Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: DaN ThE MaN on May 01, 2006, 10:00:39 PM

Title: Portable GPS Units
Post by: DaN ThE MaN on May 01, 2006, 10:00:39 PM
I'm looking to buy a portable Gps unit. Any recommendations on units, brands, personal expericences ,etc. I'm willing to spend around $300.

Thanks DaN
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: Stone on May 01, 2006, 10:07:15 PM
Garmin is usually considered by most to be the better brand of the more common GPS units.  They have many models at around $300 retail.

I am currently using a Lowrance iFinder, and I have been very pleased with it so far.  The only thing I don't like is that I have one of the original models that was not waterproof.  I use it mostly for four wheeling, and even under heavy foilage I find that I can maintain a good satellite lock on my position.  It's WAAS enabled, so it is also very accurate.

I have tried Magellan a long time ago because it was cheap.  After trying for 10 minutes to try and get a lock on my position, I almost threw it out on the highway.  Instead, I returned it, got my money back and never bought a Magellan again.  The newer models may be better, but since my experience with Lowrance is so good, I haven't bothered to give Magellan another chance.
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: Bone on May 01, 2006, 10:26:12 PM
I have the Garmin vista, and i am very happy with it. It has a large internal memory (24MB) and has a barometer/altimeter feature that is great for monitoring fish habits. Other features include are hunting and fishing best times and lunar calendars.

bone
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: DaN ThE MaN on May 01, 2006, 11:34:07 PM
Thanks guys keep them comming, im leaning towards a Garmin for sure. The main use would be for fishing.

DaN
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: Fish Assassin on May 01, 2006, 11:58:31 PM
I've also heard good reviews on the Garmins. If I was buying one Garmin would be my choice.
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: BwiBwi on May 02, 2006, 02:24:13 AM
Which model can mark a spot and direct you back?
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: leaseman on May 02, 2006, 07:41:49 AM
Garmin also gets my vote....use it for fishing and hunting....
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: Bone on May 02, 2006, 09:06:26 AM
Which model can mark a spot and direct you back?

I think most GPS units will have that function. Mine has a feature that is called bread crumbs that will leave a track of were i have been.

If you guys are really interested in GPS, you should check out Geocaching.com. Just some fun things you can do with your GPS unit.
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: rln on May 02, 2006, 01:06:38 PM
you may also want to check out Lowrance hand held GPS units. Feature for feature, they are usually slightly better priced, but not as widely available has Garmin products.
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: DaN ThE MaN on May 02, 2006, 02:56:51 PM
Hey Bone, what model # is your Garmin.
Do you think i should invest in a colour screen??

DaN
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: Bone on May 02, 2006, 04:34:22 PM
Mine is the Garmin Vista. If  you have the money for a colour screen I would buy it, but I get buy fine with just black and white.
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: Fishin Freak on May 02, 2006, 05:45:23 PM
I have a Magellan Meridian and it's been great. Look closely at the Magellan products, in my mind there much better than Garmin. Since so many people own Garmin products it's hard to find a unbiased opinion. When I was looking into getting one I did a lot of research that led me to the product I have. It has tons of options, more than the Garmins in it's price range and always easily gets a signal fix.
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: Spudcote on May 02, 2006, 06:30:58 PM
Garmin legend, used it extensively for about 2 years now, love it.

I use it mostly to find halibut spots up north, have a few saved. It's gotten me home many times when the fog has set in.

Take the time to use it in an open field for a while to get the hang of it before venturing into the field relying on it for navigation.

Open ocean use is great, I was able to get accuracy to about 2 mitres, both in Victoria and up north.

Lots of fun to just mess around with, geocaching looks fun, there are a LOT of caches stashed all over Vancouver ()theres about 5 in UBC forest alone !). Good way to hone skills too.
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: BwiBwi on May 05, 2006, 12:15:49 AM
I got myserlf a Garmin GPSMAP 60C

Is it auto date/time adjust? I can't find the date/time adjustment
Title: Re: Portable GPS Units
Post by: DaN ThE MaN on May 06, 2006, 11:16:23 AM
Thats a nice unit you have Bwi, Ive decided im going to get a colour screen to.

DaN