To GPS or not to GPS?

[dsludge]

Does a GPS unit really help relocate your spot?

I have always used landmarks to help me find my spots, and that is usually enough. However, there are a couple of spots on the spots that are very hard to relocate quickly, or even at all.

I've had people suggest I try a GPS unit to help. Then when I ask them if they use one, the response is usually, "I have one I never use", "I never figured it out", or "I have one, but it isn't very accurate".

I'd be willing to get one if it would help. How close have any of you been able to relocate spots with a GPS? Are some units more user-friendly? Are some units more reliable or durable? How much did you pay? Are some brands more accurate than others?

Does anyone really use their GPS for fishing?

dsludge

[Ryan_V]

absolutely!!! won't go fishing without it anymore. I was in the same situation you were, bought a GPS, and LOVE it. it is a little confusing at first, but the more you play with it, the easier it becomes. I usually don't leave the house without it, just so i get used to it and can use it effectively. I bought the Lowrance I finder. Do your research, there are alot of products out there, depending on what you need, you'll pay $100 on up to $500 or more. I went middle of the road and paid $160 for mine. bought it at the ice fishing show and regular price was $199. Just another tool in the belt, but a great multi-purpose tool.

[ironman]

I use mine all the time. Mine cost about a hundred bucks it's a e-treks from Garmin. Works great. Very easy to figure out. It really shines on larger lakes where using land marks can become a problem. I punch in the way point, I always label mine and then make a reference on a map with that label so I know which way point is which, then head out until it says I'm there. Drill some holes and I'm always withing 10-20 ft. Not the most accurate model out there but it works good enough for me. Not too mention it can help you get back to the landing at night or in the fog.

[M.T. Bucket]

dsludge,

Personally, I rarely use my GPS for fishing unless I'm out at night or somewhere where I might have trouble finding my way back--or I want to know how far I've gone up or down a river.

A GPS unit will easily help you relocate a spot--you can easily expect to be within 50' with any unit and you should be able to get closer than that. If you learn the unit and are creative, you will find other unexpected uses for it--like tracking how fast the buddy that borrowed your car was driving If you have other outdoor hobbies you will certainly find that a GPS has other uses.

Whether you really need one to find those great spots depends on a couple of things:

-How small are the locations you're talking about? If you're trying to find a little rock pile, a GPS might be the ticket--if you're looking for a large flat between to basins, you probably wouldn't need one.

-How big is the lake? Obviously landmarks work much better on small lakes or isolated parts of large lakes.

What GPS unit should you get? I think the Garmin 76 line is great, but most of the perks are only useful for professional uses--unless you feel the need for a background street map, I personally don't--and the 76 line is expensive. I wouldn't spend $400+ on a unit for home use. The Garmin 72 has everything you would ever use for $150 (less for new units on hsolist). If you run a search of this forum for "GPS" you will find what I and other users have said about these units and others. There are quite a few people that disagree with me on 72 vs 76 (and WAAS).

As far as whether there are units that are more accurate; yes. A unit that has Wide Angle Augmentation System (WAAS) is caple of receiving signals from a pair of satellites--one over the Atlantic and one over the Pacific--that will increase your accuracy. You might go from an accuracy of 30' to an accuracy of say 5'--minimal in most fishing applications. Problem is, you have be in a very wide open area to access these satellites--won't help you find your deer stand. Also, the WAAS feature will eat more batteries. Fortunately, you can disable and enable that feature as needed quite easily on the Garmin 72 and 76 series.

People that use their GPS receivers a lot generally have pretty strong opinions about them, so you'll probably find a wide variety of recommendations on this thread. It's odd that you've run into so many people that have them but don't use them. Good luck.

[30 inch eyes]

I use my most of the time just to find my way back to the landing at night no matter how big or small the lake is. you never know when the wind could come up and you can't see very far, then they can be a life saver,(if yopu remember to mark the landing)I use it to find spots on the lakes also. (this year I haven't marked very many because fishing has been real tough for me down here) Or just not worth marking the spot. I don't think you will be sorry with the purchase.

[dsludge]

I only re-discovered fishing about 5 years ago after a 20 year break from it. My neighbor brought a fresh walleye over on Christmas Eve 1999, I wanted more, went out fishing on New Year's Day, caught a nice walleye, and "I was hooked".

He and his buddies are pretty old-school fishermen and resist my "modern contraptions" like the vexilar. I think I've only asked a few others about GPS at my nephew's sporting events.

The spots I have a hard time re-locating are pretty small and 30 to 50 feet is not enough accuracy. With clear ice and some water I can find them quicker with the ice ducer by skimming accross the water on the ice. The spots are mostly open and away from initial shoreline breaks.

Is the WAAS system the only one able to re-locate points within 30 or 50 feet? Are any GPS models known to perform better than others in sub-zero conditions? I guess it's time to go shopping, but I hate shopping. Any suggestions where to shop the greatest variety with a knowledgeable staff?

Thanks very much for the info.

dsludge

[The Grebe]

Helps me, when I decide to use it? I fish alot of spots that I have had experience with in the past and I don't need the GPS, so I don't use it.

That and I don't go to many "large" areas where it would come in handy. We have used it with the GPS map for Mille Lacs and we had a ball.

My bud sends me coordinances on where his house is on Red Lake and I have no trouble finding him. GPS has it's place and it can be fun using it.

[jigginjim]

lugde, I use my gsp each time i'm on the water/ice. It will help you get back to that little honey hole you may find. I have used mine with my locator create my own maps of points and bars if there is no really good map available.

I have two hand units, and the new lowrance units with color displays are the best you can get. With the the chips you can pay to insert into the locator.

I use a I-finder hand gsp for ice fishing, and a X-19 lowrance in my boat. I have been able to get back within a 30ft circle of my spots.

If you purchase a newe gsp unit try to get the dvd or vhs tape on how to use it. These things will get you to understand your gps unit faster and its like having your own personal instructor in your home.

[Ryan Berger]

I love using my GPS if anything it is another great toy to mess around with when the fish arnt biting. I remember a discussion on here earlier about WAAS and how it was mainly for use on the coastlines and how you were unlikely to lock into any of the sattilites here in MN. I think that the GPS I bought is one my favorite new fishing tools, along with my Lakemaster software.

[computerboy]

Does a GPS unit really help relocate your spot?

Without question, yes. Even the most basic units are capable of helping you relocate a “honey hole” you found.

How close have any of you been able to relocate spots with a GPS?

Consistently within 10 feet (3 meters) with WAAS correction.

Is the WAAS system the only one able to re-locate points within 30 or 50 feet?

Some non-WAAS units can achieve that level of accuracy, but you'll need a WAAS enabled unit to consistently do better than 50 feet. However, the key to using WAAS effectively is exercising a little patience. The most common mistake people make when using WAAS enabled units is not waiting long enough for their position to be corrected. Give your unit at least 10 minutes to correct its position after a cold start. If you don’t wait long enough for your position to be corrected before marking/returning to a spot, you’ve defeated the purpose of having a WAAS enabled unit.

Are some units more user-friendly?

This is largely a matter of personal preference. I personally found Garmin units to be the most user friendly, but ended up going with a Magellan SporTrak Pro because usability ranked last on my list of requirements:

1. Accuracy

2. Features and upgrade potential

3. Price

4. Size

5. Usability

How much did you pay?

Appx $175. $225 on Amazon less a $50 rebate from Magellan. Expect to pay around $200 for a good WAAS enabled unit.

Are some brands more accurate than others?

I chose the SporTrak Pro primarily for this reason. I read a few articles of independent field tests and the SporTrak Pro was consistently the most accurate unit tested. This certainly doesn't mean it actually is the most accurate civilian unit, but it sure sold me.

Does anyone really use their GPS for fishing?

I won't go fishing without it.

Any suggestions where to shop the greatest variety with a knowledgeable staff?

I can't think of a better place to "shop" then the FM boards. You should be able to get all the information you need right here.

The best advice I could give anyone is learn how to use your GPS. Geocaching is probably one of the best activities you can undertake to jump start your knowledge of GPS, and to find out what your particular unit has to offer.

Now go out and buy yourself a new GPS, you deserve it!

[fishin789]

if you can afford a gps I would recomend you get one.I love the track back feature for finding your way back to a landing. I was on Orchard during the snow storm. couldn't see a thing when I left the lake. I just used my gps to get me back to the landing.Once mine is on for awhile it will get me 15-20 feet from the spot I've marked before.It has put me right on a small hump in a lake I had marked on a lake master lake on my puter then downloaded the cordinates to the gps. when I went looking for the hump it put me right on it.I also use it for geo caching. thats fun and helps you learn how to use your gps.

[89Bronco]

Like ironman I have the yellow e-trex. Nothing fancy about it and it's probably the one of the cheapest GPS's out there. I have used it to find spots on Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake, two lakes where you can be miles from any kind of shoreline. It gets me to within a few feet of where I was before and then you can figure out the exact spot once you get there.

I always mark the landing where I drive onto the lake and save the tracks out to where I'm fishing even if I'm on a smaller lake. Just helps out in case the wind picks up or fog settles in. Just for that extra security I never leave home without it. I use it for hunting also. I mark the spot where I park the truck and it's just a little peace of mind that I will always know what direction I need to go if I ever get turned around. (But don't forget that compass!)

[dsludge]

Computerboy:

Thanks for the thorough response. I would guess you hit on one reason why some GPS owners don't use their units - impatience. I do like the name of the GPS you own - excellent brand marketing strategy.

I stopped by my neighbor's shack to tell him that I may be purchasing a GPS. He just shook his head and mumbled something like, "all those fancy contraptions don't catch you any fish, do they?" Of course, he could drive to his ice-fishing hole and back with his eyes closed. And, this is the good part, he pulls an old boy scout compass from his inside jacket pocket and says, "I got this 'direction-finder' five years ago for 25 cents at a garage sale and I still haven't had to replace the batteries." Of course, he starts to laugh uncontrollably, coughing, holding his sides, and I couldn't help but join him in a good laugh. He always gives me a "back-to-the-basics" perspective.

I nearly changed my mind about getting a GPS. I do have a compass and I do remember "orienteering" but, that's another subject.

Thanks again all for the responses and help.

Do you have a compass?

dsludge

[Deitz Dittrich]

Many times, it is possible to triangulate on shore objects. However size of lake and how far off shore you are can make this more difficult. I myself do use a GPS. Fishing the the open water months I would be lost without it, even on small lakes. I have the LMS480 for summer fishing.. I have the Magellan 300 and like it for ice fishing.

[Captain B.R.K]

D- Personal testiment

This last weekend being on Mille Lacs, I had put a GPS point into my Garmin Map76 for an edge (33ft) on 7 mile flat. I had another mark for the top (24ft). Went to my exact coordinate and was on the spot. Granted my accurancy was less than 20ft, but I found the break I was planning on fishing for the day.

The only draw back about the GPS is it doesn't update as fast as you'd like. Especially in a boat when you are going 20-30mph and you go right over your spot. Then you have to do a little back tracking. Maybe I just need to slow down

With out a GPS, I'd be lost out on a body of water like that!

[dsludge]

My favorite local baitshop owner also said it "put him back on his spot" quicker than gauging traditional landmarks - lining up the tall pine with the chimney on the white house and centering the water tower on the bridge.

I like the gadgets and I respect the traditions. In other words, I hope I'd be able to get by without the batteries.

Thanks,

dsludge

[ironman]

If anything its a great backup to triangulating landmarks...specially when that land mark burns down, gets blown down, etc.

[dsludge]

I remember orienteering contests from when I was a kid. They were kind of like a treasure hunt.

Has anyone done any types of GPS comparisons this way? It could be a competitive activity at sportsman events like fishing get-togethers.

See you on the ice.

dsludge