fish finder??

Hi All,
 
I'm just wondering if there is somebody who can give me some advice on what kind of fish finder to get. Also, does a fish finder really make a difference when it comes to fishing? Does a fish finder
tell you the depth too? Can you see the fish in it ? Or how do they work ? I really appreciate any information I can get from you.

Thanks...
~ramon~

Ramon,

There's a lot of information on here about fish finders.  A lot of the info you get will be to get something that isn't so expensive...our gear takes quite the beating out there.  I personally have the eagle cuda 168 that costed about $60.

It makes a big difference when fishing.  Knowing what kind of structure (or lack there of) to fish around to target a specific species of fish is really helpful.

A lot of people call them fish finders, alot call them depth finders...I think that while they do sometimes identify fish the biggest advantage you get from them is knowing the structure you're fishing over and it's depth.

 Ramon, Lowrance and Hummingbird are two well known companies but there are many others. Check their websites for info,then look for reviews on the models you like. I would buy what you can afford, check the threads on fishfinders.
 To your other questions yes,yes. I rely on mine, especially in unfamiliar water. It can be a very powerful tool. It's more productive to fish where fish are.

Fishfisher will show you the bait if nothing else.  Bait=bigger fish feeding on them.  Show you the bottom.  If it is rocky or smooth.  Rockcod, lings and Cabbies like rodks.  Halibut like smooth.

Trout fishing you can see what depth to have your bait or lure at.  It nothing else it this like a video game to be looking at.

Just think of it as the first game boy you can fish with.


Ken kickfish

Thanks Guys,

I'm definetly getting one. Somebody just told me, onces you try it you wont want to go fishing with out it. I will go for an eagle cuda 168.

Thanks again...

I have the Eagle 245DS. $99 is a very good bang for the buck. One plug into the back that works for both the power supply and transducer. It is a water tight connection too. The "DS" means dual sonar. Gives you a pretty good idea of what is under you.
Big easy buttons too.
I have had a few Humminbirds. They all crapped out on me for one reason or another. This one has stood the test of time. I am very pleased with it.

I have an Eagle 250ds GPS/FF. Great little unit at a good price. Mine is a portable unit and I just strap it to my hatch cover and put the transducer under the kayak. I got mine from Cabelas. Having a GPS is good when out in a foggy ocean or to get you back to where you got fish.

 are they water proof ?

Having a GPS is good when out in a foggy ocean or to get you back to where you got fish.

No doubt! My GPS recently saved my ass when I paddled out in semi-foggy conditions and then went full on foggy. If it wasn't for the GPS I would have had to sit around for hours to wait for the fog to either clear or burn off.. not fun when there's boat traffic out there.

In the attached pic you can see the fog starting to gather in the distance that got me..

Z

3D FF Yakbling... ahhhhh
Z

A fishfinder, sonar, depth meter, etc. is the most important tool you will need on your kayak for fishing.  It gives you a view of the world the fish live in but learning to read one is just as important.  There is a reason why tournament guys go all out on electronics.  I am a big time Sonar junkie and have recently upgraded to a Garmin 498.  My advice is buy the best that you can afford or else you end up upgrading a second time and wasting money.

Luis

I would not buy the best.  Garmin 498 is around a $500 unit.  It is color and have hear that it will really drain a battery quickly.  I would buy a decent unit.  Kayak fishing is a dirty sport.  Especially if you do beach launching & landings.  I been doing it for around 5 yrs and have gone threw 5 fish finders. All Humminbirds.  Maybe, I should try a different brand.

Ken kickfish

I would not buy the best.  Garmin 498 is around a $500 unit.  It is color and have hear that it will really drain a battery quickly.  I would buy a decent unit.  Kayak fishing is a dirty sport.  Especially if you do beach launching & landings.  I been doing it for around 5 yrs and have gone threw 5 fish finders. All Humminbirds.  Maybe, I should try a different brand.
Ken kickfish

I've got to agree on that. We put our FF's through a lot and if it's not built right it will get trashed fast. BTW I've got a Eagle Cuda 250 SMap  that I've used for a year now w/ no problems. It's been a great FF that's saved me a few times w/ the integrated GPS.
Z

I would not buy the best.  Garmin 498 is around a $500 unit.  It is color and have hear that it will really drain a battery quickly.  I would buy a decent unit.  Kayak fishing is a dirty sport.  Especially if you do beach launching & landings.  I been doing it for around 5 yrs and have gone threw 5 fish finders. All Humminbirds.  Maybe, I should try a different brand.

Ken kickfish

I apologize for not putting a little more effort in the post.  The question was about Sonar and the 498 is actually a Sonar/GPS.  What I failed to explain is the fact that when you fish new waters in the Ocean a GPS is just as important.  I realized this after my second trip at HMB for the annual tournament.  The fog was thick and we were fishing in a reef where there were "boils" or exposed reefs all around us.  It was a very dangerous situation and I was lost several times and almost hit a boil (saved by sonar and sound of water breaking).  I currently have an older handheld GPS that actually lost it's signal for some time.  I have always been a Garmin GPS fan which is why I went with that brand.  Sonars to me are all the same when it comes to the middle level brands.  DSP technology and Filtering with advance color mapping is what differentiates the high end systems ($2,000 and above).  I am also a big fan of high end transducers because I think it makes a big difference.  I also purchased an Airmar shoot through hull transducer to replace the standard stern attached unit that comes with the 498.  I hope this further explains my position on why I went for the 498.  Like I said, I am into electronics for fishing and it helps save time to find quality fish.  I forgot to also let you know I have owned fishing boats most of my life.  My last boat was a 21 Ft Grady White.  Look at Duane's setup and you will understand why he won the HMB tournament.

When it comes to waterproof, just look for IEC 529-IPX-7 Spec.  Yes we all abuse fishfinders but believe me it is nothing compared to the jarring they take on a boat that is going through rough waters.

I forgot to share a known secret amoung boat owners.  You need to buy the corrosion inhibiter from WestMarine and shoot all your electronic contacts with it.  You might want to repeat after every wet ride.  It will make your equipment last longer.  You should also buy a cover for your unit or it will get scratched or damaged.  These two tips will extend the life of your unit.  If you want to see what my system looks like click here => http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=8920.0.

Luis

I spray my fishfinder with Corrosion Inhabiter every time I get off the surf.  I got a Garmin GPS Map 60csx (handheld) and a Garmin e-trex that will loose it singal at HMB.

I just saying we fish in 50 to 80 feet tops.  Unless, your at Moss Landing for Salmon.  If the fishfinder shows me the bottom and bait fish.  I think I can figure out the rest.

Ken kickfish