Hey folks, I know this isn't really the right board, but the Tackle Board seems rather inactive lately.I'm looking for any input on finders for my tube. I like the Fishin Buddy due to it's weight and portability, but don't know about how good it is. I also saw a Hummingbird at Sports Chalet that runns on 2 6volt lattern batteries for $139. Any thoughts? Rumors?
Thanks folks,
Amish Ed

Ed-
I've been thinking about this too. So far I've decided that if I were to do it, I'd get a portable fish finder off of ebay for like 200 bucks then make a little platform for it to mount on which would have straps to attach to the tube. The fishin buddy comes in a couple models. Apparently the $150 model looks like it came from toys r us so if you go with the fishin buddy get the $200 dollar one.
-Brian

Yeah, I've pretty much given up on the Buddy. Yet, you are the only one thats given any reason why they won't get one or got rid of the one they had. I mean if it's only because they look lame I'll take it. It'll match the angler, and be less likely to be ripped off. Any other reasons out there?

Amish Ed

I've been using a Fishing Buddy on my tube for about 4 years. It has worked great. The only problem I've had is it will double the actual depth it is reading. A few weeks ago in Tahoe the guide I took had a Bottom Line depth finder and he said that was usually due to bubbles on the "eye". It only happens rarely and is usually fixed instantly by turning the unit off and on. I've been using it in the ocean for over a year now with no problems. If you don't use the light the batteries last a long time.

The model I have was $180 when I bought it. When I bought it they had two models and mine was the more expensive one. I think it matches the middle-of-line model they have out right now.

I used it with the Fishin' Buddy Holster available at Cabela's (http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPOD/CabFALL1998/CabFALL1998ACAm/IA533X). It worked okay but was kind of flimsy. I have since built a PVC holder for it that works much better. I now use the Holster as a cup holder.

I love the depth finder and would not like going out without it. Since I usually fish pretty shallow and for halibut it's not really a "fish finder" but more a "depth and structure finder". I also like instantly knowing what the water temperature is.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

Thanks for the info. I am curious about how the fish show up. Are they those stupid little fish or boomerangs? Also, does it differentiate between say hardbottom, kelp, and sand? Thanks again for your input.

Amish Ed

Hey, Amish Ed,
Did you end up buying your Fishin Buddy? I've been eyeing them too as looking pretty convenient for my float tube. Was wondering what you thought if you did get one. Let me know.
Ken A

Nope, haven't made a decision and my b-day isn't for 2 weeks. So, no money even if I had figured out what I want. I'll post once I get one though. Please do the same if you get something.

Amish Ed

Got a Fishin' Buddy 1200(cheapest) and tried it out at Lopez on Saturday. It works great! Its nice to be able to see the features on the bottom. I have a U-shaped tube and need to work on the location of it. I had it toward the front of the tube but I think it may work better up toward the backrest. I'll try it again next weekend at Margarita and let you know how it goes as I get more use out of it.
Ken A

Thanks for the report. It looks like I'll be waiting a while to get one. But, keep me posted if you don't mind. One never knows what might happen.

Amish Ed