09-08-2014, 02:31 AM
As I'm sure you've already seen, there are lots of really great finders in that price range. As Liketrolling said, you could get a Humminbird that is compatible with iPilot link in case you ever decide to go with a Minn Kota trolling motor that is also set up for iPilot link. As for Down Imaging, I use it for "looking" at bottom structure but never for fish. I've never used Side Imaging so I'm no help there. Dual beam is useful, but certainly not essential, although if you use downriggers, it's nice to be able to track your rigger ball while viewing fish arches etc. It's easy to do that by using both beam frequencies simultaneously. I use a Lowrance and a Humminbird that each cost around $800 and they're both great units, but I do think I like the Humminbird the best. They both accept the Navionics map card, which is nice on Strawberry because the Strawberry map is especially detailed on that card, but of course the card alone is about $150. Well worth it though for me. Again, the trouble is everyone will say they like whatever finder they have, just like with reels etc. Have fun researching, and Happy Birthday.
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