I need some input from experienced fishermen or women.

I live in the Panhandle. My boat hasn't seen water in two years. I have a antiquated depth finder and I would like to upgrade for a better idea of all the fish I am missing, both of them.

I would like to purchase two units, one at the console and another for the trolling motor. Since I get on the water so much used will suffice for now. I haven't had a quality depth finder ever so ease of use will help.

Does anyone know of a trust worthy installer and or business that won't take my head off?

Thanks for the help

I don't know anyone in the Panhandle that could help you but, I think you can do the install yourself. Directions are pretty good for both HB and Lowrance and other than running the wiring thru your boat, it's not difficult to do. I think most of us have done it at least a few times. Yeah, you might have questions or make mistakes but, you can get a lot of help here on the forum.

I'd look at the Lowrance Elite 7 if cost is of concern, possibly two of them. Very good bang for the buck at $700 each complete or check with shut-up-and-fish on the forum for a good deal and a very good guy that can also give you a lot of help doing the install via the forum or even over the phone.

Yes, check with shut-up-and fish. I bought Humminbirds from him two years ago. Great price.

Check out the New 800 Series from Humminbird Price has reduced a lot and you can get a lot of bang for you buck. But depends on the technology you want. 2D, Down Imaging, Side Imaging, 360 Imaging, GPS Mapping??? Tell us what you want from the unit and budget and it will help us help you.

I really don't know what to spend or what I would like.

I have a friend that suggested the 900 series with side imaging on the console and another on the front with down imaging on the trolling motor.

He gave a ball park price of $1500 on the console and $1000 on the front unit. He suggested linking them together to allow the console to mark a point and then transfer that point to the front when trolling back to the location.

I will take input and will try to find a deal on used units from people upgrading.

The biggest thing that I want will be ease of use (can't remember how to work a phone that I use everyday much less a locator that I use once or twice a year). I need a larger screen as I don't see as well as I used to. I need to be able to see it in sunlight don't do any night fishing.

Thanks for the help.

If your biggest issue is ease of use then you absolutely need to look at the new Garmin's. And with or without sunglasses, in direct sunlight they are awesome. Did I mention they are simple to use.

SE Kansas grass grower

I would def look into the 900 or 800 series from Humminbird...you will not be disappointed with the features that is comes with, the sharpness and clarity of the images on 2d sonar or the side/down imagery. The mapping capabilities of these units are amazing as well once paired with a mapping chip. There are several good ones out there but I am partial to the Navionics Platinum chip. One of my favorite features of the Humminbird is the ease of use. The 3 favorites buttons located on the front of the unit will save you a ton of time by being able to simply save your 3 favorite views to them and be able to access each with just 1 click. I keep my unit at the console set on mapping, mapping with sonar and side/down imaging as those are the ones that I use the most often. Hope this helps!!!