Best Fish Finder For A Kayak

[keninaz]

I have a fishing kayak and fish lakes in AZ.

I read somewhere that a FF is best in a sunny environment if it's B & W (or monochrome) as it's easier to read but I don't know if that's accepted as truth or not.

I have looked at several brands and in the lower priced units, say under $250, Hummingbird seems to been quite popular. I would think a 4-5" screen would be plenty size wise.

It would appear that the Piranha series would be something I should look at.

Any recommendations?

[moguy1973]

I disagree with the sunny environment thing as the color ones are a lot easier to read since they are backlit better. 

 

If you aren't looking for a GPS to go with it, the new Lowrance Elite 4x-HDI ($199) looks like a great fish finder.  I have the older Elite 4x-DSI on my kayak which only has downscan "3D" scanning and it works fine for what I use it for, but I really would have liked both the standard sonar (2D) and the downscan on one screen.  The new HDI units have both 2D and 3D.  I might have to upgrade.

 

To get the same functionality (both 2D and 3D) with Humminbird you have to spend about $50 more for the 346C DI. 

 

Garmin also as the 301dv which has both 2D and 3D but it's even more at $270.

 

For the money, the Lowrance is the best deal out there IMO.

[keninaz]

TNX, interesting about your take on the color display and the sun. But then again many boats have them located in sunny positions so I guess they have to be pretty easy to read in the sun.

That Lowrance Elite 4x-HDI you are referring to came up as a highly rated unit somewhere I was looking and I think it was some sort of top ten listing.

I may have to take a look at it and the reviews.

[Darren.]

First, welcome to the forums!

 

If you are near a Bass Pro, or other fishing shop, stop in and talk to the folks about what you want to do. I've encountered kayakers who work there that can be of great help.

 

That said, if I had the money, I'd go for a DSI model, be it a Humminbird, Lowrance, or Garmin.

 

I have a B&W Garmin that is not a problem to read in sunny conditions. But realize not all B&W screens are equal. Better quality will mean better visibility (generally)...

[keninaz]

TNX. For the extra money involved it would appear that the DSI is a nice option to have.

High resolution is also a must as I can tell it enhances things.

So many choices out there.

[keninaz]

I just found a Hummingbird 561 di unit that looks pretty good to me.

A new unit apparently as near as I can tell.

Large display with high resolution.

It's in the $200 range or less from what I can tell

[MikeinFresno]

which yak do you have? Some brands fit some yaks better then others. I used a Lowrance Mark 4 b&w that has amazing clarity and resolution with gps built in on my Ocean Kayak T13.

[keninaz]

I have a new Wilderness Ride Angler 115 coming.

[MikeinFresno]

Im not up on them,,,anyone know if they are designed it to fit a certain brand? For instance Ocean Kayak is owned by the same company that makes Humminbird, so guess which one it easilty fits that brand.

[keninaz]

And it appears that the scupper hole mount also for the Lowrance mount will work on the Ride as they are the same size.

[flyfisher]

Did you get the 115 or the 115x?

[keninaz]

The 115x with some extra stuff I guess.

This is it.  http://www.austinkayak.com/products/14603/Wilderness-Systems-Ride-115X-ACK-Angler-Kayak-Elevated-Seat.html

[Hanover_Yakker]

If you have the 115X, then you should already have the console where the FF would mount.  The transducer is a moot point in that model, because you mount it directly to the bottom of the console insert and it is protected by the hull design.  Do your homework on the models you are interested in.  Some are very user friendly (HB), while others have better mapping (Lowrance & Garmin).  Pay attention to transducer size and future considerations like ease of updating the mapping software and the like.  I personally prefer the Lowrance having had the X-4, Elite 5 DSI and Elite 4x DSI.  They just have better displays and mapping in my opinion.

 

Maybe this will help you out - it's by my buddy Bobby Clark from TX.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEqHrK7v3F8

[keninaz]

TNX for the info.

I don't care about mapping or GPS as the waters I will fish are small in the mountains of AZ.

But I also realize in looking that many of those features come on units that have DSI that I do want.

TNS also for the great video. I had forgot that the kayak that I ordered came with the console and I I only say a Ride one time, a basic model, at a dealer some 100 miles away. That console makes the install rather easy not having to deal with the scupper plugs issue.

I am not sure having color is an issue for me but ability to see in the bright sun is.

[keninaz]

I decided to get the Lowrance Elite-4x HDI Fishfinder with 83/200 455/800 Transom Mount Transducer over a Hummingbird after doing some research.

It may even be more than I need for my local smaller lakes but I never know where I will wind up fishing over the years.

Again, TNX for the link on the video of the install.

I had forgotten that the Kayak came with the console (115x anyway that I ordered) as all I ever saw was a basic 115 some 100 miles away some time ago.

That console sure makes the install easy.

Now I have to check around locally for a typical 12 v 7 ah battery to power it.