Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Fishing Forum :: portable fish finder
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Moonman |
quote nofish: "I realized he's probably looking for something less bulky but I just thought I'd throw out the option. Its for sure bulkier and heavier with the 12v but if you are on a hardcore fishing trip I would probably consider it given how valuable it could be." Yoh are right nofish, on a long, hardcore fishing trip it might be handy to have something with more options. Moonman. |
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KerryG |
quote newguy: "To KerryG, did you buy the Garmin Echo 150 without the portable unit, and if you did, what steps did you follow to make it portable? Actually I did buy the Echo 151 portable bundle but only because it was on sale cheaper than the non-portable model. The fact is that since I'm not going to use the supplied battery (relatively compact but very heavy,) I had to go out and get a replacement cable connector (which is the very same one you'd get with the non portable model.) So unless you plan to use the battery supplied with the portable bundle, I wouldn't bother paying the extra bucks. |
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Moonman |
quote newguy: "To KerryG, did you buy the Garmin Echo 150 without the portable unit, and if you did, what steps did you follow to make it portable? The process is fairly straitforward (i have the echo 100 which is converted to AApower) 1) get a battery pack holder from radio shack or similar. Check your manual but most of those units (the garmin echo 100&150 for sure) run between 10-18volts, so a 10 AA battery pack is perfect. With each AA battery giving 1.5 volts, an 8 battery holder gives 12 volts, but a 10 battery holder give 15 volts. This means you get way more actual usuage and power out of the batteries, and your unit will run much longer than if using 8 batteries, 2) cut! Your power cable, giving yourself enough cable to accomodate yur desired placement in your canoe etc. 3) get a small waterproof container which will house your battery pack. Make a small hole in a corner, just wide enough to squeeze your cable through. Wire the cable to the leads provided by the battery pack. Silicone around the cable and hole yyou made in the container. Put the cover on the container and you are done. Really easy. i should add that most units come with an inline fuse...make sure you keep it in place! 4) An option would be to shorten your transducer cable. Some guys are intimidated by it but I did it and it was fairly easy, if a little finicky. There are a ton and I mean a ton of posts on the forum with all kinds of info on this subject. Here is a picture of my battery set up, housed in a Lock and Lock container from Walmart... |
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Moonman |
The larger black section of wire is the join with heat shrink. A soldered connection is best, but will work if you just twist the ends together ( if not a good connection it may break etc with use, but you can just rejoin...). The best way to do it is to slip a larger diameter section of heat shrink over both leads of the power cable. Then smaller diameter heat shrink over one side of the individual (pos/neg) leads, join the wires, slide that smaller section of heat shrink over the join, and shrink it. Do the same with the other side. Once both wires are joined, slide the larger heat shrink over both sets of wires and shrink. Here is another pic of the whole works: The foam on my transducer cable is just pipe insulation zip tied around the cable. This works perfectly to float the transducer level when Ice fishing...no special 'ice' ducer needed! Moonman. |
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newguy |
Moonman, I bought these holders. Can you expand on "wire the cable to the leads"? I haven't spliced wires before. A link to eHow or something is good enough for me, no custom instructions needed! I see a separate instruction that says to use shrink tubing. Can it be applied without a heat gun? If not, what's the alternative? |
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Moonman |
Moonman. |
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MagicPaddler |
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Moonman |
quote adibee: "How useful is a fish finder up in the bwca? Do alot of you take them with you? I don't fish alot outside of the bwca but do you think it's worth it to get them for trips up there? I am looking at the new striker4 which can be had for 120$ If you don't fish a lot outside BW then I wouldn't bother getting one. Moonman. |
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adibee |
Stryker 4 These 2 look very similar and use 4aaa batteries. Norcross is more expensive though. Norcross f33p Kissmart®-Portable-Sounder-Transducer-Fishfinder/dp/B00LZVLKUW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pl_foot_top?ie=UTF8 |
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Saberboys |
I found the standard black and white Lowrance X-4 at Fleet Farm for $69.99 and a color Lowrance Elite 3X DSI (down scan imaging) for only $90! Seems like a heck of a deal for the improved imaging and it states that the draw is still only 10-17 volts. The operating frequency is 83-200kHz, I'm not sure if I should be paying attention to any other numbers to figure out if I can get a weeks worth of battery life running on Moonman's 10 AA battery set up or not?? |
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MagicPaddler |
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scoobe421 |
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RackWrangler |
Other people use sandwich bags filled with water, held up by a stiff plastic sleeve, or plumber's putty, or ... too many to list. A quick search should get you lots of ideas. -RW |
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ockycamper |
It is powered by 4 AAA batteries. Anyone familiar with these? Singstek FF-003 Portable Fish Finder |
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ockycamper |
Signstek FF-009 Portable Fish Finder |
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mfl1776 |
quote AFCGooner: "I was interested in this "Deeper Fishfinder" tow behind ball. My friend has this and has played around with it in the pond behind his house. Not exactly the best testing grounds for the B-dub, but he loves it. The phone app shows you all the info a traditional fish finder would show you and more. He has successfully targeted carp and catfish with it. I could see this being useful in the B-dub. Of course, you have the added hassle of keeping your phone charged (not difficult with a good power bank) and hoping your bluetooth holds up (which it should). But it's a neat little device. I'll try my friend's out soon and post a review here. |
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mfl1776 |
Venterior Portable Wired Fish Finder LCD Display Sonar Sensor Fishfinder Alarm Transducer Fishfinder Venterior Portable Wired Fish Finder LCD Display Sonar Sensor Fishfinder Alarm Transducer Fishfinder |
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MagicPaddler |
quote johnsoner: "quote adibee: "I just wanted to update everyone that after going through different types of fish finders I finally found one that fits my bill. I got the Hummin Bird Fishin' Buddy 130. It uses 6 AA batteries and suppose to run for 30 hours. It comes with a mount and the transducer is inside a tube that can be mounted on the side of the canoe. This is going to be a big plus for me since I don't have a canoe and rent one every time I am in the BWCA. It's a black and white one with Side Finder which is suppose to be pretty good. I am excited :)" To stop the wobble while trolling you need to change the shape of the round part that is in the water. Look at the picture in this link and scroll all the way to the right. WOBBLE STOPPER The wobble stopper is a piece of plastic folded in half and creased. Then staple the edge that is farthest from the crease shut. Open it up and slip it over the shaft and you have a exaggerated tear drop shape. I have used a clear plastic cover for a 8&1/2 X 11 piece of paper from the office supply. Don’t troll with a fishinbuddy without one. |
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MagicPaddler |
quote Saberboys: "I've been in the market for an affordable fish finder as well, and trying to weigh features vs. cost as it will only be used for the BW and ice fishing. Saberboy You state that it runs on 10-17 volts. That tells you how many AA (.8 volts to 1.6 volts if alkaline) batteries to connect in series. But what about current draw. Color means the back light must be on to see the screen. That means more current. Down scan imaging means more current. The 3X is a nicer unit but it will run the batteries down much faster. Most back country fisherman go to the X-4 not for the difference in purchase price but for the reduced battery consumption. |
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FishermanTed |
10 years ago I would not have said that. Then I bought a fishing lodge and now do this professionally. Meaning, I make a living making sure guests catch fish. And guide plenty. All summer long. In all types of weather. All conditions. Here is what I learned when I became a paid professional. I knew a lot less than I thought I did. A lot. Why? Because like many I always went fishing when it was the easiest time to do so. Most productive. I thought I was pretty darned good. Until I was taken out of my element. New water. Different season. Variable conditions. A shock to the system for sure. Half of fishing is presenting the bait, finesse, hook setting, fighting the fish etc. But the other half is finding the fish. A fish finder is invaluable and should be on everyone’s boat that is serious about wanting to catch fish. In June you think you are the man because you catch lots of fish. Well, it doesn’t get much easier than that. Come back in July. When the fish are in 20+ feet of water. Not holding to structure. Following bait fish on a lake system. Different ballgame isn’t it…… A finder will show you underwater drops/humps where fish hold. They will show bait balls and schooling bait fish that larger fish will be following. They will show you bottom composition that fish may like. All of this could never be determined without a finder. Cruising around in a canoe or boat you would have no clue what’s going on below you without one. Once my waters warm on my lake system I require all my guides to take finders to the out-lakes to help find fish. Drop-shotting is one of our best methods but without electronics you wouldn’t have the first clue where to start. Even if you think you know the waters, fish move! A nice unit will be worth its weight in gold. You have a short time to fish and enjoy your vacation. Why jerk around looking for the fish. -FT |
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adibee |
quote FishermanTed: "Someone asked are fish finders necessary. Yes. No matter where you fish. Thanks you just convinced me to get one :), it makes sense. Now only if i could get a portable one with a double AAs. I wonder how difficult the lead acid ones would be to keep in the canoe. I am just scared of water and short circuits lol |
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Moonman |
quote Saberboys: "I've been in the market for an affordable fish finder as well, and trying to weigh features vs. cost as it will only be used for the BW and ice fishing. Get the x-4. When I was looking a few years ago, it was on the short list between it and the garmin echo 100. As for current draw, it is measured in milli amps, and it is based on current draw in milli amps per hour of use. It is in the x4 manual. Not sure if it is still on the Lowrance website. I do have a copy somewhere, but it is on an old computer that is sitting in the basement..as MagicPaddler said, people get these units for lowest current draw, not features, although the x-4 is still a great unit. Moonman. |
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Moonman |
quote FishermanTed: "Someone asked are fish finders necessary. Yes. No matter where you fish. Hey Ted, hope all is well. Just to be clear, when I mentioned not to bother getting a finder, it was only because the person asking said they didn't really fish outside the BW at all. I agree a finder is an invaluable tool, for all those reasons you stated - thats why I use one myself. Also, your comment about fish moving is right on. I know some systems that I know like the back of my hand up here in Ontario and its incredible sometimes where the fish are. A lot of people don't realize how much available structure (therefore baitfish and bigger fish) will change from year to year, just from catastrophic storms, newly placed downed trees in the middle of nowhere etc etc. also, a really deadly technique I have been using for lakers lately is vertical jigging. Just like you were ice fishing. On calm days in spring in canoe country, you can jig and tease up the lakers, getting them to chase your lure and hit, just like ice fishing. On my little garmin echo 100 I can easily see my jig down 50-60 feet (or more), and I can see fish reponding to it. Sometimes I can yell out to my canoe partner exactly when a fish is gonna hit because I can see it chasing my lure on the screen. Its awesome! Moonman. |
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Moonman |
quote Saberboys: "I've been in the market for an affordable fish finder as well, and trying to weigh features vs. cost as it will only be used for the BW and ice fishing. Also, I wouldn't be calling this 'Moonman's setup', as I got the idea from another forum, and originally had an 8 AA battery set up. It was a post on tjis forum from Ragged that put me on to the much better idea of using 10 batteries. Lots of guys have converted their units to AA power, and also lots have researched and use better batteries. Again, tons of info here if you dig deep enough. Moonman. |
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adibee |
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Mad_Angler |
I have an X67 Lowrance icemachine. It works great. Shoots right through the bottom of my kevlar canoe. |
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john 800 |
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bassnet |
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thinblueline |
quote Wables: "quote john 800: "what is out there now as far as a small lightweight fish/ deapth finder that eould work on a canoe trip? i have had humminbird smartcasts in the past but they never lasted more than 1 or 2 trips. He's asking for what is out there now. Most, if not all of the past threads that pop up during a search mention a lot of discontinued fishfinders. |
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Moonman |
quote nofish: "I've used a few older portable fish finders over the years but last year I picked up a new Humminbird Helix 5 portable unit. Hey Nofish the helix 5 is indeed a great unit but I think the OP indeed did want something lighter and less bulk. Thats why I was mentioning current draw. While perfect with its stock battery, converting the helix 5 and similar units to run off AA's you end up with batteries not lasting as long as they could, with a lower power draw unit. Now for dual use / ice fishing like you mentioned, then I think its a great solution, but again, all depends on weight and bulk you want to carry. Same way that some guys carry in 6 rods and tons of tackle etc. it all depends on what else you are leaving behind etc or maybe just how much you are willing to huff and puff. Moonman. |
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Wables |
quote john 800: "what is out there now as far as a small lightweight fish/ deapth finder that eould work on a canoe trip? i have had humminbird smartcasts in the past but they never lasted more than 1 or 2 trips. Google "BWCA.com depth finder" as this has been discussed many times. |
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Moonman |
Moonman. |
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nofish |
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AFCGooner |
https://buydeeper.com/deeper I just don't know if I want to carry another device (phone/tablet) to use it. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, so I'm glad you asked. |
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newguy |
I had a portable Lowrance X-4 that I used one time, sent in for RMA, and Navico sent me back a color Elite 3-X. Similar to john 800, looking for a new lightweight greyscale unit. |
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nofish |
The portable package comes with either the sonar or sonar/gps unit, transducer, 12v battery, a mounting platform, carrying case and a battery charger. I also have a 2nd transducer that turns it into a unit for ice fishing. It has the standard graph and also the traditional flasher style graph as a viewing option. I took the unit up on a week long trip last summer. I used it a couple hours each day and never charged it. I don't have the gps combo unit but I imagine adding gps will reduce batter life. The only down side is overall size and weight but if you want one of the best portable units then this is arguably one of the best. In order to save weight/size I have seen some people buy the sonar unit without the portable package and then make their own carrying case for it. If you do that you might be able to save a little weight and maybe a little bulk. Although the carrying case that comes with it is nice because it has a built in zipper pocket for the transducer to go into during transport. |
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KerryG |
To add a P.S. If you're looking for something like this I wouldn't wait too long. This model is being discontinued and I don't see anyone putting out black and white units anymore. |
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newguy |
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Mad_Angler |
quote newguy: "Mad_Angler, how do you power that X67 given the color screen?" The ice fishing ones come as a complete kit. It has a battery that lasts about a typical BW week. |
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johnsoner |
quote adibee: "I just wanted to update everyone that after going through different types of fish finders I finally found one that fits my bill. I got the Hummin Bird Fishin' Buddy 130. It uses 6 AA batteries and suppose to run for 30 hours. It comes with a mount and the transducer is inside a tube that can be mounted on the side of the canoe. This is going to be a big plus for me since I don't have a canoe and rent one every time I am in the BWCA. It's a black and white one with Side Finder which is suppose to be pretty good. I am excited :)" I too have the Fishin' Buddy. It meets the need of getting a read on depth, structure, and surface temp. My only issue is the pole itself. Keep in mind you cannot use this unit conveniently when trolling, even from a canoe, as it creates a lot of drag and will start vibrating which can make a lot of unwanted noise. You will have to lift/drop it, similar to a trolling motor, between stops. The battery life has been good, as it's lasted a full trip without replacement on both trips it's been on. Good Luck. |
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adibee |
How long were your trips? Do they last at least 2 to 3 days? Also was the unit able to track fish too? I read on the Side Finder option on the 130 and was confused about how it worked. Have you used it before? |
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Mad_Angler |
How long were your trips? Do they last at least 2 to 3 days? Also was the unit able to track fish too? I read on the Side Finder option on the 130 and was confused about how it worked. Have you used it before?" My unit is fairly heavy. But it lasts the full 5-7 days with running almost every day. The unit is able to track bottom features and see fish. The battery is fairly large. But you could use 2 (or more) smaller batteries to split up the load. |
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adibee |
Wow thanks for the idea that looks pretty good. I will try to make one for me and try it out. |
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johnsoner |
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adibee |
Do you have some more pics of ur finder I wanted to get a closer look at your mod. |
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MagicPaddler |
quote adibee: " I do not have any other pictures but it is easy to make. You need a piece of plastic like a page protector and a stapler and scissors. PAGE PROTECTOR PICTURE I do not know if this is the best protector but it lets you know what I am calling a page protector. You want a stiff protector so if you crease it will stay creased. The one I used come with a piece of black paper in them and are made by folding and creasing a flat sheet and punching holes for a 3 ring binder. Slip the protector over the round shaft of the detector and pull it so the round shaft is against the creased corner. If you have a flat piece fold it in half to get a corner. Put several staples about 1&1/2 inches from the round shaft. Go fishing. |
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MNRider008 |
I originally bought it for canoe trips, but absolutely love it for ice fishing when popping holes. I can strap it around my neck and do it myself rather than have someone follow me with a clunky sonar. I can pop a few holes along a ridge, see whats there and start fishing. I also have an LX-7 when on the fish, but the showdown is what puts me on the spot. |
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mirth |
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mapsguy1955 |
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KerryG |
Tracer Power |
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MagicPaddler |
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TallMatt |
quote mastertangler: "OK......here is a dopey question....... I have an almost 5 year old Kindle that I read at least 1 hour a day at home and only have to charge it like once a month. I've never had it die on camping/hunting/fishing trips, but make sure to charge it beforehand. |
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starman |
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starman |
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mastertangler |
Yes I like the Anker power pack and by George I do believe it will do rather nicely. Thanks. Hey, wait a minute.......have I hijacked another thread! Blimey! Back to regularly scheduled programing....... |
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overthehill |
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mastertangler |
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mastertangler |
quote KerryG: "Cheapest, lightest, waterproof battery in existence ... currently - I give you Tracer Power. These are pretty amazing. The smallest one is 12V 3.5 Ah which should provide a small fish finder like the Garmin Echo 151 with about 35 hours. It weighs in at just over a pound and can be recycled more or less indefinitely or at least for thousands of cycles. For myself, I plan to get the 12V 7Ah for my longer trips, that's 70 hours of uninterrupted use at just over 2 pounds. Yo Kerry........I thought you were going to go with the Biennia power 120 watt hour power pack and a solar rechargeable system? I have bookmarked it and am waiting to place an order. I know you research these sorts of things fairly intensively so I am counting on you! I am looking at a month in Woodland Caribou and need a rechargeable system. Don't steer me wrong! ;-) What do you know and when did you know it? |
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KerryG |
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mastertangler |
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Saberboys |
quote MagicPaddler: " Battery Holder thread " I think that I'm going to try and replicate your battery holder set up. I am curious if there will be any issues if the brass screw terminals get wet? |
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mastertangler |
Thinking about taking a Kindle along. I can charge via the Bioenno? Or the solar charger? |
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KerryG |
quote mastertangler: "OK......here is a dopey question.......The Bioenno can charge both 5V (usb) and 12V devices so you should have no problem (other than straightening out paper clips.) On the other hand for your Kindle you might just want to take one of these, it's tiny and will charge your Kindle at least three full times. Anker power pack |
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KerryG |
quote mastertangler: "Already got that figured out Kerry.......I'm just going to twist the wire around a straightened out paper clip and jam it in whatever portal provided. No need to get all fancy! " Well at the very least that should straighten your hair out and I mean all your hair. |
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KerryG |
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Yaya1 |
quote john 800: "What is out there now as far as a small lightweight fish/ depth finder that would work on a canoe trip? I have had Humminbird smartcasts in the past but they never lasted more than 1 or 2 trips. Hi You can try Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 53dv with transducer,its rated as one of the best fish finders in the market. |
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rpike |
At first I tried simply towing the transducer along. That gave poor results; shooting through the hull (simply by setting it on the hull) was much better. I lost water temperature, but it's a easy to drop the transducer overboard to get a temperature reading. The way the transducer cable and float is set up, it is also easy to drop down and get a temperature reading a few feet under the surface. I got the accessory case for it, which is small, light, and stores the unit plus an extra couple sets of batteries. I'm happy with it. It's not perfect, but is a good unit that is really meant to be portable. http://www.hawkeyeelectronics.com/fish-finder/ |
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Stars77 |
Try Lowrance 000-11785-001 HDS-7 GEN3 Insight Fishfinder which is rated as one of the top six fish finders . It is a superb product that comes with a sophisticated functionality. It is associated with many useful features that can help you to detect more fish. The user interface of this device works like a charm it can be operated either with a full keypad or using the sophisticated multi-touch system. You can switch between these two modes depending on your personal preference. It has an HD Sonar scan system to provide you clearer, accurate and better information about the fish underwater. In fact, Lowrance Gen3 is among the fastest scanners in the modern industry. Any user will find this device very easy to install. Internal GPS antenna, pre-installed charts for US waters and fully loaded 83/200 KHz transducer makes this fish finder a prominent choice. Regards. |
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mastertangler |
quote MagicPaddler: "And here is a battery that will power it for your trip Ha! Thats funny! And only 7,000 plus dollars! (Does that include portage monkey?) Surprise, surprise I did spend about 20 minutes on Utube checking out the Lowrance HDS7 touch screen........soooo sweet! The battery pack I am lugging around now goes close to 3 lbs and along with the solar panel which is probably another 3 lbs I feel I need to use something which has a bit more power usage to justify carrying them. The lowrance I use now barely puts a dent in the power pak and thats after 15+ days. Why not get a "funnerer" unit? I can mark that rock pile with a GPS waypoint and I can mark that reef and mark that big school of Lakers I seen yesterday ("I know they are around here somewhere" ;-) They want $8 bills for the unit. If I hadn't just bought a new car I would seriously think about it and get an extra transducer and use it for my tin walleye boat as well. But alas, I had to bribe my wife so I can go again next year for more than a couple of weeks. Its expensive going canoeing!! |
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MagicPaddler |
Does anyone have one they can measure current draw while operating. I know it not for MT. |
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MNRider008 |
I use it primarily for popping holes during ice fishing season (wear it around the neck to check depth as I go), but it works fantastic in the canoe. My two cents. |
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mastertangler |
But I admire your spiel. I have a pretty good one myself so out of mutual respect I will give a peek at the product since I am in the depth finder buying mode. |
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MagicPaddler |
https://www.foreverpureplace.com/12-125-13-b-FLA-p/12-125-13-b.fla.htm It only weighs 2/3 ton. |
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ockycamper |
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PapaBear1975 |
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Oneofmanyblessings |
just picked up piranha max 175 for $49 couldnt pass up to bring to quetico. to try it out for that price now just need to make battery pack read somewhere to look for soldered connections ones as they have less power loss from each connection point |
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Savage Voyageur |
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