Garmin GPS 12 This small unit fits the weekend angler's pocket book and yet is as accurate because the big ones.
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Pros
Best GPS 2010 Comparatively inexpensive
12 satellite uplink for accuracy
500 waypoint memory
Cons
Weak plastic console mount
Battery life is only enough for one fishing trip
Waypoint input is cumbersome
Garmin GPS 72Description
A little, light weight, hand held GPS unit
Uses up to 12 satellites for accurate readings
Provides either compass heading or runway path
Guide Review - Garmin GPS 12
Finding Your Way
Garmin has put a lot of product in a small package. The GPS 12 is arguably the most popular hand held GPS unit. It comes with a nice array of add-on options, including a small plastic console mount along with a cigarette lighter power cord to save you on batteries.
I favor the roadway guidance towards the compass heading mode, but it has both if you prefer one over the other. With 500 waypoints in the memory, you can store a lot of fishing spots.
The waypoint input is like all of the handhelds - a lot more than cumbersome. But that can be overlooked if you study the owner's manual and practice.
Battery life is advertised as 12 hours. I'm able to get 12 hours, but just with the most expensive batteries - the system takes four AA batteries. I end up buying four new ones every trip simply to make sure I can get home. The cigarette lighter cord option fixes battery problem, but in rough water, I find the plastic console mount isn't strong enough to hold the unit. So, I end up using it as a true handheld, and therefore need the batteries.
I've found this GPS to be an excellent value and a very accurate unit. I have not seen it be off by a lot more than about ten feet, and frequently puts me exactly at that moment.
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