Which fish finder fresh water lakes in Fl and shallow salt < 100 ft

[Matt Wetzel]

Struggling finding fish in my local lakes. Considering a fish finder but GAWD it is confusing. So I’m looking for feedback on a solid unit for less than $500.

Thanks in advance

 

[highanddryinco]

You are right, you can go eight ways from Sunday on your selection.
I like my Humminbird Helix 7 DI GPS, mounted on a RAM ball so I can swing it around if I want. Right in the price point you mentioned.

 

[JesseP]

I'm a complete newbie but I just bought a Simrad GO7, a lot of features for $600. Now just got to figure out which way I'm gonna mount the Transducer

 

[Tailwaters]

Had a hummingbird helix in the last boat. Was a great unit. Installed a Garmin Striker in th FSH. Didn't get a chance to use it much before putting the boat up the winter.

 

[ClemsonTiger]

The MFD unit is less important than the ducer you decide to use. Most use the ducer supplied with the unit they purchase...and those are ok...but they are entry level and basic in function.

If your seriously going to be in 100ft or less of water you will want a high/lo frequency 50-200khz 500w-600w ducer. That is your basic entry level ducer and your basic entry level MFD units will supply 500-600w.

Regardless of what anyone says about how their transom mount ducer works perfectly, which I'm sure it does for them. A transom mount will never work (clarity of resolution and less interference) as well as a thru hull ducer will.

 

[thefastz]

While its a bit more than your budget, I second the recommendation of @JesseP, I have a GO7 in my 210. Flushed mounted with the transducer on a spacer, secured to the rideplate with 3M VHB. Not sure how large of a lake you are on but the main reason I would say get at least a 7" is if you are in any kind of chop the smaller screen will be much more difficult to read.

 

[seanmclean]

While its a bit more than your budget, I second the recommendation of @JesseP, I have a GO7 in my 210. Flushed mounted with the transducer on a spacer, secured to the rideplate with 3M VHB. Not sure how large of a lake you are on but the main reason I would say get at least a 7" is if you are in any kind of chop the smaller screen will be much more difficult to read.

What did you use for a spacer?

 

[thefastz]

What did you use for a spacer?

Piece of oak that I covered in resin. Wanted to use starboard but from what I read, almost no adhesives stick to it.