advise needed on trolling speed

[caveman]

I like to troll for crappie in the spring. My question is what kind of depth finder reads the speed under 2 mph that don't break the bank?

[TapOut64]

I tried the paddle wheel sensor from Eagle but it will not read accurately below 3mph so I now use a hand held gps.

[trumpdriver]

Hummingbirds paddlewheel is no better. I also just use my garmin handheld

[Speck]

You can get a good hand help gps for under $100. That would be the best bet as you can also mark structure as you pass over it.

[reelcrappie]

I use the gps on my 522c. Works fine and will show speeds as low as .5 MPH.

[FishnLine]

I agree with the others. A gps is the way to go.

[Cane Pole]

GPS are not accurate speedometers. It uses position averaging algorithms to tabulate an average speed. What you see on the gps is a calculated speed relative to position and time, not true ground speed. Period.

If you gotta be accurate, try a Kingfish speedometer. I wish I still had mine.

Tom

[jstlovtofish]

I have a handheld also. The heading sometimes doesn't update correctly at the slower speeds but it seems like the speed reading itself is pretty accurate. By the way, what speed do you guys like to spider rig at? I know it varies depending on the conditions, however, just give me a round about average. Thanks.

[crappielimits]

Hummingbird gps, works well down to .3 mph! I use 797nvb, but you can add gps to most of there cheaper units. The 383 is a nice color combo at an affordable price.

[crappielimits]

Canepole is right about gps only giving an average speed, but this is what you need when longlining or pushing. You want to stay at an average speed.