Humminbird 987c SI Side Imaging

[ShilohRed]

Ordered a new Depthfinder yesterday. Its the Hummingbird 987c SI Side Imaging GPS Wide Screen Fishing System.
Shows the bottom as it would be in a picture without water. If there's a log pile you see a log pile. If its a stump you see a stump, Log, Sunk boat, Rocks. Fish.
Had one guy tell me that he could see the droppers on a trotline in 20ft of water.
Now it will be great to see log pile. and I hope a 50+ blue or flathead laying there. They say when its on the standard dpethfinder mode in color you can see the bait in the water under the boat.
Hummingbird's website shows a lot of pictures of in being used and they are snapshots of what is was seeing under water.
It will cover 240ft left and right of the boat. So that will allow the user to cover vast amount of water in a short time.
Switch it to standard mode and its color Dpethfinder or split he screen and have sidescan on one side and color d/F on the other. Also is a GPS so if you see a log or place you would like to fish. Just mark the spot and go back to it.

Also allows you to save pictures and see them at home on a SD card in the PC.
I hope to have it mounted and in use at the Cumberland River Fish & Camp. And will give a review after a few weeks of use. It was high, but if its half as good as they tell everone it will be well worth it.

Pete

[Rockjumper]

Let me know how it works for ya. I have been looking at them and wondering how good you can see.

[nathan king]

man sounds great, ive been eyeballing it since it came out and its my ultimate dreeam to have it, please tell us what you think as soon as you know something.

[Doctor]

Pete,

Time permitting I would like to get on your boat for a tad to see that baby in action, I'm mainly a Lowrance guy but I do have the Matrix 67 with a Lowrance running together, there is a spot just down river along a rock wall that I would like to get a picture of, Whistler and a few others know the spot, would like to see what the unit shows, just maybe another spot would be where the tractor is in the water also............Doc

[ShilohRed]

I will let everyone know how well it works after using it for a week of so. and even post some pictures of may favorite fishing places and what I though thye looked like. And what is there.
Doc I think that can be worked out..
Let me see.. 25 skipjacks per demo.... LOL
PEte

[Doctor]

Pete,

Got you covered Buddy have at least 25 three inch long ones in the freezer, I'll bring them with me..........lol.............Doc

[ShilohRed]

Pete,

Got you covered Buddy have at least 25 three inch long ones in the freezer, I'll bring them with me..........lol.............Doc

Sounds like your taking after that guy that your riding down with.. LOL
Watch out for him., I think he's a bad driver And also likes to catch all the fish.
LOL
Pete

[Catfishhunter]

PEEEEEEEEEte, You hurt me big guy!LOL... I've been researching that 987 and I don't think that It would be wiseto take a demo ride because I just might like what I see. It looks SWEEEEET!!!

[catfishcentral]

That sidefinder is way cool, I look forward to seeing how you like it also. After reading this post I decided to look at them again. Man I'll tell you what those things show everything. Here's a link in case anyone is interested it's pretty amazing

http://www.humminbird.com/generic2.asp?ID=514

[ShilohRed]

PEEEEEEEEEte, You hurt me big guy!LOL... I've been researching that 987 and I don't think that It would be wiseto take a demo ride because I just might like what I see. It looks SWEEEEET!!!

Ok buddy you can't even look at it. LOL Woud hate to get you in trouble. :grin-big:
I srue hope it allows me to find that honey hole with the 147 lb blue hiding in it.
If so I may have to call in help to land it. :thumbsup:

Pete

[Mr.T]

I'll be interested in hearing a first-hand report of how well it works.

Those screen shots on the Humminbird website are a little *too* nice for me to believe they're representative of the "every day" performance of that unit. My money says they were made under highly controlled "perfect" conditions - glass smooth water, boat moving at some very specific speed, etc. -- and that when you get on the water on an average day with average wind and waves, you'll get very dfferent results.

But I could be wrong -- and I look forward to what Pete has to say about it!

[BAM]

don't worry I 'll be right there to cut your line, wouldn't want you to strain your back.

You know I am going to check it out, Have been drooling over them since you sent me that link. Oh and congratulations

[Whistler]

Even if those graphics were deteriorated by 30% in not so perfect conditions I'd still say they're far above the ones on my Lowrance. You guys need to stop talking about this depth finder. I just looked up the price in the Bait Pro Shop catalog and there is a chance I won't be with us any longer if I ask about buying one of those!! LOL It sure has some pretty screen shots. And I'd bet you could definately tell the difference between a log and a fish laying flat on the bottom. :p

[ShilohRed]

Thanks buddy I know I can count on you to do that. LOL And you can bet your welcome to check it out. And even fish with it. That is as long as I'm there also.

Better to sharpen the knife good. Cause if its going to be hard to cut with me hiting you over the head with the boat paddle. :p

Is it time yet?
Pete

don't worry I 'll be right there to cut your line, wouldn't want you to strain your back.

You know I am going to check it out, Have been drooling over them since you sent me that link. Oh and congratulations

[ShilohRed]

Bryan I did not pay that much for it. Found it on like for around $250 less still high but I hope its worth it.
Also I can for a fee like a good camping spot take you out and we can cover all the fishing spots for you. Would hate to have your life cut short. :)
And you know all that you need to do is let me know and we would sure cover them.
Also if the boat is in a lot of waves it does mess with the results. Also best to run between 2 and 6 mph. but that is not a problem. Also talked with a lot of guys on line that have them and the pictures they post are as good as these.

All that I can say is watch out water. Don't know how much fishing I can do the first day or so with it. HEHE Will sure be looking at what is down there.
Also in standard depth finder mode you can be fishing under the boat and see a fish strike the bait and also see the baits.
They say it can track a BB our of a BB gun..
Pete

Even if those graphics were deteriorated by 30% in not so perfect conditions I'd still say they're far above the ones on my Lowrance. You guys need to stop talking about this depth finder. I just looked up the price in the Bait Pro Shop catalog and there is a chance I won't be with us any longer if I ask about buying one of those!! LOL It sure has some pretty screen shots. And I'd bet you could definately tell the difference between a log and a fish laying flat on the bottom. :p

[ShilohRed]

Ok here gos. And as soon as I can get the pictures to post I will add screen shots of what i got to see today. and let me tell you. It was something to see.
Theres more rock's, And I not talking small ones. These are as big as small cars where I fish. And whle logs laying along the bottom.
Also drove by some Gill Nets and could see the nets. they left a straight line.

Also for the ones that did not think the real thing is as good as on the website. They are . And these are taken in the Tn river with 4 MPH current. Can't wait to see what they look like on the lake.

Pete

[Aquacat]

All I can say is that I've sold a lot more of them than lowrance high end units this year. They are a very good unit. Maybe I can give one away at the gathering?

[ShilohRed]

I bet someone would love to win one. I for one would like a whole mounting kit for this one. that way I could use it in boats. Wish you has posted about them before I bought this one. I might have been able to deal with you.

Here is a picture of one hole.
Pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Sidescan002.jpg

[Rockjumper]

Shilo,

Correct me if I am wrong, the line in the middle is your boat, and it is showing the right and left hand side of the channel?

[ShilohRed]

Shilo,

Correct me if I am wrong, the line in the middle is your boat, and it is showing the right and left hand side of the channel?

Yes the middle is the boat and water depth under the boat.
Pete

[Rockjumper]

Shiloh thanks for sharing.

[ShilohRed]

Let me see if the pictures will post now.
Pete

[rpcathunter]

never seen anything so detailed, looks like video, seems like it you would have to get used to looking sidways rather than down

[kaskas]

I believe last year early some fisherman using a new humingbird unit found a submerged car in the Mississippi near Alton. The lady, that was still in the car ,had drove off the road after having gambled at one of the river casinos. Pretty cool stuff!!!

[dickieboy]

quota post quota post

[ShilohRed]

Ok here is a few more pictures and this time I hope full size.
Also enjoying the Depthfinder more every day I get to use it. Also for the ones asking if you can see fish using the sidescan. yes I found a few schools of bait fish today and guessing what is crappie around them.
Also a bunch at a dock while shooting under it.
Pete


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Lickcreekredo.jpg

Ball of bait fish with fish around it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake006.jpg

This is shooting under a dock. See th sput poles. And the piece in front that is showing up is the front lip of the dock. also bait showing up in side of dock
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake001.jpg

This is old Lock C on the cumberland river.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pics257-change.jpg

This is a log pile where where a creek runs into the river.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/lickceek02redo.jpg

[slimcat]

Those are some really nice pics Pete. Thanks. Only problem I see is that you have to turn your head to see the shot. But it really shows the structure.

[ShilohRed]

Ok here is one and tell me what you think is in it?
Pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/belowsnakecreekfishredo.jpg

[BAM]

I know, I know it's snow. Or is it my upside down anchor?

[ShilohRed]

I know, I know it's snow. Or is it my upside down anchor?

Its bucks upside down anchor. LOL
Buck did you see the one of the creek you fish here?
Pete

[ShilohRed]

Here is bait fish and fish.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake007redo.jpg

Deepwater point with what looks like a standing tree and some laying down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pics243redo.jpg

[ShilohRed]

Here is a picture of the Cumberland River Steam plant intake.
Pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Cumberlandsteamplantintake.jpg

[Rockjumper]

:) Thanks for sharing. All I can say is WOW! I want one. Humming bird should have given you a discount for advertising, Because I want one now......Thanks again.

[ShilohRed]

:) Thanks for sharing. All I can say is WOW! I want one. Humming bird should have given you a discount for advertising, Because I want one now......Thanks again.


It would be nice, but there like everyone else. Not going to happen.
Also If it had not been this good, You can bet I would be teling that also
Pete

[juniormathis]

been wonting one but have never saw one except on internet and cant tell to much about it they have one for a little over 1300 with rebate before i spend that kind on money i wont to be sure let us know somthing please

[ShilohRed]

been wonting one but have never saw one except on internet and cant tell to much about it they have one for a little over 1300 with rebate before i spend that kind on money i wont to be sure let us know somthing please

Are you sure its the side image unit for that price? Bet price I have seen is $1568. That is the one without the GPS.That is the 981C SI Or $1363 without a transducer. but then agin the transducer is around $250.
And what do you won't to know?
Pete

[Willy]

How does the unit handle turbid water,I fish the Missouri river alot and the water for the most part is muddy and will the unit handle extreme muddy water.I like the idea of the side scan for around rock dikes and holes for big fish and does it show big fish laying on the bottm well?

[TeamCatHazzard]

Man that is a really nice finder. I was thinking about getting one but how complicated is it to use? I currently have a BottomLine 5100 but have had my eye on this new Humminbird model it looks awesome. But once again how user friendly is it and do the pictures still look that good and clear even in the Muddy Mississippi? I would really like to be on someones boat to see that badboy in action. I just might have to say a couple g's and get that badboy!

[ShilohRed]

Ok I have only got to use it some. but so far current you only run slower to get the picture.. As for muddy water. Sould not be a problem. As its like a stndard depthfinder. Uses the signal to bounch off stuff to show the picture.
I know you can see fish with it. But I hope to find a big catfish with it and show the picture. And you can bet it will be on line as soon as I can find one.

Easy to use, Its just a few buttons to set. And the owners manal is good.
Theres a lot this unit will do, And I'm still learning it. but should learn more within the next few months..

Also may offer demo's at the national gathering. Should be worth $25 per person. LOL Charged that at the Fish and CAmp at the cumberland and no one payed. LOL

PEte

[SeaArk1]

I just bought the 3D version. It works great. Boy those fishfinders have came a long way in the past few years.

[SeaArk1]

Did you say you bought that unit for $250?? My 3D ran about $1500. Really like it though. Have you bought the hotmaps chip for it yet? It you havent you need to. It shows bottom contours in great detail in GPS mode. Would also be great for low light traveling conditions on any lake in the Midwest.

[ShilohRed]

No that is just the transducer on it.
Yes they have come a long way. And If I get crazy and buy the High dollar maps for mine. The GPS shows the rivers and lakes in 3-D on mine. And still have the Side Image.
Pete

Did you say you bought that unit for $250?? My 3D ran about $1500. Really like it though. Have you bought the hotmaps chip for it yet? It you havent you need to. It shows bottom contours in great detail in GPS mode. Would also be great for low light traveling conditions on any lake in the Midwest.

[ShilohRed]

Ok after Getting to use the Depthfinder for a while.
I have to say, It will open up a new world for you. Here is one fishing hole that I have fished for years. Did not know all this was there.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Wolfisland.jpg
Now what I'm talking about is on the right side of the screen.
You can run the mouse on the GPS over and its tells you how far from the boat something is. And that was 31ft right of the boat, and the thing that looks like It has a grid on top is around 15ft sq. What it is I have no ideal.
But you can bet it will hold a few good fish.

Now the standard Depthfinder, I'm still learning and know it will take a while to learn it all. But for the ones that think they know what is down there where they fish. Its not all like what you think.
Some of the places that i was sure was full of stuff has a whole lot less then I would have guessed. Other places that I thought had nothing there. Well I was just not finding it.Now I do and can mark each log or tree rock or what ever is there and go fish each one. Lots of trees and logs stumps and big rocks. Or like this breakline( Or dropoff). I should be able to mark 3 or 4 waypoints and fish the whole length of it easy.
Like this picture now how hard would this be to find and fish the old way?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Shiloh.jpg


PEte

[Rockjumper]

Ok, your first picture, I see it, but not sure what it is. That is really fasinating!!!!!! I want one!!!!!!

[ShilohRed]

Ok, your first picture, I see it, but not sure what it is. That is really fasinating!!!!!! I want one!!!!!!

I was there and still not sure what it was. Looks like a big sq with bars across the top of it.
And no telling what it is. AS the river will get high and flood and all the cabins around the river bank. There junk washes out into the river.
Pete

[rodpod]

Looks like a pallet?

[Doyle]

4x6 Looks like a 24 pack to me.... cold and ready.

[firecat]

Those pictures are unreal should be really helpful pinpointing structure.

[madcatter]

My name is Butch, I live In Capon Bridge,WV. about 10 miles from the Va. line on route 50. I fish with the Virginia Catfish Association in Richmond,Va. We fish the James, Rappahannock.Chickahominy, Potomac, year round. I've been following your thread for a couple of weeks now. I was looking around on all the websites looking for feed back on the 987c. I don't have enough posts to view your pic's but I'm working on it. I ordered one a week ago and should get it sometime this week. (I hope) We have a tournament this weekend. How good is the charts that come with the unit? My fishing buddy is moving to Clarksburg in a few weeks and we what to fish the Ohio this summer any suggestions on where to start. We fished above Parkersburg about 5 years ago. Can anyone tell me where I could get a good river map of the Ohio.

[Buzzard]

Hello from Montana! Now I gotta be up front and tell you fella's I'm a mostly a walleye fisherman myself, but I've been trying to find some gossip on the new 987c SI. I usually fish Fort Peck Resevore, which is known to be very difficult to locate any structure with the water depths changing every year. After seeing Pete's pictures and others I found on the web, I just couldn't take it any more, and bought one for my Dad for his birthday. I think this thing is going to work great for finding those little pockets of rocks and drop-offs that usually take you half the year to find after the lake has gone up or down 10 ft. The worse thing is I'm going to have to wait for a few months for the ice to melt so I can go try it.

[BIGCAT GarryEads]

Hey , Pete is on the up and up on this one.
I was at the Cumberland Steam Plant when
he was showing us the pictures of the bottom
that he had got. They were great.:)

BIGCAT GarryEads

[ShilohRed]

The standard charts are just the body of water. you have to order the maps to get detail to them. and then it depends on how much you care to spend on them. I think Fishing hot spots is around. $129. and then if you get the ones that makes the lake or river look 3-D and the water is one. Your looking at the bottom . There around $500.

Buzzard you can find each rock pile, Or stump for that matter. Stuff like this I know this is what your looking for .
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Sidescan019.jpg

This is a rock pile out by its self and has a school of fish on it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/306pickwick003.jpg

And Big cat is right. If I post it. All that has been done to it, Is change the size to make it easy to look at.
I will not change a picture of i could.
That is unless its a nice fish of a Buddy's and he catches the big fish of the day. and I had the only camera in the boat. LOL
Pete

[Mpayne]

Just in case someone acutallys buys one of these units I found a $200.00 Rebate form on the website that is good for all of 2006.

http://www.humminbird.com/images/PDF/2006_national_promotions.pdf

Let me know how the product works and if you think it's worth the cost? It looks very interesting.

Mark

[Mpayne]

I was in the Bass Pro shop in Charlotte and was looking at this until. I then saw the price tag of $1999.00. Ouch, The is one hell of a price to be able to see the bottom. I have seen some actual video systems at BP shop that were only about $400.00. I would have a hard time justifying spending that kind on money unless there was a guarantee that I would catch fish each and every time I used it.

[ShilohRed]

Sorry but that rebate is not for the 987.
Also I found mine for $1749 still a lot but I think its well worth it.
Pete

Just in case someone acutallys buys one of these units I found a $200.00 Rebate form on the website that is good for all of 2006.

http://www.humminbird.com/images/PDF/2006_national_promotions.pdf

Let me know how the product works and if you think it's worth the cost? It looks very interesting.

Mark

[Buzzard]

If any body is interested in seeing some more screen shots go to http://webpages.charter.net/bhamptonkc7mrp/
This site has the most screen shots of any page I've found and can give you an idea of what you might actually see.

[juniormathis]

ordered one on feb 20 from foto connection and got it on april 3 on back order that long they got them in on thursday and i got mine on monday at no extra charge took it monday evening to get mounted saved over 300 dollars by going with them

[ShilohRed]

ordered one on feb 20 from foto connection and got it on april 3 on back order that long they got them in on thursday and i got mine on monday at no extra charge took it monday evening to get mounted saved over 300 dollars by going with them

I was wondering why you had not been posting about yours. LOL Guess I know why now.
Good luck with it and catch plenty of fish.
Pete

[Majesticman]

Man I am going to be up a creek. I told my wife not to worry about me buying one. Well after seeing this post I am going to order one Monday.

[Catfish_Commando]

:roll_eyes: Dont tempt us! LOL! :embarassed:

[zappaf19]

Those are so cool!:cool2:
Bill

[ShilohRed]

Those are so cool!:cool2:
Bill

I have some that is better then those. I saved one the other day. It shows me picking my bait up. And you can track it all across the screen in the standard depthfinder mode.
Pete

[ShilohRed]

Here is the picture of my bait. You can see it then when I pick it up it leaves a line. Wish i had saved the one of the fish. I could see the fish. Then the fish was at my bait.
Man it was fun, And see the fish on the way up also.
Pete

[Catfish_Commando]

Pete,

My wife is going to kill me :confused2:

How detailed are the Hot Maps?

[Doyle]

Pete, where is it that you park your boat?:smile2:

[Mildog]

Commando,
I was stationed at Ft. Stewart some years ago.

The hot maps are ok, but for my main lake they are a bit off. I fish alot on Lake Anna in VA, and the depths are off a bit. Show islands where there are none. I think the map detail is old and some of the islands have eroded into sandbars etc.

I have a few side scan images posted at http://apfms.blogspot.com/2005/10/humminbird-987c.html

[ShilohRed]

Pete,

My wife is going to kill me :confused2:

How detailed are the Hot Maps?


Paul I don't have the Hot spots map on the depth finder. but I do have it on the handheld. And on the main lakes it show it all.
but on the 987c SI if you get the High Dollar maps they show it all in 3-D its like looking at a map of the lake without water.
But the HD maps are $500. So there out for a while.
But with what it will show on the side Imagine it does enough without the high priced maps.
Pet

[ShilohRed]

Pete, where is it that you park your boat?:smile2:


LOL The boat is under the shed. But the Depth finder is in the house. And will be locked up in the camper tomorrow. I take it off the boat every time I load it on the trailer.
Pete