want to buy a GPS

[givetoget]

I am thinking about buying a gps that shows the lake maps. I know nothing about them. Are there specific ones that are easier to us, more user friendly. I have used GPS units before just not the lake map ones, so I am not completely dumb to them.

Thanks for any help and ideas

[Rippinlip]

I am still running my Lowrance H2O and it works, but with some of the apps on cell phones now they even seem a little more accurate.

I use my H2O to get me to an area (inside turn, rock pile, basin of the lake) then I search with the Vexilar to pinpoint my spots.

[MN Mike]

Garmin makes a easy to use interface on their GPS devices, they pretty much have the same software for most of them, what sets one apart from another is the screen size, button placement and touch screen models.

Lots of choices in models from Garmin, GPSMAP 62's seem to be very popular. Other models are Etrex 20 or 30, Oregon ( touchscreen ) 450 and 550, Montana's ( high end large screen model ) and one model that will float when dropped in water is the GPSMap 78.

Some will have built in cameras and can share information wirelessly from one Garmin device to another Garmin device. Some have the 3 axis compass which most people prefer if you use it for hunting.

Team anyone of those with a Garmin Upper Midwest Fishing Guide lake map card and you've got a pretty good combination. The UMWFG covers several states.

If you go to Garmins site, look at the Mapping Handhelds for On The Trail.

There are a lot of free topo maps and other maps that can be downloaded free on the internet too.

Mike

[Tom7227]

I am on my fourth GPS and this one is a Garmin 78s. I love it. Many states offer free downloads of their WMA's for Garmin. Check into that before you buy and try and get a rig that will accept the downloads.

I suspect that the amount you can afford to spend is going to be a major factor in your decision. That and having some salesman push you one way or another. I think that Lowrance has not been well received by many posters on here. I had one and it went kaput after not much use at all.

Do you want a touch screen? I think it would be a pain to have that on something you're going to be carrying around a lot but I'm over 60 so maybe I don't count.

Be sure to check whatever rig you decide on to make sure that there are chips with lake maps that you want. Lakemaster was bought my Hummingbird and to my knowledge their chips only work in HB products.

If you get one I suggest that you buy the power cord that works in your vehicle. Very useful. I also buy some screen protectors and put them on the screen. My first one scratched up pretty fast because I didn't take very good care of it and didn't have a protector on it.

Finally there is a very good company that I found via FM. Pro Fishing Supply - the owner was extremely helpful and knowledgeable when I was looking for a rig.

[givetoget]

Thanks for the help and info. It all helps.

[kerryd15]

do you have a garmin for your vehicle? If it has a card slot, a garmin lake card will work in it. I use mine in the truck for ice fishing and in the boat. It does not give turn by turn directions to the fish though.

[cold one sd]

This winter I plan to take the Humminbird 597 out of my boat and use it in my truck for ice fishing. It will also work on my ATV. I have a hand held GPS also, but the HB has an HD lake map chip.

[low277]

I am using a Garmin Nuvi with the LakeMaster chip, so far so good.

[Stick in Mud]

We also use the Lowrance H20, and it works fine. Depending on the kind of cell phone you have, you might be OK just going with the Navionics app and then using the flasher to hone in more closely on specific spots. I know some are very happy with the accuracy of the phone apps...others, not so much. But it might be worth a look.

[sunniewally]

I don't have a smartphone for the apps, but i use the Garmin with a lakemaster chip, and it always works no matter where you are, with the cell phone don't you still have to rely on the cell phone coverage? alot of times I have no signal on my cell on some of the lake I fish which would be kind of useless to have a app wouldn't it?

[fishersofmen]

I don't have a smartphone for the apps, but i use the Garmin with a lakemaster chip, and it always works no matter where you are, with the cell phone don't you still have to rely on the cell phone coverage? alot of times I have no signal on my cell on some of the lake I fish which would be kind of useless to have a app wouldn't it?

Negative. I use a smartphone with with the navionics app and have never hooked up the phone itself. I only use it for the maps. The gps is built into the phone just like a handheld device. I paid 100 bucks for a mint cond droid and the navionics app was around 15 bucks. It is more accurate than the lakemaster chip I have in my lowrance unit in my boat.

[choppermn27]

I have a garmin etrex hcx with the lakemaster maps this was my choice in order to move to gps before the phones did this. I also have the navionics application on the iphone.

For plotting waypoints and route tracking and getting to a specific spot, the garmin is way better. But the screen is tiny and the navionics is way better for scouting the spots in general in the boat, I do like the garmin on the ice though.

If I had to recommend one I'd say get a waterproof Garmin with a big screen and thier newer mapping software because the lakemaster software seems outdated and a little off in comparison with the Navionics.

If you have a boat my recommendation would be to just get a boat unit for fishing.

[Lawrence Luoma]

I'm not really sure which one is better or worse but make sure you spend the extra money on getting a unit with an electronic compass. Otherwise if you don't have that feature when you stop movement you'll spin off axis. With this option, when you stop to look at the GPS and you point the unit in the direction you want to go it will be the correct direction. Currently, I'm running the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc and I've been happy with it. The big plus is that it floats for us ice fishermen.

[spear foot 1]

I'm in the same boat, wanna buy a gps with lake maps that I can mount on my four wheeler. Never have had one or used one so all the info you guys are giving is helpful. Thanks

[bgcountry00]

I am planning on trying out the smartphone app as I don't own a GPS and 15 isn't to much to try it out

[merkman]

Smartphone is the way to go.

GPS

Camera

Turn by Turn Directions

MN Lakefinder

Phone

Text

Etc

The days of handheld GPSs and dash mounted GPSs are numbered if not done already.