I have been doing some research, but electronics are fairly new to me. I primarily fish for crappie and sandbass/hybrids. I am primarily interested in a unit to help me locate brushpiles/ fish on said brushpiles. I'm looking to spend $700-$1000, and want to know what is the best unit for my money. I'm looking at the Lowrance Hook 2 Tripleshot which is around 800 right now. Any feedback suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

You might look in to maybe some older models side scan like lowrance HDS gen 2. I would look around for some floor models or something similar.

I just bought the Lowrance Hook 7 triple shot. I set it on side scan and down scan, located brush piles and seen and caught fish off them first try. It was on sale at academy for 399 so I’m really happy with it.

Garmin 7sv is all you need and less than your budget. Or get the Garmin 9sv on clearance for $499 if you can find one.

as long as you have side imaging, you will be in good shape. no reason in your budget you shouldn't be able to find a 9 inch graph (maybe used if you want the top of line models).

remember, if you buy a humminbird, you probably should budget another $100+ for a map card.

If you’re patient there are deals to be had. I bought a Hook 9 triple shot at BPS this spring for 500 and love it. With that said even good down imaging can do a lot for you. The key is to just think about depth and cruise. I’ve actually found 75% of my new piles with no more than the old split sonar and DI by cruising 13-15 feet of water. The newer graph finds stuff I would have dismissed in the past as a small stick. Looks small cruising but when you slow down it can be sizeable.

I mght look at garmin units they had sale at bps. Or look on trading/ swap forum. I bought a H.B. 1198c several years ago, works well ,has di. navigatiom. .SI less than 800.$

Should look at the trading post on this forum. Some posted well within your budget. The main thing is, make sure you know what you need to make systems work. It's more than just the head unit.

The unit below has great mapping so no need to have to purchase any map card to enhance the mapping like you would need to do on the other brands.

Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv US LakeVü g3 w/GT54UHD-TM Transducer
010-02342-01
$1049.99


ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv US LakeVü g3 with GT54UHD-TM Transducer

Find more fish using the ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv combo with a bright, sunlight-readable 9” touchscreen with keyed assist. The optional GT54 transducer provides Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars, so you get crystal-clear images of what is around and below your boat, and Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar delivers remarkable target separation. Preloaded LakeVü g3 inland maps with integrated Navionics® data cover more than 17,000 lakes with up to 1’ contours. It features a quick-release bail mount, making it easy to remove and take with you. NMEA 2000® and NMEA 0183 network support provides you with engine data, sensor connection, autopilot integration and more. ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv is even compatible with the Force™ trolling motor for full control of the motor from the screen plus the ability to route to waypoints, follow tracks and more.

Features:
Bright, sunlight-readable 9” touchscreen with keyed assist
Optional GT54 transducer for Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and Ultra High-Definition SideVü scanning sonars and Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar
Preloaded LakeVü g3 inland maps with integrated Navionics® data cover more than 17,000 lakes with up to 1’ contours
Supports Panoptix™ all-seeing sonar, including Panoptix LiveScope™ sonar
Sonar sharing capabilities with other ECHOMAP™ Plus, ECHOMAP UHD and ECHOMAP Ultra units
NMEA 2000® and NMEA 0183 network support for autopilot and engine data
Quick-release bail mount for fast and easy mobility
Compatible with Force™ trolling motor for full control of the motor from the screen plus the ability to route to waypoints, follow tracks and more

Included Transducer
This chartplotter comes with a GT24 transducer for Ultra High-Definition ClearVü scanning sonar, which shows you a crystal-clear image below your boat. Plus, you get Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar for remarkable target separation.

Sonar Support
This chartplotter supports a variety of Garmin transducers (sold separately), including the Panoptix LiveScope™ scanning sonar system, which lets you see all around your boat in real time.

Preloaded Charts
Experience unparalleled coverage and detail with preloaded LakeVü g3 inland maps featuring integrated Navionics® data that covers more than 17,000 lakes with up to 1’ contours.

Quickdraw Contours
Create personalized fishing maps on-screen with 1’ contours. Keep the data to yourself, or share it with the Quickdraw Community on Garmin Connect™.

NMEA 2000® & NMEA0183 Networks
Connect to autopilots, digital switching, weather, FUSION-Link™ audio system, media, VHF, AIS and more from one screen.

ActiveCaptain® App
Built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity pairs with the free all-in-one mobile app for access to the OneChart™ feature, smart notifications1, software updates, Garmin Quickdraw™ Community data and more.

Network Capable
If you have multiple compatible ECHOMAP UHD or ECHOMAP Ultra devices on your boat, you can share information — such as sonar, user data and charts — among them (7” and 9” models only).

Force™ Trolling Motor
CapabilityTake control of the most powerful and efficient trolling motor available2, route it to waypoints, follow tracks and more from the screen of your chartplotter.

Connections
Garmin Marine Network Ports: 1
NMEA 2000 Compatible: Yes
Transducer Pin Numbers: 12
NMEA 0183 Input Ports: 1
NMEA 0183 Output Ports: 1
Video Input Ports: None
Video Output Ports: None
Wireless Connectivity: Yes

In The Box
ECHOMAP UHD 93sv with LakeVü g3 for U.S.
GT54UHD-TM transducer
Power/data cable
Tilt mount with quick release cradle
Flush mount
Protective cover
Hardware
Documentation

Let me know if you have any questions as I would be happy to assist you.

Bass Pro Fathers Day ad came out today.
Garmin that Shut up and Fish shows above and if you like Lowrance, they have the Elite 9 TI2 for $969.

IF you ever think you might go LiveScope, the Garmin works with it. I have the older Elite 9 TI, and it is a good unit. Better than I am...

Good luck
Ken

Having been a longtime Lowrance user and recently buying a 126sv from Garmin and pairing it with the GT-54UHD Transducer....I can tell you Garmin blows Lowrance out of the water.

I'm a Garmin fan for life!

When Hummingbird changed models I bought the discontinued HB1199 new for $1,000, still using it today and very happy with it.

Academy has some nice units on sale.

ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv US LakeVü g3 with GT54UHD-TM Transducer

Great unit!!!