I just got one of these as a gift, a model 2202. I see some posts from last year about an earlier model. Is there any input on the 2202 or update from last year. I was thinking about getting a [url "http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0045696018986a&navCount=1&podId=0045696&parentId=cat602011&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat602011&catalogCode=2UG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat602011"][/url]Humminbirdd PiranhaMax 215 or an Eagle Cuda 618. Any experience with any of these on a tube in small to medium lakes?
Larry
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I am also curious. I just go the 4200 model. I will be trying it out this weekend.[cool]
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Excellent unit. Cabelas has a sale on the case for that unit at $9.85 I had to get one. Sorry doesn't fit yours TubeN2. Take it out and start using it. Google articles on reading the screen for many insights to what you are actually seeing. Finding reefs and isolated stones is a satifying sport in itself, much less these areas are not hit very hard and yield large fish.
Look closely at my tube...
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[cool][#0000ff]Sorry, no first hand experience. But, I will say that from all of the reports and reviews over the past couple of years that the Fishin' Buddy line of sonars has been greatly improved and they are mostly well-liked by the floatation fraternity.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In the original models, the main downside was the small 9 degree cone angle of the transducer. Since tubers fish mostly shallower waters, that is too small to be of much help in locating fish, except the occasional strays right below your tube. However, with the sidefinder feature, you need the vertical sonar more for finding depth and structure than for finding fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I cannot make a specific recommendation, but if you can score a good deal on one, it should be worth trying.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][url "http://www.fishusa.com/tackleshop/catalog_product.asp?ProductFamilyID=%7B1C9C0BF4%2D210C%2D44AE%2D9F33%2D21566B69E225%7D&i=EE9C25823A6B4DF389581D4EBA0EC457"]LINK TO WEBSITE FOR THIS MODEL[/url][/#0000ff]
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I've had one of the new 4200s for about a year. I like it on the tube. The cone angle is 18 degrees. Since I fish mostly shallower water, the sidefinder is the most valuable feature to me. I also have my old Fishin' Buddy II that, contrary to the experience of many, is still running.
z~
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In the 2008 Bass Pro Shops catalog the Fishing Buddies are now produced by Hummingbird. There is a color one with a 34 degree cone for $279. Others are cheaper. The bad news... they take six aa batteries. I hope rechageable works in them. The color finder would be real help for me.
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I was able to test mine out. I really liked it. It has a bigger screen than what I was used to on my Bottomline Tournament 1100. I actually have room for both of them on my new toon.
The 1100 has the 600ft meter on it that I like for the ocean but now the side finder will also be my new buddy.[cool]
I hope you have a Happy New Year Uncle Z.[
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Thanks TN2 -- and Happy New Year to you, too.
z~
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Hi folks -
I am new to the site, but with viewing the different threads, I think the left coast tooning is well supported.
With my being from Wisconsin, I am still in ice fishing mode, but with a new fish cat from Santa, I am presently in the process of decking it out. I am in the process of upgrading the the tube based on a lot of the ideas posted here and pics of the tubes here. I believe we are sort of kindred spirits based on what I read here. However, that said, I have a few points, questions, etc.
As for the fishin' buddy 2200, I have one and been using it for two years on my old tube (creek company original uboat) and find it works well. Mine is also still working in perfect order, and in Wisconsin here, I need it to "see" into the water as a lot of our water has tanic acid in it, that makes it very dark and appear murky, although Wisconsin lakes are very clean generally.
Having a bad knee - and most likely a few years away from a knee replacement - I have purchased a BWSPORTS "float power" which is sort of a small round tube that has a platform that sits on the tube center and acts as a battery holder and motor mount. The tube is pulled backwards and the steering is done with fins. I hope the float power is all that it advertises. Anyone had any experience with this before. Personally, I am "struggling" with my choice of moving to a motor for my tube, but my friend "arthur" (as in arthritis) is sort making the decision for me.
Keep those posts coming. Any one on the site near Wisconsin??
Thanks -take care
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Welcome aboard and thanks for joining us here with your input on the FishingBuddy.
Sorry to hear about your friend "Arthur". I guess it can join you at any time and any age.
We did have some mention about the small motor that you are describing which could be beneficial for tubers with Arthritis.
If you do have some upper body strength working for you, I would also suggest a Paddle set up such as a Kayak has. I sometimes carry a small double sided paddle with me especially if I am tubing in Saltwater.
Others may chime in on this subject, but since the subject matter is changing from the original, I would suggest that we start a new Thread on the subject.
Simply go to the beginning of the Tubing secton. Click on "Post New". Add your subject and expand a little insight towards your question.
Others will surely chime in an before you know it, you may end up with a wealth of knowledge.[cool]
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Welcome EPCJMC, look forward to hearing from you. Great info there. I have one of those float powers also from when I had a tube, they are great! Now it is the Navigator II with a platform and a zipper in the back for the motor and battery....the only way to fly sometimes.
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I have a 1200 with the side finder, anyone know what the cone angle is for the side view? Is it the same as the regular view?
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It is still 9 degrees on the sidefinder but only 120 feet of visibility. That seems to work just right when you are after the Crappie and Bluegills. It allows you to see the schools all bunched up.
I have the 4200 which has a 20 degree cone but still 9 degrees on the side finder.[cool]
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Just remember that your sidefinders are also marking Bouys, Coots, Grebes, and Swimmers. All are hard to land on light line.
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I was trying to determine how efective it is when I am ice fishing and when I move how wide my prospective is.
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