11-30-2010, 05:06 PM
[cool][#0000ff]The Cuda 300 is trash. I used the Cuda 168 EX for a couple of years and it worked pretty well. Always some false readings with low power systems but otherwise did a good job on bottom contour, etc. But I also got a 300 and it did not show anything well...except false readings.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been happily using the Humminbird 565 (now upgraded to other models) for over a year and have been happy with it both for tubing and for ice fishing. The dual cone transducer is helpful, especially in shallower water when a 20 degree cone does not cover much area below you.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Both of the units you are looking at have enough power to display your jigs below the hole, with the sensitivity properly set. The main difference is in the size of the screen...4" vs 5". And there is a difference in power but for tubing and ice fishing applications you don't need to see 1000 feet below you.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My main complaint with my LCD display for ice fishing is that in very cold weather the controls get sluggish and the display does not show well. In fact, if you leave the face of the display open to temps below freezing it can permanently damage the unit. A partial solution is to leave the backlight on high setting and/or wrap the display in protective insulation along with a little hand warmer packet. But, if it is kept warm enough, the Humminbird works like a champ for ice fishing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I really like it for searching out and catching bottom cruisers...like perch and walleyes. It will show individual fish right on the bottom and you can target them for a vertical presentation. I have caught lots of fish by watching the sonar and working my lures accordingly.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is also good for showing when there are fish cruising by under you at depths above the bottom. This is a common situation with trout, crappie and other middepth cruisers. The dual cone often shows fish swimming within the larger outside cone. Unlike the sidefinder units it does not let you know in which direction they are, in relation to your tube, but does let you know at what depth to work your lures or set your bobbers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have been happily using the Humminbird 565 (now upgraded to other models) for over a year and have been happy with it both for tubing and for ice fishing. The dual cone transducer is helpful, especially in shallower water when a 20 degree cone does not cover much area below you.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Both of the units you are looking at have enough power to display your jigs below the hole, with the sensitivity properly set. The main difference is in the size of the screen...4" vs 5". And there is a difference in power but for tubing and ice fishing applications you don't need to see 1000 feet below you.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My main complaint with my LCD display for ice fishing is that in very cold weather the controls get sluggish and the display does not show well. In fact, if you leave the face of the display open to temps below freezing it can permanently damage the unit. A partial solution is to leave the backlight on high setting and/or wrap the display in protective insulation along with a little hand warmer packet. But, if it is kept warm enough, the Humminbird works like a champ for ice fishing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I really like it for searching out and catching bottom cruisers...like perch and walleyes. It will show individual fish right on the bottom and you can target them for a vertical presentation. I have caught lots of fish by watching the sonar and working my lures accordingly.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is also good for showing when there are fish cruising by under you at depths above the bottom. This is a common situation with trout, crappie and other middepth cruisers. The dual cone often shows fish swimming within the larger outside cone. Unlike the sidefinder units it does not let you know in which direction they are, in relation to your tube, but does let you know at what depth to work your lures or set your bobbers.[/#0000ff]
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