Garmin Striker Cast

[jaredoconnor]

Does anyone have experience with these? They seem like a neat solution, for folks in float tubes. I think I researched these before, but I can’t remember what the outcome was. I have newborn induced sleep deprivation and memory loss.

Garmin STRIKER™ Cast GPS | Castable Sonar with GPS

STRIKER Cast GPS is a castable sonar that turns phones into fishfinders. View sonar with a 200’ castable range via an app display on your smartphone or tablet.

www.garmin.com

 

[Islander]

That looks like a great little unit. I don’t have experience with that particular one, but I’ve been using this in my float tube and it’s very convenient.

FishTrax 1C Ultimate Design for Fish Finder

The FishTrax 1C is for experienced anglers who demand a high-definition fishing experience. It incorporates a full-color, high-definition VirtuView.

hawkeyeelectronics.com

 

[jaredoconnor]

An impulse purchase may have just occurred.

 

[Islander]

An impulse purchase may have just occurred.

Let us know how you like the Garmin. Looks much simpler and less stuff to deal with than the Fish Trax. Just tie it on to your tube off the back or side and you’re good to go.

 

[Fourbtgait]

Didn’t read the full Cast specs, do you have to have a cell signal?

 

[Divad]

Didn’t read the full Cast specs, do you have to have a cell signal?

I wouldn’t think so, most likely works off either a Bluetooth or WiFi radio to your phone. Cellular would be too expensive.

I saw someone use one of those from a bank on a lake in Mason County. Looked pretty neat, and they seemed to be enjoying it. Only thing I’d wonder is how chop/waves affect the sonar given its floating. I’m sure Garmin has a system to mitigate some of it.

 

[Fourbtgait]

I wouldn’t think so, most likely works off either a Bluetooth or WiFi radio to your phone. Cellular would be too expensive.

I saw someone use one of those from a bank on a lake in Mason County. Looked pretty neat, and they seemed to be enjoying it. Only thing I’d wonder is how chop/waves affect the sonar given its floating. I’m sure Garmin has a system to mitigate some of it.

My thought was more you use an app on your phone?
Does the app need cell to locate where you are?

 

[clarkman]

I have the iBobber, which is similar. Connects via app on the phone via Bluetooth. Slick little fish finders, but you may end up upgrading to something like the Garmin Striker 4 sooner than later.
Main thing I didn't like was how fast your phone battery drops. Made for some tough end of musky days when you get that last second fish and your phone is dead so you can't get a pic....ok, that was pretty specific, but still...

 

[Tom Butler]

I have the iBobber, which is similar. Connects via app on the phone via Bluetooth. Slick little fish finders, but you may end up upgrading to something like the Garmin Striker 4 sooner than later.
Main thing I didn't like was how fast your phone battery drops. Made for some tough end of musky days when you get that last second fish and your phone is dead so you can't get a pic....ok, that was pretty specific, but still...

Thanks for the battery comment. The whole cell phone part bugged me. I use a leash and got an otter box coming for the new phone, but leaving it cooking in the sun on the tube pocket or somewhere I can see it, well, it's often way too hard to see anyway. Couldn't quite bring myself to get one.
I like hunting for the fish, but at some point I know I'll get some sort of sounder/finder.

 

[Islander]

Thanks for the battery comment. The whole cell phone part bugged me. I use a leash and got an otter box coming for the new phone, but leaving it cooking in the sun on the tube pocket or somewhere I can see it, well, it's often way too hard to see anyway. Couldn't quite bring myself to get one.
I like hunting for the fish, but at some point I know I'll get some sort of sounder/finder.

I mainly use mine for depth and temperature readings.

 

[Rvrfisher360]

I have one and love it. Battery usually lasts multiple outings. It’s very helpful for getting water depth and temp. On my iPhone it isn’t too hard on the battery unless I’m trolling for hours and watching it.

You don’t need to turn it on or off, it’s water activated and will start running feed on your phone’s app when it is in the water. The app is easy to use too.

Seems to be pretty good at picking up fish, unless it’s really choppy out.

 

[jaredoconnor]

Took it out for the first time. Second time ever fly fishing a lake with a float tube. Caught three fish. They were all in the vicinity of where the finder showed a bunch of fish, so I guess it works. Pretty happy with it.

I connected the leash to one of the D loops, on the side of my float tube. I set the leash length just long enough for it to bob around in a ~12in radius. This seems much better than faffing around with mounts, for a regular fish finder.

I used my old backup phone, which has an old/depleted battery. Despite that, it only used about 25% over 3 hours. The unit itself used about 50% of its battery.

 

[clarkman]

Took it out for the first time. Second time ever fly fishing a lake with a float tube. Caught three fish. They were all in the vicinity of where the finder showed a bunch of fish, so I guess it works. Pretty happy with it.

I connected the leash to one of the D loops, on the side of my float tube. I set the leash length just long enough for it to bob around in a ~12in radius. This seems much better than faffing around with mounts, for a regular fish finder.

I used my old backup phone, which has an old/depleted battery. Despite that, it only used about 25% over 3 hours. The unit itself used about 50% of its battery.

that's exactly how i used my iBobber....it functionally worked great that way.