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Post by greywalls on Aug 24, 2017 17:31:47 GMT -5
I recently purchased a pontoon, and am the process of setting it up for fishing on SML (nearly exclusively). As far as GPS fishfinders go, I think I've narrowed the choices to the Lowrance Elite-7 Ti TotalScan and the Simrad GO7 XSE TotalScan (although I've looked at Humminbird and Garmin, as well)...
In any event, I think the choice of map cards is important. Does anyone have any opinions of, or first-hand experiences with, any maps that are very well done for SML? I'd like to get the best card available for SML, even if it that dictates my fishfinder decision.
C-MAP, Insight Pro & Lake Insight HD, LakeVu HD Ultra, Navionics+, Platinum+, HotMaps, LakeMaster, LakeMaster PLUS, SmartStrike... Other...? The choices are fairly bewildering!
Thanks!
PS - Also, if anyone has had good experiences with any online or local retailers who might have deals on these fishfinders or cards, or on Minn Kota or Motorguide trolling motors, I'd love any suggestions.
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Post by mwardncsu on Aug 29, 2017 6:24:36 GMT -5
Make sure the maps card you choose has "high def" mapping for SML. Also, your choice of electronics will limit your map card choice.
I have the Navionics card. I know we say the LakeMaster folks our mapping the lake a few years back (but don't think that works in a Lowrance or Simrad unit). The Lowrance high-end card is pretty good as well I think.
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Post by Shadslinger on Aug 29, 2017 7:02:04 GMT -5
You can't beat a garmin for mapping. Love mine
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Post by greywalls on Aug 29, 2017 13:10:48 GMT -5
Thanks!
I ordered the Simrad GO7 XSE TotalScan, as West Marine finally put it on sale. It comes factory-loaded with the Lowrance "Insight" maps, which hopefully will be okay. I'll play around with the Insight maps, and then look into trying out Navionics later this Fall. With Navionics, their Navionics+ card ("East") ($149) covers all of VA and NC and seems like a decent deal. Navionics also offers a new HotMaps Platinum "East" card ($199) covering all of VA and surrounding states, which adds 3D and satellite overlays to the Navionics+ maps. Pretty cool stuff!
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Post by newswatch on Oct 29, 2017 9:15:01 GMT -5
Greywalls,
Did you ever try any of the other cards?
I'll be getting a place at SML this year and need a card/unit/etc. to be ready for the lake.
The navionics card got some good reviews in general.
Thanks,
Newswatch
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Post by 31Airborne on Oct 29, 2017 11:22:38 GMT -5
I use the Navionics Platinum card. The detail is unbelievable.
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Post by greywalls on Oct 29, 2017 17:47:12 GMT -5
Newswatch - The Lowrance/C-MAP "Insight" maps that come standard with the Simrad GO7 XSE that I purchased are okay, but meh. I'm running Navionics on my phone, and, IMHO, Navionics+ is a much-superior option for SML. I have yet to try Navionics Platinum; however, if I can find a Black Friday deal on this card, I 100% plan to switch. You can check out some general differences on these websites: 1. www.genesismaps.com/SocialMap/Index2. webapp.navionics.com/#boating@11&key=aodaF%7CywdN |
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Post by ikMOON on Oct 29, 2017 19:12:09 GMT -5
Grey, I have the same unit and transducer (although I use it on a kayak) and I used the Insight maps for a while, but wasn't impressed with them. I've since purchased Navionics and like it a lot. I can't speak from the experience of covering much ground on SML, but I like the ability to turn on the "sonar charts" on the web app to do research, and then know its the exact same on my unit's maps if Ive got them up to date.
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Post by bushwacker on Oct 30, 2017 6:45:34 GMT -5
Newswatch - The Lowrance/C-MAP "Insight" maps that come standard with the Simrad GO7 XSE that I purchased are okay, but meh. I'm running Navionics on my phone, and, IMHO, Navionics+ is a much-superior option for SML. I have yet to try Navionics Platinum; however, if I can find a Black Friday deal on this card, I 100% plan to switch. You can check out some general differences on these websites: 1. www.genesismaps.com/SocialMap/Index2. webapp.navionics.com/#boating@11&key=aodaF%7CywdN Check on BBC boards as well in the classifieds section. I got a Navionics+ card which is all of the US for under $100. I am thinking I paid $75 for it and it works great in my lowrance. |
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Post by Midwest Walleye on Nov 1, 2017 20:04:02 GMT -5
Greywalls, sounds like you already made your purchase (??) but I thought I'd throw out there that I really like my LakeMaster Plus card in my networked Humminbird and MinnKota set-up. The map is very detailed/accurate and the water level offset is a great function to have (I'm sure others no days have the same option?), especially with the lower water levels here lately. The Follow the Contour and Go To/Quick Route (creating your own personal route) come in very handy when trolling. The downside is the cost of everything but if you're just looking at GPS fish finders and maps, I'd recommend Humminbird (I've been a Lowrance guy in the past (older units) and cannot say a bad thing about them either, but have not had one on SML). As for SmartStrike, I have not had any success with it so far on SML, for any species.
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