Best Fishfinder GPS Combo for under $1000
Fish detection systems have made leaps and bounds over the last few decades on sophistication and pin point accuracy. They come with a variety of functions that enable the user to correctly identify sub water terrain such as road beds, river channels, and submerged object. They have paired this technology with GPS to allow the angler to not only see what is below them, but how to get to the desired spot time and time again. When it comes to boat electronics, sometime the cheapest is not always the best option. Here are EpicWalleye’s top 3 Best Fishfinder GPS Combo for under $1000.
#1 Lowrance HDS7 GEN3
This Fishfinder GPS combo has found a place in my heart while targeting walleye in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The Lowrance HDS7 GEN3 does everything an avid fisherman needs. It has downs scan imaging, sonar, and GPS. So not only can I view what the bottom of the river channel looks like, but I can also see trees, shrubs, transition points, and most importantly walleye. This unit comes with a preloaded map of the water system, but I have chosen to pair it with an Navionics SD card. The preloaded map works fine, but I like sharper elevation analysis for determining walleye moving patterns.
Simply run the transducer to the back of the boat, mount the GEN3 to the driver side console, or wherever you need it, plug it in and go. There is a ton of material out there that can teach you how to set up the Fishfinder with different sensitivity levels, but right out of the box you will be able to catch and target fish. That is why it was selected as #1 for EpicWalleye’s top 3 Best Fishfinder GPS Combo for under $1000.
Overall a 5 Star review for the performance of this unit.
Total Cost $749.95
#2 Lowrance Elite 7
The Lowrance Elite 7 is also a great Fishfinder for the price. The Elite 7 is equipped with the CHIRP sonar. CHIRP sonar makes it easier to target and identify fish. The sonar is so sensitive that it allows the angler to identify and distinguish bait from game fish. Because of the technology advancements in the product the angler can also have crisper images as deeper depths. That is enough to purchase this unit and give it a try. I have the Elite 7 on the bow of my boat. This allows me to accurately identify and find fish when I am so bouncing for walleyes. The unit is also able to be paired with the Navionics SD card to allow for more accurate maps. The Lowrance Elite 7 is a sophisticated piece of equipment and will help you to catch more walleye. This is because it is giving you eyes below the surface. That is why it was selected as #2 for EpicWalleye’s top 3 Best Fishfinder GPS Combo for under $1000.
Overall a 5 Star review for the performance of this unit.
Total Cost $800.00
#3 Garmin Echomap Plus 64Cv
The Garmin Echomap Plus 64Cv is equipped with a Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar. It also has a preloaded bluechart G2 charts for the Coastal U.S so it gives the angler onscreen maps of the waters that they are fishing. Garmin also provide the users with a quick draw contours mapping software. Where you can instantly create a personalized fishing map with 1-foot contours as you fish. This unit also has built in Wi-Fi that allows the user to pair with additional apps for access to OneChart, smart notifications, and Garmin Quick draw Community data. Which is a huge help if fishing unfamiliar water.
The downside is that this unit will not pair with a Navionics SD card so you will have to use the preloaded maps on the Garmin Echomap Plus 64Cv. That is why it was selected as #3 for EpicWalleye’s top 3 Best Fishfinder GPS Combo for under $1000.
Overall a 4 Star review for the performance of this unit. Due to it not being able to receive secondary mapping software.
Total Cost $549.99
Conclusion
I have all 3 of these units on my boat, and each one brings in beneficial factors to aide me while catching walleye that is why the made the list for EpicWalleye’s top 3 Best Fishfinder GPS Combo for under $1000. I have had great success with these Fishfinders and I know they will preform for you. After you find the correct Fishfinder, head on over to our walleye tactics page to see what tactics can help you catch more fish!
