electronic maps

[FearNoFish]

Not sure where to put this so I am placing were there is the most people.

I am interested in a new toy that I can have maps on. I have been reading a lot on here and been out to the web sites. I have narrowed it down to 3 copmanies but I have never seen any of the maps.

I am looking at Lakemasteer maps, Navionics maps, and Hot Spot maps.I do understand that they all have differnt lakes in which the have more detail, most of my fishing is in east central minnesota and around the Ely area and St. Croix river.

With that said what have you experianced with the maps sI stated above.

I have not bought a device yet to view them on because they are not all compatable with the same equipment. I am even think of up grading my phone to a droid phone and just using the app that is talked about on here, but a bit learry because I really want to see the maps before I buy.

Any info would be great NOT trying to start any wars about this only your thoughts. Thanks for your time.

[ducker]

The cheapest way to go is the Droid with the Navionics. I have the Droid X with the big screen and the maps show up real well even in the sun. If you are going to use the maps in difficult weather conditions I would get a handheld gps, Garmin 550 would be my choice, with the LakeMaster chip. The 550 also has a big screen. Weather can be tough on phones.

[TooTallTom]

Check out the different companies' websites to see if the specific lakes you fish have the contour level you're looking for (1', 3', 5', etc.) That might help to make the decision for you.

Also, do you plan on using this in a boat, from shore, in the woods?

[FearNoFish]

I have look at the sites and they are helpful but I cant find examples of ther maps on the sites. also this is going to be used everywere. I am leaning towards a droid x because of the universal use of it. The hand held has to small of a screen for me.

[TooTallTom]

Have you searched for screenshots + the different companies? That might get you something. There will be some differences in how the data is presented (maybe a different color for land, etc.) but the maps will be largely the same. Contour lines represent the different depths, with some markup.

I don't have enough experience with the other companies to give you a genuinely informed opinion, but I like the LakeMaster charts that I have for my Humminbird 788ci. I've made that into an ice fishing system, and also have it rigged to run in my truck. But, it's not (and never will be) a good system to carry when I'm away from a vehicle like a handheld is.

[Tom7227]

I have read that there can be problems if you try to use it on a phone because it uses towers to get your position and if you're out a ways there aren't enough towers to get them to work accurately. Is that correct or was I reading bad info?

[iceman1005]

You can check out the Lakemaster here: Garmin Maps Click on the view map tab and that will give you an idea of what the Lakemaster is like. I have the Lakemaster 2010 chip on my Garmin Etrex Legend it is great. You can download Base Camp software and plug you chip into your computer and look at all of the lakes on your computer screen plus you can switch from unit to unit. I use it in my Nuvi and my hand held.

[TooTallTom]

I have been wondering about that too, Tom. I just did a quick scan of the Navionics FAQ for iPhone (Now on Verizon!) and Android. According to Navionics, you need an internet connection to download the app on an iPhone, or cellular coverage on an Android phone.

After the initial install, all the charts reside in the phone's memory. (That's what I was wondering. Make sure you have enough free before you begin download.) BUT, to share information (waypoints, etc.) you need to have internet access. Also, YOUR LOCATION is only available off-network if the phone itself has GPS capability, and you are in an area where you can receive GPS signal (and the capability is enabled, obviously). Otherwise, you basically have a digital version of a paper map.

But for $13, it might be a good first option to play around with...

[aanderud]

Suggest that you just go to a big box store and try the maps out on the specific units you have researched. Better than screen shots. You can get a feel for the user interface, screen brightness/clarity, etc.

[WalleyeChaser]

Suggest that you just go to a big box store and try the maps out on the specific units you have researched. Better than screen shots. You can get a feel for the user interface, screen brightness/clarity, etc.

I agree! If your dropping $250-350 or more on a gps and $100 on a chip. Go to the stores and play around with them a little. Most of them have chips they have opened to run in the units! If they want to sell you them bad enought they will let you try them out!

As far as the Hotspots chip, it is made by LEI (Lowrance) so it will only work in their equipment. The program on it is almost identical to the paper maps that you see in the stores. I believe they it is only 5 or 10 foot countour also. Compared to LM or Nav who have 1 and 3 ft contours as mentioned above.

Hopes this helps you out!