Asking for advice on a Fish Finder

[Rizzo]

My son, grandson and myself rent a patio boat each year on our annual Father's Day fishing trip and spend the night out on the lake.
This year I want to buy a Fish Finder to use on the patio boat but have never used one before.

I am thinking around $400.00 range...or less.
It needs to be a portable setup, or one that could be used as such.
What would you recommend for me?

Thanks

[terry4130]

[Rizzo]

Thanks for your input Terry, and the tip about the GPS.

[SamIAm]

A few tips.

1. Make sure you get a portable transducer bracket if it's a rental boat. Make sure it's the right fit for the boat you plan on using. I think you're looking at a pontoon boat. I use this one

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Portable-Transducer-Bracket/699847.uts

2. You'll need a portable unit. They're usually a regular unit that comes with a portable conversion bag that includes a battery.

3. As someone else said, get GPS with the fishfinder. Especially if you're going after trout, it's helpful to mark where you've gotten bit and how fast you're going if you're trolling.

[Bull's_eye]

I have a Raymarine Dragonfly Pro 4 on my kayak. It's taken a beating in the surf for a few years and still works great. Screen is easy to see in the sunlight. I would like a bigger screen though.

[mif_slim]

I did the Striker 4 on my kayak. Im happy with it. Its portable because I use it on multiple kayaks. about 100 bucks.

[H8Mud]

Is a patio boat a pontoon boat? Never heard of a patio boat.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Why not get something like an "ibobber"? Connects via Bluetooth to your phone.

Do a search and others will come up too. Then choose.

Just a thought.

[NickTheGreek]

I don't know how portable you're looking for but Humminbird Helix series fishfinders are the best out there, hands down. You can get a Helix 5 Side Imaging or a Helix 7 Down Imaging for that price.

[MJB]

Go to bloody decks and ask or search much more experience over there on fish related questions

[El Toro]

I don't know how portable you're looking for but Humminbird Helix series fishfinders are the best out there, hands down. You can get a Helix 5 Side Imaging or a Helix 7 Down Imaging for that price.

Agree about the Humminbirds. I read a bunch of reviews and talked myself into spending $300-$400 instead of $150

I'm just about to pull the trigger on this one at Cabelas for Free Ship and a $50 MC Rebate Card for $329.

Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI Sonar/GPS G2 Combo


I also plan to buy the bracket SamIAm posted since I am renting boats when I fish.

[Rizzo]

All good info.
Thanks to all who replied.

[FJ40 CRUZR]

Agree about the Humminbirds. I read a bunch of reviews and talked myself into spending $300-$400 instead of $150

I'm just about to pull the trigger on this one at Cabelas for Free Ship and a $50 MC Rebate Card for $329.

Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI Sonar/GPS G2 Combo


I also plan to buy the bracket SamIAm posted since I am renting boats when I fish.

I too got this one and it is great and worth the extra $$$, VERY satisfied with it ....

[flyinbronco]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017NI1IJI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I love my little Garmin