Depth Finders

[RW-reeler]

I would like to upgrade my console moounted finder over the winter. In the last year I have read two different sujestions 1) mount the same unit for your bow and console incase of falure you have the ability to switch 2) use a unit that uses a different frequency to keep interference from crossing over to the units. I am fairly new to boat ownership and could use some advice. I have a 16 ft. alum. bassboat with a humminbird 300 TX on the bow. I would like a unit that would give a good bottom reaking while moveing at a good idle speed. Have you any helpful opinions on this fishy subject?

[6.54BASS]

Reeler, the sonar is a computer controlled unit, have you tried to fine tune your unit instead of running it on "Auto"? Like your home computer, if you ask it to do too much, it can get bogged down. If I know the depth range, I usually set mine on a specific depth range and turn off all the extra stuff so you just get the basics (fish ID, alarm, etc.) which allows the unit to process faster. Also, I don't have one myself, but from friends, etc. if you try a flasher unit and really learn how it works, I understand they are instant and very accurate. I have seen some very expensive units that are really cool, but for the water around here (pretty shallow), a 300TX or similar unit is perfect. I have a 400TX on the bow of my Avalanche and it gives me all the information I need. I am sure you will get more replies on this post, all I can suggest is to listen, these guys are some of the best!

[Eriebronze]

Reeler, like Bryan, I too like to turn off a lot of the unneccesary "features" on my depth finders. It affords the unit to operate more efficiently and perform the tasks which it is set for, just plain better. Now as far as a depth finder for the console while idling or at any speed, you can't beat the flasher units. If all you are intersted in, from that point is depth, i.e. breaks, points, shallows, it's your best bet. They are pretty much instantaneous and once learned, I think you'll like it maybe better than the convention LCD units. Check some out and good fishin to you

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Reeler,
As always, Bryan and Herb have given some good advice. I would definately go with a console mounted flasher unit. As they said, the reading is instantanious and that can mean a lot when deep water becomes very shallow in a hurry, such as a submerged island. The LCD may not read it fast enough that you can shut down quick enough to avoid boat/motor damage. I ALWAYS rely strictly on my flashers when running a new lake or river system. Then when structure, cover or whatever is located then I use my Techsonic Humminbird LCD to show me exactly what I've found. I like the flasher and LCD working together. Flasher to locate-LCD to fine tune reading. Good luck and stick with Bassin' USA. Johnnie

[RW-reeler]

Thanks guys, it looks like I need to do some research over the winter to make a choice and be ready to use it to my advantage in the spring.
Reeler