"Fishin Buddy" or "Aquaview Camera" ?

[fishinchic]

I'm looking to purchase a fish finder and have received several recommendations. I'd like to get your opinions.

Our local bait & tackle store recommended the "Fishin Buddy" locator made by Bottom line or an "Aquaview" underwater camera. Other recommendations I've received are the Garmin 260, Vexilar FL8 and Eagle Stratos 128.

We need something portable as we don't own our own boat and rent when we visit the Northwoods. Usually we make 2 trips a year (3 weeks max) to fish. I don't want to spend more than $300.

Thanks in advance for all of your recommendations.

[perchjerker]

I have heard the cameras are neat, I have seen a few people using fishing buddys, wasnt too impressed with them.
Check out this thread and I think you will know where most of us stand on the Vexilar!


http://www.walleyecentral.com/cgi-bin/dcf/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=12574&forum=generaldiscussion&omm=0

Good luck shopping!!

:)

[fishinchic]

thanks!

[FISHINNUT]

I would recommend a portable graph, possibly something by Eagle or Lowrance. An Aquaview Camera doesn't work too well from a boat and is best used for Ice Fishing.

[Peanut]

Usually, a fish finder and underwater camera have different uses. For instance, a depth finder/graph will map out bottom contour, bottom type, water depth, and possibly temperature and speed, with more expensive units. As well, of course, they locate fish that happen by within the transducer cone.

Cameras are mostly restricted to viewing a very small area, they let you see fish, to determine whether they're there, what kind and how big. As stated, there are mixed results in open water, and they cannot be used when travelling at any speed.

I would suggest they are not interchangeable, and that your first purchase should be a finder. There are several good brands to choose from, all making models within your price range. From experience, the Eagle 128 Stratos is a decent entry-level unit, in terms of reliability and options.

Hope this helps,

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!

[JCarp]

I'll second Fishinnut's suggestions. Portable graph by Eagle or Lowrance would be a good choice.

You can also "convert" any regular graph (or flasher) to portable. Buy a set of replacement suction cups for a car roof rack/carrier. Attach one suction cup to the transducer and attach to boat transon same as any portable. Always attach a cord tied off so the transducer doesn't end up in the prop if it comes loose. A couple of alligator clips on the power cord gives you lots of 12 volt power supply options. Disadvantage is you don't get a nice box/bracket and the lantern battery power supply. Advantages - less cost, no lantern battery power supply, greater selection in avail. units.

If you ice fish too, then the flasher (FL8)deserves serious consideration.

[Chad]

I would recommend that you get a Flasher type depth finder(Vexilar,Zercom,Lowrance). One that you can use in the boat and on the ice. Most have accessories that you can buy such as suction cup attachments for your transducer.

I would not get a camara for the use you are describing.

[jjl325jim]

the tuna

I have used the Humminbird 100 SX portable. This was a very good finder and it cost me only $139.99. I purchased it from Reeds in Walker, Mn.

Humminbird also make a 400 TX portable model. In addition, to a 90 degree readout it also gives a 45 degree to the left and right of the 90. In addition, you can get temp/speed add on for a minimal cost.

I suggest you go to www.humminbird.com web site. They have all their portables listed with specs.