The Best Bass Fishing GPS

Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites send signals to recievers on the ground. GPS receivers receive these satellite signals; they do not send. GPS receivers require an unobstructed view of the sky, so for the most part, they can be used only outdoors. They normally do not work so well in or near heavily treed areas or near tall buildings. (Although, some of the newest units are much better then the first generation units)

GPS operations rely heavily on the atomic clocks at the U.S. Naval Observatory. These atomic clocks are highly accurite and aid in the satellite location detection. Each GPS satellite is equipted with there own atomic clocks. Each GPS satellite sends data that indicates its location and the current time. All GPS satellites synchronize operations so that these repeating signals are transmitted at the same instant. The signals, move at the speed of light and arrive at each GPS receiver at slightly different times because some satellites are farther away than others. The distance to the GPS satellites can be determined by estimating the amount of time it takes for their signals to reach the receiver.

When the receiver estimates the distance to at least four GPS satellites, it can calculate the position in three dimensions. There are at least 24 operational GPS satellites in the air at any given time. The satellites are operated by the U.S. Air Force and orbitthe earth within a period of 12 hours. Ground stations are used to track each satellite's orbit.

The accuracy of your position is mostly determined by the type of GPS receiver you are using. Most hand held GPS units have about 10-20 meter accuracy. Other types of receivers use a method called Differential GPS (DGPS) to obtain much higher accuracy. DGPS requires an additional receiver fixed at a known location nearby. Observations made by the stationary receiver are used to correct positions recorded by the roving units, producing an accuracy greater than 1 meter.

When the system was created, timing errors were inserted into GPS transmissions to limit the accuracy of non-military GPS receivers to about 100 meters. This part of GPS operations, called Selective Availability, was eliminated in May 2000 and the accuracy is now much more reliable.

These readings are accurate but could never replace Gramps and his stories!

Which style GPS is best for you and bass fishing? The answer to this question really depends on you! There are some differences but also some simularities to the hand held units and the stationary units.

SIZE

One of the biggest differences between these two styles of bass fishing GPS units is size and portability. The hand held units are by far much more portable and smaller in size. But, the stationary units have bigger screens and are easier to read. The choice is yours!

DISPLAY

This leads right into the next difference. The display! The hand held units do have a much smaller screen but they do come with color options that make them easier to read. I recommend color, the black and white displays are hard to see. The stationary units have a bigger display and also come in black and white or color. Although the black and white is easier to read with the bigger screen, I recommend color on these units as well. Take a look at all your options before you make a decision. Look at the displays and make your own opinion!

ACCURACY

Accuracy is a big difference between these units! The hand held units are far less accurite. Even the best hand held is only good for around 30 meters or so. This is close to 100'. Where as the stationary units can be very accurite. These units can put you with in 1 meter or 3' from your target. This is the biggest difference between the units. Once again, the choice is yours.

EASE OF USE

Back when the GPS was first introduced to the masses, they where tough to figure out. Now, the new units are simple and easy. My 9 year old can use mine with ease. Both the hand held and the stationary units are simple. Sure, you do need to check out the owners manual that comes with your new unit, but it will be much easier to navigate then in years past!