kayak fishfinder/gps thoughts?

[basspilot]

So I started rigging my new yak already got a few scotty rod holders installed, rudder kit, milk crate and now ill be putting on an anchor trolley and fishfiner shortly after. I know a lot of guys fish from the yak but I was wondering what you guys run in terms of fishfinder units. Also do you guys prefer the gps built in or a handheld on the side? I had a few ideas in mind and it seems like the best bang for the buck I can find is the lowrance elite 4x (the color model without the dsi). Any thoughts?

[ScowardNJ]

I am looking to upgrade this year to a DI/DSI unit. A had the Humminbird guy at the Rockland Expo give me the whole run down on their stuff and the down imaging looks great. For the past 10 years I've been running an old Humminbird Matrix 17 that's good for reading bottom contour, but after seeing the "down imaging"-I want it! I'm looking at the Humminbird 596 HD DI, I'm just being patient and waiting to see one on sale. I think you are looking at around another $100 for the same unit with GPS combo. I got a handheld that i use for all kinds of stuff so I'm not considering it.
5" screen, center mounted on a ram mount. I use a rechargeable 12V 7Ah battery that has tons of juice. I can get about 3 days of use out of it before it needs a recharge. It's a little smaller than a brick.
The transducer is mounted in the hull with Duct Seal. I've had several transducers pop off the hull using epoxies over the years. I found out about duct seal and I will never go back($2.50 at Home Depot).

[torchee]

If you plan on doing any saltwater then go cheap.

The salt kills all equipment.

[UglyStick]

I am looking to upgrade this year to a DI/DSI unit. A had the Humminbird guy at the Rockland Expo give me the whole run down on their stuff and the down imaging looks great. For the past 10 years I've been running an old Humminbird Matrix 17 that's good for reading bottom contour, but after seeing the "down imaging"-I want it! I'm looking at the Humminbird 596 HD DI, I'm just being patient and waiting to see one on sale. I think you are looking at around another $100 for the same unit with GPS combo. I got a handheld that i use for all kinds of stuff so I'm not considering it.
5" screen, center mounted on a ram mount. I use a rechargeable 12V 7Ah battery that has tons of juice. I can get about 3 days of use out of it before it needs a recharge. It's a little smaller than a brick.
The transducer is mounted in the hull with Duct Seal. I've had several transducers pop off the hull using epoxies over the years. I found out about duct seal and I will never go back($2.50 at Home Depot).

I just got a Humminbird 598ci HD SI Combo GPS Fishfinder with Side Imaging for the new boat from iMarine. I researched it thoroughly and they by far have the best prices on these. Humminbird also has a mail in rebate available now (i think until June or July) so it makes it even a sweeter deal - check them out.

[mtman]

Does anyone have a pic. of their anchor set up --- i want to find a mount for my yak before i get going this spring--it got to be a hassle letting the anchor down and tying off everytime i wanted to stop to fish--thanks

ps where did you guys get your anchor trolleys

[ScowardNJ]

Go see Jon at the Kayak Fishing Store in Fairfield. He'll tell you the best set up for you, and slap it on your yak if you want.

http://www.thekayakfishingstore.com/p/anchors_associated_gear/tkfs_anchor_trolley.html