thoughts on ff sonar

[MN Fisher]

I'm with Glenn - unless I win the lottery, there's no way I'm gonna be able to afford FFS.

[Woody B]

On 6/27/2023 at 10:23 AM, Glenn said:

They are too expensive for my budget.  Same goes for the new generation of trolling motors, lithium batteries, etc.

 

Seems this sport is dividing into the haves and have nots.

 

I just want to go fishing.

 

 

Compared to other fishing equipment live sonar isn't expensive.  My boat, all my sonar stuff, my trolling motor and my lithium batteries cost less than a 250 horsepower motor.   Last Winter a guy at the landing with a brand new Vexus VX21 (with a 300 horse Merc) asked to look at my Active target on the lake.   I took him out and showed him a school of Crappie swimming around.   He already had huge Lowrance Lives at his bow and console.  Adding Active Target would have cost $1250 + installation.  He said he like it but couldn't afford it.   I have no doubt his boat was over $100K,  but he couldn't afford $1250.   He also had what looked like 30+ rod/reel combos, compared to my 5.   

 

Having and sticking to a budget is a good thing.  For 99% of the people around here spending or not spending the money for live sonar is simply a choice.   

[DaubsNU1]

This is a great thread, and I appreciate all the wisdom and experience.  

 

Likely no FF sonar in my future. From what I have read this type of technology would not help me on the two lakes I fish the most. 

 

I probably have less than $3k in my entire boat build. Extra funds are being saved to buy a new boat sometime in the next 5-7 years, before I retire. 

 

When I fished from the bank...all I wanted was to get on the water.

 

When I got a belly-boat, all I wanted was to get out of the water.

 

When I fished from a canoe, all I wanted was a boat where I could stand.

 

When I got a boat I could stand in, all I wanted was a trolling motor.

 

When I got a trolling motor, all I wanted was a foot-controlled trolling motor.

 

When I got a foot-controlled trolling motor, all I wanted was a depth finder.

 

When I got a depth finder, all I wanted was a better depth finder, with side scan....

 

Now I have a boat, with good trolling motor, and good electronics. 

 

I have enough. 

[Glenn]

@Woody B  Some people can afford a Cadillac but choose not to buy one.  Cadillacs tend to have the latest technology unavailable in most cars (hence the hefty price tag) but will be standard equipment or affordable options within 5 years.

 

Chip, downscan, and sidescan went that route - but now with even faster processors and without extra transducers.  So too will livescope, 360, FFS, and whatever comes next in fishing electronics.

 

For many, it makes financial sense to hold off on the latest and greatest in fishing electronics.

[Darth-Baiter]

while i can agree a Cadillac from today is a nice car...but yuck.  

 

i wont buy one, because yuck