Before I get started, I should mention that most of the fish finder's features are premium upgrades. It is worth having your calculator handy. The bare bones models are a simple fish finder. It's better to get a cheaper model than to pay for premium features.
Genesis Live mapping has some of the best features in the industry. C-Map contours can be viewed with high resolution detail. One-foot contours are also available for over 5,000 lakes in the United States. You can also fish in the Canadian Lakes if you are fishing up North. You will need an SD card to access the information.
Worldwide Basemap, Garmin's most popular offering, is the best way to get started. It utilizes the same technology that their land GPS. Access to ocean and river maps as well as streams up to 100 feet in length will be possible. You can even access land data, such as airports and urban areas, as well as territorial boundaries.
A GPS fish finder combo comes in two main forms: portable and fixed mount. A portable model can either be fixed to the transom of a boat or attached using suction cups. An alternative is to attach the fish finder GPS combination to your smartphone, tablet, or other device. Transducers comprise the bulk of a GPS combination fish finder. These transducers produce and receive sound waves which then are displayed as images on a screen.
You can also make your own maps and contours. When you create travel paths, you can basically make a plan for each trip to fish a particular lake. To plan around previous visits you will have data.
ClearVu, SideVu imaging is available in the HDS models. For greater clarity and resolution, the HDS model uses dual beam technology. It is a 6-fold splitscreen screen and has a wireless connection. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity and mobile phone connection. Deeper Smart Sonar Pro scans 200 feet at a distance of up to 300 feet. You can also map an area using the Deeper Smart Sonar Pro from a boat or shore, as well as on ice.
Best of all, you can track your position, chart waypoints and create maps for all the lakes that you frequent using the GPS capabilities. It's like walking up to the water carrying a map. Set your trolling motor to low and start looking for the most advanced GPS fish finders.
