I know it's been asked a million times, but...

[32eml24]

You guessed it!  Dropshot electronics!  I understand the concept.  I had an Eagle like 80 dollar model that came with my boat on the bow, turned up scroll speed and sensitivity blah blah and couldn't see anything, whatever.  Transducer snapped off so now I'm in the market for something better, looking to spend around 500 bucks.  Since this question has been asked a million times, I'll break it down into a series of smaller questions and then any additional discussion will just be an added bonus.

1. Down imaging appeals to me because I've always been curious about what's ACTUALLY down there.  I'm sure it has it's pros and cons.  The DI has 16 and 25 deg. beams, the other ones have 20 and 60.  Which serves my purpose better for drop shot work?
2. Do I need to buy an adapter for the trolling motor or a whole new transducer all together?
3. Id like it to have gps as well.
4. I want to be able to see my drop shot and the fish without second guessing.  What is my main priority?  Screen size, resolution, etc?
5. If anyone could provide a suggestion for a specific model thatd be great.  Or if anyone has experience, good or bad, with a certain model i'd love to hear that as well.

Thanks! Ethan

[bigmojet]

If I'm not mistaken Di as well as so requires boat to be moving to get proper signal. I would go with.a nice color model with gps like a HB 788.

You will need a trolling motor bracket for transducer unless u have a newer Minn lots with transducer.

[1javelin]

DI does not need the boat to be moving to create the image, it would show up the same as your traditional sonar but with the image instead of the return.  For that price you should be able to find a good DI from Humminbird online somewhere, don't want to recommend any sites in case they are not sponsors on here. You can message me or some of the other members if you want more info on where to find them.  I haven't tried the dropshot or spoon fishing with my Bird yet, but that's because I haven't used it much and even though I took the class, I am still mesmerized by how many settings there are and how to operate them all.  I will be playing with it this spring though once I get my boat to me.  There's a video on here of dropshotting from Lowrance electronics, gives some useful information. 

1jav

[32eml24]

Assuming that most drop shot work that can be seen on a screen will be performed almost directly beneath the bow, it just makes sense to me to use a narrower cone and also have a more accurate picture (down imaging).  This would be my thinking for the 16 and 25 degree beams being an advantage for the technique as opposed to the 20/60.  Is that logical thinking?  Also what's the big difference between traditional sonar and HD sonar, and how important is it to drop shotting?  Thanks again for anything,  I know nobody wants to give up their secrets as this is a commonly overlooked/misunderstood part of the sport. 
Ethan

[32eml24]

Okay, not many replies.  I'll try to be even more specific.  It's between HB 385 ci Di, HB 597 ci, or the Lowrance Elite 5 DSI/Chartplotter combo.  Please pick one for the bow of the boat!
Ethan 

[SethV]

Either the HB 597 or Lowrance Elite 5 will work.  Screens are both kinda small for GPS and Sonar - and you need to see both at the same time, but they will work.  HB has better customer service.  I tend to like Lowrance sonar images better.  Really, both are good units.  I have 2 Lowrance's and 2 HB's on my boat.

I don't know the screen sizes of those 2 units off the top of my head, but if one screen is wider than the other, that would be my choice.

[Waterfoul]

You don't NEED down imaging to drop shot fish under the boat... been "playing video games" with my Humminbird 587 on the bow for years.  Most people here know I'm kinda, well.... a drop shot addict, so I think I can speak with some authority.

Go with a 'Bird.  Free updates when they are available, great customer service, and you can swap transducers with them for free on the initial purchase (get the trolling motor xducer... no bracket needed).

[Bender]

I'll agree with Seth, but the standard sonar has gotten a lot better in the last year on the HBs. I have 2 Lowrance and 1 HB on my boat and want to add another HB next year. I'm not completely sure because I don't use it much, but I don't think that you would be able to see your d.s. rig on down imaging. It is very easy to see on traditional sonar, I even rigged one of mine up for ice fishing which is basically the same on the sonar. You see the bait drop down and the fish comes up to it.

[Waterfoul]

Dang... thanks Bender... I meant to mention that it's actually very difficult to see the small drop shot weight and bait on the down imager view as compared to the standard sonar.  With the right settings on the sonar, you can call your shots, and some times even call the size!

[bigjc]

I just ordered an HB 597 ci HD combo last week.  If you don't need the mounting bracket and transducer, HB is selling them on their website for $380.00.  If you do need the whole package, the new BPS catalogue has them for $499.00.

I am going w/ the 597 at the bow, and looking for a HB Side imaging unit for the console.

[32eml24]

Well the 597 it is then! Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. Now Waterfoul, I'll have to take you to some of my hot spots so you can teach me how to use the dang thing sometime soon! Spring can't come soon enough!

[VinceR]

If you've narrowed your selection down to HB, I would recommend that you go with one of the units in the 700 series. The units in the 700 series can be "networked". This may be important in the future if you decide to upgrade your console unit, and opt for a HB SI or DI unit.

All of the 700, 800, 900, and 1100 series units are network capable, the 300 and 500 series are not.

[Waterfoul]

Well the 597 it is then! Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. Now Waterfoul, I'll have to take you to some of my hot spots so you can teach me how to use the dang thing sometime soon! Spring can't come soon enough!

Anytime!

[huston]

Try and wire your HB on the Bow directly to a power source since TM interference has been a problem with these units and some Trolling Motors.