Topic: 2012 Map Chips - What To Expect???

[sneakypete]

So, I couldn't take it anymore and popped for a new side imaging fishfinder. I've been checking out all the Lakemaster vs Navionics threads and the winner is, well, that depends on the thread you read.

But the topic that seems to be getting ignored is: What happens now that Johnson Outdoors has purchased Lakemaster??? What can we expect in 2012 (and beyond!)

If you happen to have some facts to share it would be great! If you think you have a good guess, well, share that too!

I wonder if LM will release versions that cover a whole region?

I wonder if a bunch of what is on Nav's maps is licensed from LM and if LM will pull the plug on those licenses? Maybe I have that backwards?

Most of all I wonder what the 2012 versions from both Nav and LM will look like cuz I'm going to be in need of a chip or two soon...

Looking forward to soft water...

[Blackwaterkatz]

I'm anxious to see what happens down the road also.  I already use a 998 and 1198; donated my 797 to son-in-law.  Most of the map cards for HB pertain to lake or salt water fishing, but I use my units in local rivers a lot also, and there isn't much available with adequate detail for those inland areas, in fact some of the places I go don't even show that there is a river, at least on the basic mapping option.  I started to purchase a 597 yesterday for my grandson to install on his high-dollar duck hunting boat, but realized that the mapping options available didn't justify retiring the Eagle unit he has with one of my Lowrance Map Create cards installed.  He wants to upgrade from grayscale to color, but right now we're deciding what is the best option.  He likes the display size and color of the 597, but needs more detail in the cartography area. 
I am forced to also use Lowrance units in my other two boats, primarily for the mapping options, and would love to see someone either create cards for the HB, or a program that would allow us to create our own.

[George]

Johnson Outdoors has already started adding new Lake Master Maps. 

Texas and Oklahoma is fairly new and it appears that they have just come out with "Great Plains" which covers Iowa/Illinois/Kansas/Missouri/Nebraska, Great Plains on one chip. 

It would be wise to look at the map's lake listing before purchasing a chip.  I would expect them to make updates annually adding lakes to the chips.  I have both Navionics Platinum and the Texas/Oklahoma chips. 

Currently using the Lake Master chip for Lake Eufaula because it allows me to adjust for water depth changes.  The lake varies 10 feet annually, currently is 2 feet low up 2 feet from 6 weeks ago.  Also it has an adjustment to highlight a depth rage in a different color.  I have been highlighting underwater islands between 25 and 30 foot deep.  If I find the fish hanging at a different level I can highlight that water level.

Both chips have benefits and I will probably switch back and forth depending on what I want to do.

George 

[LocDown]

sweet. they have kansas in there now!

[sneakypete]

I wish they would sell lakes ala-carte to people who already have a lake chip.  Say you have Minnesota or Lakes North and you will only be fishing one Texas lake you could just purchase that one lake.  Makes sense to me...