Depth Finder/Fish Finder question

damian2b · 05-18-09, 01:27 PM

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the market to purchase a new depth/fish finder. I'm looking in the 200-250 dollar range (or cheaper no need to overspend if not necessary). I own a john boat which I power via one of two 12 volt batteries on board. Other than hummingbird (Ive heard a couple bad things) would you be able to recommend a finder that requires little power (I do not want to feed off the batteries I use to run the boat) but works decently for finding depth/structure/fish? Also what sourse of power would I use. This would be my first time purchase a depth/fish finder.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

zooker · 05-18-09, 05:40 PM

eagle 480 it has everything you have asked for plus more features than most $400 units..

zooker

Stinkies Daddy · 05-18-09, 10:10 PM

480 is what i run, clean crisp and will run all day and night off a lawn mower battery

damian2b · 05-19-09, 12:00 PM

thanks for the direction fellas! I'm heading over to BPS today to do research!!

jasonfish320 · 05-19-09, 04:36 PM

Humminbird is not all bad, since they were acquired by johnson outdoors they have gotten a lot better. Especially the customer service...call the 800 number and you actually get a live person on the other end...now that I like! I had the 565 on my front deck of my old boat and it worked great...I think it cost around $200..good luck on your search

bamabassman · 05-19-09, 07:32 PM

i want c-rigs finder. NICE!

Captmikestarrett · 05-20-09, 02:16 PM

There is a big question. Where will it be mounted?

The water you fish is it over 40 feet? Do you plan on vertical fishing?
This makes a big difference since if you just want to know the depth then a under 100 buck unit will do.

But if you want to fish deep structure from the front of the boat you will need a unit designed for trolling motor use. OR make sure the unit of choice will swivel around to be seen from the front of the boat..

OR you can spilt it up with two different units on different MHZ.

As you can see it gets tricky based on your real life needs.

Capt Mike

damian2b · 05-21-09, 10:52 AM

Hi Capt Mike,

I have a john boat and use it fishing reservoirs that can run from 1 foot deep to over a hundred in some areas. Liberty and Pretty Boy reservoirs, I am not sure if you are familiar with these being from MD. I generally stick to shore line fishing though so the typical 1-15 foot range. I have a transom mount on my john boat and normally fish from the back of the boat so for me it would make sense to mount the finder in the back where i normally sit/stand (whoever i take out is normally upfront). Am I going about this the wrong way? I've only been a boat owner/fisherman for a lil over two months....prior to that I had to stick to the shore so EVERYTHING is a learning experience right now lol

thanks for the help!!

05-18-09, 01:27 PM	#1
damian2b BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 122	Depth Finder/Fish Finder question Hi Everyone, I'm in the market to purchase a new depth/fish finder. I'm looking in the 200-250 dollar range (or cheaper no need to overspend if not necessary). I own a john boat which I power via one of two 12 volt batteries on board. Other than hummingbird (Ive heard a couple bad things) would you be able to recommend a finder that requires little power (I do not want to feed off the batteries I use to run the boat) but works decently for finding depth/structure/fish? Also what sourse of power would I use. This would be my first time purchase a depth/fish finder. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ "Hook up another barrel...Im coming around again!"

05-18-09, 05:40 PM	#2
zooker BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: denton nc Posts: 13,441	eagle 480 it has everything you have asked for plus more features than most $400 units.. zooker __________________ the godfather.. aml in remission since 7-20-09

05-18-09, 10:10 PM	#3
Stinkies Daddy BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pea Ridge, Arkansas Posts: 118	480 is what i run, clean crisp and will run all day and night off a lawn mower battery __________________ Stinkies Daddy

05-19-09, 12:00 PM	#4
damian2b BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 122	thanks for the direction fellas! I'm heading over to BPS today to do research!! __________________ "Hook up another barrel...Im coming around again!"

05-19-09, 04:36 PM	#5
jasonfish320 BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MAINEIAC Posts: 585	Humminbird is not all bad, since they were acquired by johnson outdoors they have gotten a lot better. Especially the customer service...call the 800 number and you actually get a live person on the other end...now that I like! I had the 565 on my front deck of my old boat and it worked great...I think it cost around $200..good luck on your search __________________ "If at first you don't succeed; have another beer"

05-19-09, 07:32 PM	#6
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	i want c-rigs finder. NICE! __________________ so many lures, so little time.

05-20-09, 02:16 PM	#7
Captmikestarrett BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accokeek MD Posts: 3,315	There is a big question. Where will it be mounted? The water you fish is it over 40 feet? Do you plan on vertical fishing? This makes a big difference since if you just want to know the depth then a under 100 buck unit will do. But if you want to fish deep structure from the front of the boat you will need a unit designed for trolling motor use. OR make sure the unit of choice will swivel around to be seen from the front of the boat.. OR you can spilt it up with two different units on different MHZ. As you can see it gets tricky based on your real life needs. Capt Mike __________________ Capt Mike Starrett light tackle guide Potomac River http://www.indianheadcharters.com

05-21-09, 10:52 AM	#8
damian2b BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 122	Hi Capt Mike, I have a john boat and use it fishing reservoirs that can run from 1 foot deep to over a hundred in some areas. Liberty and Pretty Boy reservoirs, I am not sure if you are familiar with these being from MD. I generally stick to shore line fishing though so the typical 1-15 foot range. I have a transom mount on my john boat and normally fish from the back of the boat so for me it would make sense to mount the finder in the back where i normally sit/stand (whoever i take out is normally upfront). Am I going about this the wrong way? I've only been a boat owner/fisherman for a lil over two months....prior to that I had to stick to the shore so EVERYTHING is a learning experience right now lol thanks for the help!! __________________ "Hook up another barrel...Im coming around again!"

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)