Help With Picking a Sonar Unit...

[Quantum_Kid]

I've been looking to get a new sonar unit for our boat, and I don't know whether to get a sonar/gps combo, or just a regular sonar.

I mainly fish the delta/clearlake with some lakes here or there.

I don't want to spend too much money on one, so what is a good choice?

Thanks in advance,

Scott Trummer

[Gator]

Well, that depends on how comfortable you are with your knowledge of your preferred waters and how good you are at remembering/marking fishing locations. If you have no problems going where you want, when you want then you may not "need" the GPS but it sure is handy to have. I like it, since I can mark locations, and can review where I've been for the day - especially if I have a hectic day.

I use the LMS-160 map and love it. You can find some good deals on older units that are available.

[Quantum_Kid]

Thanks Gator, I'll take a look.

I forgot to ask, but color or grayline?

Also, should I consider a Humminbird?

Thanks once again,

Scott Trummer

[Gator]

I am using grayscale. Looking to upgrade to color - the visual improvement is great. I have never used Humminbird so I cannot comment on them.

[Kelly Ripa]

And to save money check out E-Bay!!! That's where I am going to get my next unit. GPS for the Delta And Clear Lake....secret rock piles are tough when the weather is up!!!

[CORAL 96]

E-BAY is the BOMB for finding good prices on just about anything!! I need to invest in a new unit myself as my front x-55 got water damaged about a year ago. Want to move the one at driver (x-45) to front. Been looking at that Lowrance M68c with the built-in antenna and all, but only thing with it is it looks like you can't upgrade the software (chip-it). Maybe a 337c with built-in antenna ($$$). Can't go wrong with Lowrance though!!!

[Scott D.]

I've fished for years without GPS, and got two LMS-332C's installed this past spring. Love 'em!!! It allows you to pick a straight line to your destination. Here's an example. Had a club tourney on Clear Lake this past weekend. Launched out of the casino, and I was boat #21. I was head way down south, so I was sweating having boats sitting on my starting spots by the time I got there. Well, using my GPS(a little bit of morning fog in the air too), I was able to drive a straight line to the narrows and passed 6 boats that abviously did not have GPS, because they were making turns all over the place. I would go with color too if you can. I love it.

[Quantum_Kid]

Thank you all for the advice

I think I am getting close... well maybe!

Thanks again,

Scott Trummer

[RYAN]

HEY THERE I ALSO HAVE A 332C AND I LOVE IT. I AM STILL PRETTY NEW TO USING SONAR AND A GPS BUT IT IS EASY AND AND IT SURE IS NICE TO GO SOMEWHERE AND KNOW HOW TO GET BACK TO YOUR TRUCK.

[Guest]

Hey Scott...
Those new hummingbirds look pretty darn cool. I know Jimmy loves his. I have the X-17 on my bow with GPS and you know I love that thing... Granted I can't seem to find fish on it, but I am sure you could. Maybe if I ventured to water deeper than 5 feet I could find something on it.

As for GPS.. I think you will want that.. It's nice to mark humps, rock piles etc... plus find your way home after a long day of long runs on the delta.. If you do get the GPS unit be sure to get the Navionics chips for Northern Cal lakes... they have lots of detail and can help locate good fishing spots. I would think the Eagle 320 or 460 unit with GPS would be a good unit for you for a couple of years. It's reasonably priced too... Talk to you soon - Tom

[BShafer]

I'm a little late but here goes, color is the only option. I run a 102c on the bow and after having it there for close to a year I found out just how much I liked it. I used a friends boat during the spring for a tournament while mine was in the shop with the 125 on the bow with gray scale. I was unable to read it, color makes it so much easier to read whats under you, even on the delta.

As for the GPS I recently put a 332c on the console and love it. For the past 5 years I've only had a flasher and I'm able to go from Ladds to Sugar Cut on a clear day with out a problem, the fog is a different story.

Night time on the Lakes it works great, marking an area with a rock pile for the following week perfect, using the land marks can cause some wasted time.

IN short no matter which one you select I highly suggest color and gps.

BShafer