Handheld GPS Help

[VABasser]

My dad is interested in buying a handheld GPS to use for fishing.  The reason he doesn't want it to be a fish finder with built in GPS is because he wants to use it for backpacking and the like.  How many of you all use GPS's not built into a fish finder?  I dont really have much knowledge of whats available out there so I'd appreciate some suggestions

[BigBassGuy]

I've used all the different types of GPS's out there (Sonar/GPS Combo, GPS Only, and handheld) I like the Combo units the best because you can be traveling along, see a spot on the sonar that looks promissing, use the arrows to scroll back on the sonar and press waypoint, it will save a waypoint where cursor was on the sonar. It has saved me a heck of alot time trying to find where I just was.

I've tried using my handheld Lowrance Ifinder H2O in the boat and it is a big headache, the screens aren't big enough to clearly see where you are when the boats rocking. I now only use my H2O when icefishing.

Personally I would get a good Combo unit for the boat and a cheap handheld for backpacking, but if I were to just go with a handheld for both, the Lowrance H2Oc would be my choice. Last I checked they had the biggest screen of all the midpriced GPS', color screen, they're waterproof and IMO they are the easiest to navigate through all the menus.

[dmac14]

I have one, but it has no mapping capabilities. So its just a dot on the screen.  

[VABasser]

I've used all the different types of GPS's out there (Sonar/GPS Combo, GPS Only, and handheld) I like the Combo units the best because you can be traveling along, see a spot on the sonar that looks promissing, use the arrows to scroll back on the sonar and press waypoint, it will save a waypoint where cursor was on the sonar. It has saved me a heck of alot time trying to find where I just was.

I've tried using my handheld Lowrance Ifinder H2O in the boat and it is a big headache, the screens aren't big enough to clearly see where you are when the boats rocking. I now only use my H2O when icefishing.

Personally I would get a good Combo unit for the boat and a cheap handheld for backpacking, but if I were to just go with a handheld for both, the Lowrance H2Oc would be my choice. Last I checked they had the biggest screen of all the midpriced GPS', color screen, they're waterproof and IMO they are the easiest to navigate through all the menus.

Hmm yeah I suspected the combo would be far superior to the handheld for fishing purposes.  I was trying to convince my dad of that.  Maybe if I show him this he'll go with a fish finder combo  

[tennwalkinghorse]

I use a hand held Magellan for hunting and fishing it works fine you need to learn how to use it many people just want to push a button and go . I would like a combo unit for fishing but $$$ can't see spending the cash when the fish finder I have works fine plus I still would need a hand held for trial riding and hunting.

[moloch16]

I have a cheap handheld with no mapping.  Works fine for fishing where you don't need to see roads, just need a dot where that lunker hides, or where that rock pile is you found on your sonar.  Gets you back to the boat ramp at night too.

[BigBassGuy]

I guess I should clarify, if your just using it for a point of reference and marking waypoints as you go a handheld is just fine. But if you use it like I do, with mapping chips/software installed, the screen will not be big enough IMO to clearly see anything unless you zoom way in, so to me that defeats the purpose of having the mapping software if you can't see what the structure is like around you.

[morts10]

I have had a Garmin Rhino 130 for several years and it has mapping capabilities with a built in radio.  Have never bought the map software and the new Rhino's have more memory and color screens now.

It comes with a map of major highways in north America and shows navigation markers in coastal waters.  It might show markers in the great lakes I have never checked.  It has worked great for hunting and driving. (does not talk)  You can create simple maps in the woods and the map software has topo lines and more info about about exits and such.

It also has GMRS and FRS radio channels built in.  This includes NOA reception on newer models.  I think mine is 2watt and newer ones are up to 5watt.

If you leave radio and GPS on at same time will last about ten hours with little radio talking.  We check in hourly when hunting so my radio is off most of the time and I can get two days out of the batteries. (3 AA)  You can get rechargeable battery packs for it too.

Several companies make mounts for it but DO NOT buy the garmin suction mount!!  I have power cables in two vehicles with mounts and it is easy to shift.

Unit is easy to hold and screens shift by button or toggle. Both can be used with gloves and mittens.

Is waterproof to 3 feet and floats.

Hope this helps.

mort

[ALLEN18]

I have two Garmin eTrex's, they work great and are cheap. Use them mainly for geocaching, but do use them fishing some. Wally World usually has them on sale for around 100 bucks.

My two cents

[burleytog]

Lowrance H2Oc

[VABasser]

Alright thanks guys.  I'll check out the Lowrance H2O and the Garmin as well

[wasabi_VA]

My Lowrance iFinder was IPX7 waterproof certified. It was rained on one day and stopped working. Just rain. Lowrance said it was "out of warranty" and offered to sell me a new one.