Fishfinder

[deltakid]

So I'm looking at getting a new fish finder for my boat I'm wondering what you folks think works best. I've always had fish/chart plotters on my boat but this is a 14 ft alumacraft so I don't reall need charting so what do you guys think?and is side scanning something that is worth the money? I haven't been on the lake yet this year and I need all the help I can get btw I did fish the spring river a couple days ago but the whites hadn't moved up yet so I'm going to try to get to the lake and give that a shot..thanks for all the great info that's been posted lately makes me really want to get on the lake

[J-Doc]

It's like asking which is better. Checy, Ford, or Dodge.  Opinions will be like a can of worms. 

 

I myself prefer Lowrance for 2D sonar, Garmin for side scan and downscan.  Since they are not combined, Lowrance seems to have the better option.  Garmin has made a a strong presence in recent years. 

 

For a 19ft Alumuacraft, any graph would work nice.  If you really wanted to kick it up, an Elite 5 or Elite 7 unit from Lowrance would be like Onstar for that boat.  

[Stump bumper]

I would suggest a color sonar, makes a world of difference and if you are running at night a GPS is a must. I like the Helix series by Hummingbird but you do have to buy the map cards for them. They have really come down in price and are simple to learn and use. So many choices and how want to use them, most of the ones I see people have that I want use them in a total different way than I would. I don't understand people who spend $2,000 then don't trust what they see, if it looks like a fish it is catch it.

[Dan the fisherman]

I have a bird up front linked to the trevorra and a raymarien in the drive seat. Both do great for what I need them for. 

[Ketchup]

I have a Humminbird 686 up front and a Garmin 73sv at the console. Your best bet is to decide how you intend to use it, and look for a product that will match your needs.  

 

J-Doc is full of free advise when it comes to electronics and I would take what he says and store it. 

[Dan the fisherman]

5 minutes ago, Ketchup said:

J-Doc is full of free advise when it comes to electronics and I would take what he says and store it. 

Heck I'd ask him to the store and buy it lol.  Just a joke not meaning to anger n e one.  But J does know his stuff 

[Ketchup]

Haha, if you go to the Cabelas in Rogers, Ar. he may just meet ya there.  ?

[J-Doc]

Somebody say CABELAS?????

 

I was just there earlier. LOL

[Dan the fisherman]

Haha  We's was talking about u.  J doc the one stop shop at cabelas.... Jk

[J-Doc]

I've learned a few things in recent years.