Fish Finder Recommendations

Just started fishing from my Tarpon 140 that I bought last October. I had a great crab season, but look forward to some great fishing. I see a lot of kayaks are fitted with fish finders, Can I get some recommendations for a good a reliable fish finder? Lakota. 

I like the hummingbird matrix series myself. I currently use a Matrix 17 and have used a Matrix 25 in the past.

I don't have one either, but from what I could see the eagle 240 was cheap and
fairly highly regarded.  probably what I would get if I get around to getting one this
summer.

J

I too use the Matrix 17 and am please with it.

-Allen

I agree with Bill. I use the matrix 17 and think it is great. Although I am still trying to hash out some technical stuff. But that is my fault for not reading the dirctions thouroughly

Check out this thread. It may help you avoid problems.


http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/bb/index.php?topic=3512.0

Humminbird 535 - 4 years of service - never had a problem with it 

Mooch is that your future home just behind your reel?

One thing you might want to consider, which I read somewhere on this forum about a year ago, is to get an extended warrany on your fishfinder.  I bought mine (Matrix 27) at West Marine and bought the extended warranty, which was good because I already had to have it replaced.  I think us kayak folks probably put more wear-and-tear on fishfinders than the traditional boating folks.

Peace, Sean

I don't have one either, but from what I could see the eagle 240 was cheap and
fairly highly regarded.

Ditto.  And it just got better...and cheaper.  The 240 has been replaced by the 245 ds.  Dual beam transducer now (like higher end Matrix units) and only $99.  They have been on back-order for ever, but I finally got one yesterday.  I'll keep everyone posted on its performance.

looking forward to that review scwafish!

scwafish,
 I have been thinking of getting fishfinder, but the way I come in off the water may rip it from the mount. Does it come off to be tucked away for landing in the surf?
 Thanks

I would look at how the fishfinder installs and goes together. The biggest issue I've had has been the plug rotting from saltwater. You can either, leave it plugged in all the time or make sure you have a fitting that is better than the tiny little ten pin prongs that will eventually start rusting and bending.

A secondary issue is the transducer. It will go bad if you use it too much out of water. This happens when your fishfinder bumps something and goes on when you don't know it.

It is a good idea to use di-electric grease on the fishfinder transducer connection. Also, it is a good idea to disconnect the fishfinder from the  battery when it's not in use.

Matrix is the best I have used. I have installed about 15 of these with no problems. As for the connections I put Fluid Flim on the connections before I put the unit on the water.

Matrix is the best I have used. I have installed about 15 of these with no problems. As for the connections I put Fluid Flim on the connections before I put the unit on the water.

15, huh!!!?? Sounds like it works real well if you have only used that many

Seriously, though, how many times have you gotten rolled in the surf? I get rolled about 1 in three times. Mainly because I fish out of some rough places from time to time because that's where the better fishing is, hopefully. So my fishfinder gets some abuse. I've been going through one in about a year and a half. First the pins start bending and looking a mite rusty, so I plug it in permanently after that and shoe goo it. This means it gets left in the kayak and tends to get bumped around occasionally. That leads to it being turned on and the transducer going out.

A secondary issue is that I use it in two different kayaks and my fishing boat. All that moving around takes its toll. I would like a fishfinder that is built to take a bit of punishment and has a serious plug that won't oxidize or at least has thicker connectors.

What I need is a timex fishfinder!!! One that will take a licking and keep on ticking.

scwafish,
 I have been thinking of getting fishfinder, but the way I come in off the water may rip it from the mount. Does it come off to be tucked away for landing in the surf?
 Thanks

I think most of the FFs are fairly easy to remove the head from the mount. I know the Matrix is since I have done it a number of times coming in at Linda Mar. I pop it off and stow it in a dry bag for the ride in. Make sure you clean and grease those contacts though!