looking for a good fish finder that wont break the bank

[Punkinseedfyretailz]

i've got a 14' jon boat and i want something that is easy to read, and dependable.  i don't know anything about depth finders. this will be my first time buying one so, i'd like to know what to look for.   i don't really need anything too fancy, but good enough to show you that log 20 feet below, ill probably be looking to spend around 3 or $400 on one.   any suggestions?????

[Fishing Rhino]

For 300 or 400 dollars, you're not likely to find one that will show you the log twenty feet below, unless you pass directly over it, and then you will not know if it's a log or a boulder.

But, you will know it's definitely structure, cover, or as I prefer to say, transition bottom.

A portable hundred dollar unit will do that for you.  The larger the screen, and the more pixels, the better the definition will be on the display.

My opinion, there is no need to spend a lot of money on your first, basic machine.  I have found plenty of fish, correction, fish holding bottom on my 99 dollar, portable, Eagle Cuda.

Water temp, and a few features that will allow you to fool around with the display, such as speed, sensitivity, etc.

You have a 14 foot jon, but don't say if it's powered by a trolling motor, outboard, or oars. 

Power source is  consideration.

My 99 dollar unit uses 8 AA batteries for power, And I run it continuously.  Must get at least forty hours of run time on those 8 batteries.

For around 200 dollars, you can get a nice unit with a rechargeable battery, and a larger display.  My buddy has one, and the picture is much sharper than the image on mine.  He got his mail order from Cabela's, and it included a tote bag.

If you want something that will show you the logs, rocks, depressions, and other bottom features you'll need to go with a side imaging unit.  But, you're talking close to a thou for the small screen.

For starters, I'd stick with something like my buddy's unit. 

[burleytog]

and then you will not know if it's a log or a boulder.

Huh?  :-?

Rock = strong return = darker color

Log = weaker return = lighter color

If you're using a color graph, it's pretty easy to tell the difference between stumps/logs/brush and rock.

To the OP, take a look at the Humminbird 586c.  Yes, color does matter.

[Fishing Rhino]

and then you will not know if it's a log or a boulder.

Huh? :-?

Rock = strong return = darker color

Log = weaker return = lighter color

If you're using a color graph, it's pretty easy to tell the difference between stumps/logs/brush and rock.

To the OP, take a look at the Humminbird 586c. Yes, color does matter.

I agree on the color thing, but on a monochrome, such as my Cuda, it is often difficult to pick up the subtle differences, unless one has spent considerable time using a sounder.

I have thousands of hours studying paper chart recorders, and then a color sounder.  The color machine will pick up subtle differences difficult, if not impossible to notice on a monochrome.

My recommendation for a newby to electronics is to pick a basic machine, learn to use it, then move up to the next level.

Log or boulder, either is likely to hold fish. 

[Wayne P.]

For a gray scale unit, the Humminbird 570 is a great unit in your price range. It uses the highest resolution screen available in a LCR unit.

[fishfordollars]

I have a complete LMS520c if your interested.

Head unit

Gimble mount w/knobs

Transducer

Power cord

LGC-3000 antenna

Networking installation cables, resistors, T-connectors

box

Manuels

Networking manuels

[SoFlaBassAddict]

For a gray scale unit, the Humminbird 570 is a great unit in your price range. It uses the highest resolution screen available in a LCR unit.

Do a search here on BR on the 570.  Myself and a few other people have had serious issues with that unit.  I'd stay away from it.

[Wayne P.]

SoFlaBassAddiict, that is true but there are many, many more that have not had any problems with those units. The same can be stated about any model and make on the market.

[skunked_again]

for the money i think the 570 is a great choice. the unit on my brothers boat works great.

[Punkinseedfyretailz]

great info thanks for the feedback.   i'm going to go to gander mountain tomorrow and check out the 570. thanks again