Overton’s/Gander Mountain has an amazing deal on a Humminbird 698ci side-imaging fish finder/GPS combo. It’s normally a $600+ unit. With rebates, its $220 after SC taxes. Granted, this isn’t a very large screen at only 5" (480x640) but for a 2nd unit or to use in a place with not much room, it’s feature packed. It would be perfect to use as a dedicated GPS or side imager in conjunction with a main unit. As eventually happens with all electronics, this is a phased-out generation - hence the great deal. But I wouldn’t let that scare you. I have this unit’s big brothers, a 798 and an 1198, and they are a breeze to use, have an easy to see, bright screen, and do the job admirably. Personally, I like non-touch screen units and this one fits that category. If you know someone who needs a combo ff/GPS -its a helluva value for the money.
How did you get it down to $220? It shows $350 for me with a $75 rebate and $25 coupon code.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
actually its even cheaper, ORDER ONLINE FOR FREE SHIPPING AND NO TAX. the elite-5 is also on sale. i can’t decide which to get.
Elite-5 $270 -$50(lawrance rebate) -$50(gander gift card)=$170
698si $350 -$75(hummingbird rebate) - $75(gander gift card)= $200
Just in case you’re interested, Academy has the Humminbird Helix5 on clearance for $149, and the Helix5 di for $187.
http://www.overtons.com/marine-electronics/
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish
I would like some opinions about side imaging. How helpful is it? How easy is it to interpret the images? Most of all, will it help me catch more fish?
quote:
Originally posted by GeronimoHow did you get it down to $220? It shows $350 for me with a $75 rebate and $25 coupon code.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 JohnsonWilderness Ride 115
It has TWO $75 rebates. One to Overton’s in MN and one to Johnson Outdoors in TX.
To Redscout:
If you live in and purchase in SC. You pay tax because there are some Gander Mountain retail locations. Or should I say, at least they charged me- $20. NC has some Overton’s retail stores.
To mdl5155:
Side imaging has it’s benefits but it’s not for everyone. For one thing you have to be moving for it to work. If you just downfish it has no value to you. If you fish over structure off to the side of your boat, like when pulling planer boards- it’s awesome. Also, it’s useful for looking under docks and structure which, granted, is more for panfish and green fish- not necessarily Stripers. The other thing with side imaging is there is a steep learning curve to actually see fish- partially because you often look for the fish’s “shadow”. But once you have it figured out you’ll consider it another valuable tool to help you find fish. For this unit, at this price, I think it’s like getting a freebie on an already good ff/GPS combo.
scgmc, I really appreciate the way you put it in a simple to understand way. This is a striper forum, and I do fish for stripers once in awhile, but in reality I live on Lake Marion and fish for largemouth most of the time and stripers from Feb to April. The “learning curve” is my biggest concern because I still don’t feel proficient with simple DI. Thanks
mdl, like scgmc said, at this price, the SI capability is just a freebie. It’s a good deal if you never use the SI, so I wouldn’t let that deter you if it otherwise fits your needs.
I’ve never had a unit with SI, but I would think a 5" display is too small for anyone that plans on using SI often anyway.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
DF90 Suzuki
quote:
Originally posted by mdl5155I would like some opinions about side imaging. How helpful is it? How easy is it to interpret the images? Most of all, will it help me catch more fish?
If you use Facebook search Doctor Sonar and follow his page …
He does an excellent job posting examples and explaining what you’re looking at …
… it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish !!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
I was just in gander and they also gave me $20 off using winter20 code they had taped to the counter