Kayak fishfinder

[txchaser]

On 10/9/2020 at 6:42 AM, snake95 said:

@txchaserand @Smalls which models did you go with and how did you mount them?

Humminbird Helix SI 7" - mounted with
https://www.fishfindermounts.com/

I needed a lot of portability and ability to remount on a wide range of boats. It is really well made, and has that "small machine shop" feel in that the threads are well cut, everything fits, etc. They have mounts for just about everything, and I liked that the battery box is part of the mount. 

 

7" is plenty for the an SI/DI/chirp view, but a map/SI/DI view is really crowded.

[pdxfisher]

I have a Garmin echomap Ultra 106 on my Hobie outback. I had an echomap chirp 73sv before the 106. I usually split my screen 2D, SV and maps. Sometimes 2D, SV, maps and DV. I also have an NMEA 2000 network with a Garmin steadycast. I have found the heading sensor to be invaluable in fishing offshore structures.

 

[Boomstick]

I went straight for the Garmin EchoMap UHD 93sv. Being a Bonafide SS127 with a center mounted dry pod, the 9" screen doesn't get in the way and it has the full spectrum of features.

 

And I was in a situation where I couldn't really afford it, but I knew I would have the money for it in a few months. I found credit card that has 0% interest and offers better rewards than my current credit card, and threw a little at it each month over the summer. Now I'm set for a while.

 

[Boomstick]

On 2/20/2019 at 4:23 PM, J Francho said:

I have a Helix 5 and 7.  The 7 is easier to read, but the 5 is fine in close quarters on a kayak.  Mine both have SI as well, but honestly, I use DI and CHIRP more often. 

 

 

I had it narrowed down to the Helix and the Echomap UHD, ended up going with the Garmin because I was able to figure out how to use them in the store.

But the side imaging really depends on the water you'r fishing doesn't it? I find places with tons of drop offs, rocks and fallen trees are great for side imaging, especially earlier and later in the year.

[J Francho]

Basically, side imaging works when there’s water to the side of you, lol. I just don’t use it when I’m fishing. In a kayak, you have to be moving. You can’t sweep your trolling motor head to peek under a dock or overhang without moving the boat like you can with a bass boat. When I’m on a spot, it’s almost always either DI/chirp or chirp and with the RTS enabled. Off shore it’s often chirp and GPS. If I’m moving, SI is always on, usually with DI as well. 

[Boomstick]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

Basically, side imaging works when there’s water to the side of you, lol. I just don’t use it when I’m fishing. In a kayak, you have to be moving. You can’t sweep your trolling motor head to peek under a dock or overhang without moving the boat like you can with a bass boat. When I’m on a spot, it’s almost always either DI/chirp or chirp and with the RTS enabled. Off shore it’s often chirp and GPS. If I’m moving, SI is always on, usually with DI as well. 

Now that makes sense - I thought you were saying you hardly use side imaging, and I've found some of the best spots using side imaging.

[DaubsNU1]

I've been looking at fish finders for my 14v for a while now. Thought I had a good deal lined up, but Cabela's/BPS web site was "out of stock" for the great clearance deals they had listed (well then TAKE THEM OFF the web site and don't tease me!) HA!

 

They lakes I fish aren't huge, so no need for pre-loaded maps. I like the idea of traditional sonar plus the more details of down imaging. Sideview seemed overkill, until friend mentioned what J Francho said above: "sweep your trolling motor head to peek under a dock or overhang"  VERY COOL! Okay, gotta have it now : )

 

Originally thinking of a nice unit that I could have a mount on transom, and another back by the motor...and move as needed. But the way I fish, moving the finder every time I go back and run the 25hp, not a good idea.

 

I've pretty much decided I'm going to go with the Garmin Striker Plus 7sv up front, and either the Striker 4 or Striker Plus 4cv on the back of the boat. Will keep me around $700 total.

[J Francho]

3 hours ago, Boomstick said:

Now that makes sense - I thought you were saying you hardly use side imaging, and I've found some of the best spots using side imaging.

I generally spend more time fishing than I do looking for places to fish when I'm on the water.  If you are looking for places to fish, then SI is a big advantage, especially if much of the bottom is undocumented or unfamiliar.

[Hook2Jaw]

My general way of going about it of late is to sidescan myself some structure or cover, downscan and 2d over said discovered structure or cover, and then marker buoy it.  Then I fish it.  I haven't had much success fishing offshore but I'm hoping to change that soon.

[J Francho]

Marker buoy pattern is easier to follow than bent rod pattern

[Darth-Baiter]

my friend gave me his budget Garmins Striker 4.  i had to jerry-rig it into my Lowrance ready Hobie kayak, but that was simple.  i built a simple bracket out of a piece of plastic.  my Hobie is not Side Imagining friendly.  the tranducer sits up in a pocket.  SI needs a tranducer that pokes out right? 

my set up is very basic, but it has helped tremendously in finding me some fishy spots.

 

i will upgrade to a RayMarine DRagonfly 5 one day.  maybe for Christmas, but my wife is horrible at blatant hints.

[J Francho]

I use a deployment arm on my Hobie for SI:

 

 

 

[AnotherInstanceOfMe]

Regardless I have no kayak, I have a "portable" fish finder. I can cast it from the shore or it might be attached to the kayak. This is ''Deeper' fish finder. It's biggest benefit is that you don't need a special screen for it or wires. It's wireless and when it appears in the water it turns to Wi-Fi hotspot. Then all you need is to connect your phone or tablet to it and open special app. App can work in 3 modes: boat, shore and winter. It shows either bottom structure and fish.

It allows you to save bottom map, favorite spots etc. I highly recommend it if you need inexpensive but pretty good fish finder.

[Hook2Jaw]

On 10/15/2020 at 3:42 PM, J Francho said:

Marker buoy pattern is easier to follow than bent rod pattern

Down here in these parts most folks are decent enough to not wake you to death and they'll also give you space if you do the same for them.  Most.  That's freshwater, in the salt the trash comes to play and will park their charter boat right beside your kayak.

[snake95]

On 10/15/2020 at 8:07 AM, J Francho said:

If I’m moving, SI is always on, usually with DI as well.

@J Francho this might be a laughable question but... you've said that you get your kayak going fast enough for SI to work; do you have to be cooking along with the peddles, or can you paddle fast enough?  

 

I tried out my new Garmin SI unit on a paddle-only kayak for the first time on the weekend and no SI readings.  Maybe this is just a total noob mistake?

 

(I took a chance and got a unit with SI, it didn't cost much more and hope to add a peddle/motor kayak before too long).

[J Francho]

No signal means something is wrong.  Been running SI for over 6 years now.  2.5-3 mph is plenty to get good readings, and is a zero effort speed, whatever your propulsion.  Adjust the scroll speed as needed.

 

 

[snake95]

5 minutes ago, J Francho said:

2.5-3 mph is plenty to get good readings, and is a zero effort speed, whatever your propulsion.  Adjust the scroll speed as needed.

OK I will adjust the scroll speed!  Thank you!

 

One more question for you @J Francho

Which deployment arm are you showing there?  I got a Yak Attack switchblade and I found it to be flimsy.  IT MIGHT BE ME - and I need to figure out how to tighten it down.  I may make a separate post to learn how guys have managed to get this one working... but I might also just get the one that has worked well for you.