What is a good entry level fish finder?

[RaisedByWolves]

Lets say I wanted to spend a max of $150 for a new unit, what would be a good choice?

If more options were offered for a slight bit more I might be willing to spend more but it would depend on hoe useful they would be for me personally.

Lakes, river fishing.

 

[onthewater102]

I'd suggest you spend your $150 on a used unit with side imaging instead of a new unit without it.

 

[-CN-]

My first purchase of any type of electronics for fishing use was a Lowrance Hook4 with GPS. On sale at Cabela's plus rebate I think I paid about $85 for it. I like it and it's easy to use, so I bought a Hook5 for the other end of the boat. GPS on the Hook5 and Hook7 add $100 to the price tag. I'm not sure what you can get the Hook4 for without the GPS, but I wouldn't recommend it anyway.
I was a complete noob at using it, but these work right out of the box with no technical programming or additions needed. They have lots of good features for such a low price as well. What I don't like about them is the massive sized transducer that comes with them. I upgraded to a trolling motor mounted one anyway, about $60 for that.

 

[MrGiggles]

Garmin Striker 4. Built in GPS, good for waypoints and speed, you cannot load maps with it. I don't think there's a better unit for 100 dollars. Great imaging, and has CHIRP.