Looking to get a Humminbird

[buzz]

Yes, I've already decided on a brand. Why?
Well I've had Humminbird FFs before and liked them... that and I have an Ocean Kayak with a scupper hole meant for a Humminbird transducer.

Anyway, I've been looking at the 346c DI, 386ci Combo, 386ci DI Combo, 571 HD DI, 581i HD DI Combo, and the 728.

1. Do I need GPS on my fish finder? I have a Garmin Etrex Vista that I can bring in case I get lost.
2. How important is a color screen to you? My previous Humminbirds were all B&W. The 571, 581 & 728 are B&W, but have a much higher resolution than the 386.
3. Do you really benefit from Down Imaging?

The bottom line is that I'd like to keep this under $300... and I'd like to utilize the custom scupper on my Ocean Kayak to mount the transducer.

[MetroMan]

Having the GPS combined with the FF is nice because it allows you to worry about one less device. Upgrade to install a navionics chip and you have an even more useful tool, having bathymetric/contour maps.

Color screen isn't THAT big of a deal to some, but it allows for better portrayal on information IMO. It is also easier for me to read. There's only but so much different shades of gray that a B&W ff can portray. I started with a B&W ff. I'll never go back.

I have the 386ci DI. Down imaging is nice, but I haven't fished structure yet where it has proven to be a necessity. I have marked fish on the DI though, and it gives a cleaner representation from what I've seen thus far.

The compatible plastic thru-hull transducer for the 386ci DI is this:


I just got mine and installed it last month. It does not fit in the recessed area on Ocean Kayaks. It is bigger than the other transducers. Its not a problem though, because that area of the hull never really touches anything on the bottom. You could also just simply use the transducer that comes with it (seen below). You can easily secure it to fit inside the designed transducer recession/depression




With the models you mentioned, there are differences in screen size. The smaller screen of the 386 is harder for some to read, so some people need/prefer the bigger screen.

[Memory Maker]

Gps allows you to go back to the same areas and mark structure right on the DF to go back later and it is the exact location. Color is nice because you can see the different things more clearly ........... get the biggest screen you can afford because it gives you a better picture on what is down there ............

Nothing is necessary .....not even the depth finder ....... it just depends what you are willing to live with

[bruce19365]

get the biggest screen you can afford because it gives you a better picture on what is down there .

D E F I N I T E L Y - especially when using a split screen. GPS? depends on where you fish, in familiar water maybe not so much. A couple years ago on a trip to Florida and fishing some of those phosphate mines and areas with the high reeds I really could have used it. Many consider kayak fishing a "bare bones" style and there is nothing wrong with that. I also have a bass boat and electronics have become VERY important to me, you don't need sonar or GPS (basic or high end) to get out and fish but it makes it much more productive IMO. As for color screens - if you use DI or SI units, those functions are displayed in monochrome (but you can select the color to be used, i.e. blue, green, amber or gray) only the 2D sonar and GPS are in a variety of colors, so if you are on a limited budget I'd go for a monochrome unit with a bigger screen vs a color unit with a smaller screen.

I like Humminbird myself and the best prices I've found are here: http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstor...4111&chid=1600 and they ship very fast!

[sparky1423]

I have the humminbird 587 with down imagining. I recently purchased the navionics+ chip. The combination of the gps and the sonar maps really took my fishing adventures to the next level. If I had to purchase a FF again, I would not get the down imagining. I really don't use it much, only when there is a lot of interference on the standard color sonar screen.

[buzz]

Thanks for the viewpoints. I'm leaning towards the 778c HD Chartplotter/Fishfinder. Its color and has GPS. It also has a 5" 640x640 screen which means I could leave the reading glasses at home. And best of all it can be found for well under $300. The only problem is its not in Humminbird's current line-up, so it might be tough for the little lady to find come Christmas.

The compatible plastic thru-hull transducer for the 386ci DI is this:


I just got mine and installed it last month. It does not fit in the recessed area on Ocean Kayaks. It is bigger than the other transducers. Its not a problem though, because that area of the hull never really touches anything on the bottom. You could also just simply use the transducer that comes with it (seen below). You can easily secure it to fit inside the designed transducer recession/depression

I'm looking at the XTH-9-20-P transducer. Humminbird support says they will exchange the transducer that comes with your fishfinder for the scupper model. Just need to do it over the winter since they want you to send them the stock transducer before the will ship out the scupper model.

[bruce19365]

Go to the link I provided - they have the 778 IN STOCK (currently) and at $300, which is less than half the original list. Here is a direct link. http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstor...g-Systems.html

[MetroMan]

Buzz,

Humminbird is really good with the transducer swap program. When I used the swap program a couple of years ago, I got the new one within a week of them receiving my trade-in.

[striperstalker]

I have the Humminbird 385 combo it's color sonar & GPS. Paid 250 on ebay new in the box. Works great! I didn't like what I read about the DI units not showing fish well. I use the in hull water well duct seal method and can see a bucktail on my screen down to 40ft+! Shows fish great and in heavy fog or reeds like the one guy said having GPS is great. The less gadgets and junk on deck the better in my book. We have been running the cabelas batteries with good luck so far. They are about 40 bucks, mine is 2 years old and fully expect it to run next season as well. Happy hunting for a new unit!