Shopping For GPS Fish Finders

GPS fish finders combine innovative technology and ease-of-use operation to help you get the most out of your time on the water. Imagine a device that can locate fish and give you access to a mapping system and weather satellite, all with the touch of a button. With fish finders that have GPS capabilities, it is possible.

There are many high tech options available on the market that do everything but your laundry! With so many features to choose from, how do you know which model is for you? In this article, we'll look at how science has combined GPS with fish finder sonar technology to lend a hand to avid anglers.

When using GPS fish finders, a signal is emitted that communicates with the GPS satellite orbiting the earth. The satellite returns a signal to your fish finding device that produces a three dimensional image of the water beneath your boat.

Using this three dimensional image, the sonar will locate the fish and their images will also be displayed on the screen. As you troll over a body of water, the GPS / fish locator/ depth finder will constantly update details and images of the water underneath you so you can effectively determine if it is an area you want to try.

GPS fish finder combos have all kinds of high tech bells and whistles that can make choosing just one a tough task. Some of the factors that you should consider include the size of your boat, how much time you'll be spending on your fishing expeditions and what kind of waters will you be fishing in. You should also make a list of the design options and features you require.

Do you want a large, color display monitor? Do you want a GPS fish finder with extra memory so that you can keep track of your favorite spots? Once you know exactly what you want, you'll be less tempted to go overboard and buy an expensive device that you don't really need.

Part of owning a marine GPS device involves diligent maintenance. If you don't take good care of the system you could end up spending big bucks for replacement parts or a completely new system. When installing your marine GPS fish finder, try to settle on a permanent location that is easily accessible to you.

Most boaters choose to mount it near the driver's seat or steering wheel. It should be in a secure place where it can't be knocked over. To keep the unit from being damaged when not in use, store it securely in either a storage compartment or in a marine utility bag.

It's important to remember that water resistant doesn't mean waterproof. Most GPS fish finders are completely waterproof but the monitor can sustain serious damage if submerged for long periods of time. You can protect your monitor by leaving it in a place where it's unlikely that water will accumulate and by covering it when it's not in use.

You also need to handle the monitor with care when using the touch screen function. Avoid pressing on menu option buttons and screen selections with anything other than a light finger tip. To keep the monitor clean, use a lint free cotton cloth and a small amount of warm water. Avoid using any harsh cleaners, such as a window cleaner or fiberglass polish.

One of the most important features to consider is the monitor. Your device should be waterproof and have glare protection on the display so you can view it in direct sunlight. The image on the screen should be easily visible. Small and inexpensive fish finders will not produce nearly the same quality of picture as a higher-end model with full-color VGA display. Lowrance GPS finders have monitors in high definition!

There are many kinds of GPS fish finders on the market, ranging in price from approximately $300 to well over $1,000, so shop carefully for the perfect device for you.