GPS & available map software

[Timber]

I am looking for a GPS, but have questions about the maps/software that are available. I fish the Crane Lake, Sand Point, Namakan areas and have doubts that any unit or maps would be useful. I think a person could buy the best GPS there is, but if there is no good mapping software for your area it would be fruitless. Anyone use a GPS in the area I fish, and was it worthwhile? How is a GPS usefull when fishing, and how do you use it? After spending a lot of time looking and investigating I'm getting a little frustrated.

[Fireguy]

Just use the GPS to mark structure when you find it, also place a mark each time you get a fish.

[Guest]

Navionics makes a chip that covers the Western great lakes, most of Southern Ontario, LOTW and Rainy.

[minnesota mac]

When it comes to that area,navionics (lowarance) has better software than garmin. I fish the same area so I talk to people about this.
garmin is ok on rainy both us and canada, but on namakan the canada side has no real detail on the maping software, so I would think that would be true on sandpoint.

[Crusher]

I bought a Lowrance I Finder Pro with a Navionics Premium Chip. The make several chips. The one I got has the big water maps Mille Lacs 1’ increments, Vermilion 3’ increments, Winni, Rainy, Green & others. I’m sure they have a chip with the lakes your looking for. Navionics states that the produce there maps using data from their surveys, fishing hot spots, Lakemaster, DNR, NOAA, US Army Corps. and other sources. The GPS unit was $200 and the chip was also $200. Not cheap but when you look at the other units most of the ones with lake map capabilities start at around $300 and go up from there. That’s not counting memory chip, cables, Map CD, ect…

I’m very happy with the new Lowrance I Finder Pro GPS.

Just one more thing. In my experience most guys buy a GPS and a month later it’s a paperweight on the desk. The only way your going to learn to use your GPS is to play with it as often as you can. Take it on drives (when your not the driver ), trips, rollerblading, biking, hiking, whatever… Don’t wait until it’s time to go fishing. Good Luck!

Crusher

[This message has been edited by Crusher (edited 07-29-2004).]