To start, I've been bass fishing for almost two decades and have owned 2 older bass boats during that time. My first one didn't have any electronics and my current one had two older Lowrances and both have kicked the bucket. Never really used them for anything other than depth and water temp as both of the screens weren't the greatest. I've always been a shallow water guy and would occasionally do some blind deepish fishing. I would consider myself a fairly successful amateur bass fisherman without any electronics guiding me or assisting me, or just lucky, lol. I mainly fish Lake Fork, at least 4 or 5 times a month, sometimes more, and a few other north Texas lakes occasionally. I mainly run those lakes off of memory from when the water levels were low and from general experience from running the lakes. I don't have hardly any knowledge on using fish finders, but have recently been thinking about getting a new one for the boat. I know it will help me run the lakes better, especially Lake Fork and broaden my capabilities to catch more fish.

In your opinion, is the Lowrance Hook-5 Mid/High/Downscan Fishfinder/Chartplotter with Insight Pro or the Hook-7 a good fish finder for a fella like me? I plan on getting a Lance Vicks boat lane chip for it also. I don't really know where to start nor do I really want to spend a fortune, especially since I don't have any experience with them and since my boat is older and also because I plan on getting a new/newer boat in another handful of years. I plan on getting a good set of electronics for the new boat but I want to start somewhere learning how to use the electronics properly before then.

Thanks ahead of time for your input.

First thing you need to find out is if the map cards will be compatible. I'm not sure who can tell you that info, maybe the guys who sell the cards???

Good point, thanks for the heads up.

The Hook 7 is a good around low budget Lowrance unit. The 7" screen gives you enough view to be able to actually see details. It will give you down imaging, sonar, and gps. It doesn't do side imaging. It has some internal mapping, however a map chip can give you more detail on some lakes.
John

Thank you sir for the info.

Buy the biggest screen you can afford...even if it means buying an older model. Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch units can be picked up very reasonably and will do all you need.

Thanks, I will look into that and definitely consider it.