What fish finder are you using and why should I consider it?

So some of you know that I just moved to the area, and in doing so ordered a new yak.  In delivery the order was some how dropped on the bow and had a little damage.  After closely examining I deemed it cosmetic and then negotiated 50% off with the store manager at REI!!!!  Needless to say my new Prowler cost me about $440 after tax, and I have a little extra cash in my pocket!!!!  So I am now in the market for a new fish finder which was a lot earlier then I thought.  What is anyone's experience or thoughts on what I should look at?  I have always heard good things about Lowrance and have some experience with them.  But I also know that this topic could be just like asking what the best kayak is!!  Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Tight lines..

I like my hummingbird 383... I have it on my trident with the scupper transducer. Is I better then another? I have no idea, but it works for me... I kinda figure these are important for me... Gps and it shows structure... I just can't figure out why it doesn't have a clock.

I don't have one at all.  Yet.

Been looking at the Lowrance Mark 4 GPS/sounder combo.  Looks like the lease expensive option for a combo unit at the moment.  But I have not actually used it, so other than what you can read for yourself I can't really add anything.

I went cheap and got a Humminbird 150.  I'm happy with the main unit but needed to replace the transducer after it failed.  Not sure why but I did have it epoxied in and had my kayak upsidown in the sun for awhile, so maybe I cooked it.

yeah i went cheap too piranha max 150 no problems with it yet easy to use and it shows me the depth all i need 

yeah i went cheap too piranha max 150 no problems with it yet easy to use and it shows me the depth all i need 

I am a gear geek so have the H'bird combo GPS/FF w/ Navionics card but really, Jfek has got it right. All it really needs to do is show you the bottom. A friend down in NorCal who's a real slayer, ChuckE has been using the same rig as J for years. It all comes down to what makes you feel confident when you fish. J, like Chuck, you must be one confident sonofabitch!

I have both a Hummingbird 385 and a 597 both with GPS. I really like the dual features and will be adding the navionics chip soon enough. The GPS is great for marking spots and seeing your drifts tracks so that you can duplicate the exact drift that you hook up on.

I just bought the NEW! Lowrance® Mark 4 DSI Sonar/GPS Combo from Cabela's last Monday for $250 seems like a good unit.
In the new Cabela's fathers day flyer for week before fathers day it is on sale for $199. I will be getting them to price match mine.

For $200 you get down scan, GPS, and bright LED screen.

I think really the only thing negative so far is that the screen is kinda small but then again we are all in kinda small boats.

I'm a geek like Zee and have a color combo H'bird, but no chart card.  Need the color and larger screen for aged eyes.  I like the GPS and consider it a must.  Marking fish, being able to set up the same drift/troll or an offset drift/troll is very useful.  Noting TRUE depth at chart locations.  Marking bottom fish holding locations from year to year.  Marking potential fish holding locations.  Knowing where your launch location is after traveling 5 nm in unfamiliar territory.  Knowing where your launch location is after traveling 5 nm in unfamiliar territory in the fog.  Knowing that you are in fact making headway against wind and tide.  All priceless.

I too own a couple Hummingbirds. I have a 383ci, 365i and a P-Max 230 (I think). My primary unit is the 383ci. The color screen helps to decipher the density of what I'm seeing down there. The GPS is nice for all things FG and DN said, plus the GPS speed is crucial for troll speeds or how fast your drift is.

I'm highly impressed by the Lowrance Mark 4 DSI Sonar/GPS Combo too. The screen is a bit on the small side, but it's packed full of great features such as the DSI sonar, and the integrated RAM mount. I'll likely stay with Hummingbird since I have 3 and they all use the same transducer so going boat to boat in my quiver is a non-issue, but if I had it to do over I would pay closer attention to the Mark 4 series.

I have the elite 4. It's not a bad unit. To me a color screen is worth the extra cost. I wish I would have gone the gps route though. Maybe next year I'll move into a bigger screen and gps

I picked up a Hummingbird 768 combo FF/GPS that retailed for $500 and closed out for $200 last year to replace my 20 year old Humminbird LCR 400 portable that never failed to work ...that was a great decision/upgrade/change for my Hobie Outback!

My 2002 Jetcraft  18' fishing boat had a Lowrance LMS-240 FF/GPS combo that never worked well....even after two factory replacements....just my experiences with Lowrance products....