FishFinder | GPS Fish Finder | Portable Fish Finder

Interface your GPS to your Fish Finder

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 07:44:00 +0000

Use an NMEA cable to interface your GPS to a compliant fish finder so you can mark fishing holes.

If you have a handheld GPS you might be able to interface it to a fish finder and see the GPS data right on the fish finder screen. In some cases you can mark a spot right on the fish finder and the spot will be stored in the GPS unit so you can find that elusive fishing hole in the future.

The trick to getting them tied together is the cables. You must have a cable for the GPS unit and for the fish finder. The Humminbird Matrix series of fish finders has a cable available called a GPS Connection Cable. The cable for the GPS comes from the manufacturer. Any NMEA compatible will work.

The cable from Humminbird has a connector on one end and bare wires on the other end. It comes with instructions on how to cut and splice the cable for the GPS so it will work properly.

The key is that both units are NMEA compatible. NMEA cables use the same number of wires and will send data encoded in a format that both units will understand.

Humminbird also sells a series of cables that are already made for several popular handheld GPS units.

Once they are interfaced you will have a larger screen to view the GPS on and be able to collect and display data easily.

If you can hook a worm, find your way back from your favorite fishing hole in the dark and fish in the rain, you can splice a few wires and make this work; it is not a big deal.

Of Course Humminbird is not the only company that makes a GPS interface for a fish finder, Garmin provides the same capability in the Fish Finder 250.

Humminbird connection kits
This is a link to Humminbirds list of supported NMEA cables.

GPS Connection Kit
GPS Connection Kit for the Garmin Fishfinder 250 with a description

Topic Tags: fish finder, garmin fishfinder 250, gps connection, GPS fish finder, humminbird GPS, humminbird GPS connection kit, humminbird matrix 37

Follow Installation Instructions

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 08:45:00 +0000

Guys don't like to read the instructions. When it comes to marine products, do yourself a favor and read the directions.

A friend and I once built an elaborate window air conditioning frame out of lumber to support the A/C from the outside. Once the frame was completed we pulled the rest of the materials out of the box and found a nice steel mounting frame, bummer.

In my younger years I didn’t like to read the instructions; I don’t like to read a map. It is much more rewarding to do the installation and never have to open the installation instructions. I don’t even like to read the operator manual to my Mazda (zoom zoom).

A word to the wise, read the owners manual and installation instructions when it comes to installing marine equipment. It does not matter if it is a fish finder or a toilet.

A fish finder incorrectly installed just will not work right. A VHF antenna installed in the wrong place will just not work right, if fact, if you will read the instructions for these types of installations you can get superb performance out of a well placed radio antenna or Fish Finder Transducer.

The thing is, most of this stuff is easy to install and you can save lots of cash if you do it yourself. Below are some marine links to helpful sites on how to do it yourself.

Humminbird Manuals
Manuals for new and old fishfinders and GPS

Lowrance manual download
Manuals for new and old fishfinders and GPS

Topic Tags: fishfinder, fish finder, fishfinder transducer, marine electronics, marine equipment, marine links, transducer installation, vhf antenna

Understand the differences

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 07:59:00 +0000

There are three types of GPS Fish finders. Chart Plotter Combos, Track Plotter Combos and Stand Alone Units. Know the difference and avoid the hassle.

GPS Fish Finders are fish finders that have integrated Chart Plotters or Track Plotters. Knowing the differences can save you time and money.

Fish Finder Chart Plotter combos like the Lowrance LMS-332c shown here (often referred to as GPS Combo Units) are fish finders that have an integrated chart plotter. A chart plotter differs from a track plotter in that it has a map that displays with the GPS tracking data. It allows the user to see where they are in relation to different GPS and will also display the track the user has taken.

Fish Finder Track Plotters like the Humminbird 737 shown here, are combination fish finder and track plotter. The track plotter plots the movement of the user and displays it on the screen; it does not have a map and receives the signal from either a GPS or from a GPS receiver that can be purchased. The Humminbird Matrix finders have the ability to receive the GPS signal from a handheld GPS through a NMEA cable. These cables are available to adapt to any GPS that has a NMEA cable.
Both units come in LCD monochrome display or color. Color screens are nice if you have trouble with glare. Of course if you have the funds you should by a stand alone GPS Chart Plotter and a separate Fish Finder. If you are on a budget or do not need the unit more than three or four times a month then the combo units make a lot of since.

Navionics.com - FAQ Section
You can learn more at this site, they have a good FAQ section that will help you understand more about Charts.

GPS Fish Finder Information
More information on GPS and fish finders

Topic Tags: chart plotter, fishfinder, fish finder, gps fishfinder, gps fish finder, humminbird matrix 37, lowrance lms-332c, track plotter

Marine Electronics – Buy the right Fish Finder Transducer Mount – Part Two

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 07:24:00 +0000

There are six different types of transducer mounting options. Choose the right fish finder transducer mount or you will waste your investment - Part two.

Choosing the right transducer will improve the efficiency of your fish finder. The other four types of transducer mounting options are: Shoot through hull, through hull, trolling motor mount and ice fishing mount.

Shoot through hull transducers are generally installed with epoxy. Most boat owners have these transducers installed by experienced installers. Shoot through hull transducers can only be installed in fiberglass or plastic hulls. The first layer of the hull is routed out and the transducer is cemented in place with slow setting epoxy.

Through hull transducers, are also installed by experienced installers. Installation requires a hole to be drilled in through the hull and installed with flanges and sealants. This type of transducer is used primarily on larger vessels.

The trolling motor mount transducer is mounted in two ways, with a large metal band clamp or installed in the motor itself (purchased with the trolling motor).

Conversion brackets are available from Humminbird, Eagle, Lowrance and Garmin that will convert transom mount transducers into both portable and trolling motor mounted units.

Ice transducers have special mounting brackets which assist the fisherman in keeping the transducer level.

It is worth mentioning that it is possible to float a transducer in standing water in the bottom of the boat. Most of the transducers can be installed this way with very little loss in efficiency including transom mount, trolling motor mount, portable mount and shoot through hull transducers.

Other Resourses for transducer information
How to site on boating and boat maintenance

Tips on Transducers
Helpful Frequently Asked Questions on the Garmin Site

Topic Tags: eagle transducer, fishfinder, fish finder, garmin transducer, humminbird transducer, lowrance transducer, portable transducer, transducer mounting bracket, transom mount transducer

Marine Electronics – Buy the right Fish Finder Transducer Mount – Part One

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 07:33:00 +0000

There are six different types of transducer mounting options. Choose the right fish finder transducer mount or you will waste your investment.

Once you decide on the type of fish finder transducer that will meet your fishing needs, you must decide what type of mounting option you want to use.

There are six types of transducer mounting systems. The most popular transducer mounting system is the transom mount transducer that comes standard with most fish finders sold by Humminbird, Eagle, Lowrance and Garmin. These transducers are often referred to as skimmer transducers and are mounted just below the waterline to the transom of the boat using a metal bracket supplied with the transducer.

Another popular transducer mounting system is the portable suction cup mount. This type of mount can be used to mount the transducer on the transom when the boat is moving or moved to any other point on the boat when the boat is stationary. Humminbird, Eagle Lowrance and Garmin all make portable suction cup conversion kits for their transducers.

Typical Portable Kit (Humminbird in this example)
In part two of the transducer mounting system I will cover the other types of mounts and their use.

Garmin Marine Manual Download
Visit this link to read about Garmin transducers and mounting systems for each unit they make.

Transducer Holders & Brackets
Visit this site for special transducer mounting options including brackets and holders.

Topic Tags: eagle transducer, fish finder review, garmin transducer, humminbird transducer, lowrance transducer, portable fish finder, suction cup bracket, transducer bracket, transom transducer

Marine Electronics – Buy the right Fish Finder

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 05:43:00 +0000

When buying a Fish Finder or any Marine Electronics product, make sure the fish finder meets your needs buy comparing it to others in its class. Even a cursory understanding of Fish Finder transducers can help you make the right buying decision.

Fish Finders are quickly becoming standard equipment on boats. With the advent of the wireless Smartcast series of fish finders from Humminbird they are even becoming standard fare for shore and dock fishing.

How they work
Every fish finder has a transducer. The transducer sends out a pulse signal, which bounces off objects and returns to the transducer, which then sends the data to the fish finder display unit.

Transducers are designed for specific types of use. They operate on different frequencies depending upon the type of use they were designed for. Lowrance Fish Finders and GPS Fish Finders, for instance utilize three different types of transducers all designed for specific types of fishing. Lowrance dual frequency transducers are designed for deep-water use, the Lowrance single frequency transducers are used in lakes and rivers. Lowrance also makes a broad view transducer for shallow water fishing which provides a wide view in shallow water.

Find out which fish finder is right for you by comparing fish finders, portable fish finders and marine GPS fish finder systems using the rating system at Fish Finder Store.

Lowrance Electronics Sonar Tutorial
A tutorial on what a fish finder transducer is, how it works.

How a fishfinder works
Humminbird tutorial on how a fish finder works

Garmin Product Comparison
Garmins product compares up to 10 units at a time.

Topic Tags: fishfinder, fish finder, fishfinder transducer, fish finder transducer, gps fish finder, lowrance fishfinder, lowrance transducer, marine gps fish finder, smartcast wireless fishfinder

Get the right Fish Finder or GPS Fish Finder - Part Two

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 08:11:00 +0000

Fish finder and GPS fish finder come in many flavors. Make sure you know your options. In part two I will review two more important features, power and depth capabilities.

Fish finder Power

Power is rated a couple of ways by fishfinder manufacturers.
Output power levels are often quoted as peak pulse power, peak-to-peak pulse power, RMS power or average power. (Root-mean-square, RMS power is an engineering measurement means for equating the total energy in an alternating current waveform to the average or heating power in a direct current circuit.) ~ Chuck Husick
The important thing to remember (generally speaking) is that the deeper you need to see, the more power required. Salt water also affects the power required, it will reduce the effective depth at which the finder will operate.
Power will effect the depth a finder can operate to. The more power, the deeper the fishfinder (depth finder or sonar) will operate. Power also helps give a sharper image of pings on the screen. For shallow water fishing, most any fish finder has the power you need.
Fish finder Depth
Depth capability is a function of both power and the transducer sensitivity. Bronze through hull transducers generally produce better results for sounders (fish finders) that need to see deep bottom structure. The expensive bronze transducers will go deeper and see better than an inexpensive transom mount transducer operated on the same fishfinder.

Practical Sailor
Article on fish finders

Fish-Lectronics
Fish-Lectronics carries inventory of parts and accessories for the following brands; Lowrance, Eagle, Humminbird, Garmin, Vexilar, BottomLine, and Raymarine.

Topic Tags: depth finder, fish finder, fish finder power, fish finder sonar, fishfinder transducer, fish finder transducer, rating fishfinders, transducer

Fish Finder – Get the right price performance Fish Finder or GPS Fish Finder – Part One

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 08:03:00 +0000

Fish finder and GPS fish finder come in many flavors. Make sure you know your options. In part two I will review two more important features, power and depth capabilities.

Fish finders and combination, or Combo GPS Fish Finders come are designed to meet certain needs by their manufacturer. There are five primary features that all fish finders have that you should review before you make your purchase. We have already reviewed the transducer selection process, so the next two blogs will focus on the other four features.

Display Pixels
Generally speaking, the more pixels on a display screen the better. The exception to the rule is color. If you are in the market for a color finder you will find that a 5-inch screen with a colored screen will be more expensive and have fewer pixels than a monochrome LCD unit will. The color screen is still a better choice (if you have the bucks to spend on it) because it offers such great separation and anti-glare capabilities.

A display with 128x128 pixels will be grainy and will not offer much detail whereas a 480x480 pixel display will offer great resolution and smooth contours on the screen.

Screen Size
The larger the screen, the more expensive and the easier the screen is to see. This is especially important with Combination GPS Fish Finders because you will want to split the screen for viewing.

In the next blog I will review the other two primary features, power and, depth in part two.

Fish finder and Combo Emulators
You can download and run fish finder and combo unit emulators on your PC

GPS Chart-plotter Mapping
Great resourse at Garmin for learning about chart-plotting and GPS

Topic Tags: Eagle GPS, fishfinder, Fish finder, gps fishfinder, gps fish finder, Humminbird Matrix, Hummingbird matrix, lowrance GPS, Marine GPS, review compare Fish finder

Know How a Fish Finder Works Before You Buy

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 13:50:00 +0000

Understanding a little about how fish finders work will help you in purchasing and using a fish finder.

Understanding a little about how fish finders work will help you in purchasing and using a fish finder.

Single beam Fish Finders

The beam that is sent out from the fish finders transducer can be thought of as a beam from a flashlight. As the beam moves further from the transducer it gets wider. When it hits a target the beam is reflected back to the transducer, which in turn sends a signal to the fish finder display which computes the signals distance and shape. The distance and shape is then represented on the screen as either a Fish Symbol or an arch depending upon the fish finder and the model.

The type of beam that is sent out varies with the model and type of fish finder you purchase. Some of the fish finders or sonar's as they are sometimes called, are single beam and some have more than one beam.

Single beam units are best for lakes and shallow coastal waters. Multiple beam units work well for deeper waters. One of the beams will be a lower frequency that will produce a better picture on the bottom. The other beam will be a high frequency beam that will provide the location of fish.

Dual Beam Fish Finders

Dual beams would seem at first glance to be better for shallow water. However the beam cones for the high frequency beam are narrow on dual beam finders so they can get a better picture of deeper fish. The low frequency cones are wide angle to get better pictures of the bottom.

Some people miss this subtle difference and purchase dual frequency fish finders for use in shallow waters just to find out they do not get good coverage.

Buy the right finder for the job by checking the cone angles and understanding how they work beforehand. See the links below to find out more about how fish finders work.

How Fish Finders Work
Nice overview of how fish finders work and sonar coverage patterns.

Humminbird Website
Check out the different models of fish finders

Lowrance
Lowrance Fish Finders

Garmin
Garmin Fish Finders

Eagle
Eagle Fish Finders

Topic Tags: depth finder, dual frequency transducer, fish finder, fish finder review, how fish finder works, sonar

Learn What The Differences Are in Fish Finders

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 10:28:00 +0000

Of all the calls we get the number one question is help me select the right fish finder.

In this blog I want to give you some tips on how to select a fish finder. The process can be complex and so I hope this will help.

There are 5 factors to keep in mind when purchasing a fish finder.

Transducer

There are two basic types of transducers, single frequency and dual frequency. Single frequency should be used for lakes and shallow coastal fishing and dual frequency for deep sea. Dual beam (Humminbird) and dual frequency are basically the same thing. The dual beam transducer will limit the beam size for the high frequency beam so you only want to use them in deep water because the high frequency is what you see fish with.

Display resolution

Fish Finders and GPS units come in many different display resolutions. The higher the resolution the better the image will be. Color screens are better especially for direct sunlight because you can see them better.

Display size

Displays range in size from four inches to seven inches and larger. The larger the screen, the more you have to pay for them.

Power

For the most part the more power you can get the better. In lakes and shallow waters it is still important for better imaging, again, the more power the bigger the price tag.

Depth

The ability of the sonar to reach greater depths is directly related to power and quality of the transducer. The more you pay the better they will penetrate the water. Remember that the depths shown on the specifications are for clear water, saltwater and murky waters will limit the depths the sonar will penetrate.

Fish Finder Compare and Rating System
This is a handy guide to help you spot the best finder for the money.

Free ebooks site
You can get free e-books that you can download and read at this site.

Humminbird Transducer Overview
Nice writeup on Humminbird transducers.

Topic Tags: compare fish finder, eagle transducer, fish finder, fish finder transducer, garmin transducer, humminbird transducer, lowrance transducer, rate fish finder

Avoid Glare with a Color LCD Screen

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 08:51:00 +0000

Most of the screens currently in the field are monochrome. Color is better in the sun.

Most of the GPS, fish finder and marine radio equipment sold are LCD monochrome. These screens are grayscale and offer good resolution. but they are poor in direct sunlight like you get in the early morning on a lake of the sea.

Color screens offer much better anti-glare protection. Of course they are also better at reducing the amount in your bank account. But for some the price is well worth it.

Don't be mistaken, a color fish finder will not show you underwater colors. The colors help separate structure and fish, hard bottom and soft bottom. And they are beneficial for that purpose.

GPS color is the same way, the color does not give you colored gradients, only colored maps. In other words it is the difference between a color map and a black and white copy.

Color screens typically have less resolution than LCD, however the new units are getting better, and of course as the resolution goes up so does the price.

If you are looking at a color GPS Fish Finder display weigh the cost, resolution and anti-glare features here. If you are looking at portable units compare them here.

How LCD's Work
Nice article on LCD screens and how they work

Topic Tags: color fish finder, color gps, fish finder, GPS Fish Finder, marine radio

Read Product Reviews to Save Money

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 10:46:00 +0000

Product Reviews of Key Products by Catagory

This is the first in a series of blogs that will cover key products used by boaters and fisherman. The reviews will be in product category sequence so you will be able to go back through blogs and find a category and then read the reviews posted in each category to find out more about a specific item.

Categories will be (not in order):

Trim Tabs
Marine Air Conditioning
Marine Electrical
Marine Hardware
Marine Instruments
Marine Safety Equipment
Marine Search and Flood Lights
Marine Binoculars
Fish Finders
GPS Fish Finders
Marine GPS
Portable Fish Finders
Marine VHF Radios
Marine AM FM CD Stereos
Marine Stereo Speakers
Marine Satellite Radios
Marine Antennas

Reviews will include:

Product Overview
Product Features List
Manufacturer
Brand popularity
Dimensions (where available)
Power ratings (where applicable)
Authors experience with returns
Ease of use
Display size and resolutions (where applicable)
Power requirements (where applicable)
Degree of difficulty for installation
Transducer capabilities (where applicable)
Depth capabilities (where applicable)
Efficiency ratings
Durability
Availability
Price range
Warranty
What is included with unit in package price
Whether or not it is waterproof or resistant
What components make up the unit
Range and depth info (where applicable)
Accessories availability
Technologies utilized
Armed with these reviews you should be able to make better buying decisions. Hopefully that will translate into more and better boating.

Topic Tags: compare fish finder, compare gps, fish finder ratings, gps ratings, review fish finder, review gps, review marine

Get the Christmas Present He Will Love

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:57:00 +0000

There are all kinds of gift ideas your fisherman will love.

On the top of the list for most fishermen is a GPS system to go along with the fish finder they already have. Of course if they do not have a fish finder or a marine radio, you should think about a fish finder or VHF Marine Radio.

GPS Systems

There are two basic types of GPS Systems; Fixed mount and hand held.

Fixed mount GPS marine GPS are systems that have a bracket and power cable that mount to the top of a dash or bulkhead or optionally they can be flush mounted. If you fisherman is cramped for space in the dash, the mounting systems come in handy. GPS systems normally come with built in maps which the GPS system follows as the user moves. Fixed mount systems come with external or internal antennas. External antennas work better but require about 5" of mounting space and of course they have a cable to deal with.

Handheld marine GPS systems are self-contained and are handy to have but do not get the reception of the fixed mount units. Of course they can also be used for other activities (like my favorite Geo Caching).

GPS Fish Finders

If your fisherman does not have a fish finder, consider a combination GPS and Fish Finder unit. This type of unit is not quite as user friendly as having one of each but if budget is a problem this is the right setup to get. They come in both internal and external antenna versions. When purchasing these units make sure you get all the components you need. Normally there are different configurations you select when you purchase like at this site where you select options at the bottom of the page.

Fish Finders

If your fisherman does not currently have a fish finder and fishe's small lakes or knows his way around well, then you may want to get him a stand along fish finder. Compare and rate them here.

Fish Finder Store
Fish Finders rated and compared by price range

Marine Electronics Boating Supply Fishing Gear
All types of marine equipment and supplies.

Marine VHF Radio Handheld Marine Radio
Other Marine gift Ideas at Marine Radio Store

Topic Tags: fishfinder, fish finder, gps fish finder, marine gps, vhf marine radio

Check out Videos on Bass Fly Fishing

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 12:30:00 +0000

Take a look at a great way to fish for small mouth bass.

Check out these videos, I have three of them, they are well done, do not let the sample detour you, they are good quality and full of helpful hints and techniques.
Here is more information provided by the publisher.
Spend a day on-the-water with fly fishing author, educator, and guide, Chris Hanson. Chris teaches you everything you will need to be successful while chasing largemouth bass with a fly rod. Chris covers equipment selection, boat setup, casting techniques, and fly presentations. Chris fishes multiple types of cover and shows the viewers what to look for and how to approach each area. A must have for anyone interested in fly fishing for bass or fans of top water bass action.
These are low cost and very interesting.

Small mouth bass fishing videos
Resource - Small mouth bass fishing videos

Topic Tags: fly fishing, fly fishing bass, small mouth bass

Know the difference in GPS

mja110952@sbcglobal.net (Mike Adams) — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:54:00 +0000

Knowing the difference in chartplotters and trackplotters will help you select the right tool for the job.

Chart plotters and track plotters are very different in appearance and function. They both use waypoints but in a different way. A waypoint is a longitude and latitude you provide the GPs that defines a location.

Chart Plotters

A chart plotter provides a map in the background that moves as you move from one location to another. These are often referred to as moving map GPS.

Track Plotter

A track plotter provides a track from where you start a way point to where you end the waypoint.

A chart plotter will provide trackplotting but a trackplotter will not provide a chart.

Topic Tags: chartplotter, gps, gps fish finder, trackplotter