Fish Finder recommendations

Hey guys, I'm over it with the Eagle Cuda.  Please give me your recommendations for a quality, reliable, FF in the $300 or under range.  Thanks.

i take it that the eagle cuda isn't where it's at? i've been thinking of getting one myself, they are very reasonably priced.

Some people rave about them, I'm not happy with mine, and won't purchase another.

Humminbird is where it's at. Look for the dual beam trans versions. 500 series (550-581i) is in your price range have large screens w/ good resolution. http://store.humminbird.com/category/247617/500_Series


Z

x2 for Hbird.  I've been using the 345C and really like it.  Well in your price range.  There is a free trade out transducer program for the OK scupper specific model.

Lee, what don't you like about the Cuda, just curious? 

The price is right for FF and GPS combined.


Only issue I've had in 2 years was a failed 'ducer. 
Other than that, it's been very reliable. 

This thread outlines my issues:
 
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,4721.0.html

Even though I'm the biggest advocate of the Lowrance/Eagle  ff/gps, that Humminbird 581i ain't half bad looking.  I really like the big screen and if that's a card reader slot under the lil screw next to the power button, that'd make it even more interesting. I don't think that the 581i does, but if it records waypoints w/depths on a card that would seal the deal.  That'd be the missing piece to 3-D mapping your fishing grounds.
 
I have an old Matrix 10 that I like just fine, but it got shelved when I bought my first Lowrance m56 because it had the gps built in (the Matrix needs an outboard gps). Also the Lowrance/Eagle units had built in tide and current tables. Other than that, if would still be my goto unit.
 

I'm leaning towards the 586c.  Couple people on another site mentioned that a color FF helps you figure out the difference between a fish and the thermocline.  Thoughts on that?

Color isn't really worth the money is costs IMO. The reduction in battery life isn't worth it and the screen is smaller as well. For the price of the 586c you can get the 581i Combo which has GPS. That's what I have been using for a few years now and have loved everything about it. I recently got the new Navionics chip (review coming soon) that fit in it and so far I'm very impressed.


Z

new 788 Ci user here. i really love the color. maybe too many bells and gongs for a yak but the ability to navigate the Nisqaully reach in fog sure makes the extra expense seem trivial.

thermocline shows up as a wavery blue line. GPS is external antenna. battery lasted 18 hours before i had to shut it down at 10.7 volts.

Lee, go wit hyour heart and your budget is the only advice i can give ya.

Seems to me whether your boat is a   kayak or a PB you have the same requirements for a FF and the useful   features should not change because the unit is attached to a plastic or   fiberglass boat. 

I believe the 'i' in 'Ci' designates an internal GPS antenna.  I have the same unit and love it.

(now having a hard time quoting text in a reply)

I find the color helpful in telling the difference between fish and suspended vegetation or alga mats, giving returns of about the same size.  If the screen was closer to me I could probably see a difference in shading on a grey scale display, but the color makes it easy to tell at distance and with only a glance. 
 
Battery life is good.  Two eight hour sessions before I put it on the charger.
 

Color is SHINY.    I find its easier to see and I really like it. I scored a Lowrance m68 color/gps on ebay for the price of a new m56.  But given a choice between color or gps, gps wins hands down. A recording ff/gps is even better and a color, recording, ff/gps, w/upgradable charts is the cats pajama's.

Demonick is right, there is no difference in our requirements and those of larger boats... other than size.

BTW: I've been getting a solid two days of fishing on the M68 (color ff/gps) before my 7 ah gell-cell needs charging.
 

I'm using a Humminbird Matrix 97 combo color unit, but if I were buying now, it's be the Lowrance Matrix 5x:


The Lowrance Elite 5X Fishfinder is an inexpensive choice for boaters or anglers looking for crisp views of the bottom. This 500 watt unit boasts a sunlight viewable 5”, 480x480 resolution display and comes with an 83/200khz transom mount transducer