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Topic: Hummingbird 598ci Hd Side imaging or Lowrance Elite 7 or other options  (Read 2021 times)

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Brewski

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  • Location: East Bay
  • Date Registered: Dec 2012
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Almost ready to pull the trigger on a fish finder and looking to spend a max of $900. I would like to spend as little as possible though in order to buy other kayak fishing items (dry suit, new VHF). I primarily fish Lafayette, San Pablo, Central Valley lakes and do not fish saltwater. I need to use an external ram arm transducer mount because I have a hobie inflatable.

After research I am leaning towards the hummingbird 598 side imaging for $660 on sale at cabelas. I am concerned the screen is too small for the side imaging though. Can anyone comment on the usefulness of side imaging for kayak fishing or the 598 in general?

Or I am considering the lowrance elite 7 hdi for $700.

Any thoughts? Are the above fish finders overkill for the kayak? Thanks for the help


Bushy

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Hi I've been using my 700 series hd for quite  while.  I use the down image occasionally, but never really use side imaging.  In lakes it may be more useful, looking for structure like trees and stuff, but I've not found that much a benefit of even the down mage compared to the 'normal' color display...

Allen


SANTA CRUZ KAYAK FISHING Guide Service  2004
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FishingForTheCure

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I have the Elite 7 on my yak and love the broadband sounder and the HDI down scan.  I can run the gps, broadband & hdi all at once on one screen with no issues.  You can also overlay the dsi with broadband.  Pretty slick unit!  The H-bird used as standard transducer to formulate its "side scan".  Looks good on the box but seen mixed results in real life use.  In the end, buy what makes you comfortable for use & your budget.  I think there are more Lowrance users on here vs H-bird do there is a good support network to lean on for questions.