What fish finder is your boat equipped with?

[MSgtCatfish]

Just curious to see what everyone is using out there? I started out with a Humminbird many moons ago and since then I have been hooked on Lowrance. Had the X-15 and now the X-17c. Good models which work out for me pretty good. Been thinking about the new side imager from Humminbird bt haven't heard to much feedback on it.

So, let me know what you are using and any feedback on it you can give.

[bass&cats]

I have read a lot of reviews with people having problems with humming birds. I own a Lowrance x96. It is a very good fish finder for 100 dollers. I have read a lot of reviews on lowrances, and hear nothing but positives. read the reviews for some of the humming birds on basspro.com. I also know a guy with a humming bird, that has problems turning on and off, and doesnt read depths right. Personaly id stay with the lowrances. Quality might be good but I dont know how the dependability would be.

[cats4uandme]

nothing fancy i have a hunningbird pirranah max 20. $99


i look for structure & channels with it. i dont watch fish much.

after running wide open on a lake i didnt know 100 yrds off the bank and stopping in 2 foot of water i got it for insurence more than anything. when i hit shallow water i can set it to beep when it hits certain depts.

[capt295]

i started out with hummingbirds super 30 and super 60 flashers and loved them. but when tom mann sold it the quality went down. and i switched to lowrance also american made. My boat is all lowrance and i havent had a problem with any of it. I use a lms-480 graph/gps on the console, and a lcf 1440 depth finder with surface temp gauge on the bow with trolling motor transducer , lvr 850 vhf radio and a lowrance muti gauge on the console that gives motor hours, charging amps, livewell temp and surface water temp. alarms for temps, and clock. I havent had a problem with any of it. dependable. if it does break they have a quick turn around on repairs. and believe me if its rough water it takes the pounding and keeps going. I also use my boat in fresh and saltwater and i have had no corrosion problems. You cant beat Lowrance in my opinion.

[RiverKing]

I use the Lowrance 527C w/ GPS...I have only had it out on the river about 5 times, but i have not been skunked since i hooked it up. I love it so far, it was about 650.00 bucks so its not one of the real top end models, but it works for me real well. It shows beautiful arches and will read depths and structure when im running 45 mph.

[blackwaterkatz]

I've got a lot of faith in Lowrance/Eagle products. I have an lms 337cdf and recently added a Humminbird 797c2si for the side imaging. It lasted for 2 weeks, and went bad. I exchanged it for a new unit, but haven't tested it yet. I definitely like the standard down sonar on the Lowrance better than that of the HB. but the side imaging is a neat little toy to play with. :cool2:

[dougc]

I definitely like the standard down sonar on the Lowrance better than that of the HB. but the side imaging is a neat little toy to play with. :cool2:

Lowrance's 2D is the best, but Humminbird's side imaging is an advantage-If you learn how to use it.

[BIG-G]

Eagle 320. Fits the budget and ya don't have to be an "MIT" grad to work it. LOL!

[72hdflh]

I have 2 Humminbirds, a 161c with gps and a 565 with trolling motor transducer. They are both new this spring, so I have not used them much. I was initially having problems with the 161c shutting off, then it mysteriously went away, haven't had any more problems after that. Hopefully it will not rear its ugly head again, especially after the warranty runs out.

[Bill in SC]

I have the Eagle Fishmark 320 also. $150. VERY happy with this inexpensive unit. It finds fish and IDs structure very well. I usually catch fish where it says they are.
BB in SC

[catfish kenny]

I have a cheap hummingbird-cost round 100 bucks and it works allrigh fer bein on a jon boat

[brad kilpatrick]

I run a lowrance LCX 111c HD but will be adding hummingbird side imaging by the end of the season

[Kyle]

I have a Humminbird 981c si that I absolutley love! Bought it new off ebay for about 800, when I tried to hook up the GPS accessory it would't reckonize it so I called Humminbird and they told me to send it in so they could look at it. I had owned it for just over a year, and had no warranty whatsoever on it, one week later they sent me a BRAND NEW one, no questions asked. Said I had water damaged the old one. Anyways already got 92 hrs (in 2 months) on the 'new' one and I'm loving it. But I must say brads lowrance 111c was quite impressive too...

[Big Sam]

Lowrance 520-c in the back & eagle 480 in the front on the trolling motor.:smile2:

[SkipEye]

Humminbird 797c2si. I love the side-imaging.

Soon, I will be upgrading to the massive, awesome 1197c.:big_smile:

You can really get the BIG picture of how structure is laid out with the side imaging. I would say it has helped my fishing greatly.

[cat tamer]

Humminbird 797c2si. I love the side-imaging.

Soon, I will be upgrading to the massive, awesome 1197c.:big_smile:

You can really get the BIG picture of how structure is laid out with the side imaging. I would say it has helped my fishing greatly.

I recently switched to the 1197 and the side imaging shows you what the bottom really looks like, the side imaging alone would not be any good but having it and the sonar together is the ideal mix. you find cover that you can not see otherwise.

[MSgtCatfish]

when I started this poll I figured I would see a dead heat between Lowrance and Humminbird. Humminbird has a lot more votes however, Eagle is the cheaper version of Lowrance so when you add those 2 together = Humminbird=44 and Lowrance/Eagle=42, that's about right as far as my thinking was prior to the numbers coming in.

Interesting.

Thanks for all those participating in the poll and providing feedback on what and why you have your particular unit.

[RIVER-RAT]

I have the Humminbird 917c with the quadrabeam transducer. I bought it new this year, I had an Eagle 320 before but it didn't work so well on the Mississippi river for some reason.

It took me a little bit to figure out what I was seeing on the screen at first, but now I have a pretty good idea. I really like the quadrabeam transducer as well.

If money wasn't an object, I think I would go with the best Lowrance unit I could find. I like the picture on the high dollar Lowrance screen!

[seaark]

I run an LCX-111c on the console and a LCX-17 on the bow. I really like my lowrances. The only problem I have is they are not as accurate as my Garmin with GPS location. I use a Garmin 162 for that. Acurracy gets down to about 3 feet. Can't beat that. The lowrances will do no better than 24 feet, but for fish finding, can't beat them lowrances.

[MSgtCatfish]

it's like Chevy vs Ford... everyone knows Chevy is tops but you still have people that buy Fords.:big_smile:.

Hey Jerry, whenever you get done taking a hit on whatever it is you are smoking, can you pass it my way:big_smile: LOL!!!!!

[jedimanhunter]

I bought a 797c2 due to all the hype of the side imaging. I read some of the other post and I must be doing something wrong. I find the SI very difficult to see in the daytime. I set the brightness as high as it will go and selected every option as far as color and I am not impressed. I thought the image would be more to scale for example when i pass by huge concrete pillars on bridges 15ft away my first thought is i would see the pillar come on screen and be a huge image like what i am looking at above the water and then i see this little stick that i would have no idea that it was 8ft in diamater if I did not know what i was looking at.

I played with the zoom setting and it changes some but i find myself spending more time pushing buttons that putting lines in the water. To be fair to the unit I blame lake of knowledge and i should plan an equipment education day on the water but my time gets scarce and i want to fish when I can get on the water.

The one thing I do love about the unit is the GPS for marking humps, places and dates where I catch big fish and mapping boat lanes so if i go out on a night excursion or get caught in the fog i can get around without running over a tree.

Obvisouly the GPS feature is not limited to this unit. Would I buy it again probably not. Would I buy a unit without GPS again even though I already have 2 handhelds, absolutly not. The GPS difference is all in the map chipthat is optional. If you are not willing to spend the extra 100.00 or so on the map chip then I would would not get the GPS either. Without the map all you have is a very basic basemap. If you want an examply of what the basemap looks like then go outside during the day and look straight up heheh.

Looking at the units on display at Bass Pro on the 2d color screens i might flip to lorance. Some of the lower end units look good.

Bottom line, GPS with a navionics chip rules what ever unit you put it in. That is choice feature #1, Color #2 the rest will work itself out.

[catfishcrazy256]

I use a humminbird 587ci ,it works great for me

[BKS72]

797C2 SI I absolutely love it. Takes some practice and you have to put the time in to learn it, but it's a great tool.

[GaryF]

Another Hummingbird 797 here, and I think it was a good choice.

IMO, Lowrance is superior to Hummingbird in many ways... 2D sonar and fish arches, screen clarity and ability to read in bright sunlight, more accurate base maps, etc. But the Hummingbird side imaging is killer, and it's too bad Lowrance hasn't found a way to offer it in their units.

[dominoman]

Considering that I can't remember what I voted in the poll, as I have changed to the current setup, a HB 797C SI with Navionics Hot Maps chip. Have been working on the learning curve, it's gettin better. I also added a seperate HB 755 GPS so I didn't have to keep switching back and forth on the SI screen to have the GPS. I had some issues with the 2 Lowrance's I tried, not so much sure that it was the equipment or the dealer I bought them from. Had 2 different units go out within 3 weeks. Got tired of uninstalling them to be returned. I'll just stay with the HB's.

[Grumper]

Right now, I have a brand new Lowrance LCX-27C on my boat. If I had to do it all over again, I would've bought a Humminbird 997Csi. I been thinking about selling my lowrance though, and going with the humminbird. I like the 2D sonar on the lowrance a whole lot better than the humminbirds, but the side imaginging is an awesome tool. I think that's the only thing humminbird has going for them right now.:wink:

[pole bender]

I have a eagle 380 on the back of boat and a garmin 120 on the trolling motor.

[LaBlueHunter]

lowrance lms-522c is what my boat is packin an love it

[TheBentRod]

I use the Lowrance lcx 113c-hd awesome unit. Easy to use. A little pricey but worth it

[chambers bd]

Hummingbird 161 w/GPS, I like it!

[SkipEye]

Had the 797c2si by Humminbird for the last year but as of last week I now have the 1197C, the BIG MOFO of side imaging. Installed it over the weekend. Can't wait to get it on the water.:cool2:

[Wvawitrado]

Right now, I have a brand new Lowrance LCX-27C on my boat. If I had to do it all over again, I would've bought a Humminbird 997Csi. I been thinking about selling my lowrance though, and going with the humminbird. I like the 2D sonar on the lowrance a whole lot better than the humminbirds, but the side imaginging is an awesome tool. I think that's the only thing humminbird has going for them right now.:wink:grumper!!!
I would definently take that lowrance off your hands please PM me if your really interested I am a fishing brother would be willing to send money first for the unit if your really intertested?

[Thedue]

I have a Lowrance LMS522c on the consol and a 520c on the bow. Love them both, but hope to add a Hummingbird SI next spring during the boat shows.

IMHO, Lowrance units have the best down sonar, much better than the Birds, but that SI view is pretty neat as well.

[Poppa]

I have a 565 humminbird in the back and a 535 in the front on my trolling
motor. They are both new (stimulus money) and I am learning to use them
they are different from my old eagle.

[jerryrigg]

well its just my opinion but lowrance is the only unit i own or will ever own.if you have a problem they are quick to resolve it.i bought a x135 for the front of my boat and i had a problem.they took the s/n of the unit and sent me another one.i didnt even send the first one back.they tend to cost a little more but you get a good product with a good warntey.i know they all make some good units but lowrance is for me.

[clatorlakecat]

Just curious to see what everyone is using out there? I started out with a Humminbird many moons ago and since then I have been hooked on Lowrance. Had the X-15 and now the X-17c. Good models which work out for me pretty good. Been thinking about the new side imager from Humminbird bt haven't heard to much feedback on it.

So, let me know what you are using and any feedback on it you can give.hello, just wanted to say my choice of graphs is the lowrance
fishfinder .its alittle more $$$ than others but it worth having a reliable true reading of a lowrance they really pick up the bottom great for them hard to see spots were them cats may be laying plus has gps equiped but i dont use it. u will see the most prettiest arches with a lowrance in my opinion. but everyones different. good luck to u all ..........thanks

[fishnvince]

Hummingbird Matrix 67 2004 model. I love it, mostly because understand it after 4 years and know what im looking at.

[Sunbird]

I recently got my first boat and I bought a Lowrance LMS 522c iGPS. Now this being MY first boat I don't have much experience yet using the unit. I have been out about 6-8 times. I LOVE the GPS for tracking and back tracking on the Santee lakes where I fish, tons of stumps and it's big. I am learning the sonar part. What I have been able to figure out so far has paid big (lbs.) for my crew. Last weekend we boated over 150lbs. total weight. We caught several nice flathead. I opted to buy Lowrance because of my experience with using there aviation equipment. Great products, service A+.

[blackwaterkatz]

Jon, that lowrance will serve you well. If you want to learn a little more about using sonar, here are a couple of links with some good info in them.

http://www.lowrance.com/tutorials/sonar/sonar_tutorial_01.asp

http://www.hightechfishing.com/lowrancetutorial.html

Hope they help you some.

[catdaddy007]

I have an Eagle supra pro portable. I got a portable because I fish out of 2 different boats. Both are small boats,a 12 and a 14 ft.

[BROWNING7MMMAG]

LOWRANCE LCX 28 AND LOVE IT

[Whistling Dixie]

I just purchased a Humminbird 141. So far it is incredible, color display is bright and clear. When it says there are fish below you it's not lying. On our first trip I found the river channel and the 141 showed large numbers of fish below at 26 feet. We dropped anchor and sure enough we caught fish. Nothing big but they were there. For this beginner I was impressed.

[SHOWME]

My boat came with a hummer and I gave it a toss in the lake:confused2: I have a Lowrance X-15 in the front and a 360 on the drivers side and couldn't want anything better EXCEPT I really am impressed with the hummer side view unit:ooooh:

[CAPTIN BILL]

i have a garman gps,map 168 sounder; i use it for saltwater and lakes; verygood at showing underwater logs and stumps and wrecks and rocks off shore,has a chart for marking your hot spots and favorite holes and can show your position on any body of water..gps is fantastic...

[lendog]

humminbird matrix 3-D with gps, just got it over the summer and love it, my old one was a humminbird 525 and that worked great too

[PHLIPS4BIGKATS]

Mine currently has a older eagle up front and a junk hummer wide optic on the driver side. The hummer will go from 12ft of water to 2ft to 600ft in about 30ft of travel. My plans are to invest in the ne lowrance HD model unless I come across a deal on a year old model that I just can't pass up.

[Shawn]

plain old Fishmark 320 for me...nice basic unit seems to work well. and the price was right....

Shawn

[Bambu]

Mine currently has a older eagle up front and a junk hummer wide optic on the driver side. The hummer will go from 12ft of water to 2ft to 600ft in about 30ft of travel. My plans are to invest in the ne lowrance HD model unless I come across a deal on a year old model that I just can't pass up.
theres some good deals at cabelas on lowrance units now, just got a lms 522 for 499, they usually go for 649 at bass pro.

[cumberlandcat]

Ihave a hummer 787 with gps but after a year of use it's not impressing much

[Big M]

I am about to order the Hummer 798ci si. I am excited to post my inputs, and opinions on this unit. It will be my first fishfinder, so I am sure I will be impressed with even the simplest of features. LOL
Mike

[cathog]

I have a Hummingbird right now that i have had about a year. I will be replacing it with another Lowrance as soon as I can afford it.

[tbull]

Lowrance x510c and a Humminbird 797c2 Side Imaging Unit. The 2 units really run good together.

[gdlocal10]

have an older hummingbird, heard the hummingbird wide eye is the up and comming havent really checked them out yet how are they

[caatstalker]

have a humming bird 717 , not color but does every thing else , have an old hummer 4000 on the back. its good for depth. like the fishing system with the 717.

[medford]

this unit has been good so far has lied to me yet great detail if their down their it will show them:wink:

[gdlocal10]

humminbird is on our baot , the older 200Dx and a flasher.Havent used the flasher yet, I talked to a professional guide and he said the new side view wide eye is the way to go. That will probably be the new one when we can afford it:cool2:

[KsPete]

I just bought a Lowrance 522. I'm in the process of renovating a 16' aluminum boat so I haven't had a chance to hook it up yet.

[catoon]

im getting a new 525 hummingbird when my tax check arrives

[CaptainBrad]

The past 3 seasons I have been using the Vexilar Edge3. This is hands down the best graph I have ever seen or used. That being said I gave into the idea of side imaging as a way to find the submerged structure and bought a HB 997 for my new boat. I hope it works out. The idea of being able to find the sunken snags and structure to me seems to be totally worth it. I guess time will tell.

[jrack1]

my old hummingbird 747c works great all the time and speeds

[Pip]

Have the Bird 997SI and Lowrance 527. love the Side imaging, But seem to like the sonar better on the lowrance. Probably just personal preference of what I'm used to, i reckon. The GPS on both is good with the Bird having the navionics and the Lowrance having the navpath.

[bassgasm2002]

lowrance lms525 df on the big boat humminbird flasher on the little boat. like em both. the lowrance is the first sonar/gps unit i've owned so no camparisons but it seems nice. as for the flasher very basic but rock solid reliable. my gps ant went out on the lowrance but that kinda stuff happens so until somethin else craps i'll stand by it. i do like how many options are available for it. gonna add the fuel flow this spring.

[brew1961]

I just got they Humminbird 1197cSI, I've had it out for about an hour so far. I got some great pics of structure in the Ohio River. I never knew it was there. I can't wait to get out for some more time on the river.

[fishbreath]

on the back of the boat a eagle fishmark 480. new and it came with my used 16ft flat. it is great but hard to see during the day. I replaced a hum. 535 with a garmin 300C.
the hummer was not good for fishing and screen would fog up. the garmin on the trolling motor is small but you can see it very easy. it does separate fish on the bottom well. Just wish I would not have to turn off the fishmark while using the garmin. John

[jmjackson333]

Humminbird 787! I love the GPS, and with color I can tell the cats from the scaled fish. Also has HOTMAPS and quad-beam transducer.

[Flatheadhunter33]

The pontoon I got this winter came with a Humminbird Pirahna. Nothing fancy but it gives water depth and temp. Those are the biggest things I need to know most of the time.

[JDWILLIS39]

I have Lowrance 113C HD it is great. Lowrance is coming out with Side Scan this year hope it is as good as rest of their stuff. I am still trying to learn how to use all of it.
Anybody using th new HD units.

[WylieCat]

Great poll!

I just purchased a Lowrance LCX-27. So far it has been a major improvement over the Eagle unit I had before. The increase in wattage makes a big difference, as does the detail in the Navionics chip.

Hopefully the rumor of a Lowrance side scan unit will prove to be true. I could then use my LCX-27 for traditional sonar images and GPS mapping, and the side scan as a standalone unit for side imaging.

We will see. :ooooh:

[jerseycat9]

Great poll!

I just purchased a Lowrance LCX-27. So far it has been a major improvement over the Eagle unit I had before. The increase in wattage makes a big difference, as does the detail in the Navionics chip.

Hopefully the rumor of a Lowrance side scan unit will prove to be true. I could then use my LCX-27 for traditional sonar images and GPS mapping, and the side scan as a standalone unit for side imaging.

We will see. :ooooh:Its already official this august. Only thing that has me scratchin my head is....... Its supposed to be an upgrade add on for the HDS units....thats cool but I bought an HDS-5 lake insight model and now Im wondering its a 5 inch screen ?? Will the add on apply to my depth finder?? And if so would it even be worth it on a 5 inch screen?? Had I known they were gonna announce the side imaging upgrade for the HDS units 2 weeks after I bought one I may have held out and saved for a 8 inch model or at least the 7inch:confused2: In the end I bought it for its capabilities and even if I cant use the side imaging Im still happy with it.

[Cattn-Jeep]

Mine's got the "This looks like a good spot" finder in it.

[Brad30110]

Lowrance HDS-5

[bullcat]

I use lowrance, just got an HDS-7 looks an works great my buddy has a hummingbird side image 997 also works good helps find structure an river channels $2000 for the bird $1000 for the HDS-7 ( ya can't take it with ya!)

[CatBassin']

I have a Humminbird, it's an older model but still works great, that is going in the front when my boat is done. I also have an old Hawkeye that I will be running in the back which works alright but will be mainly used to tell depth.

[Rayin Virginia]

Humminbird 797c2si simply love it ...

[snakeman76]

always liked hummingbird but lawerence is good to

[Slatebar]

I have a Lowrance X135 up front and a Lowrance LMS-480M on the console. I use both when fishing for Walleye, Crappie or bass. But like the other guy said earlier, for cats I mostly use the old "Here Looks Like a Good Spot" method.

[restorerancientiron]

I use Lowrance , have always had good service but now I need to send one in.I have a LMS520-C love it no problems the gps is great and works with the fishing hot spots map and the navionics.I liked it so well I moved it up front and bought a LCX-28 HD.I have to send it back it has something wrong with it , doesn't wont to power up and when it does it will not read any card in it.Of course the warranty has expired now.
I would love to have one of the new Lowrance HD-10 with the side imaging module and if I hit the lottery I will probably buy one.:ooooh:

[pennsyvinn]

I guess I'm still in the stone ages,I still use a 15 year old vexilar color flasher.Once you figure it out it is hard to give it up on the river.I really paid attention to everybody's comments,because I should take advantage of all this new technology and buy a new unit.(and a bigger boat too!)Thanks

[CatHunter24]

I run a Lowrance HDS 7. I had an old hummingbird depth finder that was grey scale...with blocks indicating structure or fish.....you could discern little from it other than depth...which could be a challange as well. I love the new HDS, and I have had all my experience besides that first finder with lowrance products. The thing cost me a small fortune...but it has been worth it because i mainly fish the Ohio and that is a lot of water to cover and to learn. I am anxiously awaiting the sidescan.....but I know it will be awhile before I can afford it. I personally think one of the best pieces of equipment to invest in is a fish finder. That being said, an HDS is a luxury, you can do very well with another Lowrance color or even grayscale model. I just decided to work my butt off and by the HDS once I saw my buddies in action.

[petersoutcats]

I run a Garmin 400C
And a portable Buddy Side Finder at times.

[redbone]

I've got a lot of faith in Lowrance/Eagle products. I have an lms 337cdf and recently added a Humminbird 797c2si for the side imaging. It lasted for 2 weeks, and went bad. I exchanged it for a new unit, but haven't tested it yet. I definitely like the standard down sonar on the Lowrance better than that of the HB. but the side imaging is a neat little toy to play with. :cool2:

I have a hummingbird 797c2si on a 23 foot Carolina skiff that I would not take nothing for. The gps and fish imaging / water temp alarms/ sensitivity are superb !!

[Branj796]

Lowrance HD-7. I love it. Can't wait to get the side imaging. I have been catchin a lot bigger fish since switcing from a Hummingbird. Never had a problem and I better not.

[playin4funami]

I had three on my boat a eagle fishmark on the bow mount trolling motor,a hummingbird out back,and my fav. an old bottomline pro dual that was a good unit for many years,but it died,and now I have to find a replacement for it,bummer. So I'll keep my eyes open for a cheap ,quality, unit.

[nevets91]

i use an eagle fishmark 320 and a cuda. neither are expensive but it gets the job done im sure i would like one of these nicer units but money aint gonna let that happen so i work with what i got

[FLOAT TRIP WILLIE]

I also have an eagle 320 unit... It'll work for now but im looking to upgrade to a cheap color combo with better pixels and more PTP power... If any of you guys decide to upgrade and want to sell your old unit shoot me a PM.. My job has their own shipping dept. so the shipping will be next to nothing... (if any at all):wink:

[ammo warrior]

Thanks James for posting the question. I don't have a boat yet...but some day I can see it happining. There was some good replies to your post. Very informational. :cool2:

[catfisherman369]

I had to vote other . I dont have an electronic fish finder on my boat , but I do make my son in law ride the bow with a scuba mask on and his head in water ....... lol

[bluejay]

Red neck fish finder!! LOL

[TennesseeJugger]

Just curious to see what everyone is using out there? I started out with a Humminbird many moons ago and since then I have been hooked on Lowrance. Had the X-15 and now the X-17c. Good models which work out for me pretty good. Been thinking about the new side imager from Humminbird bt haven't heard to much feedback on it.

So, let me know what you are using and any feedback on it you can give. My spot light!

[Slatebar]

I had to vote other . I dont have an electronic fish finder on my boat , but I do make my son in law ride the bow with a scuba mask on and his head in water ....... lol Next time your son in law can't go with you,, well, if you will take one of mine I sure would appriceiate it,, might even be some $$$ in it for you. Just make sure nobody ever finds the body. :big_smile_2:

[bluejay]

Ive got a redneck T-shirt with that on it. New son and laws would be like fresh bait. And they come in all sizes and flavors.

[yellingrebel78]

don't laugh but I'm using the old rotary type lowrance on my boat because I hadn't long finished my boat and it was free I don't have the money yet to buy one but will one day but as of right this one is working for me

[motard1]

Eagle 640c here.

[catwhisper]

cheapo 79 dollar HB 100. had it for 9 yrs and still works good. great for dept ok for fish.