My first boat had a Lowrance flasher on it and I soon added a Garcia paper graph. That was in 1974 and nothing to this day equals the detail you get from a paper graph. Although a good LCD comes close, and I want one, I still like my paper graph. My Lowrance X-16 is so sensitive it will show a Little George being jigged up and down 30 feet deep!
Hummingbird and others also make good depthfinders. If you are planning on buying one, try to talk to several people who have different brands, and, if at all possible, get on the lake with the different brands to see how they work and which one you want. Get as much information as possible to help you make a good decision.
Ice fishermen use depthfinders through the ice to locate fish, baitfish and good structure. There are many ways to use them and they are helpful in finding what you need to catch more fish.
For trolling, a depthfinder is invaluable to follow bottom contours and locate the right places to troll. They will not tell you how deep your lure is running, though, and there is a special device to show you that information. The two together insure your lure is where the fish are.
I turn on my depthfinder as soon as the boat is in the water and feel lost without one flashing at my feet while fishing from the front of my bass boat. The transducer is on the trolling motor so I know what I see is right under me. The flasher on my console helps look for features underwater while saving paper. I turn on my paper graph when I want to see details.
Get a good depthfinder, learn to use it, and you will have more fun and information while you fish. You will most likely catch more fish, too!
