New Humminbirds

[Dan]

I am finally ready to buy two graphs. I have always used Lowrance, but am going to go with Humminbirds. I want to spend about a grand on the console with something smaller for the front. Looking for recommendations.  Thanks

[dartag]

Just bought a Helix 5 Sonar for high speed running and am very impressed at the quality of a 200.00 unit.    They have bigger screen models.  I also have a 998 and 858.  The 998 is over your price range.  The 8 series units are great to.

Good luck

[Dan]

My price range doesn't include a hefty discount, so I really should have said $1500 or there abouts for the console. Ozinga says I should be looking at the Onyx series. I talked to Mike from DNR and he got me thinking I should go with the birds. Need to get his email address.
I am interested in having the side imaging. I really don't need it up front. Just something that is sensitive enough to fish for isolated fish with the ole drop shot.

[YpsiBass]

Those Helix units won't network will they? You didn't get the GPS version did you dartag?

[stackenem]

I have an 899 at the console and 859 at the bow. they are Ethernet connected and you can see the side imaging at the front with this set up. It still reads off the console transducer but is pretty neat once you get it all set up.

[Dan]

That sounds like what I would like. I am not fishing much in terms of tournaments any more. Just lost that desire to be that busy. However, I would really like to spend time learning how to fish all over again with these new units. My last Marshal trip to Kentucky Lake was a real eye opener. My pros would go for long periods of time without even making a cast. They were that confident with their electronics that they didn't cast until they knew there were fish and catchable fish below them. Rode with Ehler and Zaldain.

[djkimmel]

Ehler would definitely be an education on electronics. I don't know a lot about Zaldain but he has a good reputation. I would love to have side imaging too. Let us know what you end up buying and setting up.

[fishstick]

I would look into a 999 or 899 at the console and either a 959 or 859 up front. Ethernet them together and you'll have a pretty sweet system!

[FOB]

I agree with Fishstick.  That would be the way to go.

[Rangerman]

Before pulling the trigger get with a friend with Humminbirds and use on water DI and SI and then do the same with Lowrance.  I have the twin 1199 ci's and not as much detail as it should be or compared to other units of other makes.

[Dan]

Got the 899 on the console and 859 on the bow. Had them linked, transducer glassed and the whole enchilada done at D&R Sports. Ready to role with the sonar.

[Dan]

Had my new Humminbirds since July 2 and haven't had a chance to turn them on yet. Just hasn't worked out for me this year. Too many family issues. Recently though, I have been watching a bunch of You Tube videos and taking notes so that when I do get to go out I'll have some sort of idea as to what to do.
Did buy some windex with vinegar to clean the screens of my old graphs. The stuff worked great.

[Rangerman]

Agree 100% Winddex Mult Task is the real deal with mirco cloth