Helix 7 DI on Bow

[dwiebenga]

Is it necessary to have GPS? How often do you use it if you are not networked to console unit? I am thinking I may go with DI and Sonar only. I would be interested in hearing thoughts.

Thank you for your assistance
Dave

[Wayne P.]

Depends on how/where you fish.

Certainly don't need it at the bow when fishing the shoreline, BUT if you fish away from the shoreline and know where "stuff" is underwater, you would have a GPS waypoint for that stuff and can position your boat to fish that stuff.

Most of the time I don't share GPS data between the console and bow, at least 1/2 of my fishing trips are just using a bow unit with no units at the console, but I do use GPS/Mapping at the bow.

This lake has no map, so I made GPS tracks for a low water shoreline (green lines) using the Google Earth photo that in some places are 100 yards from the full lake shoreline. I have submerged roads, submerged humps and points, plus creek channels marked. I can go directly to them with no searching using sonar.



BTW, this lake is electric-only.

[joebone1]

i run 2 helix 7's at the bow - one sonar and one gps with lakemaster - i fish a lot of off shore

[Tarheel14]

Is it necessary to have GPS? How often do you use it if you are not networked to console unit? I am thinking I may go with DI and Sonar only. I would be interested in hearing thoughts.

Thank you for your assistance
Dave

Exactly what I was thinking too. I never use GPS on the bow. I'm wanting a Solix at the console but just 2D,and DI at the bow. Trying to figure out which unit is the best value.

[Midnight Rider]

If you want to know where you are on either a Lakemaster or Navionics map card, you need GPS. I personally use my maps at both the console and the bow. The only problem with the Helix models is they will not share maps on the ethernet...you have to have a card for each unit.

[CaptainSolo]

I agree that it depends on your type of fishing, but even if you are beating the bank it still pays off to have a map to use as a reference to keep track of what type of bottom contours you are fishing- like creek channels swinging towards the shore in front of the boat and so on. If you are fishing any structure off the bank, it absolutely is beneficial to know where you are in relation to that structure. I couldn't imagine not having my Navionics maps next to my sonar screen on the bow or on the console. Im a big believer in spending the extra money off the bat instead of regretting it later and spending even more money.

[Royt]

I agree with what Captain Solo says, better to spend a little more now. Also will help if you ever decide to sell the unit if it has GPS.