Handheld GPS for Ice Fishing

[AsianSensation89]

Hello Guys,

So I'm considering getting a handheld GPS for this ice fishing season along with a lakemaster chip to help ease my suffering of guessing where I'm at along the contours of the lake. Problem is that I already own a Triton 500 only to realize lakemaster chips don't work in them (and that Navionics hotmaps would not work in this model???). I'm considering getting a Lowrance Endura Safari since I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, that Lakemaster chips are combatible with Lowrances? However, from doing some researching, it seems everything's gotta be the right "fit" for things to function properly (such as the right Lakemaster chip made just for handheld gps) and was wondering if anyone can offer some expert help.

Also, I know that Lakemaster chips are now being made in microSD form but does come with an adapter. It seems that the Lowrance Endura Safari only has a microSD slot (which I have no problem with), but am curious as to which year did the lakemaster chips convert to microSD? That way, I won't have to spend the extra money for a brand new lake chip if I can get away buying a used one to save the extra cash. Just been a bit confused about this whole thing and didn't want to just throw my money around so hoping you guys can help me out.

Thanks!!!

[broman]

LakeMaster made software and chips for Garmins. They made chips for Lowrance. They are now owned by Johnson Outdoors (who also own Humminbird) and have decided to discontinue selling the chips online for both the Lowrance and Garmin units. They now only sell Humminbird chips online. You can still get the Lowrance and Garmin chips (or Garmin software) from various retailers and online for now.

The Endura line has not gotten very good reviews. The Garmin units are way better in my opinion. That being said, you will need to get the correct chip for the correct unit like you have already found out.

MicroSD cards are used in the newer Garmin and Lowrance units. The older Lowrance (the iFinder models) used the full size SD cards. The older Garmin units either had to have the map installed using your computer and a cable and CD or with a Garmin Data card (yet a third chip in the mix). The newer Garmin units can either take a LakeMaster MicroSD card, or you can put your own empty MicroSD card in them and then load LakeMaster maps from a separate CD. The CD is a separate purchase from the LakeMaster chips. You do not get one with the other.

Another option is to use your iPhone or Android based phone and buy the Navionics app for them. They work, I have it on my iPhone. I also have a Garmin Oregon with a LakeMaster MicroSD card in it.

Hope all this helps.

[Muckpetey]

Hello Guys,

So I'm considering getting a handheld GPS for this ice fishing season along with a lakemaster chip to help ease my suffering of guessing where I'm at along the contours of the lake. Problem is that I already own a Triton 500 only to realize lakemaster chips don't work in them (and that Navionics hotmaps would not work in this model???). I'm considering getting a Lowrance Endura Safari since I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, that Lakemaster chips are combatible with Lowranc

es? However, from doing some researching, it seems everything's gotta be the right "fit" for things to function properly (such as the right Lakemaster chip made just for handheld gps) and was wondering if anyone can offer some expert help.

Also, I know that Lakemaster chips are now being made in microSD form but does come with an adapter. It seems that the Lowrance Endura Safari only has a microSD slot (which I have no problem with), but am curious as to which year did the lakemaster chips convert to microSD? That way, I won't have to spend the extra money for a brand new lake chip if I can get away buying a used one to save the extra cash. Just been a bit confused about this whole thing and didn't want to just throw my money around so hoping you guys can help me out

Thanks!!!

If you have a smart phone download navionics from the market. They are only $15 to download. The work great.

[silverbulletguy]

I can't find them on my BlackBerry. Are they available?

[broman]

Nope, no BlackBerry version.

[silverbulletguy]

Might have to get a new phone. That's probably cheaper than buying a Garmin and the needed chips.

[fishersofmen]

I have wanted a handheld GPS unit and a lake chip for years but am glad I haven't bought one. I just picked up a mint condition Droid for $100 and downloaded Navionics for $9.99. I ended up paying much less than anticipated and have a much better phone than before out of the deal. A friend has both a handheld unit and Navionics on his phone and said in many cases the Navionics maps are better. Was an easy call to make for me. IMO Lakemaster has been ripping people off for years with the cost of those chips and now you have people trying to give them away.

[amateurfishing]

why not just consider getting new fish finder with gps? 300 or 500 series, u can haver everything built into 1 unit and completely up to date instead of worrying about a bunch of compatability issues.

i picked up the HB 597 ci hd, aready puchased the ice ducer & portable cary pack, & they take both lakemaster & navionics chips. if u r going to spend $300-400 on handheld plus chip, it may b much more advantageious to spend another $200 to have a brand new all inclusive type unit. i also have app on iphone for mn lakes but in my opinion those types r great for trip planning etc. but when im on the water it is to sparatic at times and i take no chances at having my phone freeze or get wet.