Hi  all, this is my first post.  This site is great, as it is chalk full of great info.  I was hoping you guys could help me pick out my first fish finder.  I just bought my first fishing boat and would like to get a new fish finder.  I would love to have the hummingbird side imaging 1197, but I'm not going to spend $3000  what would you suggest?  I will mostly be fishing kentucky lake, surrounding small lakes, and the ohio river for catfish.  I would like to stay around $500-$600 bucks, but I could be talked into a $1000 dollar one if it is that much better.  Remeber that I know absolutly nothing about them, so any help is much appreciated, thanks

I would look at the Lowrance with the built in GPS/maps if I were you.

If you could be talked into $1000 then take a serious look at 797 side imaging unit from Humminbird.  There is nothing that can compare to what side imaging can do for you.  And Humminbird is the only one that has it.  It is amazing.

A hearty WELCOME to the BR Forums - the BEST bass fishing site on the Net, IMO. I wish I could help answer your questions but I am no expert on fish finders. I'm sure the rest of the great guys and gals on BR will assist you.

$1000?  Humminbird 797c SI hands down.