Need a new Fishfinder under $600 - What to buy?

[Tin Man]

Looking for a FF for my new to me tin boat. My uses....

lakes (to 500' depth)..........90% of my use (90% of this is in a lake that is 250' deep)
Rivers................................5% of my use
May use in salt water...........5% of my use

I'd like something with a 5" screen, color, and GPS would be nice. At least that is what I think I want!!

What are differences between Down Imaging and Side Imaging. I have read about them, but since I have never used a FF (except for older saltwater Garmin) I have little understanding. I notice that SI is much more expensive and I don't think are available under $600.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[Wallijig]

Down Imaging and side imaging are just as stated.
Down Imagining is view of what is under boat side imaging is what is to sides of boat.
From what I talk to friends that have them they fish deeper water & would not go without side imaging.

I am plan on getting new finder next spring. I plan on going with standard sonar with GPS. It's what I am used to reading and will spend money I save for other toy for boat.

 

[tepponogu]

BPS has some garmin models with gps just under, or right at $600.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Knowing the depth is good, but what type of fishing do you primarily do? Are you searching open water for suspended fish, like Lake Trout, or fishing bays and shallow water for bass, etc?

Side Imaging (SI) / Side Scan (SS) is great for finding structure. Many less passes over an area. Structure is usually more important for shallow water (<50') fish species, like black bass.

Down Imaging (DI) / Down Scan (DS) provides more detail than standard 2D sonar. Helps clarify what you see in the 2D. Easier to tell what that is dirrectly under boat.

Normal, 2D sonar is more effective at finding suspended fish, and fish in general. SI/SS/DI/DS, fish show as small spots (unless tight schools), that are harder to interpret.

Your $600 budget will not allow for a new SI/SS unit. If you go with a DI/DS unit make sure it has good regular 2D. The HB will come with both, but to have DI it gives up the wider band 83kHz 2D. A 200kHz/83kHz unit would be better for finding suspended fish, over having a DI capability.

GPS: A lot of the features will be close to the same. Make sure the unit supports good maps for the areas you will be fishing. Navigation maps may be more important to you than depth maps.

 

[Lennyg3]

I have been looking at the Hummingbird 788, and there have been some deals on it lately. It seems like a very nice unit for the money. This is what I was able to find currently running.

https://www.huntcampandfish.com/3776_page_1051979.htm

 

[Tin Man]

Fuzz...

I'll be fishing for freshwater Striper, catfish, trout, and some bass fishing.

I have read that before about the 2D being better for fish representation.

There's a HB 787c for sale in my local craigslist for $450obo. It appears to be a discontinued item

thanks for the info!

Any recs on good 2D units?

 

[FuzzyGrub]

Well, I think that is a mix of bottom hugging and suspended fish.

The 787 is an older discontinued unit. Price seems high, even if "new in box". I don't know if that models S/W has been kept up with new features. Buy a new 587ciHD. it is nearly the same price as that older unit, and has more up to date elecronics, S/W, and screen. A 597ciHD will give you a little larger, and square screen, which I prefer.

I am not up to speed on Lowrance models. But believe you can get a good 2D unit for that price. Some of their units can be upgraded to DS with a transducer kit ($600?). It is more costly doing it in two steps, but it might be worth it for you.

 

[HOUSE]

Today's "Cyber-Monday" and you might see some deals online. I'll post here if I find you one. BPS had a one day sale earlier for a Humminbird 500-series (570 I think) that was a steal.

 

[LonLB]

If you sign up on bassboatcentral.com and check the electronics section of the classifieds you will find awesome deals on pretty new electronics.