Sorry if this has been answered before but c'mon... it's not like this area of the bbs is on fire, so maybe this will help increase the traffic, I dunno.

Here's the low-down... I acquired a rubber fishing raft -- let me know when you're done laughing... ok?... right -- so I have this raft as a cheap way to get on the water and fish. Knowing me I have to have gadgets and I've dreamed of owning a fish finder since I was a kid. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I need one that will mount on a transom -- or which is fairly portable seeings as how I don't really have a hull to mount it to ... and also cheap. Emphasis on cheap, like $150 tops, less if possible. The lakes I fish are in CO and guessing if I can see down to 50-75' it is probably good enough?

I suppose it is a "you get what you pay for" but since I can't see ANY fish or ANY bottom contour, it seems to me being able to see anything is better, so long as it is not wildly inaccurate.

Any thoughts on what fish finder would you suggest?

I have looked at the hummingbird remote sensor "Smart Cast" but there are a lot of bad reviews on it from customers so I am leery. The Bottom Line "Fishing Buddy" looks doable.

...

Or, if I go used... what's an old 'tried and true' that I can keep an eye out for on ebay or craigslist?

Yeah stay away from "Smart Cast". My dad picked up a really nice set-up for his boat, but I'm not sure which brand. I'll double check and find out.

Try Cabelas, they've got some good stuff! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Ok, got some info it's a Lowrance FishFinder/GPS, I'll try to get you a model number. Price wise, I dunno? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I've used Lowrance and Hummingbird. Lowrance are better units IMO.