Fishfinder Preference - Printable Version +- Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum) +-- Forum: Float Tube Fishing (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=396) +--- Forum: Float Tubing General (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=81) +--- Thread: Fishfinder Preference (/showthread.php?tid=674982)

Fishfinder Preference - SatanLBZ801 - 06-29-2011 I'm in the market for a fairly cheap (under $200) fishfinder. Kind of torn over from a Fishin' Buddy from humminbird, or something that actually requires a 12V battery to run. I just bought a ODC 420 Lite, which under my impression is the same build as the ODC 420 similar to a Outcast Fat Cat, just lighter. As far as having the room to store a battery is possible. I would just rather deal with AA's then a bulky 12V. Along with that, I would think the more accurate Finders would come from having more power to run them, creating a stronger signal. Which also plays a roll in my decision. I definitely want something that's accurate, I mean who doesn't. Third would be portability to remove it from the tube is ease and take it ice fishing, etc. I've read that the Lowrance units have a lot more settings/features compared to the humminbirds. I just want something simple and effective with accuracy. How do you guys feel about the side finders on the fishin' buddy units? For as little as it sonars I'm not sure how accurate it would be other then possible locating trout or other species that hang tight to the surface. If anyone has pictures as well as how you mounted yours that would also we a great help in my decision! Thanks, Jason B [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - idahoron - 06-29-2011 I would go more power. Mine is a eagle 480 fishmark. I like it a lot but if I were to gety another one I would go more power. Mine is an accurate and dependable machine but more power is always better[cool]. I made a stand alone FF unit. It has a battery box " wet wipes box" that can store two 8 amp battery's. I have never needed more than one for a whole weekend of fishing. The transducer rotates out of the way for landing on the beach. And the whole thing has two snaps holding it on. I run a third snap to secure it from moving. The thing I like about my set up is I can put it on my float tube, pontoon or it can stand alone for ice fishing. Ron [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - TubeDude - 06-29-2011 [cool][#0000ff]Most tubers settle for the "get by" when they are first starting...from tubes to waders to fins to sonars. That's okay...especially when you are on a budget. You can get exposure to how each component of tubing works and can learn what the real issues are...and how important they are to your personal style of fishing. [/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]The ODC 420 lite is an ideal tube for backpacking but is not the best choice for fishing in rocky or brushy conditions...or for fish with sticky things on them. Thinner cover and no PVC coating increases your potential for unplanned deflation. However, it will provide a good fishing platform for as long as you own it...or until you succumb to the lust for something different.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]Ditto for whatever sonar you get. Almost any sonar is better than not having anything. Simply knowing the right depth can help keep you fishing in the right zone. But the more details it can provide about bottom contour, temperature and other factors the better. And that usually translates into higher wattage...more power...bigger battery and higher price.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]The side finder feature on some sonar units gets mixed reviews. Those who fish for suspending fish, like trout or crappies, enjoy being able to know there are fish swimming by at a defined depth and direction from their tube. Doesn't mean they will always catch them, but it gives them hope. But there are plenty of other anglers who really do not care for the sidefinder because they usually target fish that hold closer to the bottom and they want good bottom readings and good "target separation" to distinguish between fish and rocks on the bottom. [/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]The more power your sonar has the more likely you will get accurate readings. Some of the lower end units show every bubble, stick and glob of algae as a fish signal. You can get excited at the "fish school" below you and find out it is just a submerged tree...that eats lures. You will get suspicious when your screen is full of fish icons and you can look down to the bottom below you and see nothing.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]The good news is that if you have a $200 budget you should be able to get a good workable unit that will suffice both for tubing and ice fishing. You know where I live and I can help you make the quick and inexpensive modifications that will work both applications. But, you probably can't text from them or check your email.[/#0000ff] [signature] Re: [TubeDude] Fishfinder Preference - SatanLBZ801 - 06-29-2011 For the price at which I got the ODC 420 Lite, I couldn't pass it up. I know it doesn't have the 30oz PVC coating on the bottom. My virtual way of solving punctures was to roll up a thing sheet of Aluminum (I work for a sheet metal shop) and either stuff it inside. Making it puncture proof on the bottom. I could even build cones to go into the tips of the tube. Have to play around with it to see what gauges will work at the lightest possible weight. Me only being 180lbs, I got a lot of room to grow as far as weight goes, not my number one concern. If that doesn't work, I'll look into option of printing to add my own coat of PVC to the bottom. Who knows. options are endless. Could even heat up a sheet of Plexiglass, model it to the shape, and insert that in the cover to protect the air bladders. Or... leave it how it is and hope for the best Least at the bottom of the food chain theirs always room to get bigger, badder, better stuff right Now on to Sonars... I could've SWORE you were going to say "There's an app for that" after that last comment [] I thought the reason we all go fishing was to get away from the cell phone and e-mails Now, if any of them had Wifi or wireless internet to stream live feed to the BFT's out there, that would be awesome! See always thinking. Get rich or die trying! Problem is no one would want to see me wash 100's of different lures. For you it would be golden! You actually catch fish []. So lets hear some brands/models of some good ones you BFT's have tried out. I know TD talks good about the humminbird 565, which is in my price range. Just trying to see what other options are out there and I know there's a lot. I don't have the time/money to go through everyone of them testing them so. [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - orvis1 - 06-29-2011 That ODC will treat you fine you will just learn to hate the valve system is all. You can get a tube mount from outcast that you strap to the pontoons. I have a fishing buddy 140C I splurged on the color screen. Decent not perfect but decent is how I would rate it. I use it more for the side finder and the depth than I believe it marking fish below me. [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - TubeDude - 06-29-2011 [cool][#0000ff]For what it's worth, the additional cost and hassle of adding "protection" to your tube is likely not worth the effort. Proper attention to detail and careful handling of fish will reduce the potential for punctures. I fished out of round tubes for years, with no PVC coatings anywhere. Yeah, I got a few spine holes and had some cactus punctures while fishing in Arizona...but nothing I couldn't live with.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]I must add, though, that we did start draping a piece of naugahyde over the exposed front areas of our tubes to cut down on the number of pinhole leaks that developed whenever a bluegill or other spiny critter dropped off the hook and onto the tube. Just like a piece of bread with jelly on it...a fish with spines always lands "the wrong way" when it hits your tube.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [inline "NAUG 1.JPG"] [#0000ff]If you want to insert something inside the cover to add protection, that naugahyde is cheap at most fabric shops and can be cut to shape and inserted before complete inflation. It won't stop a bullet, or a speeding PWC...but it wards off most small fish spines.[/#0000ff] [signature] Re: [TubeDude] Fishfinder Preference - SatanLBZ801 - 06-29-2011 Naughyde would be a good idea as well. Even so, aluminum would be a cake walk to fab and cheap seeing that there's scrap around I could use. Just worry about pitching the air bladder at that point. Time shall see how it goes. I'm sure with my fishing style, I won't have any problems with how it sits. Always love tinkering with things tho to either destroy them, or make them better . It's a guy thing right? Fishfinders! What size batteries you guys using and how often do you need to charge or replace them. I'm assume most are using smaller vehicle batteries and not disposable kind. Correct mr if I'm wrong. TD, how have you been making swivel arms for the transducer? Trying to wrap my head around how to do it using PVC where it can swivel and not pull off. [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - TubeDude - 06-29-2011 Fishfinders! What size batteries you guys using and how often do you need to charge or replace them. I'm assume most are using smaller vehicle batteries and not disposable kind. Correct mr if I'm wrong. [#0000ff]Most tubers use the 7 amp/hour batteries sold by Cabelas, Sportsmans and other outlets that sell sonars. These are SLA batteries (sealed lead acid) that require no maintenance but must be maintained at full charge if possible and should not be fully drained...like a deep cycle. Make sure they are fully charged before you go and then recharge them as soon as you get back and they will last for years.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff]I have been using a smaller version...a 4.4 amp/hour battery. It is about half the size and weight of the larger battery but powers my sonar all day without significant drainage.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [inline 4.jpg] TD, how have you been making swivel arms for the transducer? Trying to wrap my head around how to do it using PVC where it can swivel and not pull off. [cool][#0000ff]In the two attached pictures you can see the fittings I use to create the swiveling mount. They fit together tightly enough that there is little danger of them pulling off. But they rotate freely for simple installation and adjustment...and takedown at the end of the day. Something you gotta experience. [/#0000ff] [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - flygoddess - 06-29-2011 Here are some specs: Fishing Buddy 130 priced $130. General Product Type Fishfinder - portable - included transducer Width 4.2 in Depth 2.7 in Height 5.7 in Transducer Transducer Type Single-beam Maximum Depth 240 ft Target Separation 2.5 in Operating Frequency 200/455 kHz Power Output (Peak to Peak) 1000 W Power Output (RMS) 125 W Built-in Display Type FSTN Resolution 320 x 240 Display Diagonal 4" Color Support Monochrome Color Depth 16-level grayscale Display Illumination Yes Battery Form Factor AA type Required Qty 6 Miscellaneous Waterproof Yes Humminbird 565 priced $180. General Product Type Fishfinder - included transducer : XNT-9-20-T Width 7 in Depth 4 in Height 7 in Sonar Features Sonar echo enhancement, Selective Fish ID+ Transducer Transducer Type Dual-beam Transducer Mount Transom, in-hull Maximum Depth 800 ft Target Separation 2.5 in Beamwidth 20/60 degrees Operating Frequency 83/200 kHz Power Output (Peak to Peak) 2000 W Power Output (RMS) 250 W Transducer Features Built-in temperature sensor Built-in Display Type FSTN Resolution 640 x 320 Display Diagonal 5" Color Support Monochrome Color Depth 12-level grayscale Display Illumination Yes Features Split screen zoom, Real Time Sonar (RTS) window Power Low Voltage Power DC 10 - 20 V Miscellaneous Waterproof Yes Here is the one I have been using for a very long time now: Humminbird 300TX Fish Finder The Humminbird 300TX tri-beam system uses three sonar beams to form a continuous 90 degree area of uninterrupted coverage. A precise center beam locates fish and detailed bottom structure, while two wide beams look to left and right to cover an area TWICE your depth – in 20 feet of water the wide beams cover an area 40 foot wide! The fish in the center beam are solid, fish in the wide beams are hollow and point left or right indicating location. Humminbird 300TX Fish Finder •Tri-Beam, 90 degrees •600' Depth Capability •High Definition FSTN Display •Left, Right and Center Beam Fish Location •Optional Side Looking Sonar •Structure IDTM •ID+TM Fish Identification and Depth •Quick Disconnect Swivel Mount •Depth and Fish Alarms •Split Screen Zoom •Water Temperature Sensor Capable •Temp/Speed Sensor Capable Depth Capability: 600 feet Operating Frequency: 200 kHz and 455 kHz Transducer (Standard): XT-6-TB-90-P with 20 foot cable Power Output: 200 Watts (RMS), 2400 Watts (Peak to Peak) Transducer Area of Coverage: 90 degrees continuous @ -10db Power Requirement: 12 VDC Display Type: FSTN Liquid Crystal Display Display Matrix & Size: 128 V x 64 H Pixels, 2.90" x 2.35" Unit Size (installed): 6 3/4" H x 6 1/4" W x 4 1/4" D Made in U.S.A. [signature] Re: [flygoddess] Fishfinder Preference - SatanLBZ801 - 06-29-2011 How well does a finder with a 90 degree transducer do for seeing structure. I would think it would hide a lot of holes and what not you'd never see, especially at deeper levels. Thinking it does better for actually locating fish rather then structure? Makes me wonder upon the accuracy at that point, insight? [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - flygoddess - 06-29-2011 I am not a tech geek so I have no idea on this. It was the top of the line back then, no arch feature, just little fish, no speed or water temp read out, but it flat out works. My friends and family bought the newest fangled sonar, but still ask me. It definitely shows bottom structure as that is the way I prefer to fish..but on several occasions, as a joke, while fishing right next to someone, I see a fish at say 15', I stop, count down according to what line I am using and kick back...fish on! It works, flat out. I read the bottom and set my indicator, then choose which fly and if I am reading fish at 19' I set my indicator accordingly. Works for me well enough, that I replace the screen when it somehow got broke, instead of buying a new one. [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - TubeDude - 06-29-2011 [cool][#0000ff]As you are guessing by now, there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to sonars. You need to do your homework on the bells, whistles and assorted features and options. Then you need to be realistic about the kind of fishing you will be doing the most.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]If you are a bottom scrounger...like myself...you want the most possible detail on what is right below you. The narrower the cone angle the more detail you get on the bottom. If you fish a lot for suspended or cruising fish then having a wide cone angle or side finding function will assist you in seeing fish that would not be visible with a narrow cone angle.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]Some units offer overlapping capabilities and are popular with multi species and multi tackle anglers. That was why I was attracted to the Humminbird 565. It had a 20 degree cone angle for accurate bottom contour readings...but a dual beam of 60 degrees for wider angle searches for fish "in the vacinity".[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]I rarely catch fish that I see passing by under my tube...unless I am looking for bottom huggers that school up around specific structure. Otherwise, I use the fish finder feature merely to let me know there are fish in the neighborhood and at what depth. Those fish I catch by casting and retrieving as close to the right depth as possible.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]It is different when ice fishing. You need to have "real time" sonar that lets you not only see fish coming through below you but also shows your jig so that you can reel up or drop down to intercept the fish on your screen. Some low end sonars will provide that to some extent but "flasher" units do a much better job.[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff] [#0000ff]Confused? Welcome to the club.[/#0000ff] [signature] Re: [TubeDude] Fishfinder Preference - SatanLBZ801 - 06-29-2011 Clear as mud! No it 100% makes sense. I'm more like you, I fish below me and usually on the bottom. (I've never fly fished before ly). I think would all love a fishfinder that was 100% accurate and would just point to where the fish was then tell us exactly where our lure is. Ain't going to happen! But fishfinders can get us close. I do have a really good idea about now about what I'm looking for. Haven't heard to good of reviews off the Fishin' Buddy's so I think I'll go the other route and figure out a finder/battery sinearo. Shouldn't be to bad. Few more steps in the process of loading/unloading then I wanted but, sounds like it will be worth it in the end. Thanks for all your guy's help! Much appreciated! Jason B [signature] Re: [SatanLBZ801] Fishfinder Preference - SatanLBZ801 - 07-01-2011 Sooo... I after looking through a few. I went with the Humminbird 718! Has a good base to build on and a bunch of add ons that could be added later if I wanted to. Can't wait to get this new tube all setup and on the water! [signature]