gps/fishfinder combo units - advise

[BobnAbout]

Getting back to boating, small inflatible for me and my 4 yr old. I always valued my Garmin gps on old boat, it got me out of lost in the many small channels and creeks on Crooked River. Also liked my fishfinder, although I used it as a depth gage more than finding fish. Now they sell combo units. I searched but only found one post, talking about resolution on a fishfinder. What should I use for criteria of selection other than my wallet. I usually buy a better unit than I need, and I do like features on my toys. But what do I need for use on the St Johns and Mosquito Lagoon in Florida?

 

[Boatist]

Re: gps/fishfinder combo units - advise

Welcome to the board
The more you tell everyone about what you are looking for and what you will use it for the better the information you will get.

Depthfinders.
In general the deeper you fish the more power you need and the higher resoultion you need. Salt Water also needs more power.
If your fishing 600 feet deep then you need a high power 1000 Watts RMS or 8000 watts peak to peak.
Also if you want to see small fish on the bottom then you need the highest resoultion you can find.

I like the Lowrance HDS units, Furuno for salt water, and Garmin in that order.

GPS I would at least get a Color unit today. Check the chart on the unit before you buy. Look at a area you know very well and see if it shows all the buoys and the shallow water. Does it show tide levels and curent tables. Can you see it in bright sunlight and turn it down for night time if you will boat after dark.

GPS most will Say Garmin but for me the one I want is the unit that has the most details and information about the area I go boating in.

If you go to a shop to look at units and the Saleman comes over to sell you a unit.
If he does not start with where you will be using the unit and how deep you will fish then to not think much of his recomendation. With out him getting that info then you can not possibly suggest the best unit of you.

 

[BobnAbout]

Re: gps/fishfinder combo units - advise

Thanks for the input. I searched ten pages of info on gps/fishfinders, gps stand-alones & single purpose fishfinders. The best advise I got was to buy the gps with the fishfinder, not a fishfinder with gps. I also appreciate you input on comparing the units to the charts. I keep trying to talk to Garmin about using their inland maps on my NUVI 755 but can't seem to get thru to them, always busy. I will keep on researching and looking. Thanks for the reply.