small fish finders
 

I have a 17 ' Hydra Sports center console boat that I would like to add a fish finder to. Previous owner had a Humminbird installed the power cable and sonar cable still in place. But the transducer is just laying in the bilge it was never mounted on the transom. Anyway I am looking for a small vertical screen because space is limited on the console. Lots of brands out there can you guys advise on what you use ? I don't need or want super fancy I would like it to spot fish, provide water temp , provide speed to validate new speedometer. Would be nice to be able to plot with it but that is not a show stopper. I'm assuming color screen. Budget is $200.00 or less. I am not a pro fisherman just fish for fun. Thanks in advance.

Why do you want to find the small fish?

:D

So he can use it as bait for the bigger fish. ;)

fresh or salt?

if you want speed then you'll need plotter function unless you have a wheel on your transducer.

I'm a simrad fan now (dual NSS7's) but the Lowrance uses the same tech and is a good brand. HDS series is well liked. 5" screen is fine for one or the other (ff or plotter) but not both at once. 7" minimum to split screen.

JEEEESSUS! Someone always beats me to it!.....was gonna say the same ting!:D

Fresh water

Look in the lowrance lineup possibly used. Sold my hds5 for $20" and it was great. Fishermen are always upgrading to the latest.

Hummingbird is made down your way. Good company. Founded by ex military tec guys. I reped them for a couple years.

http://www.humminbird.com/

Start there

I have two Hummingbirds in my 17' Lund. They are great, especially the new 597 model with the down imaging and GPS. Very cool to see what structure is under the water. When you live in Minnesota you pretty much have to own a boat. DP

This looks like a nice compact unit with GPS. Price seems good any thoughts on this one ?

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-01550-00-Striker-4/dp/B017NI17HQ/ref=pd_vtph_422_tr_t_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1WF7CZGPC0X9 9TWA3WMP

Wow lots of cool inexpensive tech there. I looked through others in that link, amazing what you can get for $200 or less! Stick with garmin or lowrance and you should be good. Strongly recommend color as well. Helps you know what sort of bottom is under you.

I use an overpriced 25 cent plastic worm to find fish...small and large :D

I've had a hummingbird and a flasher on my bass boat for decades....they haven't been turned on in 15 years. Unless you're on a deep mountain lake or something...I don't need one on typical southern lakes...ymmv.