Garmin 162 Help. - The Hull Truth

mlassman · 08-20-2003, 01:40 PM

I have the Garmin 162 on my boat. I have just started playing with it and I have noticed that there is not much detail to the mapping capabilities. I fish in the Galveston and Matagorda areas. Some of the back bays and bayous that i fish show up on "the land" according to the map. what can i do to enhance the mapping of this unit? Blue Charts?

I am clueless when it comes to this stuff. Thanks for the help.

NewMoon · 08-20-2003, 01:52 PM

You need to update with the BlueChart software, this will give you tremendous detailed charts...The 162's base maps leave alot to be desired.

202 Scout Sportfisher, Suzuki 140HP, fish out of Point Judith, RI

cgrand · 08-20-2003, 02:11 PM

mlassman

go to the garmin website & preview the "US Topo" mapsource CD- this will likely be your best best for inshore & nearshore fishing. the "Bluechart" CG is best for off- shore navigation

i have both, and rarely use the bluechart

Pacific 19CC, Yamaha F100

mlassman · 08-20-2003, 02:29 PM

What about the US waterways from map source? I noticed it is only like $60. If the Topo will do it for me that would be great also. Thanks for the help.

cgrand · 08-20-2003, 02:35 PM

i've never looked at the us waterways cd; i'd guess it's best suited for inland use (rivers, lakes, etc) but don't take my word for it.

i do a lot of coastal fishing (bays, bayous, etc) and even with our jagged and changing coastline, the detail is pretty good on the us topo. it will likely be your best bet

the us topo also shows most near shore navaids and markers

great choice on the 162 btw; great unit and ridiculously easy to use

Pacific 19CC, Yamaha F100

Sandtiger · 08-23-2003, 10:36 AM

I also have a Garmin 162 as well as the Waterwys and Lights CD and the Bluechart. THe Waterwats and Lights will get you "off the land" with its mapping software. IT will show you the buoys and wrecks, but not the topography of the bottom. Here in the Chesapeake the Waterways and lights seems to be more accurate for the wrecks whereas the BlueChart is a replica of the NOAA charts.

I find that using the two CDs together (on the home computer) is a real benefit. I used the Waterways and Lights for quite some time pior to getting the Blue Charts and I did quite well with it. I like the BlueCharts because I use it to fish the dropoffs and contours in the bay for flounder and offshore for the tuna etc.

So, after all that the answer is yes Waterways and Lights will get you "off the land".

Sandtiger
Member Peninsula Salt Water Sport Fisherman's Assoc. (http://www.pswsfa.com)