ORCA Coolers Are Ideal For Fishing

Posted on 07/17/2016 // Leave a Comment

Finding a proper vessel to refrigerate and preserve your catch for the day is just as important as having the ideal fishing boat. During my years as a charter boat captain, I have made the mistake of getting marine coolers that would only have a day’s worth of ice retention and ended up spoiling my catch, which ultimately costed me hundreds of dollars! Luckily, I learned from my mistakes with cheap ice chests, and found out about ORCA Coolers after doing some research at Discount Cooler Sales.

About ORCA Coolers

An acronym for Outdoor Recreation Company of America, ORCA coolers truly were constructed for the active outdoor enthusiasts. Cliff Hunter, the father of ORCA was a hunting pro and used his knowledge of hunting and the rugged outdoors to create a cooler that embodies everything an outdoorsman needs.

If you like your hunting and fishing ice chests homegrown in the USA, then ORCA Coolers should definitely be your top choice based on that notion alone. However, other than being manufactured in the USA with American-made parts, there are plenty of other constituents that make ORCA Coolers a prime choice for fishing trips, and my favorite cooler to take with me during my biggest and profitable catches.

ORCA Coolers - Prime Construction

The outdoors can often be unpredictable, but your cooler doesn’t have to be. The Roto-molded construction means that even the most intense weather patterns can’t phase the ORCA Cooler. I once went on a fishing trip off of the Michigan lakeshore during a particularly brutal hailstorm. The hail managed to put a couple dents in my boat, but didn’t make even a scratch on my ORCA! It was after that when I knew that my ORCA was built for the long term in mind. I wouldn’t be surprised if I am able to pass down this ORCA to my future great-grandkids for when they are old enough to go on fishing trips with my sons and grandkids. The prime construction of ORCA Coolers is used to make them generational.

ORCA Coolers - Ice Retention

The extra thick, polyurethane insulation is what makes this probably the best insulated marine cooler on the market. In comparison to other ice chests, ORCA’s definitely are top contenders for the best ice retention. Even four-day fishing or hunting trips with non-stop UV exposure doesn’t melt all of the ice in your ORCA. My longest fishing trip was a 5-day catch off of the Florida coast, and even with the sun rays beaming directly on it, I still managed to have half of the ice in my ORCA, by the trip’s end!

ORCA Coolers - Plenty Of Useful Accessories

ORCA is not just a cooler brand, they are actually a lifestyle brand that is made specifically for the outdoorsmen. I say this because they sell a large variety of accessories that cater everything from the novice outdoorsmen to the pro outdoor enthusiast. For example, the most important part about a boat cooler is that they have to be able to adhere well to the boat’s surface, because boats are always wet and in motion. It is for this reason that ORCA sells many different accessories to give your ORCA Cooler an iron grip onto your boat. They sell everything from “Sticky Feet” to add to your cooler or a non-slip cooler pad. Even if you don’t get any accessories that are add-ons for your cooler, they offer exciting ORCA products, such as products for your canine companion and even a line of their own sunglasses called “Croakies.” ORCA Coolers - Wide Variety of Sizes & Colors ORCAs range in a plenty of different sizes for a multitude of different outdoor activities. You can get a 20 QT cooler for personal trips to 140 QT coolers for huge get-togethers, or anything in-between. When it comes to the color of coolers, they typically don’t deviate from the typical color of white, tan or camouflage for the avid hunters. However, ORCAs appeal to the masses with a range of different colors offered, including different team colors for you to tap into your school’s spirit. Give Back While Buying Although ORCAs seem like they are up there in the price range, they are well worth it, in terms of amazing components and reliability. In addition, ORCA excels in philanthropy, with each purchase giving back part of the sales to charity organizations that support conservation groups, breast cancer research and wounded warrior programs. All in all, ORCAs are my top choice for a reliable and high-end cooler to take on my fishing trips. If you are looking for an ice chest that will far exceed your expectations, then this is it. Check out ORCAs website. Or, check out the various colors, sizes, and prices now. … [Read more]

303 Fabric Guard vs Starbrite

Posted on 05/18/2016 // Leave a Comment

I have spent many years owning a business as a charter boat captain. Appearance of my boat is paramount for not only myself, but my customers as well. After spending lots of time researching products in the marketplace, I came to a conclusion that the 303 Fabric Guard product is the best product out there for the job. Even when looking at 303 Fabric Guard vs Starbrite, 303 outshines. 303 Fabric Guard has many benefits including excellent water repellency, stain resistance, mold and mildew protection, and it helps to maintain your boat's colors like new. Another reason I like 303 products for my boat is their value. Compared to other products out in the marketplace, such as Starbrite, I believe 303 Fabric Guard is a higher quality product, and provides a better value for your money. I am a big believer in quality and this is more important to me than the actual price of the product that I use to protect my boat. 303 Fabric Guard Reviews One of the things I did extensively before choosing the 303 Fabric Guard was to examine the many 303 Fabric Guard reviews of both online and from friends of mine in the charter business. When looking at reviews online, you have to do a lot of research. 303 has a line of products in other areas (i.e. 303 Aerospace protectant as well as other products). I researched not only Amazon, but other retailers out there, as well as my local boat supply shops. I asked several shop owners how they liked 303 Fabric Guard vs Starbrite, and they all said that they preferred 303. Overwhelmingly, the consensus that I came to was that 303 Fabric Guard has a reputation out there as being the best product, in every channel that I looked at to purchase the product. But to me, the ultimate test was when I actually used both products in action. One time, I even did a direct comparison of 303 Fabric Guard vs Starbrite by using one product on one half of the surface, and the other product on the other half. The 303 went on smoother, and seemed to last a bit longer. After using the 303 product for a few years now, I can tell you from experience that the 303 fabric product has worked flawlessly with no issues whatsoever. The response from my customers and colleagues has been equally as positive. Many of my customers tell me repeatedly that my boat is spotless and looks brand new. This is no accident. The 303 Fabric Guard is my secret. I never tell them how old my boat actually is because that is not important. My colleagues who fish with me on personal trips tell me that my boat’s fabrics look brand new and in great condition almost every time we go out on an excursion. I urge you to look at the other 303 products as well on MeanJoeClean.com. I use this line of products on my patio umbrella, car interior, and there are many other applications out there for which I am sure that I have yet to discover. Where you buy the product is up to you, but I tend to buy the 303 gallon size of for a couple of reasons. First, I like to have it on hand, so I can apply as a protective use, rather than waiting for fabric to become damaged and then applying it. Second, I buy the larger quantity so I do not have to purchase it as often, and it is a better value for my money. Amazon typically has the lowest price for the 303 gallon size. Hopefully this post will help steer you in the right direction to use the 303 Fabric Guard. Believe me, I've tried just about every product out there, and 303 Fabric Guard has worked the best for me and my boat. … [Read more]

OPT7 Lighting Took My Boat To A Whole New Level

Posted on 04/27/2016 // Leave a Comment

In addition to the recent SeaStar boat steering system upgrade, I also made an investment in a new lighting system for my boat to improve my bow lights, as well as my interior LED lights. Whether out fishing, or on a pleasure cruise, I felt that my boat needed an upgrade to the lighting system. After extensive research as to which lighting system to choose, I decided on the OPT7 Lighting products. Why choose OPT7 LED Lights? Well there are many reasons: OPT7 lights are brighter, the LED strips are longer, they stay dry eliminating shorts, and they last almost forever (a really long, long time). I will describe in the next section some more details about why you should use these brand of lights, and why they have taken my charter boat to a new level of lighting.

OPT7 Lighting For Boats

I was a bit nervous at first when shopping for new lights for my boat, because I wanted to make sure that I didn't buy an inferior product. Thankfully, after having installed the OPT7 lighting products, I couldn't be happier. What really helped me decide was the great info I found about the lights on http://lightheadz.com/. I chose to install both new bow lights and interior LED lights. Allow me to explain each to you and outline why I am so pleased with the OPT7 Lighting that I bought. When it comes to marine vessels, bow lighting is very important. OPT7 Lighting has the HID and LED system to fit your needs. 1. If you fish at night, these bow lights will help you catch more fish as they are very very bright. 2. The LED strips are larger, brighter, and have more lights that other companies. 3. The lights stay dry because they are sealed with marine grade silicone, ensuring they stay dry. 4. The lights are rated to 50,000 hours of use which is a long time. 5. The lights will not yellow over time. 6. The lights are super easy to install. 7. If purchasing the navigation bow lights, they conform to all coast guard requirements for distance as well, this is something that is very important as well. With regard to the interior lighting, the performance of the OPT7 Lighting is equally as effective. 1. The LED colors are brilliant and bright. 2. The aura lighting strips can bend and twist to any surface. 3. Installation is quick and painless. 4. The lights are of top quality, and durable.

The OPT7 Lighting kits are very nice, because they include all items you need, and are easy to install. The cost is very affordable, and to put it simply the quality is excellent. I cannot believe how much brighter they are than my old lights, and how much better they make my boat look and perform. They are great after dark, and to be perfectly honest I made a mistake in not doing this upgrade a long time ago. It seems to be a no-brainer to me for the little amount of money that it actually cost me. I am also going to investigate the OPT7 Lighting for my towing vehicle as well. I understand they make a full line of products for vehicles. If the performance is anywhere near what it is for my boat, I may invest some money to upgrade my vehicle’s lighting system soon. Before you decide to change your boat's lighting, be sure to check out the laws regarding boat navigation lights in your area. … [Read more]

Installing My SeaStar Solutions Hydraulic Steering System

Posted on 04/04/2016 // Leave a Comment

Recently, I had a steering cable failure on my charter boat. My charter boat is a side source of income for me and it was imperative that I replace it with a quality steering system. I use my boat for not only fishing and sightseeing charters, but for personal use as well. After researching steering systems that were out there in the marketplace, I came to the conclusion that the SeaStar solutions hydraulic steering system was the choice for me to keep my boat operating in a tip-top fashion.

Why I Installed a SeaStar Solutions Hydraulic Steering System

To me, there are several factors that influenced my choice of a new SeaStar Solutions hydraulic steering system: 1. Cost - The bottom line is you get what you pay for. The SeaStar Solutions Hydraulic steering system was a great value for the money. At a little under $600, and easy to install with a simple instruction booklet, you cannot beat the price, and if you do it yourself like I did, it will save you money on labor as well. 2. Quality - Quality is a must. You must purchase a well made boat steering system if you want it to last for a long time. The last thing you want to do is purchase a junk system and have it fail you again. It not only will cost you money, but time to select and purchase a new boat steering system. The SeaStar solutions Hydraulic steering system was the clear choice for me. Seastar has been in the business for over 50 years, and has always been a great innovator in the area of hydraulic steering. Their name in synonymous with top quality.

3. Performance - Ease of steering is a huge deal for me. I did a lot of research on boat hydraulic steering systems before purchasing my replacement. The SeaStar solutions hydraulic steering system for ease of steering and performance was the only and best choice in my book and it gives 5 wheel turns lock-to-lock when used with a BayStar outboard cylinder.

Which SeaStar Solutions Hydraulic Steering Kit I Chose

For my charter boat, I chose the SeaStar HK4200A-3.

This SeaStar solutions hydraulic steering kit had everything I needed for the job, and for all the reasons above was perfect for getting my charter boat in pristine operating condition again. One other tip I can offer is to check out http://seaknights.com/ when you are considering a hydraulic boat steering system. They have a lot of great info that I found helpful.

The SeaStar Solutions Hydraulic Steering Parts I Used:

The kit that I purchased includes all of the following SeaStar solutions hydraulic steering parts: A BayStar cylinder (part no. HC465H), one BayStar tubing kit (part number HT4420H, consisting of 2 x 20' hoses), a BayStar helm pump (part no. HH4314-3), two bottles SeaStar hydraulic steering fluid (part no. HA5430), and one (convenient Filler kit, part no. (HA5438). This is a complete boat steering system and gives you everything needed to get you a reliable quality system with high performance at a reasonable cost. Hopefully this post will be of some assistance to you and I wish you the best of luck in finding the best SeaStar hydraulic steering system to get your boat up and running and get back to doing what you love, which is being on the water. With SeaStar products, I guarantee you will not be disappointed and will allow you to enjoy your boat for many years to come in the future. … [Read more]

How to Pick a Fishing Charter

Posted on 02/24/2016 // Leave a Comment

A memorable fishing expedition is all about catching your favorite fish and having fun in the ocean or lake. To make your fishing trip successful and enjoyable, it is utmost important to pick a good fishing charter with the best charter captain. Fishing charters are an ideal option for spending a couple of hours or days on the ocean or lake without worrying about things like fuel costs, tackle and equipment, or finding the fish. Below are tips and advice on how to pick a fishing charter. Picking the right fishing charter determines whether you will have a great day on the water or a frustrating one. So it is necessary to put some thought and research into it while deciding on a charter that offers the best fishing experience on your budget. There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to selecting a fishing charter for you. With so many options, finding the right one for you can be difficult at times. Fortunately for you, we’ve rounded up a list of things you need to consider while booking a fishing charter.

How to Pick a Fishing Charter: Fishing Style

The kind of fish you want to target plays an important role in choosing a fishing charter. For example, is the targeted fish a freshwater or saltwater type? Many charters are specialized in specific styles of fishing. You need to consider these specialties when picking a charter: reef and wreck fishing; flats and backcountry fishing; inshore and off shore fishing; or night fishing.

How To Pick Fishing Charter Captain

You might not know how to determine whether the charter captain is good or not. Selecting a good fishing charter captain is not that hard. You need to make sure that you choose a seasoned captain who has a good track record and wealth of local knowledge. Many fishing charter captains work as part time fishermen for extra cash on the weekends or holidays. Choosing a full-time professional has its advantages. An experienced captain can predict the local waters and fish behavior more precisely than a part-time captain.

How to Pick a Fishing Charter: Location

Find a charter that’s near to where you are staying. There’s no point in traveling across the city when there’s charters available just down the road. Getting to the spot early in the morning is hard no matter how close you are staying.

How to Pick a Fishing Charter: Safety

It is an important factor to consider when choosing your fishing charter. Check about the insurance liability coverage of the charter before boarding. Make sure the charter is fitted with life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFD). Inquire if the fishing captain has adequate knowledge about First Aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treatment. Finally, you also need to check the weather condition before you leave.

How to Pick a Fishing Charter: Boat

The success of your fishing trip will largely depend on the size and condition of the boat. A bigger boat not only gives you comfort and space, it also has the better seaworthiness than any smaller boats. Bigger boats are more stable and can sail smoothly on the water. Smaller boats are considered less stable and have limited space to accommodate people and equipment.

How to Pick a Fishing Charter: Budget

Let’s face it, cost is an important factor. Smaller boats have room for 2-4 fishermen; while a large boat can accommodate up to six persons. A 4-hour fishing trip in a small fishing boat can cost you around $200-$400. If you are looking for a longer trip (8-hour) you might have to shell out $1000-$1200. So you need to choose the fishing charter according to your budget and requirements. By picking a good fishing charter you are sure to save time, money, and most importantly, you will be able to enjoy your fishing trip without worrying about anything. … [Read more]

Best Ice Fishing Shelters for Sale

Posted on 11/20/2015 // Leave a Comment

Ice fishing is quickly becoming a favorite sport and the best ice fishing shelters of sale enhance every ice fishing experience. Sitting in a chair on cold ice is nobody’s idea of a good time which is why you will see ice shanties littering the ice when you go ice fishing. Ice shelters are a must if you want to be able to be comfortable while you are ice fishing. Anyone that does any amount of ice fishing will let you know from the jump that you have to have reliable shelter on the ice that is going to keep the cold off of you. Reviews of the best ice fishing shelters for sale online reveal that there are some top brands that can easily fit the bill when you are looking for the best ice fishing shelters for sale. The top brands are Eskimo, Frabill, Clam and Otter because they offer a wide range of options that can meet the desire of any ice fisherman.

The Best Ice Fishing Shelters for Sale and Their Options

It is all about the options when you are considering which of the ice shelters is going to suit your needs. What size shelter will you need? How much do you want to spend on your ice shelter? If you are interested in going solo than a one man shelter will be a great choice. If you want to be able to stretch out a little bit than you can go for a two man shelter and have a little more elbow room without having to spend much more money. You can find options that are heated if you really want to stay warm. Other options include windows and thermal padded seating. Of course the more options you have the more you are going to pay. You should check out http://opus-net.org/ to learn more about the best ice fishing shelters for sale and to read reviews.

Best Ice Fishing Shelters for Sale with Seats

Most of the flip style ice houses have built in seats. The built in seats do not really add that much weight to the ice shanties so it can actually save you from having to carry extra gear. It is a tradeoff though. The flip style ice fishing shelters are usually a little more costly than the tent styles because you pay for convenience and ease of set-up. Of course convenience is sort of what it is all about in the first place. If you stick with the minimum size that you need for comfort you will not feel the pinch of the cost difference between the flips style and the tent style.

Extras for the Best Ice Fishing Shelters for Sale

Even the top of the line ice shanties will require a few “extras” to make them safer and more comfortable to use. You want to consider buying extra ice anchors, extra runners for the sled, a cover for towing and some reflective tape. A small plastic shovel will come in handy as well. Extra ice anchors will come in handy when you are setting up your shelter. Extra runners for the sled will keep your sled moving without any issues. You also want to purchase a cover for your sled rig so that it does not get covered in mud and muck as you tow it behind you. Reflective tape is also a nice addition because you can run the tape on the ice shelter so that it can be seen at night by snow machine drivers. If you are going to go ice fishing you have to have a shelter, because without it you will be miserable the entire time. Even if you thrive in the cold, not having shelter from the cold potentially can put you at risk of hypothermia. … [Read more]

Tips for Selecting the Best Electric Trolling Motor

Posted on 10/22/2015 // Leave a Comment

When you want to improve your trolling technique and increase your chances of catching muskie or other fish, you are going to need the best electric trolling motor. There are dozens of quality trolling motors to choose from, all of which can easily be attached to your boat.

Best Electric Trolling Motor - How to Choose

Whether you consider yourself a pro angler or a recreational fisherman, choosing the best electric trolling motor for sale online can go a long way towards boosting your trolling methods. To help you select the best electric trolling motor, look over these tips and suggestions for comparing motors and examining features.

Primary Features of the Best Electric Trolling Motor

What features should you look for, when shopping for the best electric trolling motor? The first feature to consider is whether you want a hand-controlled or foot-controlled trolling motor. Motorguide and Minn Kota are both known for creating high-quality foot-controlled motors, as this has become the preferred style of operation. With foot-controlled motors, both of your hands remain free. Some of the other features to look for in the best electric trolling motor include: Performance rating Bow or Transom mount GPS auto-pilot Shaft length The performance rating of the motors refers to the pounds thrust of the motors. You can typically find the best electric trolling motors in 12V, 24V, and 36V models, with thrust ratings varying from 55 pounds to 130 pounds. For canoes and small recreational boats, a 12V motor with 55 pounds thrust should be sufficient for trolling, while larger boats may require a stronger motor. You will also need to decide whether to mount your motor along the bow or transom. Transom mounted motors remain the more popular option, as they tend to be more affordable and easier to setup. When considering the mounting position, look at the height of the hull of your boat. For a boat with a deep hull, a longer shaft length will be needed – you need to ensure the motor actually reaches the water. Before shopping for the best electric trolling motor, it may be a good idea to measure the height of your boat – from the top of the hull to the water level. Another feature to consider is GPS. The concept of trolling requires you to troll around an area at a constant, slow speed. With GPS auto-pilot, you can set your trolling motor to maintain a consistent speed and automatically navigate a set course – trolling in circles around a detected hot spot, while maintaining a slow and steady speed.

Best Electric Trolling Motors Top Manufacturers

A handful of companies are known for manufacturing the best electric trolling motors, including Motorguide, Minn Kota, and Bass Pro. These are not your only options, but shopping from these top manufacturers is a good place to start your search for the best electric trolling motors for your boat.

Comparing the Best Electric Trolling Motors

Once you decide on the features that you are looking for, begin evaluating different models, looking at customer reviews, and comparing prices. When it comes to choosing the best electric trolling motor for your fishing needs, carefully consider the pros and cons of all the motors in your price range. Summary of the Top Features to Look For Foot-controlled trolling motors allow you to keep your hands free for managing your fishing lines; though, there are other features to consider. You should also look at the overall performance rating to ensure the motor you choose has enough power to propel your boat. Decide whether you want to mount your motor along the bow or transom and if you would like to use GPS auto-pilot for automated trolling. The shaft length could also be an issue, depending on how far the hull of your boat extends above the water level. Keep these considerations in mind, as you shop for the best electric trolling motor. … [Read more]

Top 5 Summer Muskie Fishing Tips

Posted on 10/21/2015 // Leave a Comment

With a selection of helpful summer muskie fishing tips, you can make the most out of your summertime muskie fishing trips. There is a common myth that fall is the best time to catch musky. If you know what you are doing, and follow our Top 5 Summer Muskie Fishing Tips, you will have no problem catching a few musky at the height of summer. Are you getting tired of reeling in bass or walleye? At some point, you may want to up your game and go for the bigger prize – tiger muskie and other varieties of this large fish. Learn how to increase your chances of catching musky during the summertime with these summer muskie fishing tips. Also, be sure to stock up your best musky tackle box for the money with good quality muskie tackle.

#1 – Summer Muskie Fishing Tips – Choose the Right Muskie Rod

The first of the summer muskie fishing tips is to select the right rod. Traditionally, anglers have preferred shorter, heavier rods for catching musky, but this tradition is changing.

Musky can be notoriously difficult to catch, which is why there are often referred to as the 10,000-cast catch. Having to constantly recast your rod throughout the day will take its toll on your arms. This is why many are making the switch to longer, lighter rods. This gives you further range and more agility when reeling in a catch. While a longer, lighter muskie rod is becoming the preferred choice, you still need to ensure it is sturdy enough to bring in a massive tiger muskie. Before you head out to the Wisconsin lakes, or other common tiger muskie fishing spots, make sure that you have the right muskie rod. You can find out more information about catching trophy muskies and selecting the best muskie rod at TigerMuskie.net.

#2 – Summer Muskie Fishing Tips – Choose the Right Location

Muskie are not the easiest fish to predict. They have individual personalities and are solitary hunters. This makes it difficult to guess the best location for catching musky. Some musky tend to spend their time along the bottom of the lake, near weeds, waiting for their prey. Others swim in the open, searching for something to eat. When choosing a location, you may want to start off near weeds or large rock piles. Make it your goal to start from the areas where musky may be able to hide and work your way outward. Since the majority of musky tend to swim around the weeds, this is the best placed to start. Throughout the day, if nothing is biting, work your way outward, towards more open waters, but remain within a good distance of the weeds or rock piles.

#3 – Summer Muskie Fishing Tips – Choose the Right Lure

When it comes to musky lures, you are going to need something large and colorful to attract musky during the summertime; though, you may want to switch between medium-sized lures and a large lure, as you work your way towards the open waters. Near the weeds, you will tire your arms out having to reel in a large lure.

#4 – Summer Muskie Fishing Tips – Choose a Depth and Speed

Trolling tends to be more effective than casting, as long as you choose the right depth and speed. Musky like to swim near the bottom of shallow areas, so that they can strike at walleye and other fish above them. With this in mind, an ideal depth is around 5 to 6 feet in an area with a water depth of 10 to 15 feet. As far as the speed, you want to keep moving, but not too fast. Try to maintain a speed between 6 and 8 miles per hour. Be sure to pick up a top quality fish finder to make your life much easier.

#5 – Summer Muskie Fishing Tips – Proper Musky Reel Techniques

As you troll around, do not just drag your lure along. After several minutes, you should reel in about 30 feet of line, as fast as you can. This will mimic a walleye or other fish darting away quickly. If you do not get a musky to strike, let out your line again. Wait for your line to tighten and then give the line a good, aggressive jerk. Continue this process, while trolling, to boost your chances of getting a tiger muskie or other musky to strike. Using a high quality muskie reel is imperative.

Summer Muskie Fishing Tips - Bonus Tip

Be sure to stock up your favorite musky tackle box only with high quality gear. You don't want to lose the catch of a lifetime, due to choosing a cheap lure from your musky tackle box. And, when it comes to keeping your lures safe and secure, a big and solid muskie tackle box is also an important tool to have.

Summer Muskie Fishing Tips Conclusion

For seasoned anglers, catching bass and walleye can get tiring. If you are ready for the big catch, use these summer muskie fishing tips to reel in a larger prize. Back to LakeForkProFishingGuide.com/ … [Read more]

The Best Fish Finder Under $200 Is A Powerful Little Device

Posted on 10/20/2015 // Leave a Comment

Guests to our charter boat service often ask us what is the best fish finder under $200. Well, today we help you find one.

How to Find the Best Fish Finder under $200

Find out how to choose the best fish finder under $200. A sonar and depth finder can be an invaluable tool when spending the day on the boat trying to catch some fish. Spending an entire on the water without more than a few bites is never fun. If you are looking for a solution to catch more fish, learn how to pick the best fish finder under $200.

Features to Look for in the Best Fish Finder under $200

Even though you are looking for the best fish finder under $200 does not mean that you are going to have to settle for an inferior product. By paying attention the main features that you want in a sonar and depth finder, you will get more out of your next boat or kayak trip. You should look at the GPS system and the power and depth of the sonar. The user interface is another factor to consider, especially if you are not used to operating a GPS unit. There is nothing wrong with using a fish finder to help you catch fish. Many people are surprised how helpful these little devices are. For example, after using the depth finder, you may discover that some of your regular fishing spots are only a fraction of the depth that you initially thought. These small digital devices can provide a large payoff – in the form of more fish on your next fishing trip.

Best Fish Finder under $200 - Quality GPS and Sonar

The main considerations are the quality of the GPS, sonar, and depth finder. The sonar is used to detect fish in the area, while the GPS creates a map of your location and plots the locations discovered by sonar. The sonar technology will also detect the depth of the lake or river. Generally, you will want a fish finder with a depth of at least 1,000 feet. Garmin is one of the most trusted names in GPS systems. For the best fish finder under $200, the first product to come to mind is the Garmin Echo 150 Dual-Beam fish finder, with a total depth of 1,300 feet. Garmin is a well-known manufacturer of GPS systems, both for fish finders and vehicle GPS units. The Echo 150 features a 4-inch screen in crisp grayscale. When you are out in the water, with the sun at your back, you will appreciate the easy to view grayscale. They bring their same level of quality to the Garmin Echo 150 Dual-Beam fish finder. The depth finder is capable of reaching depths of 1,300 feet.

Best Fish Finder under $200 - Ease of Use and Mounting

Along with GPS, sonar, and depth, you should look at how easy the depth finder is to use. You do not want to spend time messing around with a complicated menu on a small screen. Again, the Garmin Echo 150 has you covered. The screen is easy to read and Garmin has used a simple menu system for navigating the menus. The quick release mount allows you to attach the echo 150 to your boat or kayak without any trouble. There are other options, when shopping for the best fish finder under $200, such as the highly rated Lowrance Mark-4 Fish Finder and the Humminbird 591 Fish Finder. All three depth finders have a 200 KHz Transducer, but the Garmin Echo 150 feature the furthest depth at 1,300 feet. The Humminbird 591 has the larger screen, at 5 inches, but the navigation can be a little clunky compared to the Garmin and it only has a depth of around 600 feet.

Final Decisions on the Best Fish Finder under $200

What are you looking for in a fish finder? If you want crisp, accurate images with an easy to use menu, along with a deep depth and high-powered sonar, then consider purchasing the Garmin Echo 150 fish finder. You have many options, but the Garmin surpasses its competition in each of the key categories. … [Read more]

Choosing The Best Portable Fish Finder

Posted on 10/19/2015 // Leave a Comment

With the best portable fish finder, you will never again have to deal with a wasted day out on your boat trying to catch bass, muskie, or any other type of sport fish. Using GPS and sonar, a depth finder will help you determine the best fishing spot in your immediate area.

How to Choose the Best Portable Fish Finder

Do you hate it when you just cannot seem to find a spot where the fish are biting? You spend all day out on the boat or kayak and barely get a nibble. You wonder where all the fish swam off to. That is why you need to consider getting a sonar fish finder. By choosing the best portable fish finder for sale online, you can use your sonar depth finder to locate bass and other fish without any hassle.

How Can the Best Portable Fish Finder Help You Catch More Fish?

If you have never used a sonar depth finder to locate fish, you are missing out. The process is simple. The depth finder bounces sonar off the bottom of the river or lake bed, sending the signal back to the fish finder. A GPS system builds a map of the area and then plots out the areas where the sonar detected movement.

What Should You Look for in the Best Portable Fish Finder?

What features should you be looking for, when trying to find the best portable fish finder? While some of the features may vary based on your needs, your main priority should be focused on these features:

Display size and resolution
Depth of the sonar
Quality of the GPS system
Portability
Ease of use

First off – the best portable fish finder will have a high resolution and a large display. This will make it easier to actually determine what you are looking at. The last thing you want to have to deal with is squinting and straining your eyes to make out whether there are bass in the area or your eyes are just playing tricks on you. A good resolution should be at least 480 x 480. The depth of the sonar and the quality of the GPS system are two of the most important features, as they are the core of the system. The GPS will map out the area, so you know where to point your boat or kayak, while the depth finder will use sonar to detect fish in the area and plot out the location on the display. Try to find a depth finder with a maximum depth of at least 750 feet – this should work for most rivers and lakes; though, if you know that your favorite spot has a deeper bed, you could look for a deeper maximum depth. A couple of other features to consider are the portability of the depth finder and the ease of use of the program or menu. The best portable fish finder should be easy to use, without complicated menus, options, and navigation. The portability of the fish finder could also be a major consideration, if you want to easily switch your depth finder from your boat to your kayak.

Additional Features of the Best Portable Fish Finder

Along with the basic features mentioned above, some added features that you may be interested in include the ability to add waypoints, save GPS coordinates, and the option to upload your own GPS maps. Actually, the best portable fish finder should come with a whole range of bonus features that allow you to customize the maps, charts, and plotting of coordinates. Make the Most of Your Next Fishing Trip Keep all these features in mind, as you start your search for the best portable fish finder. Above all, the quality of the sonar depth finder and the GPS system should be at the top of the list of features to pay attention to. Sometimes, it helps to have an extra advantage over the fish. Before you head out on your next fishing trip, take the time to find the best portable fish finder, so that you can use the combination of sonar and GPS to track down the best fishing spot. … [Read more]

How to Make a Fish Finder Portable For Your Boat or Kayak

Posted on 10/17/2015 // Leave a Comment

Have you been looking for answers on how to make a fish finder portable? Using a depth finder can help you locate fish in the area, but you do not always want your fish finder to be permanently attached to your boat or kayak. Perhaps you have an existing fish finder or the fish finder that you plan to buy is not designed to be portable. Here are some suggestions for how to make a fish finder portable.

Learn How to Make a Fish Finder Portable

The steps needed to make your fish finder portable will depend on the unit that you have. Many depth finders have a separate sonar transducer. The sonar needs to be able to detect the shape and structure of the lake. The sonar bounces underwater, detecting bass, muskie, and other fish. Portable units often have the sonar transducer built-in to the GPS unit, while mounted units may have a sonar transducer that is connected to the device. When determining how to make a fish finder portable, you will need to focus on two aspects – the depth finder and the sonar transducer.

How to Make a Fish Finder Portable – Choose a Case

The first step, when wondering how to make a fish finder portable, is to choose a case. You will need some kind of case to hold your depth finder. This could be anything from a toolbox to an ammo box. The case should be large enough to fit the fish finder and the fish finder battery. portable fish finder

Some people may assume that using a suction cup is the easiest method of keeping the fish finder in place, but you may not find a suction cup powerful enough to support the weight of the unit. Instead of using a suction cup, use a c-clamp to keep the casing in place. Place your GPS unit inside a toolbox and mount a c-clamp to the top of the toolbox to keep the screen in place.

Positioning the Sonar Transducer on Your Boat or Kayak

The sonar transducer will often be positioned away from the unit – towards the front of your boat or kayak. This will improve the ability of the transducer to detect bass, muskie, and other marine life underwater. Many anglers attach the sonar transducer to one end of a hockey stick. The other end of the hockey stick is kept in place using a c-clamp. From there, the fish finder can be placed in a toolbox or plastic casing and set inside the boat or kayak.

How to Make a Fish Finder Portable – Select a Fish Finder Battery

In most cases, you will need a fish finder battery. Mounted units can be connected to the boat, while portable units will need their own fish finder battery. For most situations, a 12-volt portable battery can be connected to the fish finder.

Final Thoughts on How to Make a Fish Finder Portable

When you are looking for a solution for how to make a fish finder portable, the process is simple. You need a case to hold the fish finder battery and the GPS. The screen should be mounted to the top of the case. The sonar transducer should be connected to the front of your boat or kayak, often kept in place by attaching it to a hockey stick and then clamping the stick in place with a c-clamp. This is just one method of how to make a fish finder portable. By using a simple method of making a fish finder portable, you can make an existing depth finder portable or increase your available options when shopping for a fish finder. You are no longer limited to only choosing from portable marine fish finders. … [Read more]