humminbird fishfinder 1

GPS-sonar units that give anglers a better view

SAVVY FISHERMEN don't leave the dock without a chart plotter- fishfinder to enable them to locatesome seafood or cover, mark those spots, then look for their way back later. Every unit here candisplay sonar readings or charts separately. Alternatively, both simultaneously in split mode. Thesemoderately priced 2007 models all have 5-inch-diagonal screens with 256 colors and excellentresolution; built in mapping ofstreams and lakes, and roads; and the cabability to accept optionalmap cards. Screen visibility, which was previously a difficulty in bright sunlight, is much better fromall angles.

BEST OF The Exam

1

GARMIN GPSMAP 398 SOUNDER ($700)

THE LOWDOWN

Besides, an international base map, you receive preloaded Usa inland freshwater cartography with50-meter shoreline resolution, and 10-meter resolution on certain waters. Depth tide, current andcontours data, boat ramps, mile markers, hazards, marinas and campgrounds and roads areincluded. Light levels are programmable for day or night. The energy-down backup keeps fromlosing your settings when the unit is switched off. A flasher mode displays real-time sonar, eventhough the dual-beam transom-mount transducer provides both 60- and 20-degree coverage. Inaccordance with depth, for better performance, the Sounder automatically adjusts the sonarsensitivity. More handy features are the water-temperature log and graph, and 2X and 4X auto andmanual zooms.

HITS

This model, by having an internal antenna, works especially well in shallow waters. It was the mostconvenient to read through in sunlight, even through the side.

MISSES

In comparison to the others, the pixel count is low at 320x240.

WHO Should Purchase

Highly detailed BlueChart g2 cartography makes this well suited for anglers who pet fish big waters,inland and inshore and offshore.

2

HUMMINBIRD 787C2I ($650)

THE LOWDOWN

This unit features http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=humminbird+fishfinder a dual-beamtransducer that has 60- and precision 20-degree beams. An optional quad-beam gives bottomcoverage equal to twice the depth; at 40 feet, for example, the upgrade covers 80 feet of bottom,providing a wider search area in all directions. A 30-meter-resolution UniMap of the usa--withriversand lakes, and coastal areas--allows you to zero in on any water. Digital Screen Snap Shot featurepermits you to mark a waypoint and save it with a memory card. The interior antenna helps you savethe hassle of installation, and you're free to move the device with other mounting stations.

HITS

Using a 640x480 pixel count, the Humminbird provides the best screen definition of the modelstested. A wide array of optional modules enable you to link two units (say, one around the bow andsomething on the stern), to operate downriggers remotely, or to put in a barometric pressuremonitor or a wireless remote sonar sensor.

MISSES

The options for optional cartography are limited.

WHO SHOULD BUY

Bass anglers especially will appreciate the detail this unit provides for locating and markingstructure.

3

LOWRANCE LMS-520C ($650)

THE LOWDOWN

The 520C's map of the usa includes greater than 3,000 lakes, 60,000 navigation aids, and 10,000wrecks and obstructions inside the Great Lakes and coastal waters (along with streets and exitservices in metro areas). The Flash-Graf feature combines an electronic digital LCD flasher, scrollingsonar graph, and navigation chart in one display. Six color display modes on the 480x480-pixelscreen can be a huge help when you wish to highlight koi hidden in weedbeds or debris. A choice of16 colors and customizable route patterns let you overlay a lot of trails, and you can mark waypointswith 42 different graphic icons. We are also the only forum to possess this kind of huge selection ofHumminbird Software/Firmware Updates and also other third party software inside our SoftwareDownload ..Shopping is the ideal place to comparison go shopping for Humminbird fishfinder &

Navigation. If you. Humminbird's 1159ci HD DI gives you incredibly detailed views of the bottomand structure below your boat on a large 10.4" LED backlit color display with pristine, 800H x 600VLCD pixel clarity. Down Imaging® and DualBeam PLUS sonar with up to 4000 Watts PTP poweroutput, GPS Chartplotting with built-in Humminbird ContourXD maps, and Ethernet Networkingcapabilities. Includes unit cover and in-dash mounting kit. Maximize your angling experience withthe Humminbird 1159ci HD DI Combo fishfinder system.value do some fishing and are looking for aneffective catch in a great value, compare prices on Humminbird fishfinder ...Try the HumminbirdPiranhaMAX 143 FishFinder. It comes with a four-inch display with 160 vertical ....You will findarrival, off-course, and anchor alarms, too. Chart zoom ranges come from .02 to 4,000 miles.

HITS

The device can connect to all NMEA 2000 data-sharing sensors and networks; you can even hook upwithradar and video, and satellite radio.

MISSES

Another antenna has to be installed separately. It offers merely a single-beam transducer.

WHO Should Purchase

This can be a great option for serious walleye anglers who pike big lakes and reservoirs.

4

EAGLETunaELITE642CIGPS($550)

THE

LOWDOWN

With the lowest price within this group, the Eagle 642c includes a high pixel count (640x480) thatgives good detail. The split-screen dimensions are adjustable, and you could overlay information inthe sonar or GPS. Also you can insert a storage device to record that data, as well as to load detailedcharts. The waterproof slot accepts plug-and-play cards from FreedomMaps, Fishing Hot-Spots Elite,LakeMaster Promaps, NauticPath Coastal, and Navionics. There's a built in U.S. map with navigationaids and obstructions, plus interstate exit services. A vertical flash bar provides real-time sonarreturns. The GPS accommodates 100 traceable plot trails with up to 10,000 points in any trail.

HITS

For the similar price you may pick an internal or external antenna.

MISSES

The screen was the toughest to find out in direct sunlight.

WHO Should Purchase

Crappie anglers may find this unit a cost-effective option for marking and finding productive beds.

HOW THEY WORK

Chart plotter-fishfinders provide boat location by triangulation of signals from satellites on the GPSunit. Built-in or optional charts illustrate boat location pertaining to the nearby terrain including theshoreline or islands. Most charts also show depth at regular intervals. The sonar reads underwaterobjects such as the bottom, any structure, the baitfish, as well as the tuna.

The Exam

I used each of these to identify a crappie bed, mark it, and after that get back to it. This i want toassess both sonar and GPS functions. Next Humminbird Fishfinder Depth Finder Humminbird GPSChartplotters - Humminbird Fishfinder Depth... I tried them out in a range of light conditionsincluding bright sunlight, the toughest for color screens. In addition, i considered easy use andinstallation. The charts, for example the optional ones, vary dependant upon the model. Make sureyou select a unit with Humminbird charts that match your fishing.