Depthfinder for fly-in trip

[AnglerJake]

I am looking to buy a portable depthfinder to take on a Canada fly-in trip this summer. Looking at the Eagle Cuda 128 or the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 10. Any thoughts, suggestions etc?

Thanks!

[Norsky]

I used my Marcum LX-3 for a fly-in last summer. I bought the high speed transducer and mounted it on a small piece of plywood that I clamped on the transom once we got up there. It worked extremely well with the case it's in and being able to charge it up again so easily was nice.

[LABS4ME]

Check out the Vexilar portable they have out now... it is a great little unit. Runs on AA batteries, so no need to recharge, just bring an extra pack with (and they last a long time too) and it weighs next to nothing. Good screen with an honest read out... you won't be disappointed.

Good Luck!

Ken

[andy j]

AnglerJake,

The Eagle Cuda 128 and the Hummingbird Max 10 are very similar when it comes to performance, not alot of resolution or power on both. For a little more money the Eagle FishEasy 2 portable is a great choice and you get twice the power and resolution with this unit. YOu can also fit a rechargble 12 volt battery in the portable box on the FishEasy's But I dont think they fit in the Cuda's box. If you just want something that is going to mark bottom and structure for ya the Cuda128 will work fine for ya but if you are looking to mark fish well the FishEasy 2 will perform much better for you. Good Luck

[hoggs222]

I have the Bottom Line - Fish'n Buddy. It runs on D batteries, but it's a fish locator & depth finder. It'll supposedly tell you how many feet away from the boat the fish are too.

[Smeds]

If you have an existing sonar on a boat, you can sometimes get portable kits for around $75-80. Comes with case, 12V gelpack battery, and suction-cup transducer. Usually cheaper than buying a new portable unit, and you can use the sonar you're used to as well. I just replaced my bow depthfinder with a Lowrance X102c, and will be taking it to Canada this Summer with a portable kit from Lowrance. Just a thought ...

[Craig_S]

I've used my vexilar on fly-ins for years. Last year I bought a Bottom Line Fishing Buddy and would highly recommend it. There's several models, the one I bought was in the middle for less than $200.00. It came with a carrying case. The c cell batteries last almost 3 days hard fishing. And with just a couple in your pocket, you're set for a whole trip.

The vexilar almost always ran out of juice about 1/2 way throught the trip. There's no way to charge your battery on an outpost trip. And the tranducer was always a problem.

I'd give Bottom Line a look.

Craig