Which fish finder are you using?

Hello there,

In the processing of outfitting my new 2020 Hobie Outback.  Want to make good use of the retractable transducer plate.  Which fish finder do you recommend?  I will be fishing mainly freshwater, local lakes and delta.  Looking at Lowrance Elite Ti2-7 and Hook 2-7.  Thoughts and experiences, and any other FF recommendations.

Thanks.

B

I put the Hook 2-7 on my 19 Outback last year around this time. I had a strange year and didn't get a lot of time on the water (moved) but so far I'm pretty happy with it. It's intuitive and reliable. I haven't had much use for the side scan yet, but I'm liking it. After crabbing with it a few times, I'm not sure I really needed the 7" display, especially since I don't run 3 or 4 screens simultaneously (yet) - so I find myself thinking the 5" would be less clutter on deck. That being said, I like how easy it is to see everything.

Install was easy - followed the Hobie video on YouTube.

My last two finders were Humminbird, but this is my first proper GPS unit.

Curious why you are only looking at Lowrance.  Is side scan important?  I would imagine if you are only fishing freshwater lakes and the Delta (shallow water) that your needs are different from someone that also goes out to the ocean.

I've got a lowrance 4x Elite that I got second hand.  I don't have first hand experience with a Hook series, but a couple people on here and a friend have had a similar problem where it shows the first 30' of water but not the bottom or the bottom 30' but nothing else, like it's an auto depth feature that you can't turn off.

something to maybe research beforehand.

I have only heard good things about the elite series, but again no first hand knowledge outside of my old 4x

I don't use one. I just try to cover as much ground as possible and use many different techniques as possible. It has not failed me yet. I do have a Helix 5 that I used a few times. It worked great. Just got tired of it in the way and cleaning

Garmin echomap 7” is my vote. Price and performance is hard to beat.
Lowrance uses inferior connector.

I currently run a Garmin Stryker 4plus. Great value for price. I mainly rockfish and go for Cali Hali. Have a lowrance elite 5 I've been thinking of swapping to for more mapping options

Garmin echomap 7” is my vote. Price and performance is hard to beat.
Lowrance uses inferior connector.

Garmin echomap 74sv , great price  easy to use... good enough for me.

I started with a Garmin Stryker 4, then got a lowrance Elite-5 DSI for mapping options. i didnt like the sonar on that unit and swapped it out for a Garmin Echomap Plus 64cv.  That unit with the GT-23 Ducer is a beast! Its massive though and wouldnt fit into the lowrance ready plate so im not sure what others with these garmins are using for ducers. (or if they're using thru hull?)

Had a hook 2-7 on my ‘19 outback. Now I have a raymarine element 7 on it. I much prefer the raymarine. Faster response when changing between screens, I like the different color options for the display, and it is very easy to use and install. I also prefer the positive lock on the connection plugs that the hook doesn’t have.

Is there a recommendation for a newbie that kayak fishes lakes for a price between $100 and $200?