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Starting Electronics
#12758679
05/17/18 12:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2
JarodF
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2 |
I'm 19, and I've been fishing my whole life and looking to move past bank busting and into catching some real fish. I feel like the first move is buying some decent electronics that will help me find where the bait and fish are. I've done research and cannot really find any guides on what I should be getting for starting electronics.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12758787
05/17/18 01:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,183
coachallentca
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,183 |
mor info. Do have a boat or a yak? Garmin has some goood stuff out now...the 93 series is goood for the price.
Last edited by coachallentca; 05/17/18 01:50 PM.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: coachallentca]
#12758964
05/17/18 03:41 PM
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2
JarodF
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2 |
I have a boat, mostly fish on ray roberts
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12758985
05/17/18 03:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102
ring fry
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,102 |
What is your price point? The Garmin Striker series are good introductory units. If you have a little bigger budget then the echomap series is great for the price with mapping.
SE Kansas grass grower
2008, 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions GO JAYHAWKS
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759065
05/17/18 04:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,982
bassmanrudy
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,982 |
The Lowrance Hook 5 or 7 will give you maps, 2D and down imaging and they don't run too expensive. I have heard great things about the Raymarine products but have no personal experience with them.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759097
05/17/18 05:01 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 552
Fishin' Rocket
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 552 |
I would be looking at the Humminbird Helix units but Lowrance and Garmin both make great products too. The Helix is just what I'm used to.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759127
05/17/18 05:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
GameOfBass
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 4 |
I prefer Hummingbird, but have used Lowrance and Garmin also. You will see a lot of feedback for all the major brands because they all have good features, strengths, and weaknesses. Garmin Striker, Hummingbird Helix, and Lowrance Hook all have models which range in price depending on features from a couple of hundred dollars on up. Some thoughts when you look at units to think about:
- Down Imaging and Sonar - For finding fish, bait, brush, etc. the quality of the sonar and DI is key. You will look at this a lot once you put on the boat, so make sure you go to somewhere like BP or Cabelas to look at all the models actual demo's.
- Screen Size - Makes a difference, trust me this was a mistake I made. Going from 5"-7"screen helps, but again depends on budget.
- Mapping - If you fish Ray Roberts, or other lake with trees etc. waypoints, route recording is really nice to have. Being able to follow old paths/routes can make your fishing day better.
There are a ton other items to think about, just my top 3 from errors I made in the past.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759136
05/17/18 05:26 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016
CCTX
mapquest
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mapquest
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016 |
Wait until November.
Marine electronics usually have a one or two year production cycle.
Right now, fish finders are at their peak retail prices.
November, the previous year's models start to go on clearance as the "new and improved" models are released.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759151
05/17/18 05:31 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016
CCTX
mapquest
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mapquest
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016 |
As water temps increase, the closer we get to summer, look for isolated brush/trees in 6-12fow Use a fiberglass stake out pole to measure your depth.
When we get to summer, look for where the tree lined creek channels bend and swing back. Those are a good places to cast or drop a lure down.
Learn to fish deeper without electronics first; you'll gain confidence in your instincts rather than relying on electronics.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759473
05/17/18 08:51 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016
CCTX
mapquest
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mapquest
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016 |
Forget everything I said Today is your lucky day Flash sale at Dickss ends this evening
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759490
05/17/18 09:03 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 509
Ian Fellenbaum
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 509 |
you can find good deals on gen1 helix units.
STORAGE CONTAINERS TO GO Sales-Rentals-Rent to Own 9036300977
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12759797
05/18/18 12:46 AM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7,737
GIG'EM AGGIES
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7,737 |
Like the other poster said go to BPS or Cabela's and demo one. Highly recommend though that you get one that is made for either a Navionics or Lake Master chip. Those chips make a huge difference as far as finding structure, cover and navigation.
I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later. I get an allowance every month. I have PU truck and a bass boat, I am blessed. Conscience never acquits, it either accuses or excuses.
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: JarodF]
#12760404
05/18/18 03:22 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016
CCTX
mapquest
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mapquest
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,016 |
There's a Lowrance Hook 4x posted in the kayak classifieds .
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Re: Starting Electronics
[Re: bassmanrudy]
#12764800
05/22/18 01:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
actionphilson
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2 |
Agree on the Lowrance Hook line. Not too expensive with maps, and work well. Also, don't be afraid of used, refurb, eBay. Usually get a good warranty period, or buyer protection.
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