I һаνе a small 15′ boat аחԁ I fish іח lakes аחԁ rivers (occasionally Lake Michigan).
I usually anchor аחԁ cast–חο trolling.
I fish fοr bass, pike, аחԁ perch іf іt matters.
I ԁο NOT want a portable one (bаԁ experiences іח tһе past), οr ѕοmе piece οf crap, bυt I аƖѕο һаνе a price cap οf аbουt $200.
I’ve done ѕοmе research, bυt I саח′t ԁесіԁе wһісһ one suits mе. Aחу suggestions?
Thanks іח advance!
When looking for a new Fishfinder (echo sounder) there are 5 important things to take note:
1. Transducer: Basically there are 2 types, single frequency & dual frequency. Single should be used for lakes and shallow coastal fishing, dual is only needed for deep sea fishing.
2. Resolution: Ok so the higher the resolution the better the image will be. Color screens are better especially in direct sunlight because you can see them better.
3. Display Size: Displays range in size from four inches to seven inches and larger. The larger the screen, the more you have to pay for them.
4. Power: As most things are, the more power the better but that also means a larger price tag. In lakes and shallow waters it is still important for better imaging.
5. Depth: The ability of the sonar to reach greater depths is directly related to power and quality of the transducer. The more you pay and the better quality finder, the better they will penetrate the water.
If you are only concerned with knowing the depth, any entry level unit would work. I wouldn’t necessarily get the cheapest you can, but you should be able to get a good one for under $200 without an issue.
Not ta’ say it’d be perfect for ya’ but, the MotorGuide (Transom Mount 30lb thrust, hand operated), was our choice for the 14′ Jon boat and believe me, we couldn’t have asked for anything more, especially at the co$t. Links are for both MotorGuide and Minn Kota. One of the biggest things a person must take into consideration is a’ battery for them. Again our choice was the Optima Blue Top deep cell marine battery but, have heard that Auto Zone puts one out (Duralast) at a’ much more affordable price < );-3
MotorGuide transom mount :
http://www.amazon.com/MotorGuide-trolling-motors-Thruster-transom/dp/B001RDONHK
Minn Kota transom mount:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Electric-Trolling-Motors/Transom-Mount%7C/pc/104794380/c/104716980/sc/104645880/Minn-Kota174-Endura8482-C2-30-Trolling-Motor/1089570.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-electric-trolling-motors-transom-mount%2F_%2FN-1100546%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_10464588
Bow mounts:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Electric-Trolling-Motors/Transom-Mount%7C/pc/104794380/c/104716980/sc/104645880/Small-Craft-Bow-Motor-Mount/699939.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-electric-trolling-motors-transom-mount%2F_%2FN-1100546%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104645880
Batteries (Duralast):
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accessoriesShelf.jsp?categoryDisplayName=Starting+and+Charging&fromType=accessories&fromString=search&parentId=2032-10&filterByKeyWord=Duralast¤tPage=1&navValue=100904&categoryNValue=102032&fromWhere=Brand&itemId=904-10&displayName=Battery+-+Automotive+and+Marine&_requestid=106659
Optima:
http://www.remybattery.com/Products/Optima-Battery—Blue-Top-Deep-Cycle-Marine-D34M-950__D34M-950.aspx
Some basic questions asked before the purchase of electric trolling motor ie., shaft length, thrust powers, etc:
http://www.alltrollingmotors.com/
A suggested neccessity for the fisherman/woman and his/her trollin’ battery:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/AutoBoat-Batteries-Chargers/Auto-Boat-Battery-Accessories%7C/pc/104794380/c/104698080/sc/104205780/Minn-Kota-Digital-Battery-Meter/738251.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-auto-boat-batteries-chargers-auto-boat-battery-accessories%2F_%2FN-1102373%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104205780
Note: On the link for the Duralast, page says it’s not available however, store in your area would more than likely have some and or the store can order it…
Try this site:
http://www.coldwatertackle.com/humminbird
The humminbird ones there are a little higher than your price range, but this is a reliable site and they are very price competitive if you want quality! If you need other stuff, you can order it together and the shipping ends up being a really good price! You don’t have to go all crazy and spend $1000 or anything, just check it out!
I hope this helps!