A Tough Decision ??

[Dan-08]

Okay so im looking to start up 'Feature Finding'..

Do i choose the old technique by getting myself a:

Greys Marker Rod - RRP £99.99
Big Pit Reel - around £50.00+
Whiplash Braid - £24.99
Fox Explorer Feature Finder Leads 4oz - £5.00
Marker Float - £2.99

TOTAL = £182.97

~~~~~OR~~~~~

Do i accept the fact technology is amazing these days and get a:

Humminbird RF15 SmartCast Portable Fish Finder = £197.99

Not a clue why they called this bit of kit a 'fish finder' as it kind of sounds like cheating & they arnt always correct when identifying fish... i prefer to call it a 'feature finder'

Soooooo Carp Experts what do u suggest ???????

[Gemo]

OK this is in princable a very good question. Firstly Your prices are full RRP and you can by shopping around get a lot better deal. Also you do not need a fox marker lead a simple Korda gripper works just as well and only costs £ 1.30
The marker set up you listed can feature find to 120-130 yards potentially it will tell you the depth and the type of bottom gravel silt clay or weed. A hummingbird system will tell you the depth and possiblt the water temp but little else. Also these smaller humming birds have a very short range something like 30M or so. I have seen and used them and they are a great tool to use and can greatl assist your understanding of the topography of the lake bed.
I think I would always go for the marker rod as it has the range at the moment over the humming bird.

Have a look here this is how do do it properly by some really great angler LOL
Smart Carping Blog - Coaching Online: HOW TO: Feature find with a marker float

Tight Lines.

[Tom]

Great advice from Gemo there

Also worth considering that if for any reason you do suffer from a a breakage i'd rather lose a marker float and a lead worth 15 quid at most rather than 200 quid

[Dan-08]

Hmmm some good advice lads. the humminbird smartcast float would only cost £30 to replace but i see what your getting at mate
Defo agree with what ur saying Gemo i could defo shop around abit.
I'm thinkin technology is unreliable?? ... i would hate to get to a lake to find my humminbird has 'broke' or 'out of battery' as id be stuffed!!

Think its probs best to learn the ropes using a rod and real although it sounds harder than i expected!! loads of practice should sort that tho.
And the distance thing is good too i supose ... theres so much stuff 2 ask u guys!! lol