5 Best Fishfinder GPS Combos In 2020

How To Choose A Fishfinder GPS Combo – Buying Guide

The best GPS fishfinder combo to go for will depend on what kind of angler you’re, where and how you fish and the fishing boat you use. Below are the things to keep in mind and the features to pay attention to as you buy a sonar GPS combo in order to ensure that you invest in a high-quality unit that will offer the best performance and value for your money.

Use

The first thing to think about is how you intend to use the unit. This will ensure that you choose a fish finder and GPS device that is fit for the intended purpose. Will you be using it in salt water or lake fishing? What kind of fishing vessel will you mount it on? Will you be using it for chart plotting on open water? Are you looking for a versatile unit you can use for other water activities such as sailing?

Type

Once you determine how you intend to use your combo, you will be able to determine the type of GPS capable sonar that will suit your needs best. It could be a mountable unit to install in a fixed position. A portable unit you can use on kayaks or fishing canoes. A unit with a built-in ice fishing flasher for vertical jigging. A chart plotter combo that comes preloaded with maps of a certain location. A top of the line unit for tournament-level angling and navigation. Or a network unit you can connect to your mobile devices.

Transducer

The transducer is the component of a fish finder that sends out sound waves into the water. These waves strike objects underwater and the bottom and bounce back to the transducer. Being the most important part of a fish finder, it is important to check the kind of transducer a unit comes with. You can also upgrade to a more advanced transducer if you need greater capabilities. Be sure to check its mounting options as well.

Frequency

The operating frequency determines the size of the area scanned and the sensitivity of the unit. High-frequency signals such as 200 kHz yield more details and are ideal for shallow waters while low-frequency signals such as 50 kHz travel deep into the water and are ideal for deep water fishing. If you want a versatile combo you can use in rivers, lakes and on the ocean, choose one with dual or multi-frequency capabilities.

Cone Angles And Beams

The beam emitted by the transducer takes the shape of a cone with a narrow or wide angle. A narrow beam travels deep into the water and suits deep water fishing while wide-angle beams cover a large area and are ideal for scanning a general area and fishing in shallow water. Devices that send out two or more beams with different cone angles offer versatility and more details.

Wattage

Wattage rating tells you how strong the sonar signal emitted is, how deep it can travel into the water and how fast it returns sonar readings. For fishing in large, deep bodies of water, you will need a high transmission power that will send sound waves deep enough and yield accurate reading quickly. For fishing in shallow waters, a low power rating is adequate.

GPS System

Consider the GPS system your device features, how fast it operates and how accurate it is. Look at the navigation and chart plotting capabilities a unit offers. What kind of maps does it come preloaded with? Can you mark waypoints and fishing spots? Can you make your own custom maps? Looking at the features and specifications list will tell you what kind of GPS system a device is equipped with and reading reviews by users can tell you how easy to use and accurate a unit’s GPS system is.

Display Screen Resolution

Top of the line fish finding, GPS and chart plotting capabilities will be rendered useless if you can’t see the displayed images clearly. The display is, therefore, one of the most important aspects of a fishfinder and GPS unit in one. Choose a unit with a high-resolution screen that displays fish, objects and maps with crystal clarity.

Display Screen Colors

A color screen offers a vivid display and the images are easier to interpret than with a black and white screen. This is why modern fish finders have color displays. The best fishfinder GPS combos can display hundreds of colors and you will be able to quickly and easily tell the fish from other objects underwater.

Portability

Featuring both fishfinder and GPS functionalities and requiring a large display for clarity, most GPS and fish finder combo units are on the larger side. If you want a fishfinder and GPS device for traveling with, using on a small vessel such as a kayak or for holding in your hand as you hop from ice hole to ice hole, you will need a compact and lightweight unit. A portable fish finder that comes with a carrying case is even better.

Power

In addition to the power rating or wattage, consider the kind of power supply a unit requires and whether it is convenient for your needs. A unit that requires connection to a power supply will need to be mounted on a motorized boat. Portable units utilize replaceable batteries or rechargeable batteries. Find out the expected battery life and how you can recharge the unit when it runs out of juice.

Waterproof

A fish finding and navigation device designed to be used in and around water is bound to come into contact with moisture. It will get rained on, sprayed on, and occasionally fall into the water. The transducer should be waterproof and the screen unit should be water resistant or at least come with a cover to protect it from downpours. Most units will have a water resistance rating that will tell you how waterproof a unit is and what level of exposure to water it can withstand.

Design and Durability

The design determines how user-friendly a fish finding and navigation device is. A unit with a large screen and an intuitive control system will offer a good user experience. Durability is also an important factor to consider. The best GPS fishfinder combos don’t come cheap and you will want the model you invest in to offer you long-lasting service. Check the materials, build quality, user reviews, brand reputation and warranty terms to be sure that you invest in a high quality and durable unit.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

For successful fishing excursions, there is a lot of information you need to know such as where the fish are and what is underwater. GPS-equipped fish finders deliver a superior angling experience. You can see what is below and around your boat, fishing pot or ice hole, find fish efficiently, track your location and navigate unfamiliar waters easily and save prime fishing spots.

The best GPS fishfinder combo devices have a large, high-resolution screen, top-notch sonar technology, accurate GPS, and preloaded maps for chart plotting. Be sure to confirm that the unit you select suits your fishing vessel and the water you fish in. The top-rated models on our fishfinder GPS combo reviews are amazing on the water, userfriendly and durable. Happy fishing!

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