Lowrance Graph

[mailman55]

I am in the process of looking for a color graph to replace my old one. I bought a "02" 19 ft. Starcraft (another story) this summer with a Lowrance X-98 D/F on it. The graph is OK but I would like to upgrade to a color unit that that I can use with a downrigger. I want to stay with Lowrance if I can. I use a stand alone GPS and haven't had any problems but was wondering if it would be better if I had them both in one unit? I will be fishing in fresh water mostly for walleye & salmon. I have been sort of leaning towards the 510C but also have been looking at the LMS 500 series to. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Boatist]

Re: Lowrance Graph

If you have the room and can afford two units then seperate units are much better than a single unit.

The X98 DF has more power than the units you suggest and of course is dual frequency. So unit will work in deeper water.

I know nothing about walleye as have never fished for them. The 510 C has 300 watts of rms power so in fresh water should be ok to about 200 feet. Salmon is one of the harder fish to see so maybe a little less than 200 feet. Out here more Salmon are caught around 30 to 40 feet on cloudy days and down as far as 100 feet when the sun is out. I talking salt water for Salmon.

The X98 DF has a 200 khz 12 degree transducer which makes it hard to see downrigger balls in shallow depths. The 50 Khz transducer is 35 degrees so good for seeing downrigger balls in shallow water.

The 510 C has a 200 khz 20 degree transducer so will be able to see downrigger balls a little shallower than the X98 200 KHZ 12 degree transducer but not as shallow as the 50khz 35 degree transducer.

With a 20 degree transducer fishing 30 feet deep the transducer will cover about a 10 foot circle under the Transducer. So depending how long your downriggers arms are you may not be able to see your ball at 30 feet. As you go deepper you will be able to see the ball on the side of the transducer. The other side will not be seen until deeper. Turning the sensitivity up can help a little but too much you and the screen will black out and not be able to see anything.

I do not really have any suggestion for a better unit and again no nothing about Walleye. ( how deep you troll and how easy they are to see)