I currently use a Lowrance LCX-26C HD which I’ve had for a number of years. Trying to decide if I should upgrade to an HDS series unit. I primarily fish for Stripers on Murray but have also been doing the inshore thing for Reds, trout and flounder. Was wondering if anyone has an opinion as to whether the cost of the upgrade, say to an HDS-8, was worth the money for the functionality it provides. My unit still works fine but I’ve heard some good things about the high def units with down scan…just looking for some input before I hurt the ol pocket…any input appreciated…
Ice Blue Pathfinder 2200
“Kemosabe”
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Not worth the money for inshore!
I personally have yet to find a good use for a depth finder inshore but i do not deep hole shrimp nor fish areas that i am not familiar with. So no real danger of me running aground.
I also fish murray most of the time. I have an HDS 7 with the side/down scan. I love it fishing for stripes. I truly believe it has helped me alot. I use the down scan mainly overlayed onto the sonar. There have been times i thought there were no fish where they should be only to be wrong when turning on the downscan. They will stack so tight on the bottom it looms like they are the bottom. I really havent found a use for the side scan striper fishing yet, but we are just beginning to fish shallow and believe it will help alot in the winter months when the fish are in the shallows.
Here is a link to some screen shots using the downscan.
http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=126928
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
Thanks, guys, as info I just found out that Lowrance is either announcing or has announced new “touch screen” models with 7,9, & 12 inch diagonal screen. That’s about all I know at this point but I intend to research it…kinda don’t want to buy over the hill technology if these new models add functionality. Just touch screen not a bigge with me. Got toooo many touch screens in my life…
Ice Blue Pathfinder 2200
“Kemosabe”
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Structure scan is awesome, at least so far.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
I had the 26C as well, and I loved it but it crapped out on me after 3 years, so I called Lowrance and they told me the only thing they could do was offer $700 credit toward a HDS 7 or $1,000 credit towards a HDS 10. I got the HDS 10, but it is definitely overkill for inshore. I love it on the reefs and in fresh water for locating fish on deeper structure but never use it in the creeks and rivers to locate reds or trout.
Thanks, Raddaddy, never thought about calling Lowrance to get a trade in credit…thanks for the tip!
Ice Blue Pathfinder 2200
“Kemosabe”
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After looking around for a big ticket FF, I picked the Humminbird 898c HD si combo. I hope I’m making a good choice. Looking at some of the forums that show how you target fish with the side scan looks really awesome, especially for locating bait balls and the fish that are nearby. Certainly that would help out on stripers and/or menhaden/shad/etc. Might even help navigate the treacherous Folly River now!
You will love that Humminbird, it’s a fine machine 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair