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Another FF thread #11091980 09/09/15 03:29 PM
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LSM Offline OP
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I am currently using a Lowrance Mark 4 black and white FF. It works well, but I really don't have anything with which to compare it. I have never had the opportunity to view anything else and haven't kept up with the rapidly changing technology. I understand the difference between basic sonar, down scan, and side scan, but not sure how much benefit side scan might add to kayak fishing. I don't mind spending $600 or $700 dollars for something that can really increase my chances of accurately finding bait and fish.

So, for Kayak Bass Fishing, what are some good workhorse units? Useful features?


If there is already a thread somewhere addressing this, please point me in the right direction.

Last edited by LSM; 09/09/15 03:39 PM.
Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11092528 09/09/15 06:58 PM
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joebeasley Offline
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I picked up the Hummingbird 598 HD SI in June, but I'm still learning how to use it. It saves me a lot of time, since I don't have to paddle directly over something to see it on the sonar.

Apparently my unit is in "bluegill" mode. Every group of fish I mark on structure turns out to be bluegills. But I'm finding out that there are usually bass and catfish in the same area. It also may be that crappie are not holding to the structure in the summer time.

Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11093928 09/10/15 12:57 PM
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BKT Offline
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I just put a Humminbird Helix 5 si/gps combo on my little jon boat and it's like a whole new ball game compared to the Lowrance elite 4x on my yak. My new yak will most likely also be equipped with SI.

Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11094047 09/10/15 01:50 PM
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Kayak_and_Crossbones Offline
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I also have the Hummingbird Helix 5 si/gps. I came from a Lowrance Elite 5x (I think), and its a whole different world. Being able to set it to sonar and DI at the same time, and see two different images (one being better for structure and the other better at seeing fish)...wow. I'm still getting used to the side scan. You have to re-calibrate the way you look at the screen. We're used to looking at a photo..or a tv screen. Thats not the way DI works...its more like looking at a low res shot from a drone. It take some practice. But being able to see structure 100 yards to the right or left is a big deal.

Dont underestimate the importance of the GPS feature. Being able to mark way points and come back to them is really helpful as well.

Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11094077 09/10/15 02:01 PM
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RobMoe Offline
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I'm looking at upgrading to the helix 5 unit over the next couple of months. I was actually going to just get the DI/GPS model. My concern is the SI transducer placement. I have a ride 115x with the removable center console and I'm worried the transducer won't sit low enough in the water to get an accurate side image. Does anyone have this kayak with a SI unit? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11094173 09/10/15 02:49 PM
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pelican Offline
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My priorities in order or importance for my FF.
**Side Image
*GPS with Heading Sensor
Screen size, Bigger is Better
Sonar & Down Image



I've never been good, But I've been Lucky!
I don't Lie or Exaggerate, but sometimes I remember BIG!
Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11094235 09/10/15 03:17 PM
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LSM Offline OP
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I appreciate all responses. Looks like side imaging is popular. I definitely want GPS and a decent sized screen.

Side imaging requires exterior transducer placement, correct? Is there a min/max speed required for SI or DI to work properly? It will be installed on a Slayer Propel 10.

Will a standard 7 or 8 amp 12V battery be sufficient for units like the Helix 5 SI?

Does the Helix 5 come with sonar contour maps, or is a card needed?

What is difference between Helix 5 and more expensive units with same screen size? The 788 does not have SI and it is $900.

Thanks


Last edited by LSM; 09/10/15 03:24 PM.
Re: Another FF thread [Re: RobMoe] #11094345 09/10/15 04:11 PM
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Kayak_and_Crossbones Offline
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Originally Posted By: RobMoe
I'm looking at upgrading to the helix 5 unit over the next couple of months. I was actually going to just get the DI/GPS model. My concern is the SI transducer placement. I have a ride 115x with the removable center console and I'm worried the transducer won't sit low enough in the water to get an accurate side image. Does anyone have this kayak with a SI unit? Any feedback would be appreciated.


I have the new Wilderness Systems ATAK, and it has a flex pod as well (not sure if its the same one). My transducer sits flush with the bottom of the kayak. Can't imagine there's a problem, but then again...I've only used it once and that was in a maximum of 9 feet of water.

Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11094359 09/10/15 04:18 PM
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Kayak_and_Crossbones Offline
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Side imaging requires exterior transducer placement, correct? I did a little research and couldn't find anything that says you can mount the transducer inside the hull and still have the SI or DI work.

Is there a min/max speed required for SI or DI to work properly? It should work fine under 3 miles an hour (which is what most of us paddle at, or less). You may need to adjust your chart speed though.

It will be installed on a Slayer Propel 10. - Can't help you there.

Will a standard 7 or 8 amp 12V battery be sufficient for units like the Helix 5 SI? I run mine on a Deer feeder battery and can run it on an all day trip.

Does the Helix 5 come with sonar contour maps, or is a card needed? That is an additional purchase. $125 - $150 for the chip.

What is difference between Helix 5 and more expensive units with same screen size? The 788 does not have SI and it is $900. I asked the same question when I bought mine. The guy at Cabella's told me that there is no reason to buy the more expensive ones for a kayak. They don't offer any benefits over the H5 (specifically talking about the Hummingbird brand).

Re: Another FF thread [Re: Kayak_and_Crossbones] #11094621 09/10/15 06:01 PM
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LSM Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: Kayak_and_Crossbones


Side imaging requires exterior transducer placement, correct? I did a little research and couldn't find anything that says you can mount the transducer inside the hull and still have the SI or DI work.

Is there a min/max speed required for SI or DI to work properly? It should work fine under 3 miles an hour (which is what most of us paddle at, or less). You may need to adjust your chart speed though.

It will be installed on a Slayer Propel 10. - Can't help you there.

Will a standard 7 or 8 amp 12V battery be sufficient for units like the Helix 5 SI? I run mine on a Deer feeder battery and can run it on an all day trip.

Does the Helix 5 come with sonar contour maps, or is a card needed? That is an additional purchase. $125 - $150 for the chip.

What is difference between Helix 5 and more expensive units with same screen size? The 788 does not have SI and it is $900. I asked the same question when I bought mine. The guy at Cabella's told me that there is no reason to buy the more expensive ones for a kayak. They don't offer any benefits over the H5 (specifically talking about the Hummingbird brand).







Good info, thanks. Is the "chip" you are referring to the Navionics?

Last edited by LSM; 09/10/15 06:02 PM.
Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11094756 09/10/15 07:07 PM
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BKT Offline
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The Helix 5 and Helix 7 (can't recall if they're out yet) are stand alone units. I believe those others can be networked. Check out the humminbird or lowrance threads in the general equipment forum

Re: Another FF thread [Re: BKT] #11094807 09/10/15 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted By: BKT
The Helix 5 and Helix 7 (can't recall if they're out yet) are stand alone units. I believe those others can be networked. Check out the humminbird or lowrance threads in the general equipment forum


Dang It!!! I need them to be networked cause I need a FF for front and back. grin

Re: Another FF thread [Re: shadboy] #11094823 09/10/15 07:30 PM
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BKT Offline
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Originally Posted By: shadboy
Originally Posted By: BKT
The Helix 5 and Helix 7 (can't recall if they're out yet) are stand alone units. I believe those others can be networked. Check out the humminbird or lowrance threads in the general equipment forum


Dang It!!! I need them to be networked cause I need a FF for front and back. grin


Humminbird 360 in the middle!! Lol

Re: Another FF thread [Re: BKT] #11094908 09/10/15 08:00 PM
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LSM Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: BKT
The Helix 5 and Helix 7 (can't recall if they're out yet) are stand alone units. I believe those others can be networked. Check out the humminbird or lowrance threads in the general equipment forum


Thanks

Re: Another FF thread [Re: LSM] #11095290 09/10/15 11:02 PM
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pelican Offline
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Originally Posted By: LSM
I appreciate all responses. Looks like side imaging is popular. I definitely want GPS and a decent sized screen.

Side imaging requires exterior transducer placement, correct? Is there a min/max speed required for SI or DI to work properly? It will be installed on a Slayer Propel 10.

Will a standard 7 or 8 amp 12V battery be sufficient for units like the Helix 5 SI?

Does the Helix 5 come with sonar contour maps, or is a card needed?



What is difference between Helix 5 and more expensive units with same screen size? The 788 does not have SI and it is $900.

Thanks


The Helix 5 uses .615 amps, approximately (7.6 watts) at 12.5 volts. Providing you have a good 7 AH battery and the ambient temperature is 80 deg you should get about 9 hrs of run time before your battery drains to aprox 40% (11.9 volts)
This will all vary some as your battery ages and or the ambient temp drops. For each 10 dregs drop in temp starting at 70 deg f you can expect aprox .1 volt drop.

Last edited by pelican; 09/11/15 01:38 AM.


I've never been good, But I've been Lucky!
I don't Lie or Exaggerate, but sometimes I remember BIG!
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