$1200 to spend on 2 fish finders..what to get?

I’m picking up a bass boat this weekend..if you had $1200 to spend to buy a fish finder for the bow, and driver……..what would it be?? I fish 99% of the time on the Mississippi river. I have a couple ideas, but cant decide. Help me out here!!

Thanks!

Spend the whole $1200 on the best deal you can find for a unit with side imaging and save up till you can buy one for the bow.Just my 2 cents.

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Spend the whole $1200 on the best deal you can find for a unit with side imaging and save up till you can buy one for the bow.Just my 2 cents.

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i agree side imaging is the real deal. can you pick up a decent used unit for the bow ??

Yep, what Stuart said. The 800 series HB would be my choice…they are around that price, maybe a tad more though.

To fit what you requested, I would get two mid level Humminbirds (597ci HD and 788 ci HD) or Lowrances (Elite 5 series). Make the Console one a down imaging and the bow regular sonar.

You could also do two HDS-5s and expand to side imaging at a later date.

Keep in mind, for some reason these used sonars really keep their resale value. I personally wouldn’t pay what I have been able to sell my used sonars for. Especially on ebay.

Like others have said, if you can hold off or even squeeze a little extra for a side imaging unit, I would take that route. However, since you stated you’ll be fishing in a bass boat, that 2nd unit will be close to necessary. Two HDS 5s should put you right at your budget. In the future you can even choose to add the structure scan if you find the urge to add to your system.

Thanks for the ideas, and keep them coming!……..My original plan is HDS-5 at the bow, and Elite 5 DSI at the controls. I want DSI and GPS more than side scan..but I’m still open for ideas!

Go for the side imaging

These posts always seem to turn into “spend more than you said you have and buy this” – it’s easy to spend someone else’s money.

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Thanks for the ideas, and keep them coming!……..My original plan is HDS-5 at the bow, and Elite 5 DSI at the controls. I want DSI and GPS more than side scan..but I’m still open for ideas!

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I don’t think you want to do that because you can not link those 2 together in the future.

To truly answer your original question (two units) I’d say twin HDS 5s or shop around and you might be able to find a 7 and 5 in your budget.

I know this isn’t what you asked but I’d rather have a single unit with structure scan that two units.

All I was able to afford right now was DSI, SO i figured some scan was better than no scan, so I spent the $350 (after rebate) on the Elite 5x DSI. LOVE IT. I use it conjunction with my older 510c, and it’s nice to look at the screen you’ve been used to for so many years, then be able to see the same thing on another screen and really see what’s there. Amazing.

Hopefully someday I’ll step up to the side imaging. But for now, I’m thrilled with the downscan.

In fact, HERE’S a link that’ll show you a few screen shots I took of my unit.

Thanks to all for the thoughts, opinions, and advice……….I decided to only replace 1 fish finder right now and went with a Humminbird 898c SI Combo……….Now its just gonna take some time to learn it!

I think you will like it!