Northwest Fishing Reports

Is it as good as the tv shows make it out to be? They make it seem like it's God's gift to mankind.

$1K for the smallest version! :queen: Only has a 5" screen. Can you even see anything on that small of a screen? I haven't handle or seen 1 in the store. But I'm sure some of you have out there.

So is it the cats meow? I would love the 10" screen version, but yeah $3K is a little steep, lol.


Or is the Lowrance HDS system just as good or good enough? Or is there something new coming out?

The boat show is coming next month so I was hoping to go to 1 and see what it's all about.

We have the 9 series on the new Phoenix that came in. We plan on playing with it, when the boat is finished being rigged and we put a few hrs on the motor.
I will let you know what we think of the SI then. Having seen screen shots of both the Lowrance and HB, I would say that it will significantly cut down the amount of time that is needed to find and locate the best structure in an area. But like any tool, it will only help you if you utilize it properly.

Mark

I have the Humminbird on my boat and used the Lowrance unit 3 times in the last couple of weeks. Both of them are worth every penny. Not even debatable!

Remember that even though Lowrance HDS 5 can be bought for sub $500, you still need the LSS-1 to use the Structure Scan...so +$600 for that. If you are in the market, it might just come down to preference. I have used an HDS unit W/O Structure scan and I was impressed. I own a humminbird and have been pleased. I would love either.

On a related note, you can purchase the 788Ci for around $600. It comes with the dualbeam ducer. I believe that Humminbird will exchange it for the quadbeam for FREE! This will allow you to run what is called "Poormans Side Imaging" See the attached thread at BBC for a little more info.

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=510132

Chris

I have the HB 997SI and really like the unit. It is very easy to use and SI enables you to cover SO much more water without having to be directly over it. IMO well worth it. I have seen SI in the 5" and it is more difficult to interpret what you are seeing. The Lowrance HD SI units are super nice as well and deliver a better picture that the HBD, but the cost, as previously mentioned is more. Which ever brand you decide to go with, you will be able to cover immense amounts of water in less time.

I had a fellow basser give me a 727 humminbird a few weeks back[flapper] . I had to buy the wide side transducer at $70.00 this thing is the #@%t:cheers: . You would need to buy the side transducer for bank fishing[thumbup] . Or the fish finder will not be what you want unless your fishing under the boat. I don't fish under my boat very much so I did need the side view.

I picked up one of the brochures from White Elephant. Looking at the images made me wonder.... I bet I could do ultra sounds on pregnant women with this thing. That's how I could make back the 3K price tag.

Kent

I found this on Craigslist:
http://spokane.craigslist.org/spo/1687247176.html
Humminbird 1157 fish finder + extras 1157c - $1650 (CDA, ID)
Too rich for my wallet, but someone here might be interested.

I played with the 5" model today at Wholesale or whatever it's called now. Formerly Sportsman Warehouse up in Federal Way.

The 5" is plenty big.....

My mother called the other day with vehicle problems and dropped it off at the dealer. Welp, decided to give an early Mother's Day gift early. Timing belt slipped. Luckily, the valves were saved, so only timing belt package and tensioner were replaced. Could have been much worse. Price could have easily tripled.


Maybe next month.

Woo hoo. I did it.



Saw it on sale, so I figure might as well jump on it.

Question about installing the sonar though. Do I drill pilot holes into the transom? And should I use any sealant for the screws?

I have to remove my other depth finder sonar thingy. The hole placement are at different locations, so I guess I'll have to fill though in. How do I go about doing that? Or what to use?