What is your favorite depth finder

[RiverKing]

Whats everyones favorite depth finder, what kind do you use.What do you think is the best?

[Big Sam]

i got the lowrance 520-c with gps and up-graded lake maps for the bottom half of the U.S. So far so good.:big_smile:

[jdstraka]

I Love My Lowrance 339-C-DF , I Guess Hummingbird has a new side scanner that's to DIE for according to DH but I don't know Just yet how I can get this one past the Wife,She will Squeze a Buffalo Nickle till it takes a DUMP LOL J.D.:smile2:

[crazyjet1]

My buddy has the 520 c and i like it better than the one on my boat, its a garmin.

[777]

I voted for Lowrance and have the 334-c and really like it. But I have heard a lot of good things about the new hummingbirds with the side view imaging.

[dougc]

I voted for Lowrance and have the 334-c and really like it. But I have heard a lot of good things about the new hummingbirds with the side view imaging.

Ditto for me-LMS334 on the back of the boat, and an Eagle Fishmark 480 on the bow trolling motor. I'm done upgrading the sonar units on this boat, the next thing to be upgraded will be the boat!:smile2:

Then I might think about one of the new Humminbirds.

[catfishcrazy256]

imatt i have a hummingbird 797sci want the new big screne bird 1197 its $3000.00 ,HOW ABOUT A LOAN LOL :smile2:

[blackwaterkatz]

Everyone has their preferences, and mine is Lowrance. I've had cheap humminbirds, one Eagle Fishmark 480 (very good buy for the money), and several Lowrance models, including my current LMS-337c df. I've read some of the HB SI reviews here and elsewhere, looked at screen shots, and usage reports, and I went to BP on Saturday ready to buy one. There I spent maybe 30-40 minutes looking at all the different brands and models on display, played with the demo on them, etc, etc. and decided that there just isn't enough there to justify spending that extra money for the side imaging. Side imaging aside, my unit does a super job, with (in my opinion, of course) better target definition and clarity. I cover a lot of ground and find a lot of structure and fish with it, and I know that the majority of catfish caught by the brothers here do not come as a result of side imaging. So, I ended up buying an updated map card only, and came back home with lots of money still in my pocket. :big_smile:
The side imaging units are a super interesting addition to fishing electronics, but I don't think it would totally replace my existing unit, even if I had bought one. I don't mean to detract from the positives of the Humminbirds, or influence anyone else's purchase. Just wanted to explain why I don't think I need one just yet. Thanks for listening, y'all.

[CoonX]

Fox Horizon Marker.
It's accurate to the inch and can be used from the shore.
It's also loads cheaper than any electronic depth finder.

:004:

[flatheadfisher]

I am still using my Eagle Optima. But, it is almost 10 years old. Weird, it just seems like yesterday when I was agonizing over spending that much money on a depthfinder.

I have been thinking about upgrading. So, I look forward to hearing what you all are using!

[223reload]

My preference is none,Never wanted to be that good,Too much fun just goin out an fishin,I would feel like a cheater if I had one.

[krowbar]

Lowrance LCX-28

[deerhunter4]

Thanks for the point of views everyone?

[BKS72]

I've only ever had Humminbirds. I started with a Matrix 25 or 27 and last Jan. I upgraded to the 797 side imaging. Love 'em, but they're all I've used:smile2:. Seems like everybody else's boat I get on has a Lowrance installed on it and those guys catch a lot of fish. I love the side image feature, gps, and regular sonar on the 'bird units and I'm familliar with their menus and how the buttons work so I'll probably stick with them.

[dankitch]

I did have an Eagle Fishmark 480. I loved that finder. But I upgraded about 1 year ago. I got a Lowrance LMS 525. Color screen, GPS, and alot more power. Oh yeah and I purchased a Hotmaps Premium card. I don't think the card was worth the money though.

[Catgirl]

Matt I couldn't vote because I don't know enough about depth/fish finders.

I do have a ? though. Sitting here is an Eagle Ultra II that my buddy Bill bought off a guy (his neighbor) for 50 bucks. I don't think they make this model anymore, but it's obviously never been used; cables still bound and everything intact in the plastic case. I just need to go online and see if I can print out a user's manual, that's the only thing missing. So my question is, it's worth $50 right?

[Doctor]

Wow Tanya I had one of those back in 1994 it is a great unit, I just may have the manual here at the house, I'll look.............Doc

[Doctor]

Found it I made it into a PDF I'll send it to you pm...........Doc

[777]

Found it I made it into a PDF I'll send it to you pm...........Doc



Thanks Doc for helping Tanya :cool2:. Reps to ya for that! I know you are busy but it's good to see ya posting. I for one miss reading your knowledge that you bring to the board.

[ronlyn239]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but here is a question for the Lowrance guys. Some use 520's, which use external GPS antenna, some use 522's...same unit, internal GPS. So what's the best way to go???

[deerhunter4]

I agree...It is people like yourself that helps make this place a Brotherhood and a place I enjoy calling my Home...
Thanks Doc..

Thanks Doc for helping Tanya :cool2:. Reps to ya for that! I know you are busy but it's good to see ya posting. I for one miss reading your knowledge that you bring to the board.

[blackwaterkatz]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but here is a question for the Lowrance guys. Some use 520's, which use external GPS antenna, some use 522's...same unit, internal GPS. So what's the best way to go???

Ron, the external unit is actually designed that way for boats that have superstructure or anything that could block the gps satellite signal. The antenna needs a clear view of the sky in order to better receive a signal. The external module can be mounted higher on the boat, or either in a remote location. The internal model only needs to have a clear view of the sky, and is more compact, although I did once have a problem with one when I mounted it too close to my sonar, which interfered with the gps signal, until I relocated the gps a couple of inches farther away. The internal would probably be a better choice for a small boat.

[vfourmax]

I voted for Eagle because I feel that dollar for dollar they are the best value for the actual money you spend. Basically a lowrance with a bell or whistle less or in many cases just the previous lowrance model before the newest was brought to the market.
Side imaging units, definately not a new concept as I owned one back either in the late eighties or early 90's. Thinking that it was an Eagle but it could have been a Hummingbird, that was to many years and boats back to remember. Yes perhaps the technology of today is better and more advanced but the unit I had worked somewhat okay to show drop offs from the bank or structure but was not that useful to me anyway.
I use the sonar to mainly show depth, thermoclines, drop offs and structure and bottom density and most of the waters I fish are 60 feet or less and the higher output powers are not really required so the eagles do everything I want them to do at a very attractive price plus they give me the water surface temps.
I just bought a pontoon that I will be rigging out and will probably go with a color gps/sonar combo from eagle with the best resolution I can find. I have done a fair amount of research and the main advantage I have been able to find to going with an external antenna is if you are able to mount the antenna higher which in some instances and in some locations could allow a better sight line to the satellites. I think that with a few exceptions it appears that most people wll not be able to tell a difference in performance whether an internal or external antenna is used.

[ronlyn239]

I visited with a Lowrance/Eagle rep at a boat show in Tulsa this past weekend, and what you say is what he says. Almost a quote, in fact....when I asked him the diff between the two brands, he basically said the Eagle may have a few less bells and whistles, thus the cheaper price. Heck, no more sophisticated than I am about these things, I am sure the Eagle is a great way to go, and I am seriously considering that very thing.

I have a friend who is a guide, that seriously studies this stuff. He has a Lowrance 522, and he says that, although he doesn't know about Humminbird or any of the others, the Eagle/Lowrance color finders will differentiate between cats and other fish. Cats are reflected back as showing a yellow band on top of the hook. This is because yellow indicates soft returns, and of course, a catfish has soft tissue. White Bass, Bass, Crappie, etc. reflect as blue or black.

[Grumper]

I have the Lowrance LCX-27C. DH was telling me to sell it and get a SI Humminbird, but for now, I'm gonna stick with my Lowrance. It's paid for!:wink:

[dougc]

I have a friend who is a guide, that seriously studies this stuff. He has a Lowrance 522, and he says that, although he doesn't know about Humminbird or any of the others, the Eagle/Lowrance color finders will differentiate between cats and other fish. Cats are reflected back as showing a yellow band on top of the hook. This is because yellow indicates soft returns, and of course, a catfish has soft tissue. White Bass, Bass, Crappie, etc. reflect as blue or black.

Close, but completely opposite from that...

[shadguts]

I have a lowrance 525cdf. I like it. It is the best one I've ever had. I am sure that there are better ones and they will cost more. I think the larger screen wouldve been nice with one of the other units. I picked the 525 over the 527 because of 1.)the external gps receiver. A freind had one with a internal and the windsheild on the boat interferred with the signal. I have my receiver mounted on the rod rack on the boat and have never lost the signal once. 2.) For the extra 50 bucks over the 520 I got 1600 more watts. 3.) The dual frequency with the wider cone angle lets me watch my bait while drifting when the lines are not directly under the boat. Thats my 2 cents. Good thread.

[Reel_Blues]

I like the hummingbird myself.

[mandingo]

i have never really owned a humminbird but they are starting to come around.i have always had a lowrance,seems like they are at the top of the food chain when it comes to sonars.as far as customer service goes,i dont think anyone can match lowrances.

[Wabash River Bear]

Well I voted Humminbird, I dont know if its my favorite or not, its my first sonar. I've got a 565 dual beam with temp and speed, its the best I could afford and had the features I thought I needed. I like it so far for what it is, I'm still learning to use it. I know alot of you guys are into the more expensive, and more technical units, but the 565 seems to be a nice starter unit. I'm sure as I get more adept at reading or interpeting it, eventually I will upgrade to a more sophisticated sonar. For now, it will have to do.

[tiny b]

My personal choice is a lowarance. But have heard good things about Hummingbirds.

[cumberlandcat]

I can't decide which I am going to buy I have an eagle, and I have caught some monsters but it is time to upgrade. To all you guys who have the side imaging hummingbird is it worth the money? I can go with the 787c21 or for a couple hundred more I can get the si unit. Can't decide.

[GaryF]

I have a boat on order, and need to get a depthfinder. First thought was to go with something cheap - feeling poor after boat purchase and I've got a lot of other stuff to learn before I worry too much about sonar. But the more I think about it I'll probably bite the bullet an get the Hummingbird 797SI, because that is what I'd end up with a year from now anyway.

[gardengrz]

i have an older late 60s brand new in the box lowrance sonar flasher unit that im gunnu put in my old lyman:confused2: dont know if i can figure it out or not but itll look good :big_smile: :cool2:

[Baitcutter]

I just got a Lowrance LCX-28HD and having used various Lowrance models for the last 25 years this is the best one I've had. The preloaded maps work great.

[tonyc662]

I have the eagle fishmark 380,it's made by Lowarance but cheaper than the Lowarance brand name.Works great.

[blacksheep]

Humminbird 997 for sure...

[Grimpuppy]

I voted Humminbird, but I would have bought a Lowarance if it wasn't for the SI. Would be interesting to see how the numbers would come out if this poll was done before Humminbird came out with the SI units.
One of the most frequent questions on sonar I see posted is how do you tell what something is. It takes lots of time on the water to be real proficient at reading sonar. Something I am not. But with the SI I can see a "picture" of the structure that is under water. Then I can go over that structure and see what it looks like with traditional sonar. So I think SI can help inexperienced people learn to read traditional sonar, as well as the other benefits. That may be the true beauty of SI.

[catfish kenny]

Ijust bought a hummingbird-I dont know how to use em very well-just learning....but since I own one have to vote fer em:wink:

[hunter]

Lowrance LCX-17m here, used many other's still trying to figure out this unit know. :crazy:

[BUCK]

has anyone got a 757c bird.? thanking about getting one

[Rputman]

:big_smile:The parts about the windsheild helped me alot I was getting ready to ask that exact qeustion. Thanks alot you read my mind.I have a lowrance 525cdf. I like it. It is the best one I've ever had. I am sure that there are better ones and they will cost more. I think the larger screen wouldve been nice with one of the other units. I picked the 525 over the 527 because of 1.)the external gps receiver. A freind had one with a internal and the windsheild on the boat interferred with the signal. I have my receiver mounted on the rod rack on the boat and have never lost the signal once. 2.) For the extra 50 bucks over the 520 I got 1600 more watts. 3.) The dual frequency with the wider cone angle lets me watch my bait while drifting when the lines are not directly under the boat. Thats my 2 cents. Good thread.

[michael357mag]

I just recieved my lowrance 520c. From what other people have told me this is the one to have. Will let you know how it works.

[Blue Duck]

Matt I couldn't vote because I don't know enough about depth/fish finders.

I do have a ? though. Sitting here is an Eagle Ultra II that my buddy Bill bought off a guy (his neighbor) for 50 bucks. I don't think they make this model anymore, but it's obviously never been used; cables still bound and everything intact in the plastic case. I just need to go online and see if I can print out a user's manual, that's the only thing missing. So my question is, it's worth $50 right?

Catgirl. I had an Ultra ll and I loved it. Mine finally died. It was a great unit. Id take one in that kind of shape anytime for $50. Sounds like a good deal to me......