Handheld GPS's

[Fishtracker]

I am currently in the process of trying to determine which brand and model would best suit my needs. I want a reliable and dependable unit for fishing Lake Erie that will show a plot trail, yet be usable off the boat too. Priced @ or below $250 Thanks inadvance.

[Marble eyes]

I have a Garmin 12 and it does what you stated. I really like it. I use it for winter and Summer fishing, rifle hunting in Colorado and Saskatchewan.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gps12/

Cost approx. $150.00

[John]

I use the Garmin 12XL. Excellent unit, accurate, quick acquisition of satellites, more than adequate features and capabilites. Very easy to learn and use.

[eyecrosser]

Do these models come with mapping capibilities?

[walleyeten]

E-map by Garmin is the best.

[Jerry]

I have the Garmin 12 and use it on Lake Erie - does what you want. I got it at Bass Pro for $144. Also bought a mounting bracket for my console and the 12V power cord at BPS for another $50-60. I'd recommend getting the power cord and plugging into the accessories outlet on your boat, if possible. Mine seems to eat four AA batteries very quickly.

[Drey]

I have a lowrance global map 100 and love it. I can download lakes onto it by purchasing an additional CD. It has so many feature I still feel as if I don't know half of what the unit is capable of doing. I fish with it thru the ice and in the boat. Plus you don't have to throw out a marker and attract all the other boats on the lake. One feature I really like that garmin didn't have when I bought this one and don't know if they have it by now is the zooming button. You can zoom into your point as you approach it so you can always see yourself and your waypoint without going into the menu section.
hope this helps, Drey

[Marble eyes]

The Garmin GPS12 largest Screen is 500 miles and zooms down to like 2/10ths of a mile I believe. So I think they act pretty close to the same.

[Fish Obsessed]

You might want to consider the Garmin eTrex Vista model. I have used the Garmin 12 unit in the past and this new model has some great improvements.

Electronic compass
USA Base map
500 waypoint storage
Advanced track log system & memory for saving 10 track logs
** Big improvement is the 24 meg memory - can download additional maps that will be available in the future ***
Also "waterproof" (within reason)
(would not recommend the e-map for this reason - only use on land, since it is not waterproof)
WAAS technology in a handheld unit - accuracy < 3 meters

Great unit - can purchase on the internet for around $300

[Larry]

I have a lowrance global map 100 and love love love it. I can
load all of st clare detroit river and lake erie. with all the boie markers on the lake and chanel maekers and much much more.
ps you need a computer to up load maps to it.
this is the 3 rd year and wouldent trade it for a new boat

[Tom]

global map is a great thing,even thou I have not really seen anything else,,I use it for driving and my spots,, youd love it!

[CJW]

Remember that if you want to keep all those waypoints and icons when your lithium battery thats internal goes out you better be able to download to a computer. Lowrance 100 can do this not sure of the garmin lineup. If that internal fails so goes all your data. So I'd make sure you can upload and download them so your covered. Eventually that battery will go out. Craig

[eyehooker]

I have the global map 100 and use in my truck when We travel and if its a straight shot to a destination such as My sister-in-laws I can turn it toward the WIFE and She can see distance,eta,ete,speed and many other questions asked when your Wife is excited to see Her sister and won`t leave you alone during a L-O-N-G trip!
I like the global map but they all do much the same thing.The only draw back is I run a center console 21' aluminum and if its raining (like when I go fishing!)and rough I either have to take it from the cradle to see it or slow the boat and sit down to make out the small display.
Now is the tough part,to convince Her I need for the boat and the truck !!!!!!! :)
I hope it helps and good fish'n