Fish Finders Again

2635 Views 23 Replies 9 Participants Last post by muskiebobsr, Jan 25, 2003

J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · Jan 23, 2003

I know that this subject has been beaten to death on this site but I think that something is happening that puts some new life into the discussion.

I had been looking at the Garmin 240 primarily for the finer definition capability of the 240 x 240 pixel screen thinking that this was the best available for the money for bottom hugging walleye or weedbed hiding bass spotting on Lakes St. Clair and Erie and connecting waters. Then I get my Cabala's catalog last week and the new Eagle 320 (320 x 320 pixels) fish finder jumps out at me on the back page and it is priced $100 less than the Garmin 240. My first thought was "have we just witnessed a big jump in the features vs. price in the fish finder market?"

After reading what features are offered on the Eagle, I came to the conclusion that it is easily the most fish finder on the market for the money and was ready to call in my order. The next thing that I am thinking is that the other manufacturers are going to be following suit with upgraded units that are competitive in features and price and they will have to be doing so before spring or loose a lot of business if my conclusion is correct.

Knowing that a few of the guys on the site have affiliations with some of the manufacturers, does anyone have any thoughts on this? I am badly in need of a new fish finder and I am in serious shopping mode. I would appreciate any discussion the list can generate on this. Thanks in advance.

Jim

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No More Mini

· #2 · Jan 23, 2003

If you dont fish the FLW tournamnets.....(FLW, Everstart, BFL) get the Lowrance depth finder that meets your needs. A 320x320 is available pretty cheap these days.

a
The Eagle 240x240 is a great uniit, but the 340x340 is more bang for da buck....

Mini

J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 23, 2003

Knowing how electronics can improve in leaps at times, I am really wondering if we are at the start of a real improvement cycle in fish finder technology. We haven't had one in a while. If you look at what is happening in the cellular phone and hand held computer industry, they are packing features into those things that we wouldn't have thought possible two years ago. But, I also realize that sonar like we use is pretty basic stuff compared to those technologies.

Well, just thinking out loud with people that have the same interests. Being a technology "user" and not a "developer" I love it when they give me a new toy that does more and more for me. As with autos, the more features they pack in the better. It just takes me a little longer to figure out how to use them then it used to.

How about this, a unit that has a crosshair on it that you could put on a mark and it would say "smallmouth bass-4#s" or "fresh water drum-4#s". Now that would be useful.

Jim

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Mexque

· #4 · Jan 23, 2003

The wattage is also very important when it comes to detail. Be sure to look at that as well as the pixels.

pauligan

· #5 · Jan 23, 2003

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NINJA

· #6 · Jan 23, 2003

Thanx Pauli for gracing us with your presence!!!

J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 23, 2003

Yes Pauli, thanks for gracing a post that I started. I am honored. But, isn't it only four and a half months now?

Jim

pauligan

· #8 · Jan 23, 2003

QUOTE(Jim Clement @ Jan 23 2003, 01:17 PM)Yes Pauli, thanks for gracing a post that I started. I am honored. But, isn't it only four and a half months now?

Jim
???

What do you mean mr. clementine????

I've posted pics here and there in the fishing posts! And, ahem, I don't see you frequenting the generic discussions much, now do I?

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J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 23, 2003

Yes I know that you have Pauli, I was just jealous that you never have graced one of mine. As far as the other or generic boards go, you have me there. I don't enter into those discussions much but I do read them. I think some of them are quite amusing and interesting. I just don't have that much to add to them not knowing too many of the "in crowd". I'm just an old fart that likes to fish and be on the water. Hope I didn't offend.

Jim

By the way, I still think it is only 4 1/2 months, not 5 months.

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oohfoopadoo

· #10 · Jan 24, 2003

....back to the fish finders... Anybody use or know of Hummingbird's Legend series? Liquid paper graphs with awesome resolutions.

J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 24, 2003

Thanks Ooofoopapoo, I have looked at the Legend Series from Humminbird but I figured that this "razor sharp liquid paper graph" was just a marketing gimick. Arn't all of the fish finders on the market "liquid paper graphs"? I really havn't seen one in action. The pixel count looks in the range of the other graphs on the market but the power level looks a little low at 500 watts. The transducers look about on a par with the others also. Am I missing something?

To be honest, I have never been a big Humminbird fan. I have always thought of them as a lower end but not necessarily lesser cost unit. I currently have a Bottomline Tournament Series sonar that I bought back in 1990 I think. It has had updates made to the software but I realized last fall that all it is showing now is depth. I am a little slow at times but I did finally realize that it probably should be replaced. The new Tournament 5100 from Bottomline looks like it has everything an angler could want but the cost is up there.

Thanks again,

Jim

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muskiebobsr

· #12 · Jan 24, 2003

I have used several different Finders over the years. I think my Bottom Line was the best that I used. My New Eagle lasted about 18 months. I now use the Bob Brunner Super Sluth. You look at that tree that building that tower and you look down and there is the weed bed you are looking for. Bikini Season is right now in the Bahamas but ice out is not to far away anymore and that is what count's. You Guy's are a blast. I enjoy your comments to each other. LET IT GO LET IT GROW. Bob

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J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jan 24, 2003

Who needs a GPS when you are on board Bob. You know the lake like the back of your hand, I have witnessed it. And, for that matter, when you are on board who needs an electronic fish finder. You are a walking, talking human one.

Jim

muskiebobsr

· #14 · Jan 24, 2003

AMEN

No More Mini

· #15 · Jan 24, 2003

Well I dont know....Bob did have a few hours "hunting" with out some needed equiptment....lol

Just kidding Bob...I am looking forward to our day on the lake together.

Mini

No More Mini

· #16 · Jan 24, 2003

For the record.....and the original subject.

I use Lowrance, I have used Lowrance/Eagle since my second depth finder. My first was a HumminBird LCR4000. Hated that thing, but I didnt like my inexpensive Eagle either.

You are going to get what you pay for in electronics, unless you can find some deals. I know that there are some great deals on '02 models of electronics at Bass Pro Shops and other merchants in the area. Do your homework and learn how to use your equiptment. With alot of units, even the inexpensive ones, you can see more with the "Auto" mode turned off and manually adjusting the settings.

The most important aspect of electronics is the transducer mounting. It can make or break the whole experience.
Mini

DMisaras

· #17 · Jan 24, 2003

Muskiebob,

I hear that Lowrance is introducing an electronic bow finder this year!

Dave

No More Mini

· #18 · Jan 25, 2003

You can add the arrow locator to that as an option.....

He is gonna kill me....lol

Mini

J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jan 25, 2003

Well, I have really appreciated all the replies guys....and gals. Having been an engineer for thirty years or so, I like to make decisions logically so out comes the graph paper to list all the features available in prioritized order down the left side and then fish finders/models across the top. Price is not that important but pixels, power, and transducer characteristics are. The way this winter is going I won't need it for about three months so no big hurry I guess.

But, back to my original post, I do think that there are many more features either newly available or coming down the pike faily soon to be added to some models for not much money. As an example, my BPS catalogue has listed a new Eagle FishElite 320 that combines their 320 fish finder with a full feature GPS wirh WAAS. These two units in one share info as you fish. The list of features are like taking a fish finder list and a GPS list and combining them and then adding a few. The whole thing sells for $450. Amazing! I paid that much for my mapping GPS last summer.

That was really my main point. And, based on all these new features, it is obvious that real fisherman are telling the engineers what to put into these electronics. Once you have the computing power that these newer units seem to have it doesn't take much more to pull out of them functions that we never had before.

Well, the Wings just gave up a goal, it is 2 to 1, Wings at the end of the 2nd so I have got to give them my undivided attention in the upcoming 3rd so got to go.

Jim

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muskiebobsr

· #20 · Jan 25, 2003

Jim: When do all of those electronics put fish in the boat? I'd rather put my money into a good rod reel and baits and use a tree a building and a tower with a point for a little help. For someone on the Pro circuit or in the business they are fine but the average fisher person can get by much cheaper. They are a good tool but I think people are going overboard with them. Of course being as old as Wooly Mamouths I'm more than likely behind times. Still think you guys and gals are all great. Bob

P. S. I would really appreciate everyone that can. Please be there at my seminar Saturday at Ford Field at 12:30. I need a lot of attendance to keep my job at Show Span. Bless you all. Me

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