Researching Maps For My Humminbird

[RLinNH]

I bought a new Humminbird 597 ci di hd. I have been playing with it for about 3 weeks now, but as I play with it, I am starting to see how a map helps. Maps are what shows you the creeks and channels on a lake and the contour lines, correct? If so, how would one go about researching which map he needs and which ones are the best for my area?

[Wayne P.]

No, not necessarily. The Navionics software has locations that are just scanned maps for other sources, it has maps that they did the surveys that do not have details on them but do have contours, and they have locations that have been updated that may or may not have details other than contour lines.

The contour lines can be several graduations depending on the map source. The highest contour detail is 1' increments and the lowest can the 20' or more.

You have only one choice for your area and unit. Navionics Hotmaps Premium East. You can check the Navionics web site for the list of included waters in your area/state. Any waters in your area with a HD designation have the 1' contours, but single line creek channels like on a paper topo map probably won't be shown.

[FD.]

I just received the Navionics Hotmaps Platinum South for my 1198, I have had it 3 days now on vacation on a lake that I am not very familiar with and it is great. 1 foot contours, aids to navigation, submerged structure, and man made fish attractors. I was unsure about it before I bought it but needed something better than came on the unit. If the platinum is available for your unit, I would recommend it.

[gar-tracker]

What Fishin Daddy says its on sale at Bass Pro as we speak.

[Gangley]

Just picked up the hotmaps premium....FANTASTIC compared to HB's regular mapping system. If you can afford it, do it. One of my local lakes (Conroe) is listed as an HD map and it is by far the most contour detailede map I have seen. The 1' contours have been very accurate so far and before I even get out on the lake I have new areas I want to try based solely on looking at the Navionics PC map on my computer at the office. The navionics maps are great, get them and use them.

[Wayne P.]

The Platinum and Premium have the same contour mapping. Just the Platinum has the extra satellite and 3D features. The 300, 500, and 700 series Humminbird units will not display those extra features so it is no use paying the extra $50 or the Platinum version.

[RLinNH]

Thanks for all the great replies! My birthday was just last friday, and oh lookeeee there. I have about $200.00 in BPS Gift cards sitting here on the counter. :-)

[RLinNH]

Before I drop the coin though, I was hoping to find out if my Lake is on the Premium Hot Maps East. I have been surfing the site now for over 15 minutes, and I still can't seem to find a list of Lake in MA. Would someone be so kind to point me in the right direction?

[Wayne P.]

http://www.navionics.com/lakes/LakeList_HMPremium.asp?RegionID=3

[RLinNH]

BPS was not playing when I ordered my Hot Maps Preium East last night. I figured that them guranteeing the delivery of my Map for Friday was nothing but a sales pitch. I really wanted the Map for this weekend and the BPS down the street from my house does not have the map in stock. Much to my amazement the map was delivered today. Now I am REALLY Looking forward to heading out on the lake this weekend. ;-) Once again, thanks to everyone for the great thread. You guys really helped me make an informed decision.