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My wife and I were down in the Turks & Caicos last week. The son of my fishing buddy of 40 years was getting married at The Shore Club in Providenciales. Weather was a perfect sunny 29c every day, and the ocean a warm 28c. Beautiful resort and a great wedding. Since there were 4 hard-core anglers in the group, we naturally wanted to take a day or two after the celebration to do some fishing...specifically Bonefish, and since Bones aren't really good eating, maybe something for the table too. This was my 3rd trip to Provo, and in the past I had hired a guide with a flats boat, but frankly I didn't find it worthwhile. Besides, the prices for a charter have become astronomical. So we rented a car and decided to do a couple of days of DIY fishing from shore. From previous trips, I had some spots in mind so we weren't going in completely blind. As for tackle, I packed a 3 piece TFO med-lt 7ft spinning rod (30" in the case so you can carry on the flight), reel with 10lb braid, some 8lb FC leader and a small box of 1/8 oz bonefish jigs. We found some nice shallow sandy flats and simply wet waded stalking the silver ghosts. We very quickly all got into a few on the rising tide, but after that they disappeared. Timing is everything with Bones. Bonefish pull like no other fish that swims (pound for pound). A 4 pounder will peel off drag 50 yards at a time. They typically live in skinny water (often less than 12") and their only real predators are Sharks and Barracudas...so the only way for them to escape is to swim like hell. One of the fastest fish in the ocean...they can reach speeds over 65kph. What makes fishing for Bones so much fun is that it's more hunting than fishing...it's sight fishing at its best. You're stalking them in very skinny water, hoping to see them (often just a shadow, as they are pure chrome and mirror the bottom) before they see you. Then it requires a soft accurate cast to "lead" them without spooking them. After having some fun with the Bones, we then found a rock jetty and decided to do a little bottom fishing. Using some shrimp we "borrowed" from the resort, we quickly filled a cooler with Strawberry Grouper, Snapper and TriggerFish. One of the Snappers lost his rear end to a Barracuda as it was being reeled in. On the way back, we stopped at the harbour and negotiated a great deal on a bucket of freshly caught lobster (Caribbean Crayfish) tail from a local fisherman. One of our group had rented a villa with full kitchen and BBQ, so we cooked up a seafood feast fit for Kings and Queens that night...all washed down with local rum cocktails. I have fished the flats in many places around the Caribbean (Mexico, Belize, Roatan, Cuba) but if you're looking for a winter destination with direct flights, beautiful resorts, the best beaches, very clean, safe (no need to look over your shoulder), great food, English speaking (its a Commonwealth country), and good DIY fishing...I highly recommend the T&C's. I'd be glad to point you in the direction of some fishing spots if you go...it's not a big island.

Like a lot of folks, my first experience fishing was when I was 5 years old. Catching Rock Bass and Sunfish off the cottage dock...piece of worm, red & white bobber, push- button Zebco spincaster...simple times, but with that first taste, "the tug became the drug" 60 years later and 100's of 1000's of dollars spent on gear, boats and trips...I'm still hooked (excuse the pun). Welcome to what I hope becomes a life long passion.

It comes with the suction cup for the boat and a piece of foam to float the transducer for ice fishing. Also has a flasher in it, haven't tried it but this was a nice inexpensive unit that will work perfect for my applications. You can also order a different transducer for it.

According to the Cabela's listing it comes with a suction cup mount, which should be fine for casual use...especially if you're using it on different boats. Sounds like a great deal...I can't believe how much the technology has come down in price for what you get. I remember buying my first Hummingbird over 40 years ago (which had the resolution of Atari PacMan in black and white) for which I spent a small fortune compared to my salary back then. Some of you may even remember further back...the Lowrance Fish-Lo-K-Tor...the famous "Little Green Box" that started it all.

This looks like it just might do everything I need, it's only for occasional use, ice fishing and a few trips this summer I am going to order one and play with it a bit. Can't do better on the price, I checked Amazon and even Garmin's own website. That $229.99 is by far the best price I can find for the unit and the freight is only $20.00 so I will just have it shipped to me. Thanks for all the replies, if I was going for a mountable unit I would be going with the Helix as it is a great looking unit! I will let you know what I think after I have played with it a bit.

Hey, thanks all for the replies. Will be looking for the two piece, as I'm getting up there in years like akashag above! LOL. I'm heading to the ice fishing show this Sunday. Will hopefully be able to see some units, and decide if I'm getting one there... Thanks again Angler Joe.

I couldn't create a theme here, so if you don't mind, I'll post my wish here. Looking for cris craft boats, up to $30,000. I have found several options, but they are all not near me. I'm a little lazy to go + the season is ending, so I'm not in a hurry. If there are any options, let me know!