Fishfinder

[bigeye]

Since there's a lull in posts...Any good info (field testing) on fishfinders?
Also batteries? any info appreciated. Cris

Who's got the guts for a humbolt squid trip on a yak?

[dorado50]

I'm in, humbolt squid are acually very small, 8"to 15" plus or minus a few inches. So yea, I got the guts, but maybe not the cold weather gear!!

[tattuna]

humbolt squid are acually very small, 8"to 15" plus or minus a few inches.

They're alot bigger than that. Did ya see the one Corey got a couple years ago?

[madscientist]

They are not that big. :wink:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/cmfierro/Fishing%202007/P1010005.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/cmfierro/Fishing%202007/P1010004.jpg

I'd have almost zero desire to catch one of those from the yak, other than as a funny bycatch. :D

[bigeye]

The squid part was a joke, with some in excess of 50 pounds I think I would prefer to do it out of a solid platform. Besides the bite in the yak might put her down! I really wanted to know if anyone has a good review on a fishfinder. Cris

[Holy Mackerel]

I use a Garmin 168c GPS, within 3 months I have had to send it back to Garmin. It is having trouble powering up, this may just be a fluke, I have talked to Ski, and DaveH, who report nothing but satisfaction with the same unit, also Ken, but he has a B&W monitor :P

I am very careful not to launch with it thus far. I believe this malfunction is an anomoly, perhaps I got a lemon. It is under warranty, Garmin's customer service has been great so far, said they would have it back within 7-10 days of receiving it. I just sent it back.

Before that, I used an Eagle Fish Easy II... Still use it in baja, works great, Eagle (same as lowrance) also has a very good warranty, as I have had to send mine back a couple times, due to launching with it, even in 1 ft surf.

I believe starting out on Fishfinders, something simple that reads depth, structure, and bait balls, and you are fine. Many anglers have been happy with this unit.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=45175&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

Points to remember,

1. never launch in any size surf with a fishfinder
2. buy something simple unless money is no object
3. never launch in any size surf with a fishfinder

RE: Squid, while a fun trip, I am all set on that type of fishing for a few years... :lol:

Chris

[Jimm H]

RayMarine DX400 color FF has a smaller screen (3.5" diag.) but great resolution (320 x 240 is same res. as the larger DX500 and DX600). No problems with it on numerous trips over the last year. JIS7 submersible.

I have a second transducer on my boat and use the head there, too. Reads great at 25 knots, and the color shows you details you can't see with monochrome.

before that, I used a Garmin 160 for 3 years with NO problems.

Hope that helps