| is day and age, you would be hard pressed to find | | | | GPS, you may be able to save time and |
| a fishing boat without some sort of fish finding | | | | frustration on the open seas by going directly to |
| device. GPS devices have become the latest in | | | | the location that had the fish the last time you |
| technology and water safety when it comes to | | | | went out. Another advantage to the GPS is that |
| fishing. They are used as a means of navigation | | | | it can detect hot fishing spots that may not be |
| and a way to mark your spot so that you can | | | | detected by older maps or charts. In addition, if |
| find it again in the future. | | | | you find a perfect fishing spot, you can share it |
| A GPS is a Global Positioning System that is made | | | | with a friend when you go fishing on another boat. |
| primarily for navigational purposes. They work off | | | | GPS systems are also a great safety tool when |
| a network of satellites that are placed into orbit | | | | you are out on the water. Many times, especially |
| by the United States Government. The best part | | | | if there are many people socializing on a boat, it |
| about a GPS system is that because they | | | | can be easy to lose concentration. People will |
| operate off satellite, they can be used in any | | | | easily be turned around or lost and a GPS is an |
| weather conditions at any hour of the day. | | | | easy tool to use to find your way back home. |
| The satellites will circle the earth twice during the | | | | You can also use a GPS system if there is |
| day and transmit signal information to Earth. The | | | | unexpected bad weather such as fog or heavy |
| signals can then be used to calculate the | | | | rain. GPS systems are also equipped with mapping |
| user’s exact location by implementing | | | | software that makes it easier to find a dock. The |
| triangulation and pinpointing exact spots. | | | | GPS is so accurate that it is able to communicate |
| Triangulation means that the GPS receiver must | | | | exact positions to the Coast Guard or rescue |
| be locked into three spots before a calculation of | | | | crew if an emergency arises. |
| longitude and latitude can be displayed. After the | | | | You can purchase a handheld GPS online or at |
| satellites have mapped the location, the GPS can | | | | your local marine or boating store. Ask a |
| narrow in on other satellites for useful information | | | | salesperson to help explain the different features |
| such as speed, track, trip distance, destination | | | | and costs for the varying models. If you decide |
| distance and sunrise or sunset times. | | | | to purchase your boat from a dealer, you may |
| The accuracy of the GPS system is very acute | | | | have an option for a built-in GPS. Your local boat |
| because of the multi-channel designs that are | | | | supplier will be able to give you a reference to |
| available. A GPS will lock onto a satellite and | | | | someone who can properly install your electronics. |
| maintain that lock through one of their channels. A | | | | You should never rely on just one navigation tool |
| GPS fish finder is accurate up to fifteen meters | | | | when you are fishing. A GPS seems to cover all |
| while the newer models increase in accuracy up | | | | of the bases, but it is still a computerized tool. |
| to three meters. | | | | You should always be proactive about your |
| There are many benefits to investing in a GPS | | | | safety and always have marine maps and charts |
| and people are using GPS more regularly and | | | | onboard at all times. You should also have a |
| relying on them more than the more traditional | | | | handheld radio or cell phone handy in case of |
| ways of navigation such as maps and charts. If | | | | emergencies. |
| you have plot points that you have saved on a | | | | |