Fish finder advice needed

[Fishing-blog]

I am thinking after Christmas that I might invest in a fish finder for next years Kayak Angling season.

I have not got a clue about these devices and I would like any advice on the options open to me.

The only thing I would really prefer is a system that does not need the transponder to be HULL mounted.

Any ideas...................................?

[fishboy]

Fish finders are great pieces of kit to have on a kayak, I have an eagle cude ( 128 I think ). I use it mainly to locate marks in areas where visual marks are to difficult or just to see probable fish holding areas whilst paddling .Its not overly complicated to use and has lasted 2 years with quite alot of abuse, although the connector pins for the power and transducer are now starting to corrode abit.The buttons are nice and big which is a bonus when your hands are cold and wet, the screen can be a bit difficult to view on really sunny days but overall even though its a bit dated its still great.
There are quite a few finders out there now which are suitable to fit on a yak, Hummingbird seem to be pretty popular, in hindsight I would probably have spent a bit more money and got one which could be GPS linked or a combined unit.

With regards to mounting the transducer there are numerous ways that are semi permanent or totally removable, with some yaks now having a purpose moulded " pocket " for the transucer and a deck area specially shielded for the display.I have seen a transducer mounted on a small homemade bracket that fitted on one of the rudder mounting screws for an OK prowler

I would really shop around as prices vary dramatically and with anything fishing related its easy to go over the top.

Hope this is of some use


happy days.

jude

[Fishing-blog]

Thanks for your reply there Jude.

I will shop around, but I am sure I will get one next year as I see a whole lot of potential in using one.

Any more ideas on your Overnight Yak fishing trip??

[fishboy]

Not really had a chance to plan anything yet, have worked 10 days straight and have another 5 to go before a day off, will sit down then with a tide chart and a calender.

Happy days.

jude

[Fishing-blog]

I know the feeling Jude - work, work and more work!!!

Keep me advised as I have a few in mind who would be interested.

[fishboy]

Hi jamie

I think that the 2nd weekend in october is looking good, thought that the marks is good for about 4 people to fish at once at anchor, its a pretty small area. Thought it would be good to combine it with a bit of camping at turnaware bar, have been there a few times before and its always good fun ie paddle over a few bags of logs, tents etc get camp sorted and then go fishing with a thermos full of hot coffe and one metal flask left in your sleeping bag wrapped in dry clothes ( nice to put on a warm fleece and socks when really cold ) and good to have dry logs for the fire as no-one wants to muck around trying to light a fire at midnight .

happy days.

jude