On Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:11:41 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

On Oct 26, 8:46 pm, wrote:
On Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:18:58 -0700 (PDT), wrote:
I would like to buy my first fish finder. I think I would like
something that shows the depth, structure and fish. Also I would like
to be able to get and record my GPS location. I don't know if I need
color. Price isn't critical but I think $200 - $300 would be
wonderful.

Mike

Mike - go tohttp://www.humminbird.com/http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/onthewater/
andhttp://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Marine/ for starters.

You are right - $200-$300 WOULD be wonderful, but I really don't think
that you will find what you are looking for in that range. Suggestion:
Spend a few extra bucks to get exactly what you want. And please note
that those units with Color displays, while pricier, allow you to see
the display in almost any lighting condition, and from a distance.

Thanks, I'll take your advice. Do you have a specific recommendation.

Mike

Mike, I don't have a specific recommendation, especially since I don't
the type of fishing that you do. I forgot to add - with the Lowrance
units, you can expect to pay 10-30% more than you would for another
brand with the same features....Just one of those "pay for the name"
things.

If I were in the market right now, I be sure to opt for COLOR, GPS
w/mapping capability, speed display and dual cone. Dual cone - in
shallower water, the wide cone shows more of the bottom area. Example:
In 12 feet of water, a wide cone may show you 8-10 feet of bottom,
where the narrow cone would give you 2-3 feet. With the mapping, some
units just plug into your computer and you can download maps from the
'net. IF you get one of these, be sure that both systems and software
are compatible.

My local BassPro has many different models on "demo" display, and
those with Color displays can easily be seen from the side, above or
below, even with bright light coming from behind you. The B&W or
monochrome displays are often sold with or have optional sun-shades -
for a good reason.