Best Handheld GPS?

[mikedatiger]

Looking for a good handheld gps that will be used to scout new fishing areas. Has to be able to track waypoints and will be used 100% for fishing.

Any suggestions? Products to avoid?

Thx

[Ray]

Garmin 76CS comes with some great maping software. You can input it waypoints into a computer then download into the GPS, or put them straight into the GPS.
If you have them on the computer, you will always have the waypoints and maps as a back up. The mapping software also shows depths, land, roads, bridges, numbered day markers and numbered bouys. Plus the software shows NOAA info like submerged objects that are on NOAA maps and charts.
You can look at the maps on the computer at night to plan your attack for the next day.

I got the Hummingbird GPS/Depth finder that came with the boat. I really don't care for it like I do the Garmin. I use the Garmin on both boats.

[rkent]

Garmin is the way to go.

[SULPHITE]

Stick with a garmin for handheld...

[longsidelandry]

Yep, Garmin...hands down the best handheld out there

[mikedatiger]

thanks guys - garmin it is.

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

Garmin 76 series is my favorite series. Very easy to use and it FLOATS!

[davethefish1]

if i get the garmin 76 cs, what do i need to buy to get the lakes and marsh from venice to lake charles? any help appreciated. want to go fishing other areas that i've never been,and with a gps i'll be able too!

[rkent]

www.gpsfiledepot.com has some free downloadable maps that are compatible with the Garmins.

[Ray]

When I bought my 76C, it came with one free map. I got the one from Brownsville, Tx. to New Orleans, inland and to somewhere around 100 miles offshore. I think it was called Bluechart. And I got the mapping software also.
The 76 series is water proof and floats. That is another great reason.

[davethefish1]

That mostly answers my question. I wasn't sure that it came with the maps already in it. I don't need the roads and streets map ,just the marine ones. So just get the Bluechart one for my area. Went to the spot rkent suggested, but couldn't find any marine maps to download. thanks anyhow rkent. Hey, Southshore Marine you're in my area, do y'all sell garmin 76cs gps? if so give me a price and we'll see what we can do.

[adamsfence]

west marine had one on sale the other day. it was nice i think it was the 800c by garmin ( don't quote me on it). but was very nice

[SULPHITE]

i have the 76cx...really like it. The sale at WM was for the Oreogon 400t I think??? I looked at it the map was really easier to read than my 76 but read it ate batteries and was hard to see in the sun based on users review...but the software was nice though...

[adamsfence]

Originally Posted by SULPHITE

i have the 76cx...really like it. The sale at WM was for the Oreogon 400t I think??? I looked at it the map was really easier to read than my 76 but read it ate batteries and was hard to see in the sun based on users review...but the software was nice though...

yeah thats it. i went and looked at it the other day looked real nice inside. Probly looks like kaka outside though. had some real nice graphics though

[rosska]

I have the Colorado which is the same as the Oregan but without touchscreen. It is a really nice unit but does go through batteries. I would recommend purchasing rechargeable batteries for it. You can also get a car kit that allows it to be plugged into a cig lighter connection which really saves your batteries. I had to use this unit as a primary when my 4208 had to be sent off and have no complaints. You can adjust the screen brightness by pushing the power button 1 time without holding it down. You can set the unit as bright as you would ever want it. Most of the people that review this unit and complain about the brightness do not know this is how you adjust it.

[Ray]

76C series changes color at night to blue/black, easier on the eyes, easier to see.
It has both batteries and a cigarette plug.