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Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes #11281719 12/14/15 07:05 PM
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Spring Lizard Waterdog Offline OP
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Hey guys, I need your input on which product you recommend for a small boat for private lake fishing.
I have looked at Lowrance Elite 5 HDSI Sonar/GPS combo and Hummingbird Helix 5 Sonar/GPS
Thanks for any input

Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11283646 12/15/15 04:25 PM
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TX0303 Offline
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Either will do fine. Pick the one you like best.

Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11286592 12/16/15 11:23 PM
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Phototex Offline
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On most small private waters, you'll not need a GPS. The lakes are small enough that you just don't need it. I just use a Humminbird Helix 5 with downview, and do quite well; if you also fish bigger lakes, then you'd probably prefer a GPS unit.


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Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11289613 12/18/15 07:55 AM
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davidsonbasser Offline
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I just use an Eagle Cuda 300, they are discontinued now but the Eagle brand had several cheap models last time I checked and you can still find them on amazon and online. Of course they dont have all the gadgets like downview but on small waters you really don't need these.



Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11292360 12/19/15 11:30 PM
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Finesse EMPEROR/ Dropshot King Offline
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Helix 5 is pretty cheap plus it's on sale at academy right now.

Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11292592 12/20/15 01:38 AM
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pelican Offline
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IMO sonar and DI is almost worthless in shallow water. If you want to know what's in the lake get a Side Image unit.
You should be able to get a great deal on a good used one, a lot of people by a small unit to start with then upgrade soon after.



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Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11292596 12/20/15 01:42 AM
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Olhipi Offline
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A 500 series Humminbird SI unit will do Sonar as well and they aren't that expensive . It'll just make you see what you've been missing and make you buy a Larger Screen Later......


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Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11293251 12/20/15 02:17 PM
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Bob Landry Offline
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A fishfinder is like a boat. The next size up always looks better. I wouldn't buy anything without trying to see what it looks like in actual use. That 5" screen is going to be pretty hard to read in the bright sun. Personally, a 7" screen would be the rock bottom smallest and bigger would be better.


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Re: Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes [Re: Spring Lizard Waterdog] #11293703 12/20/15 07:46 PM
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Justin B Offline
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I actually have a helix 5si/GPS for sale. I'm upgrading to the helix 9. If interested pm me


Check out my YouTube channel as I fish out of my Native Titan 10.5 in Texas and Oklahoma reservoirs

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqA--bCRG3lY9CLA-YcvJvQ

If you are in the market for a great used boat checkout the selecton of bass, catfish and all around fishing boats and boat trailers for all style of boats at www.facebook.com/smithboatsales


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