Humminbird Fish Finders

A Fishfinder is a device that tracks schools of fish and is used by professional fishermen and by amateur fisherman. You can install a fixed mount fishfinder or use a portable one. The portable fishfinder can be easily installed on any boat type and then removed when the day is over. The portable fish finder will help make sure that you do not come home from you fishing trip with out catching anything.

Fishfinders have three main components. The three components are a screen, clamping device and a transducer. Obviously, the screen enables you to see the fish. The clamping device enables you to set the fishfinder in a convenient location. The transducer beams out the sonar signal and makes it possible to locate the schools of fish.

Every portable fishfinder basically works in the same way. The display capabilities can vary from each model. The transducer is placed in the water. It then sends out the sonar signal in a cone shape. The cone angle is the width of coverage under the boat. Therefore, as the cone angle gets wider, the coverage area gets wider. Fishfinder cone angles vary from model to model. Examine the features with the model you are looking at carefully.

The boat then moves around slowly and the transducer then picks up movement in the water. The data is then sent to the screen showing the fishermen the activity under the boat. A fishfinder identifies schools of fish. It's that simple. You troll around on the water and locate the fish.

To simplify, a portable fish finder uses similar GPS technology that is used in you car. Some fishfinder models are made for trolling around the lake or river in your boat, while other models require the boat to be more stationary to provide the most accurate readings.

The display screen may be colored or may be gray scale. The gray scale LCD's will make it even easier to read your display. It will be easier to determine what structures are and what are actual schools of fish. Pay close attention to the different types of screens and their different features. This can be a big determination on which model to purchase.

The frequency capabilities vary between the different models fish finders. Some models have higher frequencies that provide superior resolution, different cone angles and so on. Other models are better for seas with shallow depths while others are configured to handle much deeper water. Fishfinders the have an adjustable range for depth perception have become more available.

Depending on the features, your pricing will vary greatly. Models that have a basic video screen will cost less then models with a full color LCD screen. Fishfinders with a greater horizontal and vertical range will be more expansive the ones that cover a narrow range. Faster sonar updating will add more cost. The faster your sonar updates, the clearer your image and you end up with a more detailed report on your screen.

Jack has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in sport fishing, you can also check out his latest website on Marine Electronics Ratings for a comparison of the best marine electronics. Also check out Portable Fishfinders.

Best Fishfinder Ever

Garmin Fishfinder 140 with 4.7-Inch Display and Dual-Beam Transducer $95.54 When seeing your targets clearly is the goal, the Garmin Fishfinder 140 marine GPS is the one tool you need on your next fishing expedition. With 240 vertical pixels on a four level grayscale display, you get better separation and contrast so you'll know exactly where you're most likely to make the perfect catch. Like all of the new Garmin fishfinders, the 140 features Ultrascroll for fast screen ...

Garmin Fishfinder 160C $213.99 Fishfinder 160C's included dual-beam transducer provides excellent shallow-water performance, and the wide viewing angle lets you see fish even off the sides of the boat. The 160C also offers UltrascrollTM, which refreshes the screen with lightning speed so you always see the most up-to-date information. You can manually adjust the gain or set to Auto Gain, which adjusts the level of detail you se...

Humminbird 161 Combo 4-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter $184.87 161 ComboThe high performance 161 all-in-one Combo with high resolution monochrome display, GPS Chartplotting with the built-in UniMap and compact size makes an ideal upgrade to your old factory or dealer installed model.Key Features: Full featured fishhfinder and GPS with built-in maps puts you on top of the hotspots Internal 16 channel WAAS GPS receiver with omni-directional antenna for higher p...

RAM Mounting Systems RAM-D-111U-C heavy duty RAM Universal Marine Electronic Mount $109.06 This is the beast of all ball-style electronic mounts. It stays put in the roughest of sea conditions. You can use this to mount large electronics displays like the Raymarine C and E series, or the Garmin 3200 series chartplotters. It has a short arm for mounting electronics in tight places where a longer arm is not necessary or space is not available. Multiple mounting hole patterns are pre-d...

FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C $329.94 FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C

FISHFINDER, 728 $394.94 FISHFINDER, 728 FISHFINDER, 728

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

Fishfinder 325 $179.99 Fishfinder 325 HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 325

Fishfinder 560 $179.94 Fishfinder 560 HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 560

Fishfinder 345C $279.99 Fishfinder 345C HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 345C

Fisheasy 245DS Fishfinder $141.94 Fisheasy 245DS Fishfinder Big performance and features, compact case. Featuring the new 83/200 kHz Dual-Search technology for optimum fishfinding performance in both shallow and deep waters!Display:4" (10.2 cm) diagonal screenFilm SuperTwist LCD240x160 pixel resolutionBacklit screen4-level grayscaleSonar:Depth capability to 800 ft* (244 m) with 1,500 watts of peak-to-peak powerCompact 83/200 Dual-Search Skimmer transducer with dual beams producing up to 120 degrees of fishfinding coverage - includes built-in temp sensorAdvanced Signal Processing (ASP) automatically adjusts your settings for the best sonar picturePatented GRAYLINE separates fish from nearby structure and bottomAdvanced Fish I.D. shows underwater targets in different sizes of fish symbolsFishTrack displays target depth readings above fish symbolsSurface water temperature readings come from a built-in temp sensor in the transducerZoom with zoom bottom tracking and easy zoom-in/out controlOptional Portable Version:Optional pack includes Port-Power Pack case and portable compact Dual-Search Skimmer transducer with suction-cup mounting bracket (batteries not included)Performance:Easy to connect/disconnect with uniplug cable connectorInternal back-up memory for key sonar settingsCompletely sealed and waterproof, even for use in harsh saltwater environmentsFull one-year warranty* Actual depth capabilities depend on transducer configuration and installation, bottom composition and water conditions. All sonar units typically read deeper in fresh water than salt water.

FCV585 Color Fishfinder $1825.94 FCV585 Color Fishfinder The FCV585 is a dual frequency (50 kHz and 200 kHz) Color LCD Sounder featuring Furuno's DSP technology. The FCV585 displays underwater conditions in 8, 16 or 64 colors on a super-bright 8.4" LCD screen. You've probably heard about digital fish finders, but aren't quite sure what the difference is. The main difference is the filtering capabilities and auto adjustments. Our new DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology helps adjust gain, STC Clutter and output power, as well as suppress main bang (the echoes just below the transducer.) It also makes the picture clearer and easier to decipher. But even the best digital filter wont help unless you start with a solid basis, such as Furunos renowned fish finder technology. The FCV585's waterproof construction allows it to be installed on any bridge. Audio and visual alarms alert you whenever preset limits are met for water depth, water temperature and fish echoes. Selectable display modes include High or Low Frequency, Dual Frequency, Zoom, Nav Data, A-Scope, Marker Zoom, Bottom Zoom or Bottom-Lock. Furuno's TLL (Target Lat/Lon) output allows you to interface the FCV585 with your Furuno chart plotter so you can mark any spot you desire and save it as a waypoint, enabling you to return to it whenever you desire.Standard Features:Dual-Frequency 50/200 kHzNew DSP Filter makes the picture clearer and easier to discriminate between baitfish and larger target species8/16/64 Color Echo PresentationsHands free adjustments of gain, STC & output power through digital filtering8 Range Scales to 2,500 feetHigh output power of 600W or 1kWAudio and visual alarms for water depth, fish echoes and water temperature*Wide variety of transducer optionsBright, 8.4" color LCD gives excellent readability even in broad daylight Waterproof construction permits installation on open bridgeSelectable automatic cruising or fishing modes to suit your style of boatingAutomatic function for detecting fish and bottom in both shallow and deep waterUser-programmable nav data display provides analog and digital nav data*Alarms: Bottom, Fish (bottom lock and normal), Speed, Water Temperature and Arrival (Speed, arrival and water temperature alarms require appropriate sensor)White line feature helps discriminate fish lying near the bottomDestination waypoint feature provides range, bearing, and time-to-go to destination waypoint (up to 20 waypoints) *requires appropriate sensorsPower Requirements:12-24 VDC1.5 to 0.5 A

FCV620 Color Fishfinder $1071.94 FCV620 Color Fishfinder The FCV620 is a dual frequency (50 kHz and 200 kHz) Color LCD Sounder featuring Furuno's DSP technology that displays underwater conditions in 8, 16 or 64 colors on a super-bright 5.6" LCD screen. You've probably heard about digital fish finders, but aren't quite sure what the difference is. The main difference is the filtering capabilities and auto adjustments. Our new DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology helps adjust gain, STC Clutter and output power, as well as suppress main bang (the echoes just below the transducer.) It also makes the picture clearer and easier to decipher. But even the best digital filter wont help unless you start with a solid basis, such as Furunos renowned fish finder technology. The FCV620's waterproof construction allows it to be installed on any bridge. Audio and visual alarms alert you whenever preset limits are met for water depth, water temperature and fish echoes. Selectable display modes include High or Low Frequency, Dual Frequency, Zoom, Nav Data, A-Scope, Marker Zoom, Bottom Zoom or Bottom-Lock. Furuno's TLL (Target Lat/Lon) output allows you to interface the FCV620 with your Furuno chart plotter so you can mark any spot you desire and save it as a waypoint, enabling you to return to it whenever you desire.Standard Features:Dual-Frequency 50/200 kHzNew DSP Filter makes the picture clearer and easier to discriminate between baitfish and larger target species8/16/64 Color Echo PresentationsHands free adjustments of gain, STC & output power through digital filtering8 Range Scales to 2,500 feetHigh output power of 600WAudio and visual alarms for water depth, fish echoes and water temperature*Wide variety of transducer optionsBright, 5.6" color LCD gives excellent readability even in broad daylightWaterproof construction permits installation on open bridgeSelectable automatic cruising or fishing modes to suit your style of boatingAutomatic function for detecting fish and bottom in both shallow and deep waterUser-programmable nav data display provides analog and digital nav data*Alarms: Bottom, Fish (bottom lock and normal), Speed, Water Temperature and Arrival (Speed, arrival and water temperature alarms require appropriate sensor)White line feature helps discriminate fish lying near the bottomFast transmission rate of 3,000 PRR (Pulse Repetition Rate) per second for enhanced shallow water detection  *requires appropriate sensorsPower Requirements:12-24 VDC1 to 0.5 A

Fisheasy 245DS Portable Fishfinder System $183.94 Fisheasy 245DS Portable Fishfinder System Big performance and features, compact case. Featuring the new 83/200 kHz Dual-Search technology for optimum fishfinding performance in both shallow and deep waters!Display:4" (10.2 cm) diagonal screenFilm SuperTwist LCD240x160 pixel resolutionBacklit screen4-level grayscaleSonar:Depth capability to 800 ft* (244 m) with 1,500 watts of peak-to-peak powerCompact 83/200 Dual-Search Skimmer transducer with dual beams producing up to 120 degrees of fishfinding coverage - includes built-in temp sensorAdvanced Signal Processing (ASP) automatically adjusts your settings for the best sonar picturePatented GRAYLINE separates fish from nearby structure and bottomAdvanced Fish I.D. shows underwater targets in different sizes of fish symbolsFishTrack displays target depth readings above fish symbolsSurface water temperature readings come from a built-in temp sensor in the transducerZoom with zoom bottom tracking and easy zoom-in/out controlOptional Portable Version:Optional pack includes Port-Power Pack case and portable compact Dual-Search Skimmer transducer with suction-cup mounting bracket (batteries not included)Performance:Easy to connect/disconnect with uniplug cable connectorInternal back-up memory for key sonar settingsCompletely sealed and waterproof, even for use in harsh saltwater environmentsFull one-year warranty* Actual depth capabilities depend on transducer configuration and installation, bottom composition and water conditions. All sonar units typically read deeper in fresh water than salt water.

550 Fishfinder Sonar Only $209.94 550 Fishfinder Sonar Only HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 550

570 Fishfinder Sonar Only $199.94 570 Fishfinder Sonar Only HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 570

X52 200 kHz Fishfinder w/NMEA 2000 $248.94 X52 200 kHz Fishfinder w/NMEA 2000 Affordable FishfinderAmericas "Best-buy" in a high resolution fishfinder with enhanced performance features including NMEA 2000 compatibility!DisplayHigh-definition 4" diagonal (10.2cm), high-contrast Film SuperTwist LCD240V x 160H pixel - 38,400 pixels totalBacklit screen/keypad for night or low-light viewing16-level grayscale4 background gray tone choicesGlare-reducing curved faceplatePerformance FeaturesDepth penetration to 800 feet* (244 m)1500 watts peak-to-peak (188 watts RMS) transmit powerFasTrack™ full-screen LCD flasher mode with GRAYLINE®Standard and inverted FishReveal™ exposes fish targets hidden in coverHyperScroll™ displays fish targets at higher boat speedsAdvanced Signal Processing (ASP™) for clearest picturesSelective on/off Advanced Fish Symbol I.D.™Selective on/off FishTrack™NMEA 2000® compatible for LowranceNET™ networkingFull one-year warrantyTransducer with TempHigh-performance, low-profile, transom-mount, 200 kHz Skimmer® transducer with built-in temp sensor and up to 60º of fish detection coverage

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB $844.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, PIRANHA MAX 150 $86.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHA MAX 150

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB $844.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

Should i Get a Fishfinder on my Kayak?

Hello. I am 15 years old and i was just given a kayak. I am slowely turning it into a fishing kayak and wondering if i should invest in a fishfinder. This is the fishfinder that i am looking at. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_58748____SearchResults#reviews

I have a fishfinder on my fishing kayak and wouldn't have it any other way. The transducer is mounted in closed cell foam between my feet and shoots a beam through the hull. The battery is a sealed lead acid unit and is kept in the waterproof hatch in the stern. The screen is on the deck just forward of the hatch. The boat is equipped with 2 rod holders for trolling and a paddle leash for safety and convenience. I considered a live well for bait but decided against it because most of my fishing is on waters where live bait is illegal. Look on youtube for installation demonstrations.

Products from Mad Frog Gear; Lilly Pad, Liberator Mini, Soft Anchors

Piranha Fishfinder Mnt No Base - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. $12.97 Piranha Fishfinder Mnt No Base - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. SCOTTY PIRANHA FISHFINDER MNT NO BASE

272 Swivel Fishfinder Post Bracket - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. $10.97 272 Swivel Fishfinder Post Bracket - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. Swivel post bracket works with Scotty optional rod holder mounts.

FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C $329.94 FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C

Universal Fishfinder Mount w/ 244 Flush Mount - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. $13.97 Universal Fishfinder Mount w/ 244 Flush Mount - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. Swivel Fishfinder Mount270Includes No. 244 Flush Deck MountUses the patented Scotty post mount design for quick removal and infinitely adjustable rotation. Fits or can be adapted to most fishfinder brands including Lowrance, Eagle Humminbird and Garmin.

FISHFINDER, 728 $394.94 FISHFINDER, 728 FISHFINDER, 728

Swivel Fishfinder Mount w/ No. 241 Side/Deck Mount - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. $11.97 Swivel Fishfinder Mount w/ No. 241 Side/Deck Mount - Beat the Heat Sale! Save Up To 15% on Kayak & Fishing Gear! Price Shown Reflects Discount. Swivel Fishfinder Mount269Includes No. 241 Side/Deck MountUses the patented Scotty post mount design for quick removal and infinitely adjustable rotation. Fits or can be adapted to most fishfinder brands including Lowrance, Eagle Humminbird and Garmin.

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

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Fishfinder 325 $179.99 Fishfinder 325 HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 325

Fishfinder 560 $179.94 Fishfinder 560 HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 560

Fishfinder 345C $279.99 Fishfinder 345C HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 345C

F33P Portable FishFinder with WeekIT™ $53.98 F33P Portable FishFinder with WeekIT™ F33P - Portable Fish Finder with WeedITAbsolute Portability...NorCross Marine Products is proud to introduce the latest in portable fish finder technology - the F33P. With dozens of new features including WeedIDTM, Mountable and Side-Scanable Sonar Sensor, Headphone Type Sensor Plug, and 4 User Selectable Sensitivity Settings, the F33P is guaranteed to produce even bigger fish stories...To Use: Simply turn the power on, toss the unique floating sonar sensor from the shoreline, bridge, or boat and instant depth, fish, weed, and bottom contour readings are now in the palm of your hand. Compact, Palm-Sized Design - Fits in Your Tackle Box, Gear Bag, or Even In Your Pocket Depth, Fish, and Bottom Structure Readings from 1.5 to 99.9 Feet (.5 to 30.4 Meters) Instant Depth Updates to the Nearest 1/10th Foot or Meter, Updated Four Times Per Second User Selectable Feet or Meter Depth Readings Algorithmic Programming Reduces False Readings No Glare, Polarized VirtuViewTM LCD Icon Display Fish Identifier, Depth Scale, and 2-Stage Audible Fish Alarm 4 User Selectable Sensitivity Settings Battery Strength Indicator with Battery Save Mode and Auto Power Off Make the Most Out of Battery Life WeedIDTM Programming Accurately Depicts Weed Height Automatic Bottom Composition Detection 2 Button EasyTouch Programming with Quick Reference Guide Pivoting LCD Protector/Display Stand SoftGlowTM Backlit Display - Low Intensity, Low Temperature Lighting Prevents Eye Strain and Condensation While Providing Unparalleled Nighttime Viewing Storage Bag and Adjustable Neck Strap Trollable, Mountable, and Floatable Sonar Sensor with 35 Feet (10.7 Meters) of Cable with Cable Tie-Strap ShootThruTM Sonar Technology Allows Readings to be Obtained Through Boat/Kayak/Canoe Hulls and Ice Ultra-Wide 45 Degree Sonar Beam Angle Has Twice The Coverage Area of Previous Models Compact Size and Powered by 4 ?AAA? Batteries Sonar Sensor SideScanTM Adapter Allows Sonar Direction Finding Under Weeds, Docks, Ice, Etc. Water Resistant to IPX4 Standards Works at Temperatures Down to 0 Degrees Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius) Two-Year Warranty

550 Fishfinder Sonar Only $209.94 550 Fishfinder Sonar Only HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 550

570 Fishfinder Sonar Only $199.94 570 Fishfinder Sonar Only HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 570

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB $844.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, PIRANHA MAX 150 $86.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHA MAX 150

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB $844.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

Choosing the right bass fishing equipment is more important than a lot of people think. It's more important than what I thought when I first got a taste for fishing. The combination of fishing rod, reel and line are very important for really any kind of fishing. Take into account the type of fishing you plan to do and for what species of fish, and an entirely different combination of the three becomes appropriate. But, is there a default setup that will work most of the time? Let's find out.

When using the correct bass fishing equipment for the task at hand you will undoubtedly be more comfortable while fishing, cast more accurately, run into less issues and perhaps retrieve your lure at the right pace. Let's look deeper into each component of the bass fishing equipment setup.

First off, you will want to pick the correct fishing reel. If it fits into your hand comfortably then that will help the fishing day go more smoothly and give you more precision with your casts. You can find casting reels with the same gear ratio as a spinning reel but with a smaller overall size. This may be helpful if you have smaller hands.

Think of a bicycle when you want to understand the gear ratios of your reel. The higher the gear ratio the less effort on your part is needed for a faster retrieve. During the periods where the bass want faster moving baits, a higher gear ratio reel may be an appropriate addition to your bass fishing equipment. Conversely, fishing slower moving baits would benefit from a lower gear ratio and you won't have to adjust your reeling to an awkwardly slow pace, the line will spool back slower for you. In general, when bass fishing, anglers choose gear ratios between 5.3:1 and 6.0:1. The latter meaning that for every turn you perform of the handle, the spool turns 6 times.

The drag is an important aspect of the fishing reel. If not set correctly your line can break when fighting a big fish. The drag will allow the lunkers to pull line from your reel even if they are able to pull stronger than the tested weight of the fishing line which is avoids breaks.

When picking a line to use for your bass fishing gear you might want to understand the following 7 line properties: knot strength, abrasion strength, shock strength, tensile strength, limpness, controlled stretch, and range of visibility.

Some people just look at the pound test of the line when deciding what to buy, which is the amount of weight the line can support hanging from it before breaking. In general, the higher the pound test of the line, the thicker the line will be. I say "in general" because with braided line you can get thinner lines with higher pound test. Naturally, the thicker the line is, the less you can spool on your reel.

When fishing for bass a lot of times you don't need a lot of line because you will often be fishing the shallows. Also, you usually need to pull bass out of brush and other cover so a strong, thick line is usually the way to go. Your reel will have a marking telling you at what pound test it supports. Granted, the pound test of the line means nothing with a weak knot strength.

There are a lot of options for line available as manufacturers create lines that favor some properties more than others, giving a wide range of possibilities. Stren and Berkley, however, both provide a line that has a great mesh of all desired properties.

Choosing a rod is a bit more straightforward I feel. If you have a casting reel, choose a casting rod. If you have spinning reel, pick a spinning rod of course. There are light action, medium action and heavy action rods with options in between. Some professionals feel that the length of the rod and the action of the rod to add to your bass fishing equipment is best determined by the size of the bait and the weight of the cover you are fishing and in general that is true. You can however shoot for somewhere in the middle of both and do well for most situations, especially when just starting out and on a light budget. Besides, if you took all of the recommendations of us long-term anglers you might need to also hire a fishing caddy! Happy bass fishing, go catch a lunker, whatever the season!

Paul Travolds is a semi-pro bass fisherman who reviews bass fishing lures on his blog. Did you find his tips on bass fishing equipment helpful? You can learn a lot of primal instinct control secrets to attract bass and stimulate attacks by clicking here.

Eagle Cuda 300 Fishfinder $89.74 The Cuda(r) 300 fishfinder from Eagle(r) features a 240V x 160H Film SuperTwist LCD screen and a high-performance, low-profile 200-kHz Skimmer(r) transducer with built-in temperature reading. It also comes equipped with Grayline(r) Advanced Fish I.D.(tm), which lets you distinguish between strong and weak echoes....

Cuda 300 Compact Fishfinder $143.96 Cuda® 300Compact FishfinderSimple to use with excellent performance and resolution at a fantastic low price with the new, affordable Cuda® 300 fishfinder! Super sunlight-viewable 240Vx160H pixel 4" Film SuperTwist LCD display High-speed 200 kHz Skimmer® transducer with built-in temp sensor and depths to 600? Hands-free ASP™ operation, GRAYLINE®, Advanced Fish I.D.™, FishTrack™ S...

Cuda 300 Compact Fishfinder $107.94 Cuda 300 Compact Fishfinder Cuda® 300Compact FishfinderSimple to use with excellent performance and resolution at a fantastic low price with the new, affordable Cuda® 300 fishfinder! Super sunlight-viewable 240Vx160H pixel 4" Film SuperTwist LCD display High-speed 200 kHz Skimmer® transducer with built-in temp sensor and depths to 600? Hands-free ASP™ operation, GRAYLINE®, Advanced Fish I.D.™, FishTrack™ Sealed and waterproof with mfrs. full one-year warranty

Cuda 300 Portable Compact Fishfinder $155.94 Cuda 300 Portable Compact Fishfinder Cuda® 300 PortableCompact FishfinderComes with Porta-Power Pack case and portable 200 kHz Skimmer® transducer with suction-cup mounting bracket (batteries not included).Simple to use with excellent performance and resolution at a fantastic low price with the new, affordable Cuda® 300 fishfinder! Super sunlight-viewable 240Vx160H pixel 4" Film SuperTwist LCD display Hands-free ASP™ operation, GRAYLINE®, Advanced Fish I.D.™, FishTrack™ Sealed and waterproof with mfrs. full one-year warranty

Cuda 300 Portable Compact Fishfinder $155.94 Cuda 300 Portable Compact Fishfinder Cuda® 300 PortableCompact FishfinderComes with Porta-Power Pack case and portable 200 kHz Skimmer® transducer with suction-cup mounting bracket (batteries not included).Simple to use with excellent performance and resolution at a fantastic low price with the new, affordable Cuda® 300 fishfinder! Super sunlight-viewable 240Vx160H pixel 4" Film SuperTwist LCD display Hands-free ASP™ operation, GRAYLINE®, Advanced Fish I.D.™, FishTrack™ Sealed and waterproof with mfrs. full one-year warranty

Cuda 350 S/Map Compact Fishfinder/Mapping GPS $211.94 Cuda 350 S/Map Compact Fishfinder/Mapping GPS Cuda® 350 S/MAPCompact Fishfinder/Mapping GPSAn incredible value in a sonar/GPS chartplotter combo with built-in mapping. Find fish, yourself, and your way, even in rain or fog, while marking spots and recording trails for return trips. All in this one easy-to-use and affordable sonar/mapping GPS package!High-detail, 240Vx160H pixel, 4" diag. Film SuperTwist LCD display 16-level gray scale with GRAYLINE® for impressive target detail 800 watts peak-to-peak/100 watts RMS with depths to 600 ft.* Compact 200 kHz Skimmer® transducer with built-in temp sensor and up to 60° of fish detection coverage Space-saving case design with internal 12-parallel channel GPS+WAAS antenna Built-in high-detail mapping of lakes, rivers, Great Lakes, and U.S. coastal waters with enhanced shoreline detail and nav aids Saves up to 1,000 waypoints and event markers each Up to 100 savable plot trails 10 international languages Back-up memory Sealed and waterproof Full one-year warranty

Fishfinder Switch $80.94 Fishfinder Switch Fishfinder SwitchThe Fishfinder Switch connects two fishfinders to one transducer.Description: Unit switch allows you to operate two fish finders on one transducer.For Use With: All Matrix (except Matrix 47 3D), 700 Series, 500 Series, 300 Series, 100 Series, 900 Series (except 947c & 967c), Wide Series (except One, 100, 128, 3D View, 3D Vision, 3D Vista) 300TX, 400TX, all Piranha, all PiranhaMax and HDR610

FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C $329.94 FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C FISHFINDER, FISHFINDER 586C

FISHFINDER, 728 $394.94 FISHFINDER, 728 FISHFINDER, 728

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER, 778C $496.94 FISHFINDER, 778C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

FISHFINDER 400C $321.94 FISHFINDER 400C

Fishfinder 325 $179.99 Fishfinder 325 HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 325

Fishfinder 560 $179.94 Fishfinder 560 HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 560

Fishfinder 345C $279.99 Fishfinder 345C HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 345C

550 Fishfinder Sonar Only $209.94 550 Fishfinder Sonar Only HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 550

570 Fishfinder Sonar Only $199.94 570 Fishfinder Sonar Only HUMMINBIRD FISHFINDER 570

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB $844.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO

FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160 $90.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANAHA MAX 160

FISHFINDER, PIRANHA MAX 150 $86.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHA MAX 150

FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT $129.94 FISHFINDER, PIRANHAMAX 150PT

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB $844.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO NVB

FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO $609.94 FISHFINDER, 788CI COMBO CHO