Buying first FF...To GPS or not to GPS??? That's my question.

So now that I have a kayak I think it’s time to start the pimpin process. I’m looking into buying my first ff ever.   To tell you guys the truth I’ve never even used one before because I was always fishing from shore. Because it’s my first ff I was looking into buying the humminbird 550 at cabelas on sale for $129 w/ $20 back if you spend over $120. Total purchase price only $109! But after doing further research I came across the humminbird 597ci with color and GPS on sale for $399 at basspro, retails for $569. Oh baby that’s one sweet lookin ff!   Do you guys think a noob like me should invest the extra cash into something with gps, or should I start with something simple and work my way up???? Are these two fish finders even any good? The reason I chose humminbird is because of the transducer capability with the ocean kayaks…do you guys have any other suggestions??? Also how important is it to have GPS?? I know a lot of folks on here roll with a good compass instead.

Thanks for your guys help so far….everyone on here has been awesome!!!  

I bought a basic FF, for like $60 and I love it.

I dont have to worry about it getting ruined, broken, crushed, corroded.

It works great for reading depth and structure, for me, Id rather spend the extra dollars some where else.

I been looking at the eagle cuda 300, only $120. Seems like it has good features an it gets good reviews, plus its waterproof.

I suggest you go for the simple one and carry a separate gps & compass just in case the ff combo malfunctions when you're out in the water.  

I been looking at the eagle cuda 300, only $120. Seems like it has good features an it gets good reviews, plus its waterproof.

Hi redwoodfox.  cabelas has the eagle cuda 300 for $69.99. 

I would buy the a FF with GPS, primarily for safety purposes. There are times that the fog rolls in unexpected, and you need to know where you are. Just my two cents.

Keith

jaybee, congrats on getting yourself a kayak and wtg so far on hooking onto some fish already!!

Now the fun part begins in buying and modifying your yak to your likings/needs!!

IMO, gps is a must if you do some fishing on the ocean or areas where fog is a factor. I've fished when the fog was thick otw, which completely confused my sense of direction/location. This was an area that I like to believe that I know quite well. W/o my gps, I might have been lost otw for many hours.

That being said, whether or not you want one on your ff is all up to you. Of course it's convenient to have a gps on the ff to minimize items; you'll just be spending an extra few bucks for one w/ gps. I guess it all depends whether or not you can afford to spend that much, with all the other yak expenses that will incur 

I myself have the Humminbird 385, and I am satisfied with it. One of my biggest concern is that my head unit would be damaged/destroyed on one of my outings, and it would cost some bucks to replace. Crossing my fingers that'll never happen

Either way, you'll be fine!

what others say...I have a cheap FF and a separate GPS. But that is b/c I have two yaks and a PB. So I swap the GPS between them. If I did it again and only yak'd prob get a combo unit.

boils down to cost vs convenience.

they all will eventually fail so don't think this will be the only FF you will buy.

in the long run the cost for a FF and separate GPS will be about the same as a combo unit. Also keep in mind color AND/OR GPS models eat batteries (compared to cheap b/w ones). So if you go combo you should factor in the batteries

You should definitely consider GPS capability if you plan to fish the ocean. However, it doesn't have to be limited to your FF. I like to keep my FF and GPS separate, for safety purposes.
In the event of power-supply issues w/the FF, I'll still have my handheld GPS to guide me home safely. And it seems like power-supply issues for FF on a kayak in the ocean are quite common (at least for me lol). I attach my GPS to the console of my yak using the Micro-Ram mount. And I have 2 spare AA batteries in my dry storage, just in case my GPS batteries crap out. Plus, I can take my GPS with me wherever I go. Oh, and saltwater will eventually kill any FF on a yak, so I won't feel too bad when my Humm 525 eventually dies (it only cost 120 compared to 400 etc).

the compass will get you in the right direction but depending on your drift that may or may not get you back to your landing slot.  In the fog, being 200 yards wrong can be the difference between the harbor mouth and the surf line.

I had a combo ff gps but ended up getting a stand alone GPS.  Reaching forward to use the GPS was a pain and reading it was even worse.  If you have great eye sight and are flexible, go for it, otherwise I recommend separate units.

Once again you guys came through with some awesome and helpful advice. Looks like having a GPS unit while in the ocean is very important. Now I’ll have to research some hand held units and compare them to ff/gps combo units. Hopefully I can make my purchase this weekend...I'm itchin to start pimpin the new ride!!!!

I have the Eagle fisheasy ds45. I got it at BassPro for $100.00. Knock on wood it has been moved to my third kayak and is still going strong years later. This year I picked up a Garmin 60csx handheld gps for $200.00 to improve safety and to mark fishing hotspots as waypoints. I agree with e2g in that if you go with a combo unit make sure you get a personal recommendation on which exact unit is easy to see your waypoints and from what distance away from the screen you can see these waypoints. My Garmin is mounted only a few feet from my head but the waypoints are still tough to see unless there is full sunlight on the screen and that doesn't seem to happen often. Because I mounted it so close I can swivel it around for the best lighting and that helps.  I wish I could mount it a little closer but then it would get in the way when landing fish. It is close enough that I can easily mark waypoints without leaving my kayak's seat or having to bend forward any. My next FF will be a combo unit but I will still carry the handheld as well. jim

 

 Go for the combo!
 Forgot to mention that I did install a compass in my OB as well.

I use a combo FF, less equipment, less clutter, one battery and a more seamless fishing experience. 

Bite the bullet and get the combo. I wish i did and I will when I get my new kayak. Waypoints for structure and spot location. Plus safety. Cant lose, EVER. Craig