[Kuma]

Hey Folks,
Because I'm such a kind fellow, I find that people have the urge to get me x-mas presents (OK, my brother).;-) When they ask me for suggestions, I think about what would augment my fishing experience and "electronic fish finder" comes to mind. I have no experience with any of them so I'm wondering what the collective wisdom of BCFishingreports has to offer for suggestions and pointers for what features are most useful and necessary.

Thanks,
Japander

 

[stone]

Hi Japander:

If you want a unit that is easily transportable from one form of watercraft to another, maybe the Bottomline Fishin' Buddy might fit the bill? It's an all in one unit, and you can use the included mounting bracket to clamp onto most boats and canoes, and a soft nylon holder can be purchased for mounting the unit to a float tube or pontoon boat.

The lower end model usually retails around $200, probably less south of the border. Cheers.

 

[professori]

I have an Eagle Cuda 168. It has a transponder with a suction cup and is very good on the pontoon boat and I am sure it would be excellent on your canoe as well. It has all the bells and whistles, surface temp, depth indicator, fish ID, gray line that dfefines bottom composition/ hardness, and much more. Cost is between $150 - $200. (might get it for less now that the dollar is so strong.)
http://www.eaglesonar.com/Products/Sonar/Cuda168.htm

 

[Kuma]

Thanks for the advice guys. Will definitely keep weighing my options.

 

[coho_killer]

I should invent something like a FISH ONSTAR! Now that would rock! lol

CK

 

[Nice_One]

Thanks for the recommends gentlemen...a depth/fish finder is on my Xmas list this year. One that could be used on a float tube and/or aluminum boat would be the kind I need. Any other recommendations out there?

Good one CK! HAHA!

-Nathan in NW

 

[Kuma]

I'd like to advance/modify (NOT hijack) the question a bit if I may. What features of the two so far recommended are key in your opinion? What are the things one should be looking for in a fishfinder that would elevate them to "recommend" status?

 

[professori]

I'd like to advance/modify (NOT hijack) the question a bit if I may. What features of the two so far recommended are key in your opinion? What are the things one should be looking for in a fishfinder that would elevate them to "recommend" status?

Pretty hard to hijack your own thread. For me the suction cup mounted tranducer is key. It is very easy to attach to the bottom of my pontoon boat or the transom of my aluminum boat. The rest of the features are pretty standard. The problem with the fish buddy is that you have a 2 ft long "stick you have to accomodate somehow. In a belly boat you are hanging that deep yourself, so it's no biggy, but in a toon it can cause you some concern when coming into shallow water. The Cuda also has a case that makes it very nice to pack up for storage. Drop by sometime Al, and take a look at it.

 

[Royal_Coachman]

I have a Hawkeye portable fishfinder that i use for the tube. The main thing I use it for is finding depth/structure.Also the temp reading is helpful...I don't rely on it to show me fish as i think most of the inexpensive models aren't really going to give you much detail. Maybe try a search of the forum as its been discussed before.

Just dont end up like this guy ;D

Cheers

-RC

 

[Kuma]

Thanks guys. You've helped me narrow the search. I'm also looking at Humminbird Smartcast series (RF 10, 15, 20, 30, etc.) and weighing those. Any red flags there? (Also don't want to end up looking like "that guy". He's gotta have a beer fridge in there or something!!);-)

 

[professori]

The smartcast is something I think has very limited usage. Definitely not a fly friendly device.

 

[Kuma]

Thanks prof. Leaning towards your cuda. Found one online in the $89 range. (Will have to see what else I have to buy to make it work.)

 

[professori]

Searun has them onsale right now for $139.