How Good are Deals on Fishfinders At Sportshow?

[Joe's Kid]

I got a lot of years out of my old Eagle Supra Pro, and it's time to move on.

One of the big boxes has a Humminbird 798ci HD SI GPS/Fishfinder Combo on sale for 500 bucks.

I've been impressed with the positive feedback about the unit, and am thinking about snagging one.

I have never shopped the sport shows for deals on large ticket items, and am wondering if you can get that good a deal at a show. Half off is a lot.

Is it worth waiting for the sport shows for deals?

And one technical question: Do you need to be moving in order for the side scanning to work?

Thanks

Mike

[delcecchi]

I got a elite 7 with map chip and sun cover for 399 on a sale a couple months ago. Watch the sites or sale catalogs of Cabelas, Bass Pro, or call the guy that is a sponsor here, look for his name.

There are some real deals floating around since Lowrance is doing a refresh of their whole line. I don't know if Hbird or Garmin is doing the same.

[MN Mike]

I see lots of good deals at the sports shows, especially this time of year, I bought my Humminbird 798c SI 6 years ago, saved good money then, last year I just about tipped for either a 898 or 998 they were priced right and hard to pass up but I did, if I didn't have my 798 I would have definitely picked one up.

Yes, you do have to be moving for sideimaging to work, it's an awesome tool and if it costs a little more money to get, it's money well spent, you won't regret it.

Mike

[Joe's Kid]

Thanks for the input, guys.

I appreciate it.

I'm looking forward to upgrading to this century's technology.

Mike

[delmuts]

Just a warning if you get a S.I unit. You may find yourself just driving around watching that instead of fishing. AND!! Buy extra memory cards to save your way points!

[h8go4s]

The reason for the big discount on the 798 is that it's a discontinued series, replaced by the new 600 series. Not that it's a bad unit, but it's not the latest technology in the Humminbird line.

[gunner55]

Check Pro Fishing Supply,they are a sponsor here,who many swear by

[delcecchi]

Yeah, that's the place I was trying to think of.

[Joe's Kid]

Yeah, I figured it was a discontinued model when I saw the price, but it seems like a good intro to S.I. I don't need this years model. Of anything.

Definitely want the S.I. though.

Thanks for the tips on places to look.I'll be checking them out, as well as the sport shows.

I probably will drift along looking at the screen sometimes.

It won't be the first time I've been distracted. Sometimes I still hear my Dad's voice in my head saying

" What are you doing? You can't catch anything without a line in the water!"

[delmuts]

The 798 is a good unit. Older model? Ya! Good enough for me at a better price.