Handheld GPS?

[Spider04]

Do any of you use hand held GPS units for fishing? I have depth finders on my boat but no GPS and thought I might try something more inexpensive, but I don't want to short change myself in ability because of value. I am curious about the unit's ability to put you right on a spot that you mark, such as a deep brushpile. Do they show lake channels? I like fishing Barren in the early spring when it is way down and there are some danger spots I always have to watch out for. Thought one of these units might help me. How much detail is there for real?

[fishincreek]

My Lowrance iFinder Hunt has been very very good to me. Won't head to the woods or lake without it.

[kybasshunter]

Ive got a Lowrance H2Oc and I love it,, just wish it had a bigger screen...

[markmac60]

I have a Lowrance H2O unit also. I agree with 'kybasshunter' in the fact that the screen can be bigger, but you can tell that going in so it's not a surprize. The base unit comes with software that is very general, not detailed. You need to buy add-on software for the details. I bought the 'Hot Spots' software chip and I think it's great. My chip covers basically all the east coast and everywhere south of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River. It shows lake bottom contours and depths. It also can put you right on a spot that you mark as a waypoint. Powerful little tool, glad I bought it. I would recommend going to Bass ProShop or somewhere else that sells them and have them put the chip in their display unit before buying. That way you can check out some of your fishing holes and make sure it covers it the way you want. Some rivers do not show the bottom contours or depths, so check it out first.

[apextrail]

I also have the H2O C and love it. The color version version is a worthwhile upgrade from the b/w display.

[elnutsmalljaws]

When my Garmin 76s works it is GREAT. The problem is that it only works when it can locate the sattelites and that is about 50% of the time. I can get service in pea soup fog one night then nothing in the same spot the next afternoon with high blue skies. I have hated it since I bought it 5 years ago. Adding an external gps Lowrance unit to my boat in a couple of months so my Garmin hand held unit will never leave the house again.

[markmac60]

When my Garmin 76s works it is GREAT. The problem is that it only works when it can locate the sattelites and that is about 50% of the time. I can get service in pea soup fog one night then nothing in the same spot the next afternoon with high blue skies. I have hated it since I bought it 5 years ago. Adding an external gps Lowrance unit to my boat in a couple of months so my Garmin hand held unit will never leave the house again.

Elnut, have you ever tried an external antenna for your 76S? Thirty-something bucks might just fix the only frustration that you have with your unit. Just a thought.

[Spider04]

Appreciate the help guys. Good feedback. I will definitely hit BPS and have them demonstrate it as markmac60 described. Have you guys with the Lowrance units had any trouble with the satellite feeds much? Do they go out as often as my Directv does (every storm)?

[flatpickinbasser]

Do you have to pay a fee for satelite access with a GPS unit? or do you just buy a GPS unit, turn it on, and you're good to go with no service provider fees?
Thanks

[ChampioNinKY]

Hey El have you updated the unit lately? I have a Garmin and have never had a problem just a thought.
Flatpick as a matter of fact there is a one time fee of $100 payable to ChampioNinKY so all you guys pay up....LOL

[MsgMills]

Do you have to pay a fee for satelite access with a GPS unit? or do you just buy a GPS unit, turn it on, and you're good to go with no service provider fees?
Thanks

No you don't have to pay a fee, buy a unit, install it on your boat and have a great time....I use one of my units in my truck as a road map unit when not on the water works perfectly.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Elnut, have you ever tried an external antenna for your 76S? Thirty-something bucks might just fix the only frustration that you have with your unit. Just a thought.

I don't have an external antena for my 76s, I have updated it repeatedly, called Garmin approximately 15 times and they have walked me thru doing this or that and it will "Fix" problems sitting at my computer on the phone but of course when I get on the lake it goes back to its problems. Garmin wants me to send in the unit and for a flat rate of $99, they will test, repair and fix the unit. I started calling them within the first couple of months of getting it and don't feel I should pay any extra. I will buy my new unit in a couple of months and continue to tell the truth about my piece of crap on public boards in hopes of keeping just one person from buying a Garmin. Chunknwind has spent more time in my boat than anyone and he knows first hand at what a piece of crap it is. One minute I am getting 10 sattelites at Ky Lake, litterally drift 15 feet and lose reception. I getter better service at Dale Hollow than Ky Lake, explaing that. Laurel Lake a couple of months ago in pea soup fog with DC Basser in the boat and LUCKILY I have service all night for it was my first night on the lake. The next afternoon at 2pm I put in to run and mark some waypoints to check out the lake, high blue skies and I can't pick up one sattelite at all from 2pm until I took out at 5am that next morning. So frustrating. Lowrance for me from now on, Garmin stinks