What type of fish finder to buy?

Ok I am sure this question has been asked many times before.  I did a quick search and could not really find out what I was looking for.  I was wondering everyone’s opinion on what type of fish finder to buy.  I have an Outback and most of my fishing will be inland.  Mostly on lakes and the Delta.   I would also like to have something that I could use in the Bay sturgeon fishing or limited offshore around Trinidad and Shelter Cove.   I don’t really need a GPS because I have a portable one I carry hunting.  Ok price is important but so is performance and durability.   Really I don’t have a clue about what type buy.   Any advise would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks in advance.

Steve

The Eagle 245DS is highly reccomended here.  You can also type "fish finder" in the search box to review the related threads.  Below is one of them:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,17119.0.html

I am interested in putting a FF on my WS tarpon 120, would the Eagle 245DS fit? Is it easily installed or do I have to hire someone else to do it? I would like GPS capability.

Looks like it is something someone with moderate amount of handyman skill can do.  I have decided on the Eagle 245DS.  It is cheap and everyone seems to like it.  It does not have GPS.  I found one at Fisherman’s Warehouse today for about $110 and I found one at West Marine for $100 but you have to order it and have it delivered to the store to get free shipping.    http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/248927?&cid=chanintel&srccode=cii_13736960&cpncode=19-26511818-2

I am interested in putting a FF on my WS tarpon 120, would the Eagle 245DS fit? Is it easily installed or do I have to hire someone else to do it? I would like GPS capability.

I would recommend the Eagle Cuda 250 or 350 SMap for kayak fishing.   These units are combination GPS/Fishfinder, relatively inexpensive, compact and waterproof.  Make sure to use plenty of dielectric grease on all connectors to prevent corrosion and replacement of the transducer.

Thanks very much for the tip, I will look into all of these, is it true that in glueing the sensor to the hull you have to make sure there are no bubbles in the glue in order to get no interferance?

Hi Yakers:

         I was looking at the new 718 which replaces the Matrix 17. I think
the new T13 and T15 have a mounting area designed in for the HummingBird Line. It the same price as the Eagle 245DS.
         I'll wait till .Xmas becase it's a little $$$ including Batt, Mtg. Hardware , etc...
         Anyone have a new 718 and want to share Intel?



http://www.fishfindersdirect.com/product/33655

Im starting to be in the market for a FF as well.. how well do the various models hold up if you roll the yak?

I just installed a new Eagle Cuda 350/S w/ GPS, FF combo on my Hobie Revo.  I inserted a RAM wedge mount on the sail mount and run the wires through the bow hatch.  No holes drilled. Its very easy to use and install.  I would also recommend the Cuda 300.  Stay away from dual beam FF's, single beam is all you need.

i personally like dual beam transducers.  i think they are more useful in moderate depth conditions like say from 25-70' depth.  the wider cone helps to identify fish that are not directly below you.

Damn I had it all planned out what I was going to do this weekend with my fishfinder and now I am second guessing myself.  I was going to get an Eagle 245DS and goop the transducer down.   Now after reading all this I am second guessing myself on both counts.  That 350S does look pretty nice.   I have an older portable GPS but for only an extra $100 it might be nice to have one on the fishfinder.  I love to fish but I love to work on projects too.   Last night at work I was building kayak carts and crawdad traps. 
Thanks for the information and opinions on this subject and all the others on here.   You guys are great.   

You might want to take a look at the Humminbird 343 portable ($319.99 at Fisherman's Warehouse) including 12v batt. and charger. This unit has worked great for me over the last 2 years.
http://store.humminbird.com/humminbird-products/sonar-gps-combos/300-series/343c-portable/prod407000-1.html

Hi Eric:

       Will FisherMans' warehouse order FF not listed on you site but, a Hummingbird 718?
                                                                 Thanks
                                                                 Ernie