Fish Finder:Humminbird Smartcast 25,35

[haywyre]

I am picking up my Fish Cat 4 this weekend and I am looing at accessories. I am debating on getting a Fish Finder for it. I am thinking about the Smart Cast Devised from Humminbird because they wont take up a foot print on the tube and I can dangle the Sonar by a 10lb test line over the side to give me a read out.

[url "http://www.humminbird.com/products.asp?ID=387"]SmartCast Devices[/url]


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[pleasantmisery]

I've never actually used one but they seem pretty cool. I'm curious how well they work so if you end up getting one post a review. I'm a bit tedious about getting one and want to talk to someone who has used one before I buy one.
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[cat_man]

I'd go with the Cuda 168 if I were you. It's perfect for float tubes and toons, small and lightweight, and around 100 bucks. I just got one used from another BFT member and I've tested it in the bathtub but haven't gotten it out on the water yet. A lot of BFT tubers have this model and are very happy with them.
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[Fishhound]

I have a Humminbird Matrix 37 that has the Smartcast system integrated as part of the package. I have used it for several applications - but never on my fish cat 4.

A couple of questions: Have you ever had a fish fishfinder ? Would this be your only fish finder ? Have you looked into other fish finders ?

Reasons for above questions: If it were to be your first finder, I would suggest looking into the Cuda or another one. If you were going to use it in conjunction with another finder, then you are going to be just fine. By itself, as your only one, I think you would not like it.

I have used mine to cast into a place that was not accessible from my position in my boat or pontoon and I have used it to look at the lures I was trolling behind my boat - I cast it out behind the boat and drag it just above my lures so I can see fish approach them. But I use it in conjunction with my other fishfinder.

The newer transducers are better than the one I have - they have a 90 degree cone and even water temp sensors.

I think for the price, you could get something more functional for the intended application and it would probably give you a better picture of what's below - especially if you've never had one before.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]They appear to be a novel idea, but I have never heard any good reports on them from serious fishermen.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You can get a lot more bang for the buck from several other low priced units from Eagle or Lowrance. Bottomline products also have some good units for the money, but their cone angle is usually very narrow (9 degrees) for shallow water tubing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You might want to go to the [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=202637;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"]SONAR SHOPPING GUIDE[/url] (LINK) on our picture board for more info on both sonar in general and some specifics on individual units.[/#0000ff]
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[haywyre]

Figures I had a n00b question I found the guide after I had poseted this topic Thank for your suggestions
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