I'd rather freeze than not be able to drill a hole
I'd rather freeze than not be able to fish
I'd rather freeze than not be able to tell if there is fish below me
I'd rather freeze than not be able to identify and locate a "killer spot" or even a "good spot"
After all these things are taken care of, I'll look for shelter.

(granted my list runs counter to Maslow's list and survival training, but I'm a fat fella with warm clothes. Point being, a GPS is that important.)

Thanks guys!

Might be buying myself an early Christmas present this weekend!

Mojo have you looked at the LakeMaster MN chip for the Garmin units yet? All the LakeMaster high detail is offered in Garmin format now. This is the best detail available for MN. It is now out in the new Dakota's edition, with high detail ND/SD maps in Garmin also.

I use a Garmin Rhino 530 HCX, I have the Inland Lakes new version of Garmin software, and that is OK... the detail is very high on these data cards offered by LakeMaster.

The Garmin Rhino 530 HCX is a sportsman's tool for sure, you get highly accurate GPS, FRS/GMRS radio communication 5 watts of transmit power (GMRS), which lets you contact others from up to 14 miles away, weather alert, barometric pressure readings, mapping and street maps, and about 15 other nifty features to fiddle with encluding fishing times and solar tables.

The Rhino FRS/GMRS radio/GPS system is unique in that you can track up to 50 other Rhino users at once, and they can track you if you wish, and share a way point or a whole trip with a push of a button..so if your lost others can easily locate you and track to you, or you to them. A great unit and it has a $80 rebate on it right now too, making it a even better deal.

There are tons of extra data packets on micro SD or disk one can add on to this unit too, as in the LakeMaster chips...this unit utilizes the Micro SD cards and can also interface with your computer with the MapSource mapping software provided with the unit. A well rounded system with a fast charging lithium ion rechargeable battery pack to keep you up and running in the field. If you shopping for a sportsman's GPS unit, this unit is well worth a look.