Downscan fishfinders

[sawdustsavage]

Has anyone used the new downscan fishfinders?
Are they really that much better?

 

[KokeJunkie]

I recently looked at alot of different fish finders and settled on one without DI (down imaging). My reasoning was that since 95% of the time I could care less what was on the bottom, it wasnt worth the extra cost. If you fish alot for species other than kokanee, such as for bass, sturgeon, etc. then maybe it would be worth the extra $ for you. The imaging was cool though and I did really consider it but in the end I think I made the right decision and went without. Just my two cents.

 

[thefishwrangler]

I have recently picked up a Humminbird 998c SI. I will find it very very very hard to ever go back to 2d sonar again. These things are amazing. I do some guiding and these units truly do help put a guy on more fish. I'm still figuring out all the bells and whistles but I am very happy with it. I'm heading out tomorrow for lakers, I will try to get some snapshots and put them up for ya. Expensive? Absolutely. Worth it? If you are serious and are willing to put in the time they will help you catch more fish. Side scan the schools, see how far away they are and how deep, set up a trolling grid and amazing things happen. Good luck in your decision.

 

[bertschb]

I just added the Lowrance Structure Scan to my HDS-8 and it's pretty amazing. It basically just adds more data to help you navigate, find fish, avoid snags, etc. I split the screen three ways. The left half is the Structure Scan image. The top of the right half is the 2D fishfinder and bottom right is the GPS map of the lake (Insight USA map).

The Structure Scan was super easy to install and only costs $599. It was worth it to me. Will I catch more fish? Maybe not. But, I'll have a lot more fun trying

 

[sawdustsavage]

Thanks

Thanks for the info. I think I will buy one. Nothing fancy at first.
Thinkink about the mark 5 dsi. Any opinions on this unit? I know it's not the top end but just to try the technology out.

 

[KokeJunkie]

Thanks for the info. I think I will buy one. Nothing fancy at first.
Thinkink about the mark 5 dsi. Any opinions on this unit? I know it's not the top end but just to try the technology out.

I havent had any experience with that unit but I know alot of guys are moving away from Lowrance due to service issues. Ive seen posts going back over 3 years where guys are complaining about their poor customer service. Seems like people are looking at Humminbird and seem to be having better experiences with their svc dept. Humminbird has a 597 ci HD Di which has down imaging, GPS, HD color display, etc. for $650. Or a 570 Di which is not color and not GPS but has DI for $300.

Neither the Mark 5 dsi nor the 570 have speed indicators which you need for trolling for kokes. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[sawdustsavage]

Just returned from Wallowa lake or 3 weeks. Bought the dsi unit. Never found a fish with it. Great depth finder but thats it. The manual is worthless and the website worse. There is no sensitivity adjustment on these Lowrance units. Just contrast. I was told be their CS it was the transducer angle. It is lined up horizontaly with the water line. I was trolling very slow or stopped when jigging. I think they are a waste of money. I am going to a good Hummingbird. Not at all impressed with their CS.