How to Choose a GPS for Fishing or Hunting.
by Wade Kuehl
November 21, 2003
It seems like there are hundreds of different GPS units on the market today. Trying to decide on which GPS is right for you can be a little overwhelming. In this article, I’ve listed some factors to consider when deciding which GPS to purchase for fishing or hunting.
Basic GPS versus Mapping GPS
A mapping GPS is one that comes with a basemap and/or the ability to load mapping detail onto the unit. A mapping GPS will have more the look of a paper map that many of us are used to using for navigation. Depending on the level of detail, most mapping units include major highways, interstates, cities, lakes and rivers, and major geopolitical boundaries. Many mapping GPS units either come with a very detailed basemap, or allow you to upload greatly detailed maps to aid in navigation.
As an example, let’s look at two mapping GPS units. The Garmin GPSMAP 162 (picture #1) and the Garmin GPSMAP 76S (picture #2).
The Garmin GPSMAP 162 comes with the Americas Land basemap, which includes:
North America
1. Oceans, rivers and lakes
2. Principal cities and a small amount of smaller cities and towns
3. Major interstates and principal highways
4. Political boundaries (state and international borders)
And in the USA, you get
1. Small lakes, major streams and rivers
2. Principal urban areas (including Alaska and Hawaii)
3. Railroads
4. National and State level roads, plus some local roads in or near urban areas
5. More detailed coastline
6. Small cities and towns
Specifically, the Garmin GPSMAP 162 basemap provides enough mapping detail to plot/locate the user on an electronic map of Lake Mille Lacs, for example.
The Garmin GPSMAP 76S comes with the Americas Highway basemap, which includes:
1. Oceans, rivers, and lakes (greater than 30 sq. miles)
2. Principal cities and many smaller cities and towns
3. Major interstates and principal highways
4. Political boundaries (state and international borders)
And in the USA, you get
1. Small lakes, major streams, and rivers
2. Railroads
3. National- and State-level roads
4. Many local roads in or near urban areas
5. More detailed coastline
6. Airports
7. A database of exits for the Federal Interstate highway system. This includes many businesses within about 1/4 mile of the exit, including: restaurants, diesel/gas, hotels/lodging, overnight RV parking, dumps, campgrounds, truckstops, medical facilities, shopping and outlet malls, ATMs, and many more attractions.
8. Tide Stations (certain units only)
Most of the mapping GPS units today include a decent basemap but be sure to check the details of the basemap when comparing units.
An additional benefit of mapping units is the ability to upload additional detail from CDs or software charts. For example, both the Garmin GPSMAP 162 and the Garmin GPSMAP 76S are compatible with the Garmin Fishing Hot Spots CD (see picture #3), which adds extra detail such as:
• Trip and waypoint management functions
• Lake profile including size depth and source
• Standing timber
• Creek channels
• Boating lanes
• Bottom consistency (including weed growth)
• Submerged roadbeds, fence rows and other structure
• Rock piles
• Access roads
• Hazards
• Suggested fishing areas and seasonal catching strategies
• Lure selection tips
Today, there are many different software products available to enhance mapping detail. Some manufacturers are even beginning to load the extra mapping detail for you. A recent example of this is the Magellan Sportrak Topo (picture #4) which is loaded with 108 MB of topographic mapping detail for navigating water and woods.
Tip: Make sure the GPS and the software you want are compatible! For example, if you purchase a Garmin GPS and want to run a Navionics Chart, you’re going to be very sad. It’s best to check with your dealer or the manufacturer for compatibility prior to your purchase.
A basic GPS, one without a basemap or any mapping detail, provides the user with a plotter screen which shows an overhead view of your location in relation to other points (marked or identified locations). A non-mapping GPS will still allow you to mark points and navigate from point to point. A good example of non-mapping GPS is the Magellan Sportrak GPS (picture #5).
Memory
Related to mapping is memory. A certain amount of memory is required to load information from software, and to store navigational points of interest. Points of interest are simply locations you have marked (or were already marked) on your GPS (example, “boat ramp”, “tree stand”, “honey hole”, “rock”). Marking points and routes does not generally require much memory, but loading maps can, depending on the detail of the maps and how large the area is that you are loading. Memory is something to pay attention to, especially if you plan to load additional software, or you plan to store a large number of routes and points.
Screen Size/Unit Size
GPS units come in many shapes and sizes. This generally becomes the question of handheld versus fixed mount GPS. For most hunting applications, a handheld GPS will be required for portability. Handhelds do vary in size however, with the Garmin eTrex series or Magellan Sportrak series being on the smaller end of the scale, and the Garmin 76 series or the Magellan Meridian series being on the larger end of the handheld scale. Smaller units will generally fit in your pocket while larger units might require a small case (generally available from your dealer, or use something like a fanny pack or small sport bag). The obvious advantage of the larger unit is the screen will be easier to read, while the smaller unit will generally be less expensive and more easily concealed.
For fishing, an angler has the option of choosing a fixed mount unit (see the GPSMAP 162 for example) or the handheld unit. The fixed mount unit has the advantage of a larger screen and the fact that it is power by your boat’s electronic system. The handheld units give the angler the advantage of taking the GPS unit with him wherever he goes. If you go with a handheld unit, make sure you get a mounting bracket accessory and an external power source accessory. You don’t want to lose your brand new GPS over the side of the boat and you don’t want to run out of battery while you’re searching for your favorite honey hole or rocky point (or trying to avoid a rocky point – ouch!). See your dealer about optional accessories.
Just about every unit on the market today has backlighting, so use at night should not be a problem with either a fixed mount or handheld unit. And, both fixed mount and handheld units are available with color screens these days, so the angler or hunter has the option of purchasing a unit that will be easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
Internal or External Antenna
Most fixed mount units offer the option of selecting an internal or external antenna, and an external antenna is often an optional accessory for handheld units. The determining factor for selecting an internal or external antenna is obstruction. If the satellite signal to your GPS is obstructed, the unit will not navigate accurately. Ask your dealer or the manufacturer if you need an internal or external antenna. (Note: The windshield will not interfere with reception)
WAAS
WAAS, or Wide Area Augmentation System, refers to a system of ground stations in North America that aid in increasing the accuracy of a GPS unit. Nearly every unit made today comes with WAAS capability, but you do want to check to be certain.
Navigation
Finally! What a GPS is for in the first place! Navigation with a GPS requires at least two points. Generally, one of these points is you (point A) and the other is where you want to go (point B). We call these waypoints (sometimes points of interest) and every GPS today allows the user to mark a waypoint and nearly every GPS allows the user to give that waypoint a name, for example, “boat ramp” might be one of our waypoints. The GOTO feature on most GPS allows you to select a waypoint, select GOTO, and then the GPS unit will assist you in navigating to that waypoint. It’s a great way to get back to the boat ramp after night fishing on Lake Mille Lacs, to get back to the truck after hunting until dark, or to get back to that secret honey hole nobody knows about.
Nearly every GPS allows you to create routes, which are a series of waypoints, and to create a bread crumb trail and utilize a back track feature (help mark your trail so you can get back okay). These are navigation features basic to nearly every unit, but it is wise to be certain the navigation features you want are included on the GPS you purchase. What does vary is how many routes and waypoints can be saved on a given unit, and how many points are in each route. This can have an effect on the accuracy of your navigation. If you’re not certain about the navigation features, again, ask your dealer or the manufacturer.
Note: Different manufacturers often have different names for the same features (back trac versus trac back for example).
Waterproof
Many units are waterproof and some even float if dropped overboard. It’s something to consider for both hunting and fishing.
Power Source
We mentioned it above but it’s worth mentioning again. Think about how you will power the GPS and plan accordingly. Again, most GPS units have optional power source accessories available, including cigarette lighter adapters, direct DC connection adapters, and long life batteries.
Speed
To my knowledge, every GPS being made today has the ability to display speed. Most can display speed down to one-tenth of a mile per hour. This feature is incredibly helpful for monitoring trolling speed. Some would say you must have a GPS for trolling.
Software
Again, it is worth noting that there are a number of different software products available to aid in navigation. It is important that you do your homework if you plan to utilize any software with a GPS unit. The two most important factors here are to ensure product compatibility and to verify mapping detail. By verifying mapping detail, I am referring to the usefulness of the software for the area you plan to navigate. For example, not all lakes are provided on a Garmin Fishing Hot Spots CD or a Navionics Hot Maps Chart. If the lake you fish is not on the software it’s not going to be worth purchasing the additional software. Additionally, Navionics Hot Map Chart #10 includes lakes in Iowa and Minnesota, while the Garmin Fishing Hot Spots CD only allows you to load Minnesota lakes or Iowa lakes for about the same price. For some anglers, this may effect whether you want to purchase a Garmin or Lowrance GPS unit. See the Lowrance GlobalMap 7000C for example (picture #6).
GPS or GPS/Sonar Combo
Finally, specific to fishing is the question of whether to select a GPS only unit, or to go with a GPS and Sonar combo unit. This tends to come down to personal preference and cost, but it is an important factor to consider in the hunt for the right GPS. The benefit of the Combo unit is that is saves space in your boat and may save you the expense of purchasing two separate units. The benefit of the GPS only unit is that you always have the ability to view full screen on both the GPS and the sonar. For an example of a combo unit, see the Eagle SeaCharter 320DF (picture #7).
Hopefully, this has helped answer some of the questions related to choosing the right GPS for you. I wish everyone the best of luck in their fishing and hunting adventures!
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