what fishfinder to buy? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FlyFishinYakr · 02-14-2015, 04:36 AM

First off how much of that Tax Return do you want to spend?
I bought an Elite 5X DSI for my 2013 Outback.
The only 3 times I took it out was to Castaic (2x on the lagoon 1x on the upper lake), was to play (err...rather familiarize myself) with the Unit and how to access the functions/settings. It seemed to work OK [working the split screen(s), good clear marks once I figured out how to work the settings, structure, etc.), although I didn't fish (the upper lake) to test accuracy of the marks. I would have had the "Jailbirds" been out to play or if the LMB bite in the "Lagoon" had been decent. My only complaint (which was addressed by HOBIE for 2015), was that I couldn't get a temp reading due the interior "wet mount" (the only reasonable option other than the RAM transducer mount) I had ANDY at OEX SSB install on my Kayak and "some clutter" on the screen which I eventually filtered out.
I have heard so many good things about Lowrance products over the years and the performance of my Elite-5, I couldn't help myself when I had a chance at an HDS-8 DSI (for the screen size and dual SD slots) for under $1K for the new 2015 Outback I want to get when I'm better (will be great not having to "squint" to see the screen!).
This is just my opinion and I've noticed everyone seems to have their own preferences. Decide what's the most important to you, do the research and check the reviews from other members or fishing/boating Forums, pay attention to any recurring complaint(s) then make the best decision you can.
There is no guarantee that whatever you purchase will "be perfect" but then on the other hand you will learn what to look for in your next one!
Right now there's a big deal being made of the Dragonfly series (the 7 being the most popular) of FF on the market right now, haven't heard of any "glitches" just satisfied owners.
Best of luck in your search and decision.
FFY

jimmy310 · 02-14-2015, 07:26 PM

well i got the dragonfly 6 now i need to know how to wire it up any help?????

YakDout · 02-14-2015, 08:53 PM

Typically red connects to red and black to black....But I was wrong once before.

Oxbeast1210 · 02-14-2015, 09:27 PM

if its the same as my dragonfly 7 it shiuld have a black
res and white wire. on a kayak the black and white go to the negative on the battery. what kayak are you installing on?

02-14-2015, 04:36 AM	#1
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	First off how much of that Tax Return do you want to spend? I bought an Elite 5X DSI for my 2013 Outback. The only 3 times I took it out was to Castaic (2x on the lagoon 1x on the upper lake), was to play (err...rather familiarize myself) with the Unit and how to access the functions/settings. It seemed to work OK [working the split screen(s), good clear marks once I figured out how to work the settings, structure, etc.), although I didn't fish (the upper lake) to test accuracy of the marks. I would have had the "Jailbirds" been out to play or if the LMB bite in the "Lagoon" had been decent. My only complaint (which was addressed by HOBIE for 2015), was that I couldn't get a temp reading due the interior "wet mount" (the only reasonable option other than the RAM transducer mount) I had ANDY at OEX SSB install on my Kayak and "some clutter" on the screen which I eventually filtered out. I have heard so many good things about Lowrance products over the years and the performance of my Elite-5, I couldn't help myself when I had a chance at an HDS-8 DSI (for the screen size and dual SD slots) for under $1K for the new 2015 Outback I want to get when I'm better (will be great not having to "squint" to see the screen!). This is just my opinion and I've noticed everyone seems to have their own preferences. Decide what's the most important to you, do the research and check the reviews from other members or fishing/boating Forums, pay attention to any recurring complaint(s) then make the best decision you can. There is no guarantee that whatever you purchase will "be perfect" but then on the other hand you will learn what to look for in your next one! Right now there's a big deal being made of the Dragonfly series (the 7 being the most popular) of FF on the market right now, haven't heard of any "glitches" just satisfied owners. Best of luck in your search and decision. FFY Last edited by FlyFishinYakr; 02-14-2015 at 04:53 AM.

02-14-2015, 07:26 PM	#2
jimmy310 Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: cypress, california Posts: 60	well i got the dragonfly 6 now i need to know how to wire it up any help?????

02-14-2015, 08:53 PM	#3
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Typically red connects to red and black to black....But I was wrong once before.

02-14-2015, 09:27 PM	#4
Oxbeast1210 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 421	if its the same as my dragonfly 7 it shiuld have a black res and white wire. on a kayak the black and white go to the negative on the battery. what kayak are you installing on?