Garmin Software GPSIII plus

[GregK]

I own a GPS III and recently did some surfing to find PC software for it. While I found some freeware stuff that was pretty nice, it occured to me the best discussion would be to have maps available. I fish mostly in the midwest and Ontario.

Can anyone give me some information on either the "canned" software from Garmin or other commerical software that is available. Is the investment worth it?

[Sonny Reynolds]

Try Garmins web site, the have everything you need on CD so you can load from your PC.

[Dr.Bob]

Just a little FYI.. I was told two days age that the waterways mapping software from Garmin for that unit had to be recalled because they misrepresented quite a few navigation lights and bouys, meaning they showed them in the wrong positions. Make sure you look into this before loading your GPS with waterways mapping software. Garmin is a good company. Mistakes happen. They are in the process of correcting this. Just make sure you get an updated, corrected version. Also, look at what sources the companies use for their information. I have chosen the Lowrance GlobeMap 100, partly because they use "Navionics" data. Navionics is accurate, and they have mapping for a lot of waterways. You can download specific data to your unit as you need it. Good luck. It still amazes me how much fishing I used to be able to do without all the miracles of modern science! I find myself spending too much time lately screwing around with all the accessories to fishing, and not enough time washing off lures. Hope your transition to the world of global positioning is uneventful and helps get you on fish. I have to admit, of all the electrical fishing aids I have, this thing actually has found a home in my boat. It is useful.
Tight Lines,
Doc

[Mike]

Beginning later this summer, any unit capable of using Navionics data will be able to handle the new "Fishing Hot Spots HotMaps by Navionics". This will offer some of the premier lakes in the country to start in a format that shows contours and some structure info. They're constantly updating and by next year there should be quite a line. Watch their site (www.navionics.com) for info. They'll also be with Fishing Hot Spots at the ICAST/BassMaster Classic Show in Chicago next month.