Hummingbird SmartCast

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these systems at all. They seem like a great thing for people like myself who don't own a boat and fish the Minnesota River mainly so I would have a good use for it.

Curious as to whether these things work well enough to justify buying one. Would be so nice to have depth readings on the river to make sure my 10" sucker minnow isn't sitting in 2 ft of water being attractive to only Gar and not Catfish. Obviously a nice tool to have, but not completely necessary. That's why I want to make sure it works very well before I spend the money on it.

[elkhuntingfan]

I have one. I used it when I fished a river coming into Crane Lake. We were drifting slip bobbers down the river. I just kept it on a seperate pole so I could check the depth in new areas I would cast to. I was then able to adjust my slip knot to make sure my hook wasn't dragging on the bottom. It worked fine.

[AceintheHole]

MNwild you are thinking the same thing I am. I'm going to have to pick on up this year forsure.

[JimBuck]

I've been curious about these as well....I bet they'd be very effective from shore or in new areas your boat can't otherwise get to. If you pick one up, let us know what you think of it.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I think I'm gunna go ahead and get one before springtime. The will be so handy on the river, I just want to make sure it will give me readings while it moves in the quick currents.

Also trying to decide which version I like best. The two with the small display are $80 and the big screen one is $140. I'll get the one that clips on the rod probably, as I do not need the fish finder part so much, just mostly looking for depth readings and temps.

[AceintheHole]

The one that clips on the rod has a 150' range one thats a watch only has a 75' range. I think i'll go with the one that clips on the rod. Getting a good reading in the current is the only thing I am worried about but I guess you never know till we try it out. Should be well worth the money for us shorecatters

[sparcebag]

I was gonna get one for river fishin also.I figured for bout 100 more I could get a 40 lb kayak and use my portable,the yak can be used for lots of other outings also.

Shore fishin I always thought the other side current looked better (the grass is always greener)Now I can fish there and not catch much either!

[HossFisher]

My friend had one and he barely used it at all before the battery was dead. I know he did not have a good experience with it and i dont think he ever uses it anymore.

[Chode2235]

I have the portable depth finder with the transducer and the smartcast. The smartcast works great for fishing from shore. The thing weighs a ton so you need a stout rod to throw it.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I'm sure my 8' MH Catfish rods will work for it pretty well.

[pushbutton]

bought the cheap one and like someone else said batteries went out immediately. upgraded to the 100 dollar one, brought to areas i know the depth and it was accurate and still working. not saying more expensive one is better, just my experience.

[Central Bassman]

I sold a tune of them to customers when i worked at Gander, My customers really enjoyed them.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

But do they work in swift river currents is the million dollar question.