[Kristin]

Hey guys,

I am thinking about getting a fish finder for my fiance for Christmas. Only thing is, I am completely clueless about fishfinders and want to keep it a surprise. I know he mentioned once kinda liking the Hummingbird 525, but I read reviews for it and it had a lot saying it fogged up and couldn't get replacement parts.

I have read a ton of reviews and they all basically whittled out every one. I don't want to spend a crazy amount to get a Lowrance, which is the one I have read the best reviews on. What is a decent fish finder for the money that won't break all the time and be a piece of crap.

Thanks!

[shortbus]

How much money are you wanting to spend?

I have a humminbird 585 with GPS and I couldn't be any happier with it. It has been a fantastic piece of equipment. having the GPS built into the fish finder is definitely a big plus.

[oucorry]

Lowrance has gotten bad reviews on the customer service end. I think I would stick with the Hummingbird!

[walleye4]

I run Lowrance units, 4 total and have had nothing but great luck with them! I have never had a problem with customer service except that I have to wait sometimes on hold to get through! I think the reviews your hearing about are with the new HDS units and yes, there has been some problems but they are working on getting that taken care of. When they do, birds will be a thing of the past.

[Kristin]

Thanks guys. I have been looking and thinking maybe a Humminbird 565. But it only has two beams. I actually heard the HDS ones were great, but I'm not sure I trust the source. I am still up in the air about it.

[shortbus]

I would recommend you buy a humminbird fish finder. I'm not by any means knocking any other fish finder brands. I just know that mine has been nothing less than perfect.

Here is a link to some pretty good prices from google's shopping page:

humminbird - Google Product Search

[oucorry]

I will settle it. If we can get Lowrance to send me their best one and Hummingbird send me their best. I will use them for one fishing season and then decide. Sounds like a good idea to me

[birdman]

Whichever route you pursue, I definitely recommend getting a unit with GPS capabilities. This is an invaluable feature. A nice bonus addition would be a follow gift (b-day, anniversary, etc.) would be expandable base maps or hot spot maps for your area.