Which fish finder

[Roadie]

Looking at getting a fish finder installed this year. I have a XPRO 3.8m inflatable so looking a potentially mounting either on the transom or on the seat, but don't know much about them and which model I should go with. Any recommendations out there??
Thanks
Tom

[steco1958]

There are many out there, I have just taken off a Garmin echo 101 from my rib, and replaced with a combined Plotter and Fishfinder.

The 101 would be for sale at the right price, it is less than 1 yr old.

[jeffstevens763@g]

hi tom

i have had lowrance, Garmin & hummingbird all good never had any problems great for fishing as they have alarms when fish below try redcar fish company for some advice nice bloke there very helpful also depends on budget but structure scan or side scan are excellent

regards jeff

[Ronaldj]

If it were me
I would not go out without a combo unit that was a Fish finder /Chart plotter unit.
I would also make sure it came with the maps of the area you intend to use the boat in.
Having that added gps /plotter info is invaluable.
I would also get the version that comes with its own battery and bag
As for screen size.
That is more of an issue of the age of your eyes and your wallet.

If you haven't already.
You should also look at a Vhf/Dsc radio
Those radios also have Gps and you can enter your launch location so you can find your way back

[A1an]

Most finders I've used have told lies. Accurate enough for depth but that's about it.

I had a garmin 300 that showed me fish when sitting on the trailer.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by A1an

.....
I had a garmin 300 that showed me fish when sitting on the trailer.

Were you on the ferry?


.....sh1t happens.......

[Ronaldj]

It really depends on how much you spend.
A cheap fish finder will show fish from a trailer.
In reality it's just showing ground clutter.
A good fish finder actually works

[A1an]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Were you on the ferry?


.....sh1t happens.......

Nope.

Forth road bridge.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by A1an

Nope.

Forth road bridge.

That's testerment to how good they are seeing fish from that height

[apshutt]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

That's testerment to how good they are seeing fish from that height

Lol

[stray]

Originally Posted by Roadie

Looking at getting a fish finder installed this year. I have a XPRO 3.8m inflatable so looking a potentially mounting either on the transom or on the seat, but don't know much about them and which model I should go with. Any recommendations out there??
Thanks
Tom

It's hard to make a recommendation as you haven't given a budget. Ive got the lowrance Elite 5HDI,

Lowrance Elite 5 HDI CHIRP Plotter / Fishfinder c/w Hybrid Downscan Transducer | eBay

that I'm happy with, though a 7 inch screen would be better.

[Ronaldj]

I have an elite 5 also.
I also have the stand alone simulation software that goes with it.
The software actually allows you to plot a trip before you actually take it

[Roadie]

Not really looking for a chart plotter as I only fish inshore within sight of land and also budget certainly doesn't go that far. £120 to £150 max I would say.

[Ronaldj]

£120 to £150 is not ping to get you much new.
You should try to get a refurbished unit from Hummingbird or Lowrance

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Roadie

Not really looking for a chart plotter as I only fish inshore within sight of land and also budget certainly doesn't go that far. £120 to £150 max I would say.

Even if you don't use the plotter for passages, you will still get plenty of fishing info from the chart. Type of bottom, where the drop offs are, reefs, wrecks etc.


.....sh1t happens.......

[jeffstevens763@g]

lowrance elite-4 hdi combo with transducer £229.95 force 4 chandlers

[jeffstevens763@g]

dannyc has a garmin for sale £225 new

[cantona]

Just ordered a Lowrance Elite x 4, basic colour unit for £99.95, Force 4 Chandlers, like you I will fish well under a mile from land and need it really to look for reefs and pinnacles etc and have a limited budget for my toys

Cantona

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by cantona

Just ordered a Lowrance Elite x 4, basic colour unit for £99.95, Force 4 Chandlers, like you I will fish well under a mile from land and need it really to look for reefs and pinnacles etc and have a limited budget for my toys

Cantona

that's fair enough on a budget hours of fun even with just a sounder we use to use one for diving years ago whilst waiting between dives, explore the sea bed with the sounder finding the reefs in about 20 m of water were the best for marine life.

[Roadie]

Looks good Cantona, might just do the trick.
What battery would people suggest with this unit?