Forums59
Topics1,037,842
Posts13,935,392
Members144,150
|
Most Online39,925 Dec 30th, 2023
|
|
Need input on best affordable sonar/gps for small boat for private lakes
#11281719
12/14/15 07:05 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,019
Spring Lizard Waterdog
OP
Extreme Angler
|
OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,019 |
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
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 134
TX0303
Outdoorsman
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 134 |
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
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,508
Phototex
Extreme Angler
|
Extreme Angler
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,508 |
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.
PB: 10-01 on a Ribbit frog
|
|
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
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 807
davidsonbasser
Pro Angler
|
Pro Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 807 |
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]
#11292592
12/20/15 01:38 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,543
pelican
Extreme Angler
|
Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,543 |
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.
I've never been good, But I've been Lucky! I don't Lie or Exaggerate, but sometimes I remember BIG!
|
|
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
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 208
Olhipi
Outdoorsman
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 208 |
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......
Lake Dunlap, State Record Holder "Warmouth Perch". If you Ain't Fishing You Ain't Living.... Some Say I Have a "Crappie Attitude" !!!! They'd Be Right...... 2014 TC 18 Crestliner 90 Merc 4-stroke
|
|
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
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957
Bob Landry
Extreme Angler
|
Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957 |
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.
2015 Seaark 1872 MV CC Etec-90 Two Helix 12 CHIRP SI's, , MinnKota Riptide ST80/i-pilot Link, Bob's Hydraulic 2020 Robalo R200 CC, Yamaha 150
Bitter Gun Owner Bitter Clinger Armed Infidel
|
|
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
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,189
Justin B
TFF Celebrity
|
TFF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,189 |
I actually have a helix 5si/GPS for sale. I'm upgrading to the helix 9. If interested pm me
|
|
Moderated by banker-always fishing, chickenman, Derek 🐝, Duck_Hunter, Fish Killer, J-2, Jacob, Jons3825, JustWingem, Nocona Brian, Toon-Troller, Uncle Zeek, Weekender1
|