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Fishing is a lot more fun when you are actually catching fish rather than spending all day just looking for them. Thanks to GPS fish finders, finding those big catches just got a little bit easier. The new combo devices are very easy to operate and can be used on both commercial trawlers and getaway boats. With the GPS feature, you’ll feel safer exploring new waters. In this article, we’ll show you how to take advantage of the combined GPS and sonar capabilities of these fish finders.
When using GPS fish finders?
A signal is emitted that communicates with the GPS satellite orbiting the earth. The satellite returns a signal to your fish finding device that produces a three-dimensional image of the water beneath your boat. Using this three-dimensional image, the sonar will locate the fish and their images will also be displayed on the screen. As you troll over a body of water, the GPS / fish locator/ depth finder will constantly update details and images of the water underneath you so you can effectively determine if it is an area you want to try.
The technology of GPS combo units has become so advanced that choosing the right one for you can be confusing…
Before you begin to shop around, you should ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you fish in shallow or deep water?
- Do you need a fish finder GPS combo to help map your course?
- Should you consider portable fish finders because you fish in several places?
- Do you trust a specific brand?
Many GPS fish finders include full GPS navigation capabilities, as well as chart-plotting functions, and are equipped for sonar. Many combos come with different kinds of preset maps of coastlines, lakes, rivers, and other fishing areas of interest. Narrow down the features and functions you want so that you don’t end up spending money on an expensive device that you don’t really need.
Part of owning a marine GPS device involves diligent maintenance. If you don’t take good care of the system you could end up spending big bucks for replacement parts or a completely new system. When installing your marine GPS fish finder, try to settle on a permanent location that is easily accessible to you. Most boaters choose to mount it near the driver’s seat or steering wheel. It should be in a secure place where it can’t be knocked over. To keep the unit from being damaged when not in use, store it securely in either a storage compartment or in a marine utility bag.
It’s important to remember that water resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. Most GPS fish finders are completely waterproof but the monitor can sustain serious damage if submerged for long periods of time. You can protect your monitor by leaving it in a place where it’s unlikely that water will accumulate and by covering it when it’s not in use. You also need to handle the monitor with care when using the touchscreen function. Avoid pressing on menu option buttons and screen selections with anything other than a light fingertip. To keep the monitor clean, use a lint-free cotton cloth and a small amount of warm water. Avoid using any harsh cleaners, such as a window cleaner or fiberglass polish.
Final
There are many choices of different GPS fish finders so you have to know exactly what you want before you begin to shop around. Go on the Internet and find out what kind of features are available and compare them to the features you really need. You may find that a basic unit is just perfect for what you require. Getting all the bells and whistles can be tempting, but it’s best to keep an eye on the budget.
