Fish finder needed???

Hi All,

Is a fish finder really needed to target rock fish and lake fish?

I never had or used one before.

Any advice on what features I actually need?

I dont want to spend alot. I just the basics.

Thanks,

Very simple to use, dual frequencies bright color unit. I think you might find some deals at the ISE this weekend but retails for only $99.


Mike

Another thing to highly consider is spending a little extra and buying one with GPS built-in.  It is WAY more useful than just knowing where you are going, etc...  Factors to think about ahead of time are fog, finding/marking hot spots, general direction, safety (if you have to call for help ... better than hailing "I'm here by a rock") and of course Lowrance TrackBack feature .... helpful in marking structure and setting drift patterns while fishing.  These are all small things to consider that will make for more efficient paddling, more fishing time and possibly more productive fishing!

+1 ... come check them out at the ISE show in Sacramento this coming weekend!  No better way than to have some hands-on time with them and compare side-by-side.

Bill

Here is a SMOKIN' deal on the Lowrance Elite-4 HDI combo:
From Cabela's

Normally $299  but I got a catalog-only sale in the mail today.  It has this FF for $219

You need to use item # 1BP-02-3344 and order it by calling their catalog phone # at 1-800-237-4444 

Price is valid from Jan 8-15 and not on line or at the store; catalog only. 

The back of my catalog has the following that might be needed when calling in an order;

Customer Number 88180360
Code 1BP03A

Hope someone is able to use this.

Hi All,

Is a fish finder really needed to target rock fish and lake fish?

Yes and No and No and Yes.   

A FF will help you to find fish, but it's not necessary if you can read the land, water, or spend time learning the area's you are fishing.  Looking at the contour of the land can tell you there is a steep slope here, or a sharp drop off.  A swell out of nowhere or disruptions in the water can tell you all you need to find a reef to fish in the ocean. However before I had a FF I could spot none of these things    But have since learned to be able to do without it, if need be.

I dont want to spend alot. I just the basics.

Well a basic one will do you just fine.  Because they basically will all show you the bottom, mark depth changes, and occasionally show you a fish to keep you excited.  The GPS is very nice, and very useful when on the Ocean.  The more you spend the better the quality of the sonar and display, which may or may not get you more fish.  I can tell you I've wasted time looking at the screen hoping something would bite on it many many times    So if you only want a basic one, I'd go with the Lowrance that Mike suggested, Lowrance gets my vote every time now 

Thanks for the link.  Now I'm looking at YouTube and reviews.  There is a hdi and dsi model.  All the features add up in cost.  There is a pro staff guy from lowrance that actually goes arounds the states to teach people how to use and read the fish finder.  I find it sort of funny. 

Yes the elite 3.  Sounds just right.  But it looks like I'd have to fork double the price for gps.  I'm not even sure if I would go out far enough in the ocean to not see shore to get back.  What do you guys use gps for besides finding your way back?

 I'm not even sure if I would go out far enough in the ocean to not see shore to get back.  What do you guys use gps for besides finding your way back?

when the fog is thick, heavy and cant see beyond 30 yards you'll be glad to have gps/ compass on board to help get you out as well as come back to where you launched. I haven't used a fishfinder all year but had my gps for sure.

Its not needed but recommended. Use the search feature to find more info on gps use.

AlsHobieOutback covered it with regards to needing a depthfinder.  They're helpful, but not necessary.  They do take out a lot of the guessing though!

If you want an easy, simple depthfinder, I can vouch for the Humminbird PirhanaMax 160 Portable.  It's relatively cheap; comes with its own carrying case, rechargeable battery, and suction-cup transducer; and is super easy to use and transport to wherever you like.  That's all I've used since 2010, and it's been extremely helpful in marking bait schools, drop-offs, structure, etc.

A downside is that it doesn't have GPS.  That's why I carry a handheld Garmin with me when I'm fishing the ocean.  It's extremely helpful to be able to take a quick waypoint of a pinnacle or some other fishy area, so you can get back to it when you drift away from it.  That, and it's a lifesaver if the fog rolls over you and you can no longer see the shore.

Can the Lowrance Elite 3x operate on 10 AA batteries in series, or does it need a brick of a battery?

Thanks for the link.  Now I'm looking at YouTube and reviews.  There is a hdi and dsi model.  All the features add up in cost.  There is a pro staff guy from lowrance that actually goes arounds the states to teach people how to use and read the fish finder.  I find it sort of funny. 

Yes the elite 3.  Sounds just right.  But it looks like I'd have to fork double the price for gps.  I'm not even sure if I would go out far enough in the ocean to not see shore to get back.  What do you guys use gps for besides finding your way back?

There is more than one of us Lowrance pro staff guts out there teaching people how to get the most out if their units.  Funny, why?  The pro staff guys are the ones you will meet at the shows.  They are also the guys you can reach out to on a Friday night at midnight, the night before a fishing trip, via text with a question on the unit.  I've answered plenty of 1am texts and even a few vhf call outs during a tournament.  Lol. We are here to help!  I Dont sell units, I support them. . Still curious why this is funny????

I do agree with Al though.  Knowing the surroundings & how to read the clues is no substitute for any electronics.  You can see things on a screen but combine that with the old school "I see & understand...." And you will be unstoppable.

My best fish have been landed when my electronics have been off or not with me but I do love my toys on the water!

Hey bpowa,

1) You do not have to have it if you can read the shore and surface of the water as AHO mentioned.

2) It is one more thing to get dumped or destroyed by corrosion.

3) GPS is nice but second to a VHF radio (assuming you are on the ocean). Compass should work, if you are on the Pacific coast head eastish and you should get to land.

3) It is one more thing to pack or go wrong.

4) I want one but have done without for four or five seasons so I probably don't need it.

If you have the extra money, and most the other toys that cost about the same and you think it will make you happy....BUY IT!

I do agree with Al though.  Knowing the surroundings & how to read the clues is no substitute for any electronics.  You can see things on a screen but combine that with the old school "I see & understand...." And you will be unstoppable.

My best fish have been landed when my electronics have been off or not with me but I do love my toys on the water!

This^^^^ but I still want one[emoji1]

You know how to find me if you ever have a question!