Poll: Fish Finders

[Silverexpress]

Standard features would include....Depth, Structure ID, Surface Temp, Single Freq Sonar - most likely 200 khz, and waterproof.

Lowrance Cuda 168 seems to be well liked from the net reviews I've seen.
A step up would be the 250s/gps.

Gps is a good option to help mark fish holding bottom structure.

What do you plan on mounting it to...float tube, kayak, 400hp merc powered bass boat? Are we talking inland ponds, lakes - Freshwater or Ocean going (salt water)?

Let me know, I've spent a month trying out various models and features recently.

(I love that edit button)

[rabbitearscarver]

Jose (and everyone)- thanks for the replies--
I'll be using this for Alpine stillwaters, mostly for determining depth. Fishing from a little pontoon boat.
Thanks...

[Silverexpress]

Jose (and everyone)- thanks for the replies--
I'll be using this for Alpine stillwaters, mostly for determining depth. Fishing from a little pontoon boat.
Thanks...

What would be the deepest you know of?

[dixieangler]

Ditto to what Rick said.

[weehooker]

Unless your fishing in water too deep for practical fly fishing methods, most fishfinders won't find fish. They just show too little of the bottom/water column.They are pretty useful in finding bottom features that will hold fish though. I've got 3 different units on several different craft. look for something: 1) simple to operate, 2) minimum of alarms (or alarms that can be shut off) 3) wider beam transducers.

[rabbitearscarver]

Deepest around here is 125' max

[RonS81]

I have a fishing Buddy and use it like Rick.

[BassYakker]

Here's an article that I believe fits your situation:

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/feat...es/part37.html

[ohiotuber]

I was chastised on this board some years ago for suggesting a crank telephone or perhaps dynamite in lieu of a fish finder.
For me at least a good portion of the enjoyment of fly fishing is reading the water and "finding" the fish myself.

Jerry, I too am obsessed with reading the water rather than using electronics. I just love the simple, traditional approach that has been (and is) flyfishing.
Mike

[Silverexpress]

Deepest around here is 125' max

I believe that the least powerful models have a 600 ft max, like the cuda 168 and it is $79.99 at Bass Pro Shops (assuming your from the USA). You could probably find it cheaper online, but I would stick with purchasing it in person at a place with a good return policy just in case.


600 ft translates to a weaker sonar (but plenty enough for 125'max) that requires less battery power. Most at this level will run on 8 AA batteries for 8-10 hrs or more, but with the room you have on pontoon you can probably get away with a 12v 8 amp Sealed-Lead-Acid battery. This will last you for a few days.