Lowrance LMS480 Which maps to buy?

[boling]

Fishing at a NC/VA local lake and at the NC coast. Which maps offer the best coverage? Is there one chip that covers both areas? I spoke to navionics, they said Hotmaps premium for the lakes and Navionics Gold XL for the coast. Anyone used these maps?<br /><br /><br />Chris

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Lowrance LMS480 Which maps to buy?

Those are excellent maps. Make sure the lakes you frequently use are included. Unfotunately, there isn't one chip for both fresh and salt.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Lowrance LMS480 Which maps to buy?

I bought a Navionics Classic for the west coast. Very good. The pre-loaded data is excellant and thats all I use for lakes. I haven't seen the Hotmaps, but I bet they show lots of detail. I have an LMS 320 DF.

 

[boling]

Re: Lowrance LMS480 Which maps to buy?

Thanks for the replies. Anyone looked at the JH Kerr lake or Hyco lake in NC detail on these cards. Is this something dealers will let you look at before buying?

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Lowrance LMS480 Which maps to buy?

Many dealers will have a demo chip available for you to look at before purchase. <br /><br />The quality of the freshwater maps varies widely. The chip manufacturers look around for any available maps and then chooses what they believe to be the best. Sometimes they are good and current maps. Some could be based on survey maps produced 10, 20 or more years ago. <br /><br />If your dealer doesn't have a chip to look at, you may be able to contact Navionics directly and ask them to send you some sample screen shots of the map you are interested in.

 

[boling]

Re: Lowrance LMS480 Which maps to buy?

Thanks, just sent the e-mail.