Fishing can be a pretty low-tech affair - rod, reel, hook and bait. Times have certainly changed. There are many modern aids employed by today's fishermen. In addition to an electronic fish finder, a GPS receiver would make a excellent tool to help you find your favourite fishing spots and return to them at a later date. A GPS receiver offers a few advantages to make your fishing experience better and safer.

Marine Charts

The best specialized maps are marine charts. You should note that marine charts change from year to year so get updates so that you don't run aground due to old charts or get lost. Once you've located the desired place on the map, finding the location on the water becomes the next challenge.

You might even want to fish around a submerged wreck or obstruction. With a GPS unit you can enter the location then return to it easily.

A combination of marine and road maps will show you if a stream drains south or north facing watersheds or if you face meadows, rapids or waterfalls. Maps also show the easy way back to shore, the best spots to find gas, gear, etc.

Route Planning

By entering waypoints in to your GPS prior to your trip you will spend less time navigating and more time fishing. And fishing is the point, right? Most GPS receivers allow you to upload routes and waypoints directly from your computer. In this pay you can plan your morning and evening fishing locations in advance. Have lunch midday somewhere nearby and let the GPS guide you to your fishing location.

GPS as a Safety Tool

GPS allows you to navigate safely, even when caught in a heavy fog or other bad weather conditions. It's easy to get turned around on the open seas, but no matter what the visibility with a GPS receiver you where you are and which way you are headed.

Finding the right fishing spot isn't the only consideration--finding your way back home again is another, and your GPS receiver lets you do that easily. It is better to enjoy the peace on the lake and see the fish are biting without worrying about the rigors of navigation. Receivers provide all the navigational information you need, including position, heading, bearing, speed, time to destination and more.

In case of a 'man overboard' situation a GPS unit can mark the exact place where the event occurred greatly assisting rescue crews. GPS also allows you to easily communicate precise positions to the Coast Guard if you come across a boat in distress.

In emergencies, swift navigation can make a big difference. GPS mapping software helps to quickly and safely navigate you to the nearest dock or port while avoiding known hazards along the way.

Geocaching

Let's not forget Geocaching. Some GPS receivers will even let you participate in Geocaching a fun activity for fishers and non fishers alike.