I'm looking for a fishfinder <$250 and need advice. I don't trust the guys at the sports store as they seem to point me to the high $$ GPS equip finders no matter what I tell them.

I've never fished with any electronics so I know I have a lot to learn but I first need someone to start me off with finding a good unit.

I know absolutely nothing.

The lakes I fish are less than 60 ft deep. Boat is a 15 ft tri-hull. Transducer will probably be mounted on the trolling motor (at least from what I've learned so far).

Thanks for any advice!

Lowarance 135 would be my cheaper choice. Don't mount whatever you get, on your trollin motor, gimbal mount it so you can see it from bow and drivin. So many times your drivin when you spot good structure or fish. Shallow water is where you don't need it. Takes years to develope the knack, so hang in there. Some of the best I know use a garmin on a cord that plugs into the aux/ cig. hole for power and has an internal antenna. they both drive and bow ride with it on that long cord. But thats for GPS

The Eagle Fishmark 480 or the Humminbird 565 would be your best choice in that price range with the HB having the edge with a higher verticle pixel count of 640, a little more power, and a dual beam transducer.

The Eagle Fishmark 480 or the Humminbird 565 would be your best choice in that price range with the HB having the edge with a higher verticle pixel count of 640, a little more power, and a dual beam transducer.

X2

Thanks! you guys are awesome.  8-)

Another option for you might be the Lowrance X125.  It is a 480X480 pixel unit.  It is especially good if you night fish because it has an amber backlight.

4 bizz recommended the Lowrance X96.  I just used it for the first time and for the price it does wonders.  It's not color, but has great detail.  

The X96 is a good unit in the same price range but lacking in resolution (320X320) as compared to the before mentioned units.