First Boat - More Rods or a Depthfinder?

[David Russell]

Well, I hadn't quite planned on getting a boat this soon, even though I've had a filtered search on craigslist running for some time. But I ended up with a boat from a business deal and I'm happy about it.

It's a 14' jon boat with a 9.9 HP Yamaha outboard. A front deck has been added along with flooring in the center and a basic cover over the seat near the stern.

So far, I've had it out twice. Once on Lay Lake and once on Lake Jordan, here in Alabama. The boat handled well each time with two men on board.

Now I'm on the hunt for what comes next. Since I've only been fishing seriously for about a year, I only have one good spinning setup and one good baitcasting setup. I'd like to ramp up my collection of rods and reels, but what I have is fairly solid for all-around fishingat least for now.

So I am considering getting a depthfinder for the boat. Is this a good idea? Any opinions on what my better investment is at this point? More rods and reels? Or electronics?

I stopped by BPS today and a nice guy showed me some lower-end depthfinders, including the "portable" one from Humminbird. That seemed like a decent setup, even though I do have the option of a fully-installed one on this boat since I own it. He also showed me a "casting" one that goes on a spare rod and reel and floats in the water while sending data wirelessly to a receiver attached on the rod. Pretty nifty little thing, but appeared sort of gimmicky to me.

My budget is about $200. But within about a month, I could afford a little more if it's worth the wait.

For what it's worth, I have a Garmin Vista HCx GPS that I use for geocaching and I take that out on the boat every time. I also have the South Lakes maps from Navionics on my iPhone (also GPS) that I have been able to use for a good estimation of depth. Ideally, I'd be able to get GPS and maps on the depthfinder, but I understand it's more like $500 entry cost for all of that.

Also, I really only have enough knowledge of boats to get the boat license to operate this thing. If anyone has an opinion good or bad about what they see in the photos below, I'd love to hear it. I like the boat, but I also want to make sure I have a solid vessel and something that should last awhile.

Here are a few photos of the boat with my fishing buddy on board. (Still working on re-arranging the garage so the boat is "comfortable.")

[img width=600" height="450]http://davidrussell.net/images/boat-1.jpg

The Boat

[img width=600" height="450]http://davidrussell.net/images/boat-3.jpg

Decking

[img width=600" height="450]http://davidrussell.net/images/boat-2.jpg

Motor

[ArcticCat500]

congrats on the nice looking rig, if your pretty happy with your current set-ups and they're putting fish in the boat, look at FF. 

I picked up a basic non-color Humminbird 325 from ebay, it does the simple things, shows me depth, structure and hard and soft bottoms, temps, along with the occasional fish the happen to school or swim by.

Is a great set up and I power it using 8 AA batteries with no trouble.

[bear7625]

If your serious about fishing, a good depthfinder is a must. My advise would be save your money. You get what you pay for and as time goes buy, you won't be happy with a low end depthfinder. Do some research before you buy. Check some posts here on BR. There are guys on here with a lot of knowledge.

The one comment I would make about your boat is be careful. A jonboat with a raised deck can be kind very unstable.

Tight lines...

[J Francho]

Save up another $100, and you'll be able to get a unit from any of the "big three" (HB, Low, Garmin) that you won't quickly grow out of.

Rods and reels....watch the classifieds here, and other forums for good deals.

[zerofivenismo]

Congrats on the boat!  I would buy a depthfinder over a rod/reel setup.  You can get a used Lowrance x96/x125 or Eagle FishMark 320/480 for dirt cheap from fleabay.  For your budget of $200, you can get two used for your rig.  Like AC500 says, you just need a unit to help you with depth, temps, and structure type. 

Are there any soft spots on the deck and floor?  Not an expert, but the carpet doesn't look to be marine grade.  Looks quite fluffy and might retain water like a sponge.  If all is good, keep on boating and fishing!  Good luck satisfying both the boat and bait monkeys.

[dixieboysles]

i picked up a Garmin 140 basic fishfinder for 100 on Amazon.  Does what it needs to do!  Then pick you up a few rods and reels as you  need them. 

[David Russell]

Thanks for all the great advice so far! Sounds like two camps have formed: one for getting something now (even two finders) and upgrade later and one for saving a little and get more.

Arcticcat500, zerofivenismo and bear7625: Even though I'm just starting out on the water, I feel really lost not knowing those things. I wondered if other guys just ignored it if they didn't have a depthfinder. But it makes sense that it's a must-have item. All that I've learned about fishing so far puts so much weight on knowing those things. Perhaps it should have been more obvious to me. Thanks for the encouragement.

Are there any soft spots on the deck and floor? Not an expert, but the carpet doesn't look to be marine grade. Looks quite fluffy and might retain water like a sponge.

It feels solid all the way around. The only piece I plan on replacing is the bow mount trolling motor platform. This boat had a TM there at one time, but not anymore. And the platform has been used as a "step" from docks into the boat (I believe) and has buckled at the top. I do plan on getting a foot-controlled bow mount TM for it. I can't stand the transom-mount TM that is on there now. I feel like I do more steering than fishing. Other than that small issue, the decking is great.

The carpet is just kind of "old school" but it is marine grade. It's plastic and does not seem to retain water. However, the compartment lids did not have any treatment on the underside and some moisture and mildew had formed. I tied the lids open and let the areas air dry and cleaned them and it seems to be fine now. But I wonder if the integrity of the wood was compromised. They still feel pretty good. In fact, I'd stand on them. But they may need to be replaced down the road.

Great points about the deck and carpet! Thanks for considering that.

[Fishing Rhino]

My standard reply.  Electronics, electronics, electronics.  Number one priority unless you have no gear or boat.

Having said that, electronics are useless unless you familiarize yourself with them, and get comfortable using them.

It's a learn as you go process for everyone.  No one is "born" knowing how to use the electronic gizmos.  But once you start to get the hang of using them, they become an invaluable tool.

The boat gets you to the fish.  The rods, reels and associated gear, enable to catch the fish.

But the main factor in the equation is finding the fish.  At that, the electronics shine.  Again, providing you study, and practice using them.

When you know an area usually holds fish, study the bottom echo carefully.  There can be subtle differences in the fishy bottom and the barren areas.  The better that you can distinguish between them, the more fish you will put in the boat.

You will eventually be able to "see" the transitions in the bottom echo.  Transition means any type of change, be it depth (which will be obvious), composition, or cover.

You'll also find spots you did not know existed.

Apply yourself to getting the most out of whatever unit you get, and you'll be in for a great experience.

[Grey Wolf]

You've got to find them before you can catch them.

[Crestliner2008]

I agree with what's been suggested so far. Save you money and get the best sonar you can afford. Settle for nothing less than a unit with a minimum of 240 verticle pixels. Higher pixel count is always more desirable.

Lowrance has an X-125 (480 pixels) you should be able to find within your price range. They also have their Eagle brand as well, which doesn't have as many bells & whistles, but is still a fine sonar.

If you buy one, your life will change - IF you choose to learn how to use it! This site has a lot of fine fishermen with a great deal of sonar experience. Use the search feature often. This link may be of assistance to you as well:

http://fishinweb.com/messages/messages/13028/13028.html?1258393767

Great looking boat BTW....Good Luck on the water!

[David Russell]

Fishing Rhino I normally don't do anything half-hearted. And I love technology. So I think it's going to be a win-win situation for me.

Bass-Brat Good point. Well made.

Crestliner2008 Very nice link there! I have read through the first section and will finish it all the way up. I actually think reading this will help me make a better purchase, too! Very informative.

Thanks for the kind words about the boat. I'm excited about owning it.

[Catt]

Academy Sports & Outdoors Humminbird 535 while supplies last $99.99

[Crestliner2008]

That 535 is a great buy with 320 pixels. Just remember to turn OFF the "Fish I.D." (little fishies) feature! Learn to read arches instead and you become a better fisherman.

[David Russell]

Catt Thanks a ton! Academy is five minutes away. I'm going to see if they have any.

Crestliner2008 I'm glad you spoke up in favor of the pixel count. I was a little worried because I read about how important resolution is and some guys in that thread mentioned moving up from a 320 to a 480 and being happier about that. Sounds like this will do the trick for me for now. I also read up on the Fish ID vs. standard sonar output. I'll definitely turn off the Fish ID.

[David Russell]

Catt None of the Academy stores in my area seem to have any clue about this and none have the item in stock.

I also can't seem to find any information about it on the Academy Sports website.

Do you have any more information about this deal? Is it in-store only?

[Catt]

I'll find out

[bipr8]

Go Depth Finder.  Nothing worse than realizing you are in 1 foot of water when you are going 15-20mph with your set up.  I'd go cheap too.  Just something to show you the depth would work for now. 

[David Russell]

bipr8 Funny you should mention that. It's actually the reason I wanted a depthfinder in the first place, just to know how deep the water below the boat is. My dad and I were out fishing in the boat last week and decided to do a little sight seeing. We moved deeper into an area off the main channel of the lake. We got to an area where everything spread out again and it "seemed" like an area with some depth. Thankfully, we weren't in a hurry and since I didn't know the lake, I wasn't running wide open anyway. We were just moving along at idle speed when dad points over beside the boat and says "bottom." So I pulled off the throttle altogether and all around us ahead was about 1-2' of water. I turned around and we left, but it was a little scary to think that such shallow water could be in a place that "felt" so different. All part of the new learning process for me.

[K_Mac]

I am in the electronics camp. You can and will add more tackle as time goes on if you are like most of us. Good electronics will do far more for you than just give water depth. You will be amazed by what  you can see. Even if you know the water and have fished it many times, quality electronics will show you why some spots always seem to hold fish, and allow you to find other similar spots. You will not regret buying the best electronics you can afford.

I use inexpensive rods and reels and I fish from an aluminum boat. I cut corners when and where I can, but not when it comes to trolling motors and electronics. Just my opinion. Good luck.

[dmac14]

I would say look into getting a fish finder, it will help you work a little off shore structure. I got a great deal on a humminbird 727, it was an old model on display at gander mountain. I got it for $180.

[eeb72]

I would go with a depth finder.