Is anyone using a portable depth finder? I am thinking about getting one for use with my canoe on the no motors lakes. Should I get one, and what kind should I get. Right now, my depth finder is the marked anchor rope...

I use a Bottomline Sidewinder which I give five stars to. It clamps to the side of the boat, uses three C batteries and will run for hours before needing new batteries. It only goes down to about 220 feet (found that out last year trolling for lakers on Chelan). Other than that it has served me well. I would definately get one for your canoe, plus the side view feature is kinda nice.

[ 05-06-2001: Message edited by: MikeC ]

Ron,

I too use a Fishing Buddy. Mine has sideview also and I use that to advantage at times.

It's real helpful for chronie fishermen where it tells the depth, the type of bottom and sometimes whether fish are below the boat. The diameter of the transducer is small; about 1 foot for every 10 feet from the transducer.

While it does let you know where the fish are, it doesn't make them bite.

If you don't want to get a Fishing Buddy as the prices start about $150, I have a portable Hummingbird I'd sell.

I live in Kirkland also

I, also, have a Fishing Buddy. It has a limited "scope" but sure is handy in cutting down on some of the "guess" work. I am finding that it it makes me more frustrated when it shows the fish that I CAN'T catch! Good luck!

I';ve got a Fishin Buddy I would sell it has the side transducer also it is around 4 years old, works great! They are best at showing bottom structure and depth. The cool way to use the side transducer is to troll quite a ways from shore, parallel to shore. When you get a bunch of "hits" a certain distance away, you know how far from shore the fish are. Anyway Email me at gaa625@aol.com if interested. C