JDFishing

My advice would be to first compare the maps between companies and decide what exactly is the best map for the lake or lakes that you fish. This is by far most important. If you travel a lot, Navionics will most likely be your best chip. I'm biased to Navionics as it's what I count on to make my living. I understand all chips have their benefits so I'll share some Navionics benefits with you. First, Navionics works with both Humminbird and Lowrance. Secondly, Navionics is the only true software company, with that they allow you to update Freshest Data to your chip free for the first year. They are uploading data everyday. It's a simple process and here's a quick video I did demonstrating it. I'm a Lowrance guy, I've used both but Lowrance offers me more usable options out on the water. However, since you are leaning toward the Humminbird, you'd be able to participate in Sonar Charts. http://www.navionics.com/en/sonarcharts This could be an excellent option for you if you fish smaller lakes or lakes that aren't already in HD 1ft. contours. Basically, you enjoy a day on the water, record your sonar/gps data to a SD card then when you get home, upload the data onto Navionics.com. They'll turn it around (running about two weeks due to the influx of users sending in their recordings) and it'll become available to you and the rest of the community by viewing the Sonar Charts option, you'll simply just have to do a Freshest Data update. No matter whether you go with Lowrance or Humminbird you can view SonarCharts, wether or not you participate is up to you. I'm from MN and you being from WI can relate with this more than anyone in that we have 1000's of small lakes that will never see a survey crew, now we can do them ourselves in a day. Here's an example: Lastly, new to the Navionics line is Navionics +, which if you're at all familiar with their iPhone/iPad and Android App, is essentially the same thing but for your chartplotter. For $179, you buy a blank Navionics card and then upload whatever area you desire. Being you're a Cheese Head, sorry but I'm a Viking fan, you can upload everything in MN and WI. Then if you take a trip to Florida or Texas you can simply download the area you are going without being forced to buy a whole new chip. One last thing, not sure if LM offers this but here's a free Navionics site for you that allows you to view all their data before you buy. The small circle icon on the bottom left allows you to view the new Sonar Charts. http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp Hope this helps, good luck and CONGRATS on the new boat!! www.JoshDouglasFishing.com

A jig for sure. Probably 3/8 oz.

I'm pretty sure there's no way to combine chips. Question though, which Lowrance units are you running? How old is your Navionics chips? Which lake are you referring too? You may have some options.

Paper map? What's that? Kidding but seriously, the App is the only way to go. GPS, waypoint, 1000's of lakes, the list goes on. Personally, I'd much rather know exactly where I was ta on the water then giving it my best guesstimate.. Hope this helps.

I'd compare lakes and features and see which best suites you. Here is a link to Navionics WebApp that allows you at search lakes and see for yourself what data you'll be getting. http://www.navionics.com/en/webapp Platinum is a great chip and you have the option to view the new Sonar Charts, which is user generated content. You can go back and forth between the two viewers on your Humminbird. You can also view Sonar Charts on the new WebApp and play with this new and very unique function. On the WebApp simply zoom in and check the little circle icon in the bottom left hand corner. Keep in mind, this is in it's early stages but here's a couple screenshots I got from another site that a gentleman got with only one trip to Allatoona The goal for Navionics is that when a user records data and then loads it up on their website that they'll have it uploaded the next day. Things are off and running better than imagined and they are talking now like 2 weeks as they have over 800 logs they're catching up on. The beauty of this add on feature is that those that want to participate can record data while out enjoying a day of fishing and those that wish to not, can still enjoy the benefits of those that did. Also, mind you that when you purchase a new Platinum Card that you'll get a year of free updating. A simple process to gain the freshest data. Hope this helps!