Fish finder questions

I was thinking of getting a fish finder for my tube. I was wondering if anyone had any info or suggestions on their experience using one.

I know SP Dan and Alakai use them. I think they both use the same one now. I got one for Christmas but have yet to use it. But I think it's the same one that Alakai had before. So maybe he can give a review on both, lol.

SP Dan uses the "Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar" - [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

This is on my wish list as my next upgrade. I think Dan may even have a review somewhere on the forum already.

I got this one. It is basic for water depth and finding structure
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I just purchased the larger screened iPhone XS Max
for viewing the Deeper Pro+ FF on it.
It will be like watching MLF on my television!   lol

Has anyone used the fishin buddy by hummin bird?

562fly wrote:Has anyone used the fishin buddy by hummin bird?

I still use 120 the black and white model. 
Here is a link to a review I did a few years back.
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That said, I was really impressed with Dan's Deeper Pro unit. It has more features than the Fishing Buddies and weighs nothing. Not to mention  installation is a string you tie to your tube.

Fishfindermounts.com is one of our sponsors they make YouTube videos on different fish finders they helped me out when I bought mine you might want to check them out to it's not easy trying to find the right fish finder good luck

I got the Garmin Striker Plus 4CV - I'm sure it's a bit overkill for the application and the setup to power it is pretty bulky too (had to build a battery box using an Apache 1800 dry box from Harbor Freight, but it fits the pockets of my Outcast FT perfectly). 
I've only used it once and would like to use it more just so I get a better basic understanding of fish finders in general. I do like the idea of the Deeper fish finders, and how portable/compact they are, so I may end up picking one up later down the road.

I have the Garmin stryker 4 as well and its does the job. Ive compared readings with SP Dan and seems to be accurate. Ive used it in shallow to as deep as 40ft depth. Not sure i would be in much deeper water on my tube...

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My Deeper Pro+ has functioned perfectly for me in waters as shallow as 4-ft and all the way down to 80-ft deep in LA Harbor during the high tides.
I haven’t fished any deeper than that, so that’s as far as I can tell you inwhich it’s worked for me.

The Deeper Pro+ is smaller that a tennis ball, it tethers to my flow tube buy a string, it connects to my iPhone by Bluetooth, it displays on the 3" x 6" screen of my iPhone XS Max and it only weighs a mere 3.4 ounces. It uses a USB 2.0 to charge, it operates for approximately six hours and it fits snuggly into the cup holder on the float tube when it’s not being used or if you are walking or hiking with your float tube on your back. I found that it’s the perfect float tube friendly Fish Finder.

I luv it mine I totally recommend it to everyone!

SP Dan    <“))><

I also want with the Garmin Striker 4 it works well the screens just a little small the battery box is right on the outside of the tube good luck

I also went with the Garmin Striker 4 it works well the screens just a little small the battery box is right on the outside of the tube good luck

Don't forget for the bigger fish finder and battery you can use the Fishfindermount.com system they are bulky but can handle any fish finder and battery you want to use.

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I have the Garmin Striker 4 and I use the brocraft mount for it. It would pretty good, just need to get a water proof batery bix if you go that route I think the fishfindermounts.con mount is the way to go. wish I would have went that route. Its a little more but is the way to go if using a fish finder on the tube.

I love mine thanks for posting the Picture Jeff I'm looking at a 5 or 7 inch with side img

Yeah, it's hard to use another hand held fish finder after seeing SP Dan's. I had it on my wish list for Santa this year. He stiffed me so I have to save up

I still highly recommend the super lightweight, super functional Deeper Pro+ to everybody out there!
You need to get away from those heavy batteries and those oversized FF mounts people.
Deeper Pro+ works directly with your smart phone by Bluetooth.
Give it a try! You’ll thank me!

SP Dan <“))><

Do you have a special place to mount your phone or you have your phone in your hand the whole time in the water?

My phone is on my neck in a waterproof "bag" or pouch I just tether it to my tray and use it there. I now have the same finder.

Can you guys tell me approximately how much it cost for for the entire garmin striker set up (battery etc.) and the deeper pro set up. Thanks

stickboy i got the garmin striker portable kit thru bass pro for just under 190. It included a carrying case, battery, fish finder unit with transducer and mounting hardware. You can save a bit by not getting the kit but i liked the idea of being able to take it anywhere. I plan on renting a skiff from time to time and would like to have the fish finder available.

The Deeper Pro+ will also work wonderfully on a skiff and or a kayak as well!  
You can carry it in your shirt pocket, it is smaller than a tennis ball and it only weighs 3.4 ounces, it tethers on a string and it connects via Bluetooth to your smart phone.   You’ll just need to tie it to your vessel and it will float next to your choice of vessel.

Don’t under estimate how powerful the Deeper Pro+ is!

SP Dan    <“))><

I got the Deeper pro+ for it's versatility as I can cast it in a local park lake, or from my float tube or anywhere I like.

If you are diligent and enjoy negotiating you can find them far cheaper than any Garmin / Hummingbird / anything.

For costs, your best bet is probably JP Lee since I think he just got the whole set up a few months ago.

I totally agree with Alakai!

Can anyone here explain the difference between the Deeper Pro and the Deeper Pro + ?

stickboy wrote:Can you guys tell me approximately how much it cost for for the entire garmin striker set up (battery etc.) and the deeper pro set up.  Thanks

$185 - Garmin Striker Plus 4CV + cover + transducer
$25.94 - RAM Mount and adapter
$37.78 - Lithium Ion Battery
$11.24 - Harbor Freight Apache 1800 Case
$20~ - various connections, heat shrink tubing for the wiring, screws for the mount retrofit

I *think* that's about it. So roughly $280 for the setup. Haha, should have just gotten a Deeper Pro LOL!


Obviously if you don't "need" the ClearVue and extra bells and whistles (probably overkill for float tubing most harbors) then you could go with the $99 standard Garmin Striker 4 and save a bit. Obviously the same deal with mounting options if you want to get more creative.

You could probably get away with a sub-$200 build-out if you go with different components that me. I chose the Lithium Ion battery because I didn't want the extra weight and bulk of a sealed lead acid battery.

I've always contemplated getting a kayak, which is sort of what impacted my decision on getting this setup.