how serious you are about your fishing. I put a $129 Lowrance on my jon boat and it works fine, has a voltage reading on it and a water temperature reading. My main purpose for having it is for the depth finder feature, can save some props in a shallow river. A professional bass fisherman would need a lot more features. Check Cabela's catalog for many different options. Good Luck!