Questions regarding Fish Finder - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

l8kerz42 · 02-10-2014, 07:41 PM

I was hoping you all could share your experiences with different fish finders as I am new to the game. Could you please add personal experiences as well as cost? Thanks!

Cadillyak · 02-10-2014, 08:54 PM

Lowrance HDS-5. Last one you will ever need. Does it all, including setting the hook!

Dannowar · 02-11-2014, 08:10 AM

Hds5 is only 600 at west marine now

The pelican · 02-11-2014, 10:03 AM

I agree the HDS5 is a great unit for the money. I have the Elite 4x and like it just fine for a basic unit for fishing La Jolla. There are things you can do to get better performance at a good cost if $600 isn't in your budget. Mounting the transducer directly in the water made a huge difference. Not trying to contradict myself but if you're getting into the sport, it can pay to just go for the better unit from the get go. I can't tell you how much money I wasted starting out kayak fishing because I wanted to save a few bucks on some cheaper gear and then upgraded later. Hope this helps.

jorluivil · 02-11-2014, 11:52 AM

I started off with the Eagle Cuda 350, it was only $175 out the door. It's a pretty basic unit but it has what you'll need (GPS & Sonar). If you're just getting into the sport I would start off with something basic, this way if you decide kayak fishing is not for you you're not going to lose much.

After a year or so I went ahead and purchsed a Gen2 HDS-5, If I remember I believe I paid roughly $800 out the door including a two year warranty from WestMarine.......its an awesome unit. If you decide to pay a top notch unit buy it from a reputable store like WestMarine. If you decide to buy from WM get yourself on their mailing list and wait for a sale, a coupon or manufacturer rebate.

YakAttak · 02-11-2014, 12:12 PM

Don't know if it helps, but the HDS-5 + Lake insight is slightly cheaper on the digital oasis website for $569. Free ship & no tax to CA. You can use the extra 50 bucks to add 3 years warranty if you like.

02-10-2014, 07:41 PM	#1
l8kerz42 Junior Join Date: May 2013 Location: North Torrance Posts: 11	Questions regarding Fish Finder I was hoping you all could share your experiences with different fish finders as I am new to the game. Could you please add personal experiences as well as cost? Thanks!

02-10-2014, 08:54 PM	#2
Cadillyak Team Get $$ Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 841	Lowrance HDS-5. Last one you will ever need. Does it all, including setting the hook! __________________ The "Y" is silent 2012 Olive PA 12 2011 Papaya Outback

02-11-2014, 08:10 AM	#3
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	Hds5 is only 600 at west marine now __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

02-11-2014, 11:52 AM	#5
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	I started off with the Eagle Cuda 350, it was only $175 out the door. It's a pretty basic unit but it has what you'll need (GPS & Sonar). If you're just getting into the sport I would start off with something basic, this way if you decide kayak fishing is not for you you're not going to lose much. After a year or so I went ahead and purchsed a Gen2 HDS-5, If I remember I believe I paid roughly $800 out the door including a two year warranty from WestMarine.......its an awesome unit. If you decide to pay a top notch unit buy it from a reputable store like WestMarine. If you decide to buy from WM get yourself on their mailing list and wait for a sale, a coupon or manufacturer rebate. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

02-11-2014, 10:03 AM	#4
The pelican Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: La Jolla Posts: 82	I agree the HDS5 is a great unit for the money. I have the Elite 4x and like it just fine for a basic unit for fishing La Jolla. There are things you can do to get better performance at a good cost if $600 isn't in your budget. Mounting the transducer directly in the water made a huge difference. Not trying to contradict myself but if you're getting into the sport, it can pay to just go for the better unit from the get go. I can't tell you how much money I wasted starting out kayak fishing because I wanted to save a few bucks on some cheaper gear and then upgraded later. Hope this helps.

02-11-2014, 12:12 PM	#6
YakAttak Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 82	Don't know if it helps, but the HDS-5 + Lake insight is slightly cheaper on the digital oasis website for $569. Free ship & no tax to CA. You can use the extra 50 bucks to add 3 years warranty if you like.