Fish finders

[Bytemelitely]

I recently bought a boat, my first. I have been trying to decide
on a fish finder. I live near a lake that produces large lake trout at deep depths,100'+. However I enjoy fishing walleye in a lake at depths no deeper than 20'.
The two fish finders that I have been trying do decide on are the Humminbird 400, or the Garmin 240. The angle of the transducers is what keeps me from making a decision. The Humminbird offers a wide angle 90deg and the Garmin comes with a 20deg. If anyone has another recommendation please let me know.

[Link]

I would stick with the smaller angle transducer. I'm no expert, but it seems to me the smaller angle will tell you more of what's directly under the boat (my logic, but would not bet a paycheck on it). I use a 20 degree transducer and if I mark fish in 20 feet of water, I'll sooner or later catch a walleye (usually later). The Garmin 240 also puts out a lot of watts(3000-3200??) compared to other graphs on the market. More watts gives better definition of what your marking and also works better in deeper water. I think you'll see those trout on the bottom better with more watts. Good luck with your decision. Link

[Bosbar]

I never had a Garmin, but I've had 4 Hummin' Bird's. I'll never have another one, junk. My 4th one was a wide view with side finding capabilities, when they first came out. Took it to Canada, brand new, before my 2 weeks were up, 1 side went out and the screen fogged up. Took it back to the dealer and he said it's not unusual for a Humminbird. Tradedback for a Lowrance. I'll never go back.

[Dutchman]

Spend your money wisely. DON'T BUY A HUMMINBIRD!!! I purchased a Wide Vision several years ago and was embarrassed at the money I spent when compared to a far less expensive Eagle. The cheap Eagle put my Humminbird to shame in a side to side comparison. This was my bad experience and I would hope that others don't have to endure this loss of hard earned money. (paid $325.00, sold for $125.00)

[JimmerAB]

If your choice is between those two models, my advice is to go with the Garmin 240. I own one, and am totally satisfied with it. My walleye fishing is usually limited to less than 25 feet, and I have no problem at all marking fish. Remember, with a 20-degree cone angle, your viewing area diameter will be about 1/3 the depth you're in at that time. For example, fishing in 30 feet of water, you'll be viewing an area about 10 feet in diameter on the bottom. The unit has lots of power (3200 watts P2P, and 400 watts RMS) which assists in target separation, and allows you to fish the deep water with the confidence that you're seeing what's below you.

Garmin.....Humminbird.....Garmin.....Humminbird... ..hmmm

Go Garmin.....trust me on this one!

But most importantly, best of luck with whatever you finally decide to buy!


JIm

[Jim]

I like your name.
I own a garmin 240 and I am happy with it. I have owned huminbirds and I dont like them. The humminbird dosn't have as much resolution (hum=160x160 garmin=240x240) and with the cone angle you will not know where the fish is when you are in deeper water. I'm sure there are other good sonar units out there but if the choice is garmin or humminbird I'll take the garmin any day.

[Kinda Catchy]

Take it from another person who has had the luck of buying 4 different boats with 4 hummingbirds on them, there JUNK. Don't know whole lot about Garmins, have had great sucess with Eagles and Lowrances. Currently have a new Interphase Advantage on the boat I bought in August, I don't have a verdict on it yet. Was forced to use the Hummingbird on this boat until I can get use to the Interphase.

[Bytemelitely]

>I recently bought a boat, my
>first. I have been trying
>to decide
>on a fish finder. I live
>near a lake that produces
>large lake trout at deep
>depths,100'+. However I enjoy fishing
>walleye in a lake at
>depths no deeper than 20'.
>
>The two fish finders that I
>have been trying do decide
>on are the Humminbird 400,
>or the Garmin 240. The
>angle of the transducers is
>what keeps me from making
>a decision. The Humminbird offers
>a wide angle 90deg and
>the Garmin comes with a
>20deg. If anyone has another
>recommendation please let me know.
>

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I will be the proud owner of a new Garmin 240. I am glad that I found this message board, I think it saved me a lot of grief...

[GORD]

Most serious tournament anglers use Lowrance because they have come up through the ranks and know what works best. They know that Lowrance makes quality products and it has a good track record. Some of the products being made by the other companies look good and show promise (time will tell) but I suggest you buy the best Lowrance (20 degree transducer) unit you can afford. Keep in mind that the anglers that run other units are often sponsored and get their fishfinders for nothing. If they had to pay cash like we do, they'd probably buy Lowrance too. Let us know what you decide and why. good luck.