Float Tube Fish Finders (and how you mount them)?

[Ceviche]

I know this topic has been covered in the past, but the market has changed enough that the old info has exceeded its shelf life. No matter how much you love your Fishing Buddy, they're no longer being made.

What I'm curious about is gear that's relatively inexpensive (less than and not too much over $500), definitely does a solid job covering the basics, and GPS mapping/navigation (though nice) is optional.

Part 2 is the matter of how you rig it to work with your float tube. The old Fishing Buddy scabbard was brilliantly convenient. It strikes me that something on that level is going to be a challenge, when it comes to the view screen placement and the transducer rigged where it will be less likely damaged or lost if neglected.

 

[Matt B]

I know this topic has been covered in the past, but the market has changed enough that the old info has exceeded its shelf life. No matter how much you love your Fishing Buddy, they're no longer being made.

What I'm curious about is gear that's relatively inexpensive (less than and not too much over $500), definitely does a solid job covering the basics, and GPS mapping/navigation (though nice) is optional.

Part 2 is the matter of how you rig it to work with your float tube. The old Fishing Buddy scabbard was brilliantly convenient. It strikes me that something on that level is going to be a challenge, when it comes to the view screen placement and the transducer rigged where it will be less likely damaged or lost if neglected.

Folks here seem to swear by the Garmin Striker 4. There have been a few threads on them which are pretty easy to find, and that includes mounting discussions, examples with photos, etc. I have not updated from my old FB 120 yet but if I were in the market that's where I'd be looking.

 

[clarkman]

yep, Striker 4. I can't help with the mounts since I just use the glue-on scotty mounts on my Stealth Pro, but I seem to recall a few threads about those too.

 

[Mark Yoshida]

Dave
Checkout Scotty mounts 140 and 141 for transducer.
I used to have a strap mount for Scotty 241 mount (will try to take pic) for my pontoon.

241 Side Deck Mount - Scotty Fishing

Allows mounting on a flat surface or on the side of a gunnel or transom For all Scotty post mount rod holders Please Note: This mount is not compatible with our 132 Mounting Rivets, however it is compatible with 133 Well Nut Mounting Kits. Dimensions: 4” x 2” x 2” Bolting Dimension: 1 5/16” x […]

scotty.com

141 Transducer Mount with Gear Head Adapter & 440-4 Low Profile Track | Scotty Fishing

Designed for kayaks and small boat use - transducer arm telescopes from 11.5" to 18" and swivels 360 degrees - includes 438 adapter and low-profile track.

scotty.com

 

[Mark Yoshida]

 

[Billy]

You can't beat a Garmin in my opinion for a tube. You can watch your fly go to a specific fish and watch that fish eat it:



When it marks fish they are fish. There is no question.

I can go on and on. I use the fishfinder mount and an apple size nocqua battery that lasts for 2 days.

 

[Ceviche]

View attachment 124492

That makes me happy seeing that. I have an extra Scotty rod holder. Thanks!

 

[Mark Yoshida]

If you want to try the straps on your tube let me know. I don’t have the stainless nuts and bolts tho.

 

[Ceviche]

If you want to try the straps on your tube let me know. I don’t have the stainless nuts and bolts tho.

I already have the straps and the socket.

Where did you get the Scotty kayak fish finder rig?

 

[Mark Yoshida]

Never bought one. I made my own from Scotty parts.
Might try https://scotty.com/dealers/

 

[Ceviche]

Never bought one. I made my own from Scotty parts.
Might try https://scotty.com/dealers/

Yeah, I’ve been working through their list of local dealers before resorting to an online seller. A slogging endeavor.

 

[bobduck]

Makes me wonder how we caught fish before all this electronic bullshit was invented. Seems like you youngsters are no longer "fishing" but hunting for food. Or playing video games. Let the indignant replies begin.

 

[Buzzy]

Yeah, I’ve been working through their list of local dealers before resorting to an online seller. A slogging endeavor.

141 Transducer Mount with Gear Head Adapter & 440-4 Low Profile Track | Scotty Fishing

Designed for kayaks and small boat use - transducer arm telescopes from 11.5" to 18" and swivels 360 degrees - includes 438 adapter and low-profile track.

scotty.com

Amazon ---^ I ordered this from Bezos, it arrived the next day. If you have questions, call Scotty, they answer the phone and can be VERY helpful.

@bobduck - I'm 75 years old, hardly a youngster, I enjoy knowing bottom structure, water temp and seeing fish on my sonar. Just a tool in my aresenal, much like having an array of line types.

 

[iveofione]

141 Transducer Mount with Gear Head Adapter & 440-4 Low Profile Track | Scotty Fishing

Designed for kayaks and small boat use - transducer arm telescopes from 11.5" to 18" and swivels 360 degrees - includes 438 adapter and low-profile track.

scotty.com

Amazon ---^ I ordered this from Bezos, it arrived the next day. If you have questions, call Scotty, they answer the phone and can be VERY helpful.

@bobduck - I'm 75 years old, hardly a youngster, I enjoy knowing bottom structure, water temp and seeing fish on my sonar. Just a tool in my aresenal, much like having an array of line types.

Indignant reply # 2: I am WAY older than Buzzy and learned years ago that fishing an intermediate line in 43' of water when the fish were all holding around 18' was just fishing-not catching!

 

[krusty]

I just can't stand youngsters who don't fish with split cane, silk lines, cat gut leaders, and nothing but dry flies.

And people who only started flyfishing after 'A River Runs Through It' shouldn't even be allowed to buy a fishing license.

 

[bobduck]

I just can't stand youngsters who don't fish with split cane, silk lines, cat gut leaders, and nothing but dry flies.

And people who only started flyfishing after 'A River Runs Through It' shouldn't even be allowed to buy a fishing license.

Now you're talking. But if using all those gizmos gives you pleasure then by all means do it. Having fun and enjoyment is the reason we're out there. I too fish lakes with an intermediate still water line but as I retrieve it the fly moves up through the water column and I have plenty success finding the fish. My original teacher was a real purist. One time a student asked where on the leader he should place his indicator. He answered 3 feet above your worm. Our passion can get highly technical and there's new stuff coming along all the time. I guess I just like the simple life. It's been great so far.

 

[krusty]

Now you're talking. But if using all those gizmos gives you pleasure then by all means do it. Having fun and enjoyment is the reason we're out there. I too fish lakes with an intermediate still water line but as I retrieve it the fly moves up through the water column and I have plenty success finding the fish. My original teacher was a real purist. One time a student asked where on the leader he should place his indicator. He answered 3 feet above your worm. Our passion can get highly technical and there's new stuff coming along all the time. I guess I just like the simple life. It's been great so far.

My dad taught me to flyfish over 60 years ago...and he would be as delighted with modern equipment, such as fishfinders, as I am.

 

[Ceviche]

Seems like you youngsters

Why is it some folks just have to assume others are “youngsters” just because of some “blah-blah-blah” reason?

 

[Ceviche]

141 Transducer Mount with Gear Head Adapter & 440-4 Low Profile Track | Scotty Fishing

Designed for kayaks and small boat use - transducer arm telescopes from 11.5" to 18" and swivels 360 degrees - includes 438 adapter and low-profile track.

scotty.com

Amazon ---^ I ordered this from Bezos, it arrived the next day. If you have questions, call Scotty, they answer the phone and can be VERY helpful.

@bobduck - I'm 75 years old, hardly a youngster, I enjoy knowing bottom structure, water temp and seeing fish on my sonar. Just a tool in my aresenal, much like having an array of line types.

I’ve been emailing Scotty with questions about the correct components needed for float tubes. Some of their pictures didn’t show enough details.

 

[Brute]

You old timers are making me feel young at 65…I’m thinking about getting one of these for my Fishcat…