Sonar/GPS Question

[macdog2424]

Do u know much about fish finders? i have a hummingbird   917c that i got with my boat, it has to be a few years old, neways its needs repair, i know for about  300 i can send it out of its fixable. but im wondering if im better off geting a newer one even if its a lesser module maybe it could actually be more up to times with thenew imagineing? i dont realy know shit about them and never truely figured this one out before it shit on me and i fiished most the year without one. could use somones experties, basspro has a few onsale for black friday , i was looking at a lowrance elite 5 dsi combo onsale 399. i know the one i havewas origianly  900 , but like i said it could be outdated now, and i know nothing about upgradess ect.. thanks

[Ryan N.]

As far as electronics go I have always been Lowrance.  This is not because I believe Lowrance is better it is only because that's what I had on my first rig and I stuck with it because their menu system is all similar, I didn't want to learn a whole new system.  The Humminbirds are great units and that 7" 917c sonar/gps unit you have was $1,000 unit when it was new probably still worth at least $600 in working condition. 

I dunno, I think if it was me I'd get it fixed for $300 and take the time go out and only fish deep on multiple occasions do this when the fish are generally found deeper, idle around watch the sonar, really learn how to use it. When you see fish stop mark them and try and catch them.  Anytime you spot a fish and then catch him you gain confidence and that is important. This winter search the Internet read articles watch videos. Do this before you drop money on a smaller screen with down imaging and all the other bells and whistles.  If you don't know how to use the basic sonar yet the down and side imaging will not make things easier. Really learn the regular sonar then make that leap later.

Now I'm no expert by any means I thought I was alright with understanding my units until I did the STQT this year as a non-boater.  It was a humbling experience I learned so much about electronics in those two days it was unbelievable.  I witnessed true "video game fishing" fish was in 43' feet of water the guy saw it on the sonar called it dropped his jig down and it was in the boat within 2 minutes.  I would recommend a unit at the bow and in your dash if possible.  If it isn't possible for you yet, just save you money and become an expert shallow fisherman.  It is my belief that their are quality fish that live shallow year round and plenty of guys do very well year round catching them. I know a guy named Marc that is pretty darn good at the shallow stuff.

Sorry for the the long winded response, but I'd fix the 917c before I downgraded screen size and added down and side imaging for $100 more than it would be to fix it. Id much rather have a 7" Sonar/GPS only unit than a smaler sized screen with all the bells and whistles. Side imaging is in my opinion not worth it on a 5" screen anyways unless maybe you are viewing to only one side.

[macdog2424]

thanks for the advice, thats my goal for next year to pratice deeper water, i always fish shallowe but just want to expand my knowlage

[Chris Hoffman]

Mac - I would go with repairing for 300 unless you can part with the xtra cash for a new one and then you still have to deal with install, if the finder is located at the console. I have a HB 898 with SI and DI.  To be honest I rarely use the DI, maybe next year I will try and use the DI more inconjunction with 2d sonar.

Like Ryan, I learned alot this year with my electronics from fishing as a non-boater and watching the guy at the bow.  I now have more confidence fishing deep, I am really slowly learning how to fish deep.  I am really starting to enjoy drop-shotting and silver buddy fishing!  Oh the shout out goes to Joe S. for showing me a thing or two fishing deep waters.