Thread: I'm looking into buying a fish finder this spring

what's a good one that won't break the bank? I'm willing to spend 125-150 bucks, maybe even 200 since I've got a Bass Pro gift card What would you guys suggest? I don't want a cheapo that doesn't have any options.

For $200 I would suggest the Eagle Fishmark 480. I have two of them on my boat and I am well pleased with their performance.

Eagle Fishmark 480 or a Eagle Fishmark 320.
$200 or $150. I have the 320 and it works great.
I can see my jig on the screen by my transducer in the
front of the boat. They are both black and white.
I have had mine for 4 years, not one problem with the 320.
Bassky

Redear:

Check out the big spring sale at Bass Pro Shops in Clarksville. They will have the Lowrance X135 for $199.99 (reg Price is $399.99) for one day only, Saturday March 13. EXCELLENT unit, especially at this price!

HB 565 is a good one you can find one between $150 and $175. They're on clearance being replaced with the 570 which sells for $199

Great suggestions here. The lowrance is a good deal, I would probably go get this one before they run out. I have a 565 and its good unit for the money as well. I think I also saw a garmin color depthfinder (can't vouch for quality) for around 200 at the BPS sale.

I have the 135, the M68C, and a humminbird Si. I watch the x135 when I see stuff on the si, it works well.

Great info guys, I'll probably go out to Bass Pro on the 13th of March and get the lowrance X135 if they've still got em. Hell, it sounds like I can't go wrong with any of these outfits though.

As a redear fisherman, I'm looking at the contours of the bottom more than anything. They usually don't show up in group or stacks like crappie and bluegill. You've got to find the right bottoms etc, to really catch the crackers. Flats, gentle humps and gradual dropoffs into 10-12 foot of water are what I really like. Oh, and muddy bottoms. Of course I'll be speck hunting in a couple of weeks too

I finally learned to use the zoom feature effectively last summer and it sure helped see the fish that were belly up to the bottom. Before I thought it was just some rocks or something. Either mfg has quality stuff right now I feel. Just my .02

eagle no doubt about it! the best model you can afford, temp being a must. water temp can make all the difference sometimes.