Northwest Fishing Reports

I have been questioning what new fishing/depth finder to get. I have a 19' Starcraft. I normally fish for trout/Kokanee/sockeye/walleye/perch in Lake Roosevelt, Long Lake, Rock Lake, Brewster, Rufus Woods areas. I don't want to break the bank, but I'm willing to spend up to $500. I've thought about the Humminbird 561, but am intrigued by SI and DI models, too. Just not sure if they are worth the extra money and user friendly enough. Any thoughts would really help.

I have a Lowrance Elite 5 without the imaging features and love it. If I were a hardcore bass guy, I might have considered the imaging features...

Is this the Chirp model?
I have been looking at the Lowrance HDS-5, Humminbird 561, Garmin 551.
I can't seem to figure out the main pos/neg between models. I don't think I'm going side imaging, though. Just whether down imaging is worthwhile. I'm definitely getting a speed/temp wheel, though.
There is just so much out there to look at.

I'm not in need of GPS either.

No it's not the CHIRP model. Just the regular Elite 5 model.

The Raymarine Dragonfly is CHIRP and a 7" model can be had for just over $500 - http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Raymarine-D ... m?click=19" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My Garmin has a feature that allows a split screen with CHIRP on one side and regular imaging on the other side. The CHIRP shows so much more detail that I would never think about buying another unit that does not have it. Another thing I like about the Garmin is the amount of ports on the back so you add new features as I can afford them. Also I am not tech savvy in any way and my Garmin was very easy to learn. Best of luck and stay safe.

GPS is really nice especially when you have a the Lakemaster or Navionics chip to see the contours.

I ended up going with the Humminbird 859. Didn't get SI or DI, now I'm kind of wishing I had.

I have the Hummingbird 597ci hd.
I catch fish when there is nothing on the screen and can't get a bite when it says i'm on top of a thousand fish.
so I would not recommend that one.

After numerous hours of research and reading others posts, I've been leaning towards the lowrance elite-5 chirp 83/200+455/800 khz. But I'm intrigued by the Dragonfly, too.

I just don't see myself utilizing the GPS components since the lakes I fish aren't too big. Plus, I haven't gotten into bass fishing, so marking fishing spots I don't believe is as important. I'm just not positive that the Chirp technology is worth it since I don't know anyone that has one.

Hewesbob, which Garmin model do you have?

Furuno 1670F has a 5" screen, accu-fish, bottom discrimination, the best bottom lock, a 2 year warranty, and cost around $500. The HQ USA is in Camas, Wa and the units are made in Japan.

This is the first time I've seen the Furuno 1670F. After reading up on it, I really like the features. Do you have one buzzbob? And if so, do you like it?

So, given all of your imput, I think I've narrowed my choices to:
Raymarine Dragonfly 5
Furuno 1670F
Lowrance Elite-5 Chirp
Garmin echo 551 dv

The Spokane Boat Show is this weekend, so I might go look to see if any reps are there.

You won't find Raymarine or Furuno at the Spokane Boat show.

Furuno 1670f, 5.7" screen, 640 x 480 pixels, NO TRANSDUCER ($100 minimum add on) - $499
Furuno 1670f transducer - $100.15
Raymarine Dragonfly 7, 7" screen, 800 x 480 pixels, transducer INCLUDED - $506.30
Raymarine Dragonfly 5.7, 5.7" screen, 640 x 480 pixels, transducer NOT INCLUDED - $461.70
Lowrance Elite 5 Chirp, 5" screen, 480 x 480 pixels, transducer INCLUDED - $399.99
Garmin Echo 551dv, 5" screen, 640 x 480 pixels, transducer INCLUDED - $273.99

The Furuno above is not a DI unit, it is 2D only. Furuno makes nice stuff, no doubt, but it's the orange in the apple cart in this list. Shop well.

Thanks, Hewesfisher for all the prices! So as much as I like the looks of the Furano, I think I'll take it off the list.
I'm still leaning towards the Lowrance or Raymarine.

Phuffman wrote:Thanks, Hewesfisher for all the prices! So as much as I like the looks of the Furano, I think I'll take it off the list.
I'm still leaning towards the Lowrance or Raymarine.

You're welcome. Since you mentioned the Spokane Boat show, I "assume" you are local. There is very little local knowledge for marine electronics here outside of Lowrance and Garmin. I'm non-typical and have been very pleased with my Raymarine gear for the past 6yrs and just upgraded to new Raymarine gear a month ago. I love the DownVision, the images are spectacular IMO, and I'm still learning how to use the SideVision. I need more seat time in the boat.

Phuffman I have the 741 xs Garman

Just bought the Hummingbird Helix 5 with GPS for 299.00 it will be in Roosevelt this week.

Alright, I almost pulled the trigger on the Lowrance Elite-5, but I don't think it has speed indicator unless I get the GPS unit. Is this true? I really want/need the speed I'm traveling as it's the big item I currently don't have on my older fish finder.
Do I have to get the GPS for the Dragonfly, Garmin, Lowrance units in order to get the speed wheel on the transducer to work?