Fish Finders

Ok so I am looking into getting a fish finder for my Cobra Navigator. There are so many options out there that I don't know where to start. I kind of like the Humminbird® PiranhaMAX 160 PT Fishfinder, it comes together with a battery and is easy to pack up? Does anybody use this FF? Thanks for the help.

-Victor

I just started using a Eagle 350c portable unit. I have a Old town "Angler" and just sit the unit on the floor between my knees and it works great.  I just mounted the transducer to the suction cup and I stick it on the side of my kayak and have been getting good results.  If I did it again, I would just purchase the unit or similar, and a "gel cell" and rig up my own case. I have no experience with fish finders so I went with the "portable" unit.  The stores that carry the units has very uneducated salesmen when it came to kayaks.  I have just started using it and find it quite interesting.  So far the fish (trout) are not biting for me I think due to the water being so cold!

I have had an Eagle Cuda for  a while now. It is ok, but when I bought a new to me yak it had a Humminbird Matrix on it. The larger screen is a lot better. So, I would recommend a FF with a larger screen. Also, when you start using the FF, learn to read it without fish ID. You need to learn how to see "arches". I found that a lot of the time on my Eagle I thought I was looking at fish when in actuality, there was nothing there. I hear a lot of the guys out there saying "there are fish all over here". When I look at mine I may see one arch, or none. And when my Matrix is near other FF's, it clutterrs other screens real bad with false returns that look like fish. Those of us that see arches right know what we are really looking at. The other thing is, I catch more fish that were never on my screen, than ones I can see there. I mainly use my FF for depth and structure. I don't know if I helped or hurt you. Sorry.

my 2 cents...

I'm a big fan of Humminbird or any fish finder that can be detached from the base. Reason being, when you are dealing with surf launches and landings (or simply transporting) it's nice to have that option of storing your FF unit. Imagine having a fixed unit on your kayak and then flipping it on a big surf day....your kayak can wash back into the shoreline upside down and rip off anything thing that's sticking out on your deck (this also includes any fixed rod holders)

Placement of your FF is also important. I like to keep mine up front (where my feet are). Keep in mind that the area between your legs should be free of any clutter. This area is where you land your fish, remove the hook and secure your catch. Last thing you need is a big halibut flopping on your deck and knocking anything that's in the way. 

Also, use the search feature on the upper right hand on Fish Finders and batteries and you'll get more useful info.

BOMB PROOF!!!!     and the cheapest you'll find!