Picking a new depth finder delima!

[Knoc]

I am in the market for a new depth finder. Im looking to spend no more than $500. Now my problem is do I want one with the built in Gps or the down imaging? So I figured I would make this post and see what other people tend to use more and find more beneficial. I havnt fished with either (Well a hand held Gps a little bit) so Im torn between the two.

I mostly fish the same few lakes, Its going on a small 14 foot lund fishing boat.

[amateurfishing]

just purchased 597 ci HB 3 weeks ago, am loving it with tons of functions, was down from 560 to 420 @ c's. also ice capable. dont know much bout the di but was not really in the market for that

[amateurfishing]

@ store in rogers, was also told by 2 ppl the best fish finder you will ever see under $500 (dont know how true that was) but does have TONS of features

[TravP]

@ store in rogers, was also told by 2 ppl the best fish finder you will ever see under $500 (dont know how true that was) but does have TONS of features

Except they have problems holding speeds while trolling, due to the internal GPS antenna. My 788 was doing the same thing, until Humminbird sent me out the external antenna. The 597 doesn't except the external antenna.

[TravP]

If you can't have GPS and DI, you definately want GPS. I would save a bit more money and go with the 788, or even an HDS 5.

[eagle_3464]

agree with trav, deffinately the gps, especially if you have a unit with LM capabilities. Also agree with trav on saving a few extra bills and go with the 798ciHDSI. Maybe save over the offseason and get the better unit going into next season. If not, I would choose the GPS over the DI.

[Knoc]

I really dont want to spend over $500. I mean its going in a 67' Lund and would cost more than my boat did..haha. Just thought Id treat myself to a nice depth finder. They sure came along way since I bought my last one... crazy!

[hanson]

You need a depthfinder w/ GPS to start. Down Imaging is a bonus on top of that.

[Kyhl]

Yep, if you have to chose, skip the imaging. GPS is more useful. It will save you a lot of time checking spots, including spots that you know. It will help you drive right to them.

Also, check this site for sellers. I bought mine through PerchJerker and he was great. Helpful and informative. Gave me the pro's and cons of different models and let me decide.

[CaptainMusky]

Definitely GPS over the Imaging if you have to make that choice. Once you learn to read a good depthfinder you can visualize what the downimaging would be doing for you. Changes in bottom content, other structure, etc.

I wouldnt fish without a GPS now. Even on the lakes I really know and fished for years without GPS it is amazing how important it is to me daily.

No more using landmarks to find spots, make the exact same trolling run over and over again by following a track on the GPS, plus the map chips that have detail no paper map ever had.

[solbes]

GPS is much more useful. Can't tell if you already have a handheld GPS or not, if so then maybe you could go down imaging.

[CaptainMusky]

One other comment is that I find side imaging more useful than down imaging. I think its easy enough to "read" a normal sonar, but what you miss is everything to the sides. So I guess that makes my second vote LOL for GPS.

[Knoc]

Thanks guys. Your inputs are very much appreciated!

[augernaut]

GPS over imaging and RUN from Lowrance. That's my 0.02....

[amateurfishing]

If you can't have GPS and DI, you definately want GPS. I would save a bit more money and go with the 788, or even an HDS 5.

thx, im not that good yet & since i just upgraded/updated from a '84 bird, i'll live, its a billion times better than what i had

[delcecchi]

Isnt there the elite or whatever from lowrance. All the goodies, pretty much only without the networking, which if you only have one unit does you no good.

[CaptainMusky]

Isnt there the elite or whatever from lowrance. All the goodies, pretty much only without the networking, which if you only have one unit does you no good.

Yes, that model has the Downimaging and was one I considered for the front of my boat, but didnt get because I couldnt network it.

Looks like a decent unit, but I didnt like that you couldnt have a traditional sonar view with it. Its downscan only.

[wkngmomof2]

We bought a Humminbird 385ci and the Navionics lake chip for it - LOVE it. Having the GPs is great and being able to mark locations has helped keep us ont he fish this summer. We are planning on buying the bag, battery and ice transducer for ice fishing as well. Not a lot of $$$ here so we did the 6 pay thru Bassproshops......

[Knoc]

I actually just got the Humminbird 385ci combo portable today. Im excited to try it out tomorrow. The bag is pretty nice, lots of storage.

The 385ci seemed to have all the features Im looking for the the price I was looking to spend. I like the fact that a person can use it ice fishing too.

Ya shoulda bought the portable if ya were gonna buy the bag and stuff. I was looking at the bags separately and they are crazy expensive. Gander Mountain here in St.Cloud wanted $89.99 for the bag alone!

[amateurfishing]

I actually just got the Humminbird 385ci combo portable today. Im excited to try it out tomorrow. The bag is pretty nice, lots of storage.

The 385ci seemed to have all the features Im looking for the the price I was looking to spend. I like the fact that a person can use it ice fishing too.

Ya shoulda bought the portable if ya were gonna buy the bag and stuff. I was looking at the bags separately and they are crazy expensive. Gander Mountain here in St.Cloud wanted $89.99 for the bag alone!

enjoy!! i just ordered the entire ice fishing hookup for my 597 ci on amazon for a mere pittance of what the stores & HB HSOforum wanted, plus free shipping & no tax