OK, I have a few questions on fish finders and those type of things.  First, I don't really know much about them.  I've never owned one before.  

 

  What is a good fish finder for around $200 and under?  

 

  And, can a fish finder be used with a canoe?  I know people who use fishing kayaks can use fish finders.  But what about canoes?  

 

 Thanks! 

Take a look at the Lowrance Elite 4x. It retails for around $170-$200. I have the GPS version which goes for $300, but the sonar is the same on both. I am really happy with mine.

 Are fish finders waterproof?  I mean, if water splashes on them are they protected or can they be damaged from water?  

 Are fish finders waterproof?  I mean, if water splashes on them are they protected or can they be damaged from water?  

They're supposed to be.LOL I've never had a problem with either Lowrance or Humminbird units I've used. There are stories of Lowrance units becoming waterlogged, but I believe that is limited to the higher end units.

I have a Hummingbird Fishing Buddy that I use on a small boat. It works very well in telling me the depth and locating fish. And it is portable!!

Pretty much all models of all brands are "good" and made for the outdoor environment.

 

As far as what craft they can mounted on, there is no limitations. You can use an innertube or an aircraft carrier.

 

Your task is to decide what features you want, how much you are willing to pay for them, and how difficult it may be to operate. No matter which one, you still have to put in the effort to learn how to operate them and interpret what they display.

 

The best way to find out what you would be comfortable with is visit a store that has lots of units on display, push some buttons and see what happens. Don't ask for or seek any help, do it on your own. The one that shows what you want to see and is easiest for you to operate is the one for you.

 Do fish finders come with that device that goes under the boat/canoe or do you have to buy those separate? 

 

 I guess if I get one (and I would like to buy one) I want it to tell me if there are fish and bass around the area and also how deep the water is and if there are any stumps or drop offs.  

The underwater "device" that transmits and receives the sound pulses is the transducer. Most all new units come with that unless you specifically purchase one that doesn't. The model number will indicate which.

 

Go to the Lowrance web site and view their tutorial about sonar units, that will get you started with the interpretation process.

 

http://support.lowrance.com/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1001&PARTITION_ID=1&secureFlag=false&TIMEZONE_OFFSET=&CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=2967

I've got a Garmin Echo 200 on my front deck that I really like. Very clear images for the price point. Comes with temperature reading, too.

Take a look at the Lowrance Elite 4x. It retails for around $170-$200. I have the GPS version which goes for $300, but the sonar is the same on both. I am really happy with mine.

This model is very popular with kayak fisherman, I know several guys that run the Elite 4X.

I picked up a Lowrance mark 5x pro. I think it was like $175 shipped.

Pretty much all models of all brands are "good" and made for the outdoor environment.

 

As far as what craft they can mounted on, there is no limitations. You can use an innertube or an aircraft carrier.

 

Your task is to decide what features you want, how much you are willing to pay for them, and how difficult it may be to operate. No matter which one, you still have to put in the effort to learn how to operate them and interpret what they display.

 

The best way to find out what you would be comfortable with is visit a store that has lots of units on display, push some buttons and see what happens. Don't ask for or seek any help, do it on your own. The one that shows what you want to see and is easiest for you to operate is the one for you.

 

The underwater "device" that transmits and receives the sound pulses is the transducer. Most all new units come with that unless you specifically purchase one that doesn't. The model number will indicate which.

 

Go to the Lowrance web site and view their tutorial about sonar units, that will get you started with the interpretation process.

 

http://support.lowrance.com/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1001&PARTITION_ID=1&secureFlag=false&TIMEZONE_OFFSET=&CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=2967

Wayne: This is terrific advice. It's refreshing to see someone give good advice without being sarcastic.

If you have a fiberglass canoe this could be a way to go, Im in the same boat(canoe) as to what kind of setup I want, Im gonna research over the winter and by late winter I hope to have a nice setup in time for spring.

 

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/warmwater/ww111708.php

 

And like georgeyew posted there are always these, another which Im looking into...

 

http://store.humminbird.com/category/271308/Fishin%27_Buddy_Series