[Release]

After doing mostly offshore fishing (almost exclusively) this season, I have a good mental picture of the contours of one of the lakes that I frequent, and now I'm looking for a handheld GPS unit for marking locations. I haven't been following the GPS/ electronics scene and I don't know what features are out there, and I especially don't know if there are any angler-specific features.

I saw one that is waterproof, so that's a consideration. AA or AAA batteries preferable but not necessary.

Is it possible to "draw" my own features into memory or onto the map? I'd like the ability to draw, (for example), rock walls, stump locations, etc., on there, especially the fish-holding features that are too small to show up on a contour map.

After looking at the features on this one, (a friend has one), I'd be perfectly happy with it, but want to be aware of what else is out there before I buy something:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=164

Thanks much,

Joe

 

[Gregg]

I had a Garmin I liked that I got off of ebay but it died after a season and a half. I replaced it with a Magellan. First they all come with garbage for a base map so you buy the upgrade. But I liked the Garmin better, traded some bait for a copy of the upgrade and like the software better then the Magellan. I like the model your looking at it has a slightly larger screen.

None of the mapping program will let you draw in stuff. Google Earth will let you do overlays, and I have "played with stuff in photoshop!

 

[Release]

Thanks very much, Gregg. I won't have any trouble using a photoshop program so if that's the way I can add items, then it looks like I'll be picking up one of these soon. Probably that Garmin, if I can find one on ebay at a reasonable price.

Joe

 

[Mohawk]

Check out the PN-40 from Delorme. I have had it for 3 years and it's been great. They have a $25 a year subscription to their map data base (as well as USGS, NOAA Charts and Canadian Topos) and it's unlimited downloads for that year. After the year is up you keep what ever you downloaded. This is the same company that produces the Gazetteer Maps. They have their own software (Topo 9) that comes with the unit which should allow you to add custom graphics. It's only down side is it has a bit smaller screen than other handheld units. I have Garmin, Lowrance and Magellan handheld units too which are nice. Overall I find Garmin the most idiot proof in terms of the software platform on the device.

 

[Mohawk]

Also - on the PN-40 you can download satellite imagery that is amazing. I have the images of the Great Sacadaga Lake that were taken at low water levels and the bottom features like humps and underwater points are very visible.

 

[Special K]

I have the Lowrance H2Oc with the navionics east card in it, no need to draw, it shows grasslines and rock piles,struture etc. You could always mark specific ones that you know yourself as a waypoint. I have had my unit for 2 years now with no issues.

 

[Iceman]

hey release... all good info here... I went through about 5 handhelds... all crapped out... tiny little screens a pain... they also chew through batteries... Actually my favorite was the Lowrance XOG. great for the truck and had marine settings too... not waterproof though. came up missing after the truck diid too... will get a new one this winter...
using your PC, your GPS and the net you can do as much or as little as you want... If your fishing smaller lakes a map card won't help much.
when you save a spot on your GPS, you can go back and make comments on it... may help...
my Suggestion would be go for a portable Sonar/GPS combo... like for ice fishing...
good luck in your search... remember, the owners manual is your best friend with any GPS/sonar unit...

 

[Release]

Thanks guys. These model numbers will help me to find out what I want from the range of features -- just what I was looking for.

Joe

 

[Eric-Maine]

I have the Lowrance H2Oc with the navionics east card in it, no need to draw, it shows grasslines and rock piles,struture etc. You could always mark specific ones that you know yourself as a waypoint. I have had my unit for 2 years now with no issues.

This is a good unit but discontinued. I bought the new lowrance endura that is a great for geocaching....whatever that is but crap for fishing. The H2O or Ihunt (same unit) with a navionics card is equal to my Lowrance 520. I am loooking for a deal on ebay. Anyone want to buy an Endura? It does have some neat features if you like hunting for buried treasure in the woods.

 

[Mohawk]

I picked up a XOG at Wally World a few months back for $100. They did get closed out and I still see them on the shelves here and there for that price.

 

[Iceman]

you see a XOG that cheap anywhere let me know ASAP... thanks.

 

[Mohawk]

Iceman - PM Sent

 

[kb2112]

I also have the PN-40. Great unit, but the screen is small. The color is a nice touch. Runs on 2 aa batteries. I put the navionics card into it, and its good to go. I use it for ice fishing and boat fishing.