Thoughts on fish finders? (looking to upgrade!)

[Slyster]

Last summer fishing I used the inexpensive Humminbird Piranha 20 B&W fish finder... now I am thinking up upgrading... perhaps color.. certainly a bigger screen. I am looking to spend <$400 or so.

Here are a few questions.. perhaps some of you could share some of your knowledge?

1- Maybe the Piranha B&W is just fine and I shouldn't waste my money?

2- Are there preferred brands? (Garmin, Eagle, etc..)

3- Is color nice to have? Or more a gimmick..

4- Any suggestions of specific models?

[gunflint]

Fish finders are worth every dime if you are at all serious about fishing. My advice is to find the best one you can afford, than go one better. You won't be sorry.

In the price range you're looking at I'd go with Lowrance X100c. Alot of people here have them and really like em.

[Surface Tension]

For open water and a budget sounder you can't beat the Eagle FishMark 480 as best bang for the buck. Don't let the low price turn you away, this sounder has everything the high priced units have to offer. 480 x 480 pixels gives you great resolution. I have the 480 DF (dual frequency) on my Superior boat and this sounder has been great. Go to Eagles site and download the demo and play with it.

As far as color they have their advantages and disadvantages. You'll be loosing out on resolution with color unless you step up in price and that'll blow your $400 budget.

[PerchJerker]

Surface Tension nailed it when he said Eagle FishMark 480. I put one on the bow of my boat last summer - awesome unit.

[Slyster]

Thanks you guys! I just pruchased (online) the Seafinder 480DF for $211. Well within my budget. Did a lot of reading tonight and comparisons and agreed that this would be a great unit. Anyone want to buy my Humminbird unit? I will be putting it up on hsolist soon..

can't wait for fishing next summer!! Got a new GPS (Garmin 76CS) and the new better fish finder. Will be fun.