Effort is down and catches are up across most of Louisiana’s coast
Dear Capt. Paul:
I am in the market for a GPS fish-finder combo, and would like your input.I just sold my boat, which had a Garmin 182c. I really liked the simplicity of its operation.
I will be using the new unit mostly for fishing in the marsh. I like the looks of the 198c, but have heard that Garmin is having a lot of problems with this unit. I am not locked into a Garmin, but I am locked into simplicity.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Charlie
Capt. Paul’s response:
I haven’t heard of any serious problems with the Garmin GPSmap 198c, but to be sure I would call the Garmin Tech support line at (800) 800-1020. I did so, and got a “no problems that they were aware of’” and an “outstanding unit” response.
To quote Garmin’s web site: “The unit has been updated with a new look and feel that makes marine navigation even easier. Building on Garmin’s popular and proven GPSmap 182c, the GPSmap 198c Sounder has a new and brighter display that makes charts incredibly easy to view — even in direct sunlight. The unit also features an updated faceplate.
“Designed for easy installation in your boat’s open cockpit or overhead boxes, Garmin’s GPSMAP 198c Sounder helps you chart a clear path to your fishing or boating destination.
“In addition to the features mentioned above, the GPSmap 198c Sounder also has a dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) sonar that outputs 500 watts of power (RMS) or 4,000 watts (peak-to-peak) — for a clear and accurate picture of bottom depth, density, thermoclines and fish targets. “
I especially like the ability to store 3,000 waypoints, and it comes with all of Garmin’s Blue Chart nautical mapping for the entire U.S. coastline.
I believe that your familiarity with the old 182c will save you a lot of “learning time” when using the GPSmap 198c.
I consider the GPSmap 198c Sounder an exceptional unit with outstanding features.
Dear Capt. Paul:
I have a Lowrance H2O, and have really enjoyed it. I want to upgrade the maps. I fish the saltwater bays of Louisiana. Do you have a suggestion as to which maps to purchase that would best help me?
Thanks,
LaFleur
Capt. Paul’s response:
I suggest that you get the Lowrance MapCreate USA Topo Accessory Pack Series 6. It is Lowrance’s Part No. 95-49, and lists for $99. It includes a LEI card/reader writer, a MMC card and the MapCreate Series 6 topo mapping software.
In order to save the MapCreate maps on the memory card, you will need the Lowrance MapCreate Series 6 mapping program, their card reader/writer and a memory card.
For additional information, I suggest that you check out the accessories for the unit on the Lowrance web site at www.lowrance.com.
The unit can accept additional MapCreate mapping, which is installed on MMC or SD memory cards that are inserted into the unit.
As such, this feature will allow you to download my Capt. Paul’s Fishing Edge programs. It will also allow you to save and transfer your own waypoints, routes and tracks to a file for safekeeping.
I am not sure exactly what size MMC or SD memory card comes with the bundle, but I would get another SD card with about 256MB of memory. These additional cards can be purchased at almost any electronic store for about $35.
Two or more cards will allow you to store a considerable amount of topo-type maps in the unit as well as having an additional card for maps away from your normal travels.
Shop the internet as usually the cards and the accessory pack can be purchased at a great savings.
Got a GPS question for Capt. Paul? Post it at the Louisiana Sportsman website (www.lasmag.com), and you may be featured in a coming issue.
