Bow mount fish finder suggestions??

Smorrow0816 · Post by **Smorrow0816** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 4:53 pm

Hey bassers,
I was looking for some advice on purchasing a new fish finder for the bow attaching to the trolling moter.
Currently I have a HB 798 HD SI on the dash.
In the front I have a basic fish finder and wanted to upgrade.

I have been fishing tournaments lately and wanted to know what y'all thought about what features are important.

For example, is SI really important up front since you really need to be moving for it to be effective?
What about GPS? Already have the map at console....necessary up front?

I just saw the new Lowrance Elite 7 and X Chirp and wasn't sure about them. Also the HB Helix5.

Open to suggestions.
Thanks.

Lugnut · Post by **Lugnut** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 8:41 pm

I mounted a Lowrance Elite 7 (without X Chirp) on my console about a year and a half ago when they first came out. I used it several times prior to my time away from fishing, and was very impressed. It was a HUGE upgrade to my X15mt / portable H2O gps. I was running. I also installed an HDS 5 on the bow at the same time, also a great unit, but no gps.

StogieMan · Post by **StogieMan** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:47 am

Here is my .02 cents. Regardless of what brand someone prefers I would stick with what you are familiar with, for example you have a HB at the helm now and if you put a new HB at the bow I would assume the OS of that unit will be similar to the unit at the helm. Therefore they operate in a like fashion.

Also I believe networking both units is important. Frequently I will be fishing an area and find something I want to fish again. Since I am networked I push the "save waypoint" button and it is done. So that means 2 things; 1) obviously you need a GPS unit up front in order to save a waypoint and 2) since they are networked that waypoint is not " only" stored" in the front unit but they are shared and shows up at the helm.
So now when I return to this lake, I can navigate to that spot.

M3AN Bass · Post by **M3AN Bass** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 9:11 am

I agree with the previous poster, if you're running Humminbird on the dash run one up front as well so you can link them. I'd also get a unit that is 360 compatable so you have the option of getting the trolling motor mounted 360 transducer down the road.

Smorrow0816 · Post by **Smorrow0816** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:01 pm

Good recommendation on sticking with the same brand.

What features are guys finding valuable on the bow mounted finders? Si, Di, gps, etc...
What can't you live without.?

elfish16 · Post by **elfish16** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 9:22 am

Agree 100% about same brand graphs and networking. we recently networked our HDS 12 and 9 together and it's the best thing we've done... being able to switch between the graphs and have your way points at each graph is so helpful. If you plan to structure/offshore fish you need to have a GPS unit up front to hold you there without the need for marker buoys.