best fish finder gps combo for saltwater
Many newer chartplotter fishfinders are capable of displaying AIS targets when connected with a receiver. These data are generally transmitted using an NMEA 0183 HS network. This network is 38400 baud and is not compatible with the slower 4800 baud NMEA 0283 system.
GPS fishfinders are extremely important to fishing. The devices come with an embedded GPS and can be used to pinpoint your exact fishing location within seconds. Continuous inertial reference pulse (CHIRP) sonar technology lets you see the habits of fish and their feeding patterns much better than traditional GPS. An important accessory for fisherman is a GPS fishfinder with a larger screen than 7.8 inches.
Over the last ten years, HDS series has been constantly improved and enhanced. These units provide superior hardware and software. One of the unique features in the new version is the multi-touch screen. This screen, along with the button navigation, are the only ones that have this feature. The HDS series fishfinders are a great choice for both novice and experienced anglers.
When sonar returns locate fish, Fish ID displays a fish symbol. Flasher sonar provides a more abstract view which is great for ice fishermen. Split Zoom can magnify a specific portion of the sonar image. Split-screen allows you to use the function with a regular view. The Bottom Lock feature directs the sonar pings to the bottom of water mass and returns them.
When sonar finds fish, Fish ID displays the fish icon. Flasher sonar functions provide a more abstract view. This is ideal for ice fisherman. Split Zoom is a way to magnify certain parts of the sonar picture. You can use this function in conjunction with a regular viewing using the split screen capability. The Bottom Lock feature concentrates sonar pings on the bottom of the mass.
Since my first fish finder, fishing tech has advanced a lot. I still vividly remember the large and small fish icons that were displayed on the screen. As a child, I thought there was a fish about the size of a man under the boat. It didn't seem to help much, but the sonar depth imaging technology and sonar have advanced so much that it is possible to enhance your fishing skills with a fish finder. We also have access to excellent geolocation technology (GPS), at affordable prices. Combination units combine location data with underwater imaging data to give you a complete picture of where and how you are fishing.
Your operational learning curve will also be reduced because you only need to learn to operate one unit and not two. One of the downsides to a combination unit, is that it puts all your marine electronics eggs in the same basket. For most boaters, this won't be a problem because failure is rare. But, you need to be able to navigate to safe harbor in the event that your unit fails.
