Sounder options

Questions new members commonly ask e.g. Which kayak should I buy?
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NEWHOBIEI11S
The force is strong in this one
Posts: 95
Joined: 02 Sep 2018, 13:00
kayak: HOBIE PA14
Real Name: Adrian
Location: Patterson Lakes

Sounder options

Post by NEWHOBIEI11S »

Hi guys,
looking at purchasing a sounder for my new kayak. Hoping someone can point in the right direction
Many thanks
Adrian
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spider25160
Square eyes
Posts: 586
Joined: 26 Aug 2011, 21:56
kayak: Hobie itrek 11
Real Name: David
Location: Portland

Re: Sounder options

Post by spider25160 »

As with most thing it seems get the one you can afford. ask six guys and you will get six different answers all with good reason. It also depends a bit on where you fish. If you are fishing mostly fresh or estuary waters then side scan can be pretty awesome I believe. Me I have a Lowrance hook 5. It came as a warranty replacement for the previous Lowrance that died....it works I can see my targets and I can see the structure that holds them.
Your mind is like a Parachute! It only works when it is open
Yak PB's: Snook 68cm, Black Bream 38cm, KGW 50cm, :up: Couta 72cm, snapper 45cm Australian Salmon 64cm Redfin 37cm EP 39cm Blue throat wrasse 46cm Dusky Flathead 56cm :yahoo:
peatop
PHD in Yakology.
Posts: 2846
Joined: 17 Sep 2017, 18:34
kayak: dune PA14
Real Name: Peter
Location: Clifton springs

Re: Sounder options

Post by peatop »

Often the decision for sounders can be price, however first thing to think about is: What do i need it to do? I recently bought the garmin striker plus 4, this has mapping (not maps), gps and all the things low end sounders have. Being new to sounders i really had no idea what to buy, now that I've been using this sounder for a few months there are a few changes i would make in buying another.

The changes i would be looking at would be wider screen without loss of hight, this is because i use the gps mapping to drift and troll, i also like using duel frequency and at times all 3 on the one screen (although very hard to read the map), ultimately a separate sounder and gps/maps would be perfect however not going to happen on a kayak, the other change i would consider would be maps and the ability to download data from the finder to my phone/pc/tablet (preferably wireless).

These options that would suite my needs/wants come in a 7 inch sounder at a much higher price, the other options like downview, sideview and so on are usually standard features on the more expensive sounders.

In a nutshell, i wouldn't buy one without gps, if price is your key, then a $250 one will be fine, if you want the extras spend the $700+ it's worth it, as for brand? That's just a preference thing.

All this is just my opinion, everyone will have their own.
Mob no: 0401580668
Yak PBs kingfish (about this big <>>><), squid 39 cm, king george 42 cm, snapper 72 cm, gummy 122 cm, 71cm flatty (estimated ) Cobia 133cm
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NEWHOBIEI11S
The force is strong in this one
Posts: 95
Joined: 02 Sep 2018, 13:00
kayak: HOBIE PA14
Real Name: Adrian
Location: Patterson Lakes

Re: Sounder options

Post by NEWHOBIEI11S »

Thanks Guys,
good advice. Picking the Kayak up today and taking out for my first spin. With the guy that selling it to me so hell run through everything then where going on a paddle. Ill try rolling it to so I get a feel for getting on etc. Very excited and looking forward to landing the first fish.
Cheers
Adrian
peatop
PHD in Yakology.
Posts: 2846
Joined: 17 Sep 2017, 18:34
kayak: dune PA14
Real Name: Peter
Location: Clifton springs

Re: Sounder options

Post by peatop »

Hope all goes well and you bring a bag of fish home ;)
Mob no: 0401580668
Yak PBs kingfish (about this big <>>><), squid 39 cm, king george 42 cm, snapper 72 cm, gummy 122 cm, 71cm flatty (estimated ) Cobia 133cm
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