NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Helping Each Other Out => Topic started by: Fightin Irish on September 23, 2013, 10:57:58 AM

Title: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: Fightin Irish on September 23, 2013, 10:57:58 AM

What units are my fellow fisherman using these days. Looking for a new setup the chart plotter. I do a lot of wreck fishing and offshore around fifty miles out. Is anyone using the new sonar units and how is it working on the wrecks. 

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: Hunter 2 on September 23, 2013, 06:58:00 PM

Capt Carl and Capt Kris have new machines.  Give them some time to chime in. t^

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: Hotrod on September 23, 2013, 09:36:56 PM

Spend as much money as you can !!

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: fellinger on September 23, 2013, 11:14:32 PM

Capt Rich K's two 12" Raymarine screens are bad-ass!

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: blynch on September 25, 2013, 08:24:14 PM

Go to west marine and play around with the units until you find one that works best for you. My recommendation would be the Lowrance HDS gen 2 (10 or 12 in) with structure scan... Great performance at a slight markdown from raymarine and garmins... Gives you the option to have FF, GPS, radar, weather, SS all in one system. 

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: Pops Soul on September 26, 2013, 01:49:17 PM

Quote from: Hotrod on September 23, 2013, 09:36:56 PM

Spend as much money as you can !!

t^ t^ t^

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: IrishAyes on September 26, 2013, 02:00:02 PM

A/C boat show (the one at the convention center, not the in-water one, I've never been to that one so can't give an opinion on it) usually has a very good variety of electronic dealers/manufacturers displaying their equipment. There, you can check out various displays from the top named manufacturers. You will also get a discount on the price if you buy at the show. But be sure to shop priced as they will vary widely from booth to booth.

My opinion is, most of the major brands offer fairly similar products. Therefore, it will be a personal choice as to which is the best machine/manufacturer.

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: rdent5 on September 27, 2013, 08:34:29 AM

I have the garmin 4212 I'm pleased with however I'm still figuring out how to work it

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: Fightin Irish on September 27, 2013, 11:25:00 AM

I'm more interested in the sonar/structure scan down images and side scan in a 10/12 inch screen

Title: Re: Looking for a new chart plotter/sonar. Need some recommendations.
Post by: blynch on September 27, 2013, 12:43:04 PM

Structure scan is useful insofar as it allows you to look out to the sides of the boat and pinpoint where the structure is located. It also picks up things that you can't really see on standard sonar (logs laying flat to the bottom and other less prominent peices.) That said, I've never had a problem finding decent spots with standard downscan. Not sure if I really catch more fish with structure scan or if it just makes looking for structure more fun...