Witch FF for a new kayak?

[Fishing619]

I need a new FF for my kayak but when I Google or not or when I search FF
They are a lot of options going from $100 all the way to over $1000 so how do I know which FF it's a good choice and what can I do transducer do I need thanks for any help.

[maquinapescado]

I have a hook 5 and have been happy with it. If I were to do it again I would just get an HDS 7. Some of the most successful kayak fisherman I have met use this FF. The FF isn't the only critical component though. How you mount your transducer, time on the water, rigging, conditions and so on and on and on and on.

[jorluivil]

The best FF for your kayak is the one you can afford

[Fishing619]

I got a Lowrance Hook 7 but I don't know how
to turn off the demo mode LoL

[FISH11]

Most have that option at the bottom of the settings list.

[YakDout]

Elite 5 ti 50/200 transducer

[CON KSO]

I'm fairly new to fishing and using fish finders - I bought a Hook5 and am now hooked on using a fish finder. Here's what I like:

1. GPS I use this as a split screen with the down scan feature of the Hook5 - I find a good looking section of bottom and mark it on the GPS. I fish for spotties a lot and staying on top of a bottom feature is really helpful. By marking a waypoint I can hover around the feature and see how productive it is. I've found and marked some consistent spots - I love this feature about my fish finder.

2. Depth and Water Temp - I fly fish 90% of the time and knowing how deep I'm fishing helps me to know if I'm getting my fly down to where the fish are. I like watching water temperature too - I'm not sure why yet but I like that I get a reading on it.

3. Down scan and "regular" fish finding sonar mode - I like to switch between both modes to compare what I'm looking at. The side scan is cool, it seems to me that I can pick out what's a weed growing off the bottom and what's a rock. I haven't fished free swimmers like yellowtail with the fish finder yet so I can't speak to the effective of actually finding fish with it but it is fun to see what's happening down on the bottom.

4. Pre-installed with Navionics data - I love this for the topographic underwater contour lines - I often look for fishy spots on the GPS Navionics data and then verify with the down scan/fish finder sonar.

I'm really hooked on my fish finder and I like it a lot.

That being said I did have my brand new Hook5 die on me. I ended up contacting Lowrance and they had me mail it to them (on my dime), they checked it out and for some reason they decided that I should get a new one.

It really sucked that it broke so early in its life aboard my kayak but I did like the Lowrance was easy to deal with as far as returning the unit and getting a new one sent out.

I'm now very careful with my Hook5 I put a plastic bag over it while I'm paddling (a clear one) and I keep ANY water contact with it at a minimum.

Important: I'd consider the Noqua battery instead of the Hobie battery and tray that's available. I have both and I prefer the lithium battery for it's discharge characteristics, weight and water resistance.

I don't know if I'd feel comfortable dropping more than 350 for a kayak fish finder unit - but if I had to do it again, I'd probably buy the Hook5 from a local brick and mortar and then pay for any extra protection plan available. I would verify with them that if the thing dies I want a replacement under the plan (that way you could skip dealing with Lowrance). If I had that reassurance (try to get in writing) I'd go for the Hook5 again.

In short - I kinda feel naked out there without my fish finder. I'm going to always have one on my boat.

[PapaDave]

I think the blonde one is kinda cute...

[goldenglory18]

I just hooked up my Raymarine Dragonfly 7 pro and LOVE it...

[CON KSO]

Originally Posted by goldenglory18

I just hooked up my Raymarine Dragonfly 7 pro and LOVE it...

I'm interested - what specifically do you like about that unit?

I'm kind of planning for not if but when this Hook5 replacement dies and I'd like to know what would be a more robust replacement. Currently I'm keeping it covered with a plastic bag when I'm in conditions that send up lots of splashes onto it - it works but it reminds me of my friend's Chinese grandma who covered all of her furniture with plastic - it works but it's not ideal.

Lowrance did send a replacement unit for the brand new Hook5 I had that died. They never told me why it died. Is the Raymarine Dragonfly known to be a more water resistent/proof unit? Is the user interface more intuitive?

Would be interested in more details about what you like about it.

[CON KSO]

Originally Posted by PapaDave

I think the blonde one is kinda cute...

yummy.

[TJones]

Hds 3 ? There are a few guys with PA's that are running them. And why not ? As fas as transducer, it is preference with this unit. Hdi 83/200 works well if down imaging is your thing. Possibly even jam a 50/200 in the slot. I have not tried the total scan transducer with the hobie lowrance ready so can not give an opinion on side scan. And if you want to run traditional only? 50/200 will give good penetration. You will not find another unit that even comes close as far as peak power. Expect to pay 1200$ for a head unit without transducer.

[TheBentRod]

My Lowrance Elite 4 works great, my Hook 5 sucks when it freezes and works great when it is not freezing.

[Fishing619]

Originally Posted by TheBentRod

My Lowrance Elite 4 works great, my Hook 5 sucks when it freezes and works great when it is not freezing.

This is what I was told by the store, the Elit and the hook are the same unit with the difference of the touchscreen, also the person told me if I get the warranty on it I can change it at any time just by saying that the unit is not working as I expected, so with that being said I didn’t want to expend $300 more for a touchscreen.

[TheBentRod]

Yeah, my year is up in November and I also spent for the warranty. I will take it back this month for a replacement because this freaking think gets on my nerve. I do like the track back feature a lot. found many fish that way.

Originally Posted by Fishing619

This is what I was told by the store, the Elit and the hook are the same unit with the difference of the touchscreen, also the person told me if I get the warranty on it I can change it at any time just by saying that the unit is not working as I expected, so with that being said I didn’t want to expend $300 more for a touchscreen.