fishfinders - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Hypoxic1 · 08-16-2009, 08:40 PM

Ok,
went 5 pages deep and saw nothing on fishfinders. If budget wasnt a factor, what would it be? I have seen several b and w fishfinders but have also seen color tat is also containing a gps. any solid information would be most appreciated. Brand, why you liked it.......what did it cost, and was it waterproof.
thank you.
Chris

JrBasser · 08-16-2009, 09:15 PM

I would love a humminbird 383c

Hypoxic1 · 08-16-2009, 09:25 PM

never heard of it. why would you love it?
thanks

Billy V · 08-16-2009, 09:41 PM

I can only speak to the one I have The Hummingbird Piranha Max 215 It has performed well for 3 years with no issues at all, and no corrosion at the terminals.

I use dielectric grease on the connections each time I go fishing. It gives decent readings on fish to 200 ft. and works very good marking bait fish.

It also runs on 8 rechargeable AA batteries for a long time (a couple of outings) 800 watts verses 1600+ for most other units.

IMO -- Epoxy on the transducer is the better way to go. I have also tried Goop and the picture was not as good.
-----------------------------------------------------
I have wanted to try a better high end FF unit and might purchase one this year, but this $89 Fish Finder has worked just fine so I leave well enough alone.

Corey · 08-16-2009, 09:43 PM

Garmin 178c GPS/FF combo w/ internal antenna. I have had this one for 3 years with no problems. I do not baby it or try to keep it dry- It gets abused and just keeps working great. Costs around $400 or so.

JrBasser · 08-17-2009, 11:34 AM

I like the 383c because it has a bright color easy to use screen, it is simple to use, gives a good picture, ahs a nice accurate gps, and will hold up to the abuse of kayak fishing. plus the transducer fits in my scupper hole

bloodykayak · 08-17-2009, 07:24 PM

I would highly reccomend the Humingbird 383C. I just recently installed one on my Prowler Big Game after doing a lot of shopping around. The install is super easy and you can get a transducer to fit in your scupper hole. The quick disconect monitor is a nice feature when storing your kayak.

punchjamesarnol · 08-18-2009, 10:31 PM

I just bought a Humminbird 525 and i'm powering it up with a 1600 mah r/c car battery. Ran it for over 4 hours no prob, still plenty of juice for my kids to play with thier car in the driveway for a good 20 min.

didnt make me a better fisherman, but i can see the fish now though. My time will come when I wont make any rookie mistakes, last time I had a hook up, line peeled off, set the drag tight reeled it in for a good 5 secs, line went limp so i jerked on it a few times, line peeled out again, reeled it on for a few, yanked it, GONE.... Next time...... I'll get that SOB! I cant get over it. Drinkin now with my buds

LATER!

peguinpower · 08-18-2009, 10:49 PM

Look at power in watts and resolution in pixels. Power lets you see more, resolution lets you understand what you see a bit better.

For whatever reason, lowrance's graphics look better to me. I think they are easier to interpret.

/bing

THE DARKHORSE · 08-19-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peguinpower

Look at power in watts and resolution in pixels. Power lets you see more, resolution lets you understand what you see a bit better.

For whatever reason, lowrance's graphics look better to me. I think they are easier to interpret.

/bing

X2

yakrider · 08-19-2009, 01:12 PM

Lowrance...Hands down!!!
if money is not an issue...
get the HD5...
I have the 522c iGPS
I think Josh has the 527 iGPS
both awesome machines...

JrBasser · 08-19-2009, 01:13 PM

Take a look at this picture:
Can you really see depth to the hill as it appears?
http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/...hfinders/X125/

yakrider · 08-19-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JrBasser

Take a look at this picture:
Can you really see depth to the hill as it appears?
http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/...hfinders/X125/

yes!!!

DENNYh · 08-19-2009, 01:18 PM

I have the HDS-5 and can see everything. but a bit overkill for a kayak.

does anyone use those chart maps like Navionic etc.

peguinpower · 08-19-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakrider

Lowrance...Hands down!!!
if money is not an issue...
get the HD5...
I have the 522c iGPS
I think Josh has the 527 iGPS
both awesome machines...

with 2400 watts, I think those things contribute to global warming

Bryantfish · 08-19-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JrBasser

I would love a humminbird 383c

I have one and I love it!

emrliquidlife · 08-20-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloodykayak

I would highly reccomend the Humingbird 383C. I just recently installed one on my Prowler Big Game after doing a lot of shopping around. The install is super easy and you can get a transducer to fit in your scupper hole. The quick disconect monitor is a nice feature when storing your kayak.

I just saw the 383C at the Bass Pro Shop in the 909.

Great clarity over the 383. I was told that in bright sunlight it would be easier to see. I guess the black and white models can be difficult to see in bright sun.

The price of the unit was $399. When I count in the cost of a 12 volt battery and charger it starts adding up.

I asked about sales, and really there are none. The salesman mentioned that I might get a discount when the new models come out, but don't count on it.

Anyone got a line on a better price?

08-16-2009, 08:40 PM	#1
Hypoxic1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oceanside Posts: 215	fishfinders Ok, went 5 pages deep and saw nothing on fishfinders. If budget wasnt a factor, what would it be? I have seen several b and w fishfinders but have also seen color tat is also containing a gps. any solid information would be most appreciated. Brand, why you liked it.......what did it cost, and was it waterproof. thank you. Chris

08-16-2009, 09:43 PM	#5
Corey Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: ...waaaay out there Posts: 794	Garmin 178c GPS/FF combo w/ internal antenna. I have had this one for 3 years with no problems. I do not baby it or try to keep it dry- It gets abused and just keeps working great. Costs around $400 or so. __________________

08-16-2009, 09:15 PM	#2
JrBasser Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 260	I would love a humminbird 383c

08-16-2009, 09:25 PM	#3
Hypoxic1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oceanside Posts: 215	never heard of it. why would you love it? thanks

08-16-2009, 09:41 PM	#4
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	I can only speak to the one I have The Hummingbird Piranha Max 215 It has performed well for 3 years with no issues at all, and no corrosion at the terminals. I use dielectric grease on the connections each time I go fishing. It gives decent readings on fish to 200 ft. and works very good marking bait fish. It also runs on 8 rechargeable AA batteries for a long time (a couple of outings) 800 watts verses 1600+ for most other units. IMO -- Epoxy on the transducer is the better way to go. I have also tried Goop and the picture was not as good. ----------------------------------------------------- I have wanted to try a better high end FF unit and might purchase one this year, but this $89 Fish Finder has worked just fine so I leave well enough alone.

08-17-2009, 11:34 AM	#6
JrBasser Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 260	I like the 383c because it has a bright color easy to use screen, it is simple to use, gives a good picture, ahs a nice accurate gps, and will hold up to the abuse of kayak fishing. plus the transducer fits in my scupper hole

08-17-2009, 07:24 PM	#7
bloodykayak Junior Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 13	I would highly reccomend the Humingbird 383C. I just recently installed one on my Prowler Big Game after doing a lot of shopping around. The install is super easy and you can get a transducer to fit in your scupper hole. The quick disconect monitor is a nice feature when storing your kayak.

08-18-2009, 10:31 PM	#8
punchjamesarnol Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Santuckee Posts: 33	I just bought a Humminbird 525 and i'm powering it up with a 1600 mah r/c car battery. Ran it for over 4 hours no prob, still plenty of juice for my kids to play with thier car in the driveway for a good 20 min. didnt make me a better fisherman, but i can see the fish now though. My time will come when I wont make any rookie mistakes, last time I had a hook up, line peeled off, set the drag tight reeled it in for a good 5 secs, line went limp so i jerked on it a few times, line peeled out again, reeled it on for a few, yanked it, GONE.... Next time...... I'll get that SOB! I cant get over it. Drinkin now with my buds LATER!

08-18-2009, 10:49 PM	#9
peguinpower bing! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: socal Posts: 246	Look at power in watts and resolution in pixels. Power lets you see more, resolution lets you understand what you see a bit better. For whatever reason, lowrance's graphics look better to me. I think they are easier to interpret. /bing

08-19-2009, 01:12 PM	#11
yakrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 611	Lowrance...Hands down!!! if money is not an issue... get the HD5... I have the 522c iGPS I think Josh has the 527 iGPS both awesome machines...

08-19-2009, 01:13 PM	#12
JrBasser Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 260	Take a look at this picture: Can you really see depth to the hill as it appears? http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/...hfinders/X125/

08-19-2009, 01:18 PM	#14
DENNYh Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: chulajuana Posts: 81	I have the HDS-5 and can see everything. but a bit overkill for a kayak. does anyone use those chart maps like Navionic etc.