New to GPS!

[Todd2]

Finally decided it was time to retire my 10 year old fish finder with a broken lense and broken transducer bracket. I just bought a new model with GPS and it's on the way from BPS. I plan on reading the manual front and back. Just curious if anybody had any tips/stories on how GPS has helped their fishing, (off shore structure, contour changes, etc.) Thanks...

[Duayne]

I've waypointed a bunch of open water stripers. When I go back and look closely, its amazing how many come on underwater creek channels and points that are off the main river channels. Waypoint your locations, where you hook up, then look for patterns in the area. You can also retrack a path a second time if you are trolling.

[fishincreek]

Not sure if has helped my fishing, but on several occasions it has gotten me back to the ramp. Without it, I would have a lost ball in high weeds.

[Bowhunter38]

great for seeing structure marking hot honey holes and gets you back to the ramp

[pct]

Along with getting you back to the ramp, also great for night time fishing and when the fog hits.

[Col Forbin]

If you are totally new to GPS, I would look into a tutorial DVD for the brand you got. I have seen several for each brand - but it seems like if I was learning all over, I would like to see it firsthand, then try it out for myself.

Also, plan a day on the water just to get used to using the map features, as well as dialing in your sonar. Not sure what brand or model, but if it takes map cards, I would definitely invest in one of those. They look as good as any paper map you will find, and if you are used to reading those, you will have no problem.

[fishincreek]

If you are totally new to GPS, I would look into a tutorial DVD for the brand you got. I have seen several for each brand - but it seems like if I was learning all over, I would like to see it firsthand, then try it out for myself.

Also, plan a day on the water just to get used to using the map features, as well as dialing in your sonar. Not sure what brand or model, but if it takes map cards, I would definitely invest in one of those. They look as good as any paper map you will find, and if you are used to reading those, you will have no problem.

Agree wholeheartedly about the tutorial. Watch it over and over, then watch it again. You are going to spend several trips just trying to figure what the thing can do.

[Todd2]

Thanks fellas, I downloaded the 200 page manual and have been trying to read up on it. I should have the fish finder by the weekend, looking forward to putting it on and trying it out. I think I will leave the rods home one day and take it out. Is the Navionic's card the way to go for getting depth contours or are there other products out there?

[Bass Addict 170]

I prefer Navionics b/c of the extreme bottom detail and accuracy of nav aids on lakes like KY and Barkley. But the amount of alternatives are going to depend on your unit brand. I.e., Humminbird units will only run Navionics or Lakemaster charts, Lowrance will run those plus LEI Fishing Hot Spots (Insight USA on HDS systems)--certain brands will only accept certain cards/mapping options. Regardless, your upgraded unit will give you a much greater advantage over your old unit, but keep that manual with you on all trips...never now when you may need troubleshooting help.
Also, try checking out YouTube for demos and tips on your unit. I've typed a unit model number before and got 20+ hits, and a lot of useful info. Good luck!

[jdw174]

I have the Navionics Platinum in my HB 898. Don't think you can find better for Ky/Barkley Lakes.

[12VoltMan]

I've waypointed a bunch of open water stripers. When I go back and look closely, its amazing how many come on underwater creek channels and points that are off the main river channels. Waypoint your locations, where you hook up, then look for patterns in the area. You can also retrack a path a second time if you are trolling.

This is an awesome tip. I've had a GPS on my boat for about ten years and never thought about using the GPS to help establish a pattern.

The one tip I'd tell you as a new GPS operator is: Remember, it's GPS and not radar! What I mean is it will get you back to ramp or a waypoint in the fog or dark; however, it will not tell you whether or not there's something in the water in front on you.