2007 Fishing Gear Buyer’s Guide: Electronics
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Editor's Pick
Humminbird 997c SI
$2,000 · 800-633-1468 · humminbird.com Side-imaging sonar is getting most of the buzz in fishing electronics this season, and for good reason: For finding gamefish, baitfish, and likely structure, these units have no equal in the consumer market. A function in some of Humminbird's new units, side imaging works via a transducer mounted low on a boat's transom. It sends a narrow sonar beam out to each side, and the resulting echoes are displayed in extraordinary detail on the split screens of certain 900- and 700-series units. What you're seeing extends from the surface to the bottom and as far away as 320 feet on each side of the boat. The 997c SI unit provides both side-imaging and downward-looking color sonar, as well as GPS chart plotting, on an 8-inch screen. For about $800 less, the 797c2 SI unit has similar functions on a 5-inch color screen. The larger screen is easily worth the price difference. Humminbird's website offers a download of the owner's manual, which will answer the questions posed by most potential users. More Top Electronic Gear
William Joseph Infrared Thermometer
Bass Pro Prowler
Lowrance iFinder Expedition C
Minn Kota Terrova. Field & Stream Online Editors
Humminbird 997c SI
$2,000 · 800-633-1468 · humminbird.com Side-imaging sonar is getting most of the buzz in fishing electronics this season, and for good reason: For finding gamefish, baitfish, and likely structure, these units have no equal in the consumer market. A function in some of Humminbird's new units, side imaging works via a transducer mounted low on a boat's transom. It sends a narrow sonar beam out to each side, and the resulting echoes are displayed in extraordinary detail on the split screens of certain 900- and 700-series units. What you're seeing extends from the surface to the bottom and as far away as 320 feet on each side of the boat. The 997c SI unit provides both side-imaging and downward-looking color sonar, as well as GPS chart plotting, on an 8-inch screen. For about $800 less, the 797c2 SI unit has similar functions on a 5-inch color screen. The larger screen is easily worth the price difference. Humminbird's website offers a download of the owner's manual, which will answer the questions posed by most potential users. More Top Electronic Gear
William Joseph Infrared Thermometer
Bass Pro Prowler
Lowrance iFinder Expedition C
Minn Kota Terrova. Field & Stream Online Editors
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William Joseph Infrared Thermometer
$40 · 801-978-2207 · williamjoseph.net Thermometers of this type read surface temperatures without touching the water. Just point and click to check the river or pond. Mine also comes in handy to measure the wheel-hub temperatures of my trailers when Iﾕm towing. If the hubs are much more than 30 degrees hotter than the ambient air temperature, then Iﾕve probably got a wheel-bearing problem that needs attention.
Bass Pro Prowler
$100 · 800-227-7776 · basspro.com Itﾕs been a long time since Iﾕve seen an electric trolling motor at such a low price. The Prowler is a 12-volt, 30-pound-thrust, 30-inch-shaft model with a transom mount. Itﾕs perfect for fishing from a johnboat or canoe.
Lowrance iFinder Expedition C
$300 · 800-324-1356 · lowrance.com Increasingly sophisticated handheld GPS units are useful for anglers whose boats are too small to carry major-league electronics. The Lowrance iFinder Expedition C has a sunlight-viewable color screen, an SD card slot for loading nautical charts and highway maps (not supplied), and an electronic compass and barometric altimeter.
Minn Kota Terrova
$680-“$1,450 · 800-227-6433 · minnkotamotors.com A revamped mounting bracket makes for easier stowage and setup of Minn Kotaﾕs flagship trolling motor. The redesigned ¿¿foot-control unit is easier to use, and some models include a sonar transducer. A wireless CoPilot control is optional. Assorted shaft lengths, voltages, and thrust ratings are offered.