Fishing GPS - What To Look For

| Tuesday, November 29, 2011
By Johnny Striker


GPS also know as the Global Positioning systems have recently turn into a tool of great help for many fishermen worldwide to locate their preferred fishing locations. For the rest, the concept of a series of satellites surrounding the globe with its distinctive signals being sent to a receiver, which tells your location in longitudes and latitudes, is no wonder a little bit complicated. And having to learn operating this electronic gadget doesn't appeal either. You have to do some homework in order to understand its usage and functions.

In all honesty, the GPS system is somewhat difficult to operate initially. But with its accurate locating capacity and conveniences, it is slowly gaining popularity. With this device you can mark underwater structures, contour breaks, river patterns, creek channels and some spots where you have had some great luck fishing. With the help of the GPS you can return to the exact same location later whenever you want. The LCD displays the information. Latitudes, longitudes, surface speed, altitude, surface speed, sunrise and sunset, as well as an 'accuracy warning system' are displayed on the device.

What is even better about GPS is that fog, darkness; bad weather does not affect its accuracy. It is even possible to call someone in cases of emergency and they would know where exactly to find you with the help of the coordinates. The device also has a 'way point capability' function one can record some waypoints with the help of which you can locate good fishing spots and even find your way back home.

The GPS unit lets you study the topography of the terrain. Now you can return towards the areas which will yield extra fish within the future. Though you might be busy catching fish, take a minute to log every and each and every fish you catch. That way, you may readily return to the precise locations where you caught fish.

Not only that, a map chip along with a chart plotter GPS can give one's precise position relative to the land features, harbor entrances and water depth and that too up top 15 meters. It is true that it is a little difficult working with latitudes and longitudes in the beginning but it becomes easier with a little practice.

I know there are some old school anglers out there that will never replace their paper maps. My father is one of those types. After I showed him how easy and efficient my fishing GPS unit is, he changed his tune. They are not that complicated to use, and the learning curve is not that steep. The benefits completely outweigh all the cons.

There is a wide range in price on these GPS units. If you shop around, you can get one as low as $60 dollars. For a unit with more features, you will spend over $100. I would not fish without one! Sometimes I feel like I am spoiled.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment