Gear Guide: Tech & Accessories - Part 3

By Perry Mack

Gear designed to help you find the right spot on the lake, keep you fishing longer, and come home with the big one.

Humminbird HELIX 5 G2

The GPS units in the family all come pre-loaded with AutoChart® Live and are compatible with all Humminbird LakeMaster® charts, including SmartStrike™. In addition, the new units include digital sonar, Side Imaging and Down Imaging capabilities that have been enhanced through the use of CHIRP operating frequencies.All units feature the original HELIX 5’s best-in-class, ultra-bright 5-inch diagonal HD widescreen color display and professional features, but also include a new updated user interface.

The HELIX 5 G2 family consists of five models. All units feature an updated operating system, 800H x 480V 5-inch 256-color TFT display, and allow for gimbal mounting, or in-dash mounting with an optional kit. International models support 200/50kHz. Optional 50 kHz transducers are available for extreme deep-water use.

MSRP: $200 to $500 USD - humminbird.com

Hawkeye FishTrax FT1PXC

Fish from anywhere - dock, bridge, shoreline, boat, kayak, canoe, ice - anywhere your tackle box can go, the FishTrax™ 1X can go with you. Every FishTrax has the ability to be helm mounted using a variety of mounts including their suction cup mount. After one press of the power button they instantly deliver fish, bottom contour, bottom composition, water depth and water temperature readings. Each model incorporates a glare-free VirtuView™ display, a floatable, and troll-able and boat-mountable transducer. FT1PXC has a built-in flasher for the ICE guys as well as an IceShack kit for easy transport.

MSRP: $200 USD - hawkeyeelectronics.com

Humminbird Helix 10 SI GPS

The Best of Show for Electronics at iCast 2016 is ideal for larger boats or, at least, boats with ample console space for mounting the unit. The 10.1-inch backlit LED, 1024H x 600V display is super bright. The features are superb and, depending on the system you choose, you can enjoy great GPS and sonar functions, including detailed side imaging and down imaging. AutoChart Live lets you create your own maps as you drive your boat. The maps are created right within the unit; no data uploads elsewhere needed.

MSRP: $1500 USD - humminbird.com

Lowrance Elite-7 Ti

This touchscreen fishfinder/chartplotters offer anglers high-performance at an incredible value. With an easy-to-use interface, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, proven Lowrance navigation technology and high-performance sonar – including CHIRP sonar, StructureScan HD and DownScan Imaging – the Elite Ti Series is a robust, feature-rich, yet compact solution – all at an affordable price. The unit also includes a highly accurate, built-in GPS antenna that displays position on a detailed U.S. basemap, with more than 3,000 lakes and rivers and detailed coastal contours to 300 m (1,000 ft). Elite Ti models operate directly through the GoFree shop for downloads of mapping and software updates.

MSRP: $650 USD - lowrance.com