Many people often associate GPS devices with companies like Garmin, however when it comes to marine devices there are lots of options that the average consumer may not know about. Some companies have been creating great fishing products for many years and have successfully incorporated GPS technology into their fishfinders. A couple examples are Lowrance and Humminbird companies. They have been around for a while and offer a wide range of marine GPS devices.
Currently headquartered in Tulsa Oklahoma, Lowrance began in Joplin Missouri. It was founded by Carl Lowrance, an avid fisherman who designed a device to help fishermen locate fish. At the time, commercial sonar units were prohibitively expensive, and he wanted to create one that everyone could afford. He developed an affordable, compact, lightweight unit and Lowrance got its start. They still offer compact fishfinders, but they have branched out and provide all sorts of marine electronics and also offer general outdoor GPS devices. Their compact fishfinder line offers options from the 800 to 2400 watt range. They offer products that work with kayaks and canoes. They also offer more advanced fishfinders that are equipped with navigation equipment and have larger screens for use in larger boats.
Humminbird began in Eufala, Alabama in 1971 and produced electronic fishfinders, their first being their Humminbird Depth Sounders. Another product that they introduced in 1975 was a waterproof depth sounder. Through the years Humminbird has consistently made good products and was one of the pioneers in using LCD displays with the fishing equipment. Today they offer a wide range of fishing and water related products. They have depth sounders, down imaging products, and options for everything from the smallest to the largest boats. They also offer a compact series called the Fishin Buddy series that can be used in a variety of ways, even when you are sitting on a dock.
