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GPS, worth it? monarch fishing boat fish bass

Question:

Is GPS worth the cost?monarch fishing boat fish bass  We’re in the process of getting a new boat & figure if we’re gonna do it, do it now so it can be added into the monthly payment. I mostly fish small lakes (under 1000 Acres) and the Connecticut River, for a stretch of maybe 35-40 miles.  I do take a year trip to Lake Winnipesaukee, which is 75,000 acres, but that’s only once a year. Thanks

Response:

Get stuck on a big lake without one in a fog or driving rain and you will really know why they are a God send. I have never purchased anything for my boat as important at a GPS. It may save your life or keep you from getting lost. I could tell you many stories. Bottom line -monarch fishing boat fish bass buy a good one. I would never purchase a handheld. What good is it is 5 foot swells and a driving rain? If you are a tournament fisherman, the waypoints are invaluable on a new body of water.monarch fishing boat fish bass – Is GPS worth the cost?  We’re in the process of getting a new boat & figure if we’re gonna do it, do it now so it can be added into the monthly payment. I mostly fish small lakes (under 1000 Acres) and the Connecticut River, for a stretch of maybe 35-40 miles.  I do take a year trip to Lake Winnipesaukee, which is 75,000 acres, but that’s only once a year. Thanks

Response:

Get stuck on a big lake without one in a fog or driving rain and you will really know why they are a God send. I have never purchased anything for my boat as important at a GPS. It may save your life or keep you from getting lost. I could tell you many stories. Bottom line – buy a good one. I would never purchase a handheld. What good is it is 5 foot swells and a driving rain? If you are a tournament fisherman, the waypoints are invaluable on a new body of water. Is GPS worth the cost?monarch fishing boat fish bass  We’re in the process of getting a new boat & figure if we’re gonna do it, do it now so it can be added into the monthly payment. I mostly fish small lakes (under 1000 Acres) and the Connecticut River, for a stretch of maybe 35-40 miles.  I do take a year trip to Lake Winnipesaukee, which is 75,000 acres, but that’s only once a year. Thanks

I don’t know about the Conn. River as to how many out of the way sloughs you can get lost in.  I use mine in the Ocean near San Francisco and in the Sacramento river delta where it gets FOGGY. monarch fishing boat fish bass  It’s a godsend.  As to a handheld, I have a Garmin 45 and a dash bracket.  It’s works fine in 5-8′ swells.  Just follow the road to your waypoint. Wife bought it for me when they were still $450 and has been used now about 5 years with no problems.  I would like a Garmin mapping unit, but can not justify the cost.  My handheld and charts gets me unlost.

Response:

tell you many stories. Bottom line – buy a good one.monarch fishing boat fish bass I would never purchase a handheld. What good is it is 5 foot swells and a driving rain?

I agree with everything Bill Speer wrote, with the exception of not buying a handheld.  I have a Lowrance Global Map 100 handheld, and I can read it on rough lakes and driving rain.  I’m not sure what Bill’s point is on that particular issue, but I would enthusiastically advise that you DO purchase a handheld if you’re not rich (like me) and intend on using monarch fishing boat fish bass it for more than just boating applications.  You can securely mount a handheld anywhere you want, then easliy remove it at the end of the day.  The screen is smaller than a full sized “permanent mount” GPS (like a combo GPS/Sonar unit), but I personally have no problem viewing it. about 5 years with no problems.  I would like a Garmin mapping unit, but can not justify the cost.  My handheld and charts gets me unlost.

If your looking for an excellent handheld for boating on inland waters and don’t need depth charts superimposed on the display or satellite links to Air Force 1, then I would suggest looking at the Lowrance Global Map 100, which comes with the IMS smart maps of the world (haven’t tried the world smart maps yet, but North America is very detailed) on CD-ROM so you can download them to your PC.  monarch fishing boat fish bass Therefore, you don’t have to purchase cartridges giving you a much better bang for the buck.  The quality and display is at least as good (better I think) as the Garmin GPS-III, and the accuracy of shoreline detail (at least for my area) blows the Garmin away.  To be fair, I have talked to others who felt that their area in the northeast was better covered by the GPS-III.  And if you need detailed street navigation, then go with the Garmin Street Pilot without a second thought. I know Garmin makes some sophisticated (and very expensive) units for ocean navigation, but for general boating/fishing use,monarch fishing boat fish bass I personally don’t think Garmin has anything to compete with Lowrance’s Global Map line at the moment.  I’ve had folks tell me that Garmin is close to releasing a competing mapping GPS that will also include maps on CD, but it appears it is still vaporware for now. The point is for everyone reading the thread is don’t get locked into thinking that Garmin is the only maker of top quality GPS units.  Many times I have had friends (who are not real technical) buy the GPS-III purely on recommendations by friends, then return them or kick themselves in the butt once they see my GM-100.  I know from experience, impulse buying without research will often be regretted down the road!!

Response:

I understand someone makes a GPS that has maps built in.  I guess these puppies are really expensive, but who makes such a unit? I know Garmin makes some sophisticated (and very expensive) units for ocean navigation, but for general boating/fishing use, I personally don’t think Garmin has anything to compete with Lowrance’s Global Map line at the moment.  I’ve had folks tell me that Garmin is close to releasing a competing mapping GPS that will also include maps on CD, but it appears it is still vaporware for now.

– Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I understand someone makes a GPS that has maps built in.  I guess these puppies are really expensive, but who makes such a unit? I know Garmin makes some sophisticated (and very expensive) units for ocean navigation, but for general boating/fishing use, I personally don’t think Garmin has anything to compete with Lowrance’s Global Map line at the moment.  I’ve had folks tell me that Garmin is close to releasing a competing mapping GPS that will also include maps on CD, but it appears it is still vaporware for now. — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Eagle has a 12 parallel channel unit that has the maps on CD.  It’s called the Map Guide Pro.  I’ve got an issue of In-Fisherman (the Ice Guide, actually) that has a Reed’s Sporting goods ad selling that unit for $389. I have a Garmin 12 parallel channel unit that works very nicely.  It locks on satellites very quickly and holds the lock well.  Being hand held, I can use it for ice fishing. That’s where it really shines!  It saves drilling a lot of holes just trying to find a bit of structure in that featureless expanse of ice. Stick with the Parallel Channel units.  They track and COMMUNICATE with several satellites at once.  The multiplexing units have only one channel and switch satellites constantly.  That makes them slower to get a lock and firm fix, plus, they can lose lock more easily in bad weather or around overhead cover. Charlie

Response:

Bob, I know that Lowrance makes a mapping GPS.  At the Lowrance web site http://www.lowrance.com/ in their marine section, they are the first three items listed on their page, and since most companies show their best things first, I would image, like you said, that these puppies cost a  lot.  :) Mark — To reply to me directly, remove the NOSPAM from my e-mail address CT Bass Fishing — http://skippermark.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I understand someone makes a GPS that has maps built in.  I guess these puppies are really expensive, but who makes such a unit? I know Garmin makes some sophisticated (and very expensive) units for ocean navigation, but for general boating/fishing use, I personally don’t think Garmin has anything to compete with Lowrance’s Global Map line at the moment.  I’ve had folks tell me that Garmin is close to releasing a competing mapping GPS that will also include maps on CD, but it appears it is still vaporware for now. — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

Go to www.joe.mehaffey.com to see screen images of the Lowrance GM100 – the best unit currently on the market if you want highly detailed shorelines of major lakes and excellent detail of back roads!  CD downloads the detail to the unit prior to the trip!  I am not selling the units nor do I work for Lowrance! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bob, I know that Lowrance makes a mapping GPS.  At the Lowrance web site http://www.lowrance.com/ in their marine section, they are the first three items listed on their page, and since most companies show their best things first, I would image, like you said, that these puppies cost a  lot.  :) Mark — To reply to me directly, remove the NOSPAM from my e-mail address CT Bass Fishing — http://skippermark.com/ I understand someone makes a GPS that has maps built in.  I guess these puppies are really expensive, but who makes such a unit? I know Garmin makes some sophisticated (and very expensive) units for ocean navigation, but for general boating/fishing use, I personally don’t think Garmin has anything to compete with Lowrance’s Global Map line at the moment.  I’ve had folks tell me that Garmin is close to releasing a competing mapping GPS that will also include maps on CD, but it appears it is still vaporware for now. — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

Bill: Why would you not buy a handheld? I have been using handheld GPS units for over 3 years now. In my boat, airplane and vehicle. While a permanently mounted unit does have a larger screen, the small units are just as accurate and can be used in more than one application. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get stuck on a big lake without one in a fog or driving rain and you will really know why they are a God send. I have never purchased anything for my boat as important at a GPS. It may save your life or keep you from getting lost. I could tell you many stories. Bottom line – buy a good one. I would never purchase a handheld. What good is it is 5 foot swells and a driving rain? If you are a tournament fisherman, the waypoints are invaluable on a new body of water. Is GPS worth the cost?  We’re in the process of getting a new boat & figure if we’re gonna do it, do it now so it can be added into the monthly payment. I mostly fish small lakes (under 1000 Acres) and the Connecticut River, for a stretch of maybe 35-40 miles.  I do take a year trip to Lake Winnipesaukee, which is 75,000 acres, but that’s only once a year. Thanks, Mark — To reply to me directly, remove the NOSPAM from my e-mail address http://skippermark.com/ — Bill Speer The Fishing Coach Quality Trips for Veterans, Rookies and Kids http://www.compassnet.com/fishcoach/ http://www.championboats.com/

Response:

Bill: Why would you not buy a handheld?

Why? Because on Lakes like Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend etc. I want my hands on the wheel and not fumbling for a unit to get me home in a bad storm. I want a strong mount (although I HATE the plastic mount of my Lowrance) I had one mount snap in half on a six footer once. Try driving through fives & sixes without one hand. NOT fun! Bill Speer The Fishing Coach Quality Trips for Veterans, Rookies and Kids http://www.compassnet.com/fishcoach/ http://www.championboats.com/

Response:

I think we can all grasp the need for 2 handed driving in tough conditions, however I don’t think that precludes the use of a hand-held if you have a good mount that gives close enough proximity to view the screen. I would love to find a mount with a retractable extension that would allow a wide range of positioning for the unit.  I’m still hunting for this one though.  Anyone who knows of such an animal I would appreciate hearing from. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bill: Why would you not buy a handheld? Why? Because on Lakes like Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend etc. I want my hands on the wheel and not fumbling for a unit to get me home in a bad storm. I want a strong mount (although I HATE the plastic mount of my Lowrance) I had one mount snap in half on a six footer once. Try driving through fives & sixes without one hand. NOT fun! Bill Speer The Fishing Coach Quality Trips for Veterans, Rookies and Kids http://www.compassnet.com/fishcoach/ http://www.championboats.com/

Response:

You might look into a hand held unit since you only fish small lakes.  The hand held would be more usefull in that you could use it in your car or take it hiking as opposed to a fixed mount unit that remains deticated — bob D&B Marine http://www.tqci.net/~dbmarine 888-535-BOAT / 301-994-1598 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is GPS worth the cost?  We’re in the process of getting a new boat & figure if we’re gonna do it, do it now so it can be added into the monthly payment. I mostly fish small lakes (under 1000 Acres) and the Connecticut River, for a stretch of maybe 35-40 miles.  I do take a year trip to Lake Winnipesaukee, which is 75,000 acres, but that’s only once a year. Thanks, Mark — To reply to me directly, remove the NOSPAM from my e-mail address http://skippermark.com/

Response:

Thanks for the reply. Keep in mind that Garmin makes very secure mounts for handhelds. I have a mount on my boat, as well as in my truck. You simply move your handheld from place to place. With the Garmin mount I bought a power cord for each mount. You literally snap the handheld in the mount. I have been in some very rough water and not once has the handheld mount failed.  Best of all I take the unit from my boat to my truck and use it their as well. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bill: Why would you not buy a handheld? Why? Because on Lakes like Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend etc. I want my hands on the wheel and not fumbling for a unit to get me home in a bad storm. I want a strong mount (although I HATE the plastic mount of my Lowrance) I had one mount snap in half on a six footer once. Try driving through fives & sixes without one hand. NOT fun! Bill Speer The Fishing Coach Quality Trips for Veterans, Rookies and Kids http://www.compassnet.com/fishcoach/ http://www.championboats.com/

Response:

Would you really need a GPS if you only fish small lakes? As I recall, the original post had to with a river. I regularly fish a 749 square mile lake and currently don’t have a GPS.   (Hoping Santa is an angler!) — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

In my opinion, its only real use is on water.  On land you better know how to use a topo map and a compass, before using GPS, without those skills it will get you in trouble. Do not get me wrong it has its uses on land and is a real tool. I think the best use for it is on big bodies of water, or on lakes that are subject to drawdowns in the fall. Last year one of the top bass lakes here was drawn down below the level of the old dam before the lake was expanded several years ago(Lake Pleasant, AZ).  With the water down I got to mark structure that may never see daylight again, and I got to do it accurately. This year it was invaluable.  My partner and I have caught some of the biggest bass of our lives, not entirely because of the GPS, but I believe it was a big help. It can be like any other tool, it will not guarantee any more fish, but it will help you return to prime areas on big bodies of water. MMiconi

Response:

Then Bob, I think you had better carry a sextant or at least a compass.  I drove around and around an island on Lake Livingston in the fog before I realized it!  That’s disorienting, for sure. <G  The GPS (whether hand or gimbal mount) would have been a welcomed addition back then! Jim Pankey USN (Ret.) “Barbless Bassin’” Bass Fishing Field Editor MSN Outdoors Communities

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Would you really need a GPS if you only fish small lakes? As I recall, the original post had to with a river. I regularly fish a 749 square mile lake and currently don’t have a GPS. (Hoping Santa is an angler!) — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

Now if Santa is in a good mood, I will be prepared. They (the guys who operate the hydroelecric dam) have drawn down the lake about 10 feet. Places I use to plane through are now ‘islands’. As you and others in this newsgroup have noted, this is the time to ‘map’ the structures. Mentally I have done this in several areas, but a GPS and a good notebook would be, as you said, invaluable. — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

Know what you mean.  I don’t need fog in order to get lost! There are several areas of the lake that I have learned the landmarks (once I asked another angler how to get back to the ramp where I put in and he pointed over his shoulder). Since then I have learned to find that ramp by looking for a high tension power pole with an eagle’s nest perched on top.   But it is a big lake and not all ramps (much less the lucky place you found last week) are so clearly marked. Still hoping Santa gives this ‘good boy’ a GPS for Christmas.   — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

Bob, you’re probably right about not really needing one.  I mostly fish lakes around 500 acres (very small) but sometimes 1000 and maybe once a summer 5000 acres (big here in CT).  I vacation once a year to Lake Winnipesaukee, which is 75,000 acres, and would maybe use it there. I do fish the CT river a lot, but as long as you’re heading in the direction you want to go (up or down stream) it’s pretty hard to get lost.  I think you made me realize I probably don’t need one.  :)  I figured if I was going to get one, it would be easier to just add it to the monthly payment that have to shell out a couple hundred bucks all at once if I wanted one. Mark — To reply to me directly, remove the NOSPAM from my e-mail address CT Bass Fishing — http://skippermark.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Would you really need a GPS if you only fish small lakes? As I recall, the original post had to with a river. I regularly fish a 749 square mile lake and currently don’t have a GPS. (Hoping Santa is an angler!) — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

Bob,         Is a 749 square mile lake a small lake where you come from? By my calculations that’s almost 1/2 million acres. The “big” lake we fish is only 11,000 to 20,000 acres depending on water level. Greg Gonda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Would you really need a GPS if you only fish small lakes? As I recall, the original post had to with a river. I regularly fish a 749 square mile lake and currently don’t have a GPS.   (Hoping Santa is an angler!) — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

Actually, a medium to large lake.  The biggest lake in South Carolina that I am familiar with is 1,500+ square miles. (Multiply that by 640 and you get the acres.) I could be wrong, but I think Florida has one bigger: Lake Okeechobee (spell checker doesn’t recognize that, but you may know what lake I am referring to). — Good fishing, and may your fish be as big as your tales!

Response:

– Mr. G. All Writings

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