Handheld GPS for fishing

[northernfishin]

I'm thinking about getting a Handheld GPS to use both soft and hard seasons for all the lakes I like to fish in Mn. Anyone know what's a good model and about how much I should spend? I'm not cheap but will only spend the money when justifiable. I'm getting lost in all the different handhelds out there.

[CrappieFshr651]

Lowrance H20 is the best. Not sure on the pricing google them. I've never heard anything bad about them. Get the lakemaster chip and you're set.

[Kyhl]

If you have a smartphone, download the Navionics app for $15 and you are set.

It does not have Red or LOW in HD but many are happy with it, including me.

[mrfish1991]

Then there is always the option to go with an older unit such as the Garmin V, which I believe you can get a lake map pack for. Plus they are cheap on ebay.

[ZENNER]

The Lowrance H20 I think is no longer made. Three newer GPS Endura models of Lowrance are all color touch screen, have lake map capabilities as well as highlighted trials and way point functions. All a must have for a fisherman. Price ranges from $150 - $400 then LakeMaster chips run for $100. The chip is compatible in a range of electronics. Mounting brackets are sold as well for your boat, bike etc. I use mine for biking, backpacking, ice fishing, open water, and portages in the BWCA.

[northernfishin]

Thanks all for the replies. I was looking at the Lowarnce units, but couldn't figure out how the lake chips would come in to play. I've seen gps units with lake master chips and like that but know they don't make them anymore, so i'm not sure what the next best option would be.

[jjohnson5150]

Lowrance H20 is the best. Not sure on the pricing google them. I've never heard anything bad about them. Get the lakemaster chip and you're set.

Ummmmmm. Not quite so sure about that one. I've had nothing but issues with mine along with MANY others.

[MN Mike]

Thanks all for the replies. I was looking at the Lowarnce units, but couldn't figure out how the lake chips would come in to play. I've seen gps units with lake master chips and like that but know they don't make them anymore, so i'm not sure what the next best option would be.

Garmin makes a lake map product called the Upper Midwest Fishing Guide, it covers 7 states ( including Minnesota ), more than 9500 lakes and some of those are 1 foot contours. That map is going to run you about $99.00, then you just need a Garmin Handheld, they start at about $140 and go up from there.

Mike

[OnAFly]

I was just going to ask what the number of those lakes are MN lakes on that Garmin set. It looks like around 4000. That's more than the Lakemaster cards. Plus you get a bunch in WI, which is really nice. On top of that you get Rainy and LOW. That's a pretty good deal considering the equivalent set of maps would be ~$300 from Lakemaster.

I just lost my Garmin with the LM which are no longer available. I think I'll have to replace it with this set.

[MN Mike]

Fly,

You can go to Garmin's site and 'test drive' this map, they have an interactive map you can zoom in on and check out lakes you are interested in and see if they are covered.

I ordered my Upper Midwest Fishing Guide today.

Here's how you can get to that map once you are on the product page:

[Kyhl]

If you have a smartphone, download the Navionics app for $15 and you are set.

It does not have Red or LOW in HD but many are happy with it, including me.

Update, Navionics had the wrong version of LOW map for their app and plan to update it to HD soon. No exact date specified.