GPS / Fishfinder combo??

[bboswell]

I need advice on an upgrade.

My main use is navigation, I have been running a Garmin 162 for years and it has served well but I want improved base mapping so that I can actually plan routes I stead of just recording where I have been. My handheld and my dog tracking system are both Garmin so I'm thinking stay with Garmin since I'm used to their layout etc.

My current Fishfinder is a Humminbird 162 SX. Lets face it, this is a glorified depth finder that shows a picture of a fish now and then but honestly 90% of my fishing is in the bay and depth and locating drop offs etc is all I need.

I'm thinking about the Garmin 50s with BlueChart g2 preloaded but I'm looking for advice.

Thanks

[huntinfool]

I'm looking to upgrade my unit too. I've been looking at the DSI units. I'd like to get a GPS unit to mark tracks, but I want a better image of what is going on below. You think you might sell your HB?

[randal]

Hummingbird 1199

[wsteffen]

Lowrance is the best way to go.

[bboswell]

I'm looking to upgrade my unit too. I've been looking at the DSI units. I'd like to get a GPS unit to mark tracks, but I want a better image of what is going on below. You think you might sell your HB?

Oh I would sell it but it was a $120 base model when I got it 12 years ago so I don't think it provide the image your looking for.

[unclefish]

I just bought the Lowrance Elite 4 HDI and so far its a great unit. Lots of cool features but easy to operate. It comes with a chartplotter gps and did great on Lake Somerville last weekend. It has DSI and the images are pretty incredible. You can also upgrade the navigation to Navionics Gold.

And its $299!

[wsteffen]

Another option is the Navionics Smart phone app. $10 and good bottom features. I think its as good as the Lake maps clip for the gps units.

[sasquatch]

Lowrance has worked pretty good for me on inshore trips. Easy to use and reliable

[bboswell]

Bump

[ultralite09]

Humminbird has always been my go to. My uncle has a HB 1199 and a Raymarine for his off shore boat, works great! Good details considering the depth we fish in florida.

I have an 898 on my xpress and it is plenty for me, good defined picture and I can count how many fish are on a brush pile.

Lowrance is supposed to have better clarity and definition with their LSS but im not a fan of their setup. Really just best to go in store to get a feel for it and try to get someone to take you out and check theirs out.

[randal]

Find some repair shops and ask them of they get more lowrance or hummingbird in for repair..

[deerslayer64d]

I run a HB 587 CI HD combo unit on my boat and it has Serve me very well I like the fact that the GPS is internal, I'm charted with a
LakeMaster Chart Midsouth States (TX/OK/AR/LA) SD f/Humminbird Version 2 600009-2
It is very Detailed I have not had the chance to go to the coast since I started using this card but it is supposed to include the bay systems of the Texas coast, The chart plotting feature is very user-friendly ( This is good news for me) I have been fishing some night tournaments recently and without the chart plotter I am not sure that I would be able to navigate at night !

[PBUCKSHOT]

I just ordered the newer HDS7 Gen2 Touch screen yesterdat. It's on sale @ West Marine. I think Bass Pro has it for like $1200. West Marine has them for $850 right now. Pretty cool unit.