I,m looking to buy a gps & need some info on what to look for. I will be using it to mark waypoints for favorite fishing spots in the straits. Marking waypoints for favorite hunting spots. What is the best brand & model?????????

Are you looking for handheld or fixed mount?

I have a garmin eTrex Vista, and I love it. The Vista has maping capabilities, and also supports WAAS which increases the acuracy when you are out on the water.

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Steel-Addicted

After re-reading your post I'm going to assume your looking for a handheld unit, there are a lot of good ones out there and a few bad ones, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Garmin handheld units, the Vista mentioned above is a great unit, probably be my second choice, first would be the Map76, alot of the same features as the Vista with a couple features the Vista doesn't offer, 1) it floats 2) comes with built in tide table/celestial chart 3) bigger screen then the E-Trex line which is nice when your trying to read the thing at 20+ mph in choppy water.
Both the E-Trex and 76 units are WAAS capable but it does not yet work in Wash. should be available within a couple years.

I'm looking for a handheld. Steel is that a moderately price one.

$349 for the Vista, $339 for the Map76

I have an Etrex Venture.....

Easy to use, marks waysides and routes and is downloadable.

Retails at around $200.

Venture is okay but doesn't have mapping, spend a little extra and get 1 with map feature.

I got the Map76 about a month ago.. it is one sweet unit... I also got the Topo map CDs.. they are worth the $100 if you want more detailed maps.. was very impressed with their detail..

had the e-trex, took it back and payed a little more for the map76 much happier,

I have to recommend the Garmin also. Had one on the boat last year for duck hunting. Put a bracket on the console to hold the hand held model, and it handled the abuse well. Rain, snow, wind and no problems. Even forgot and left it out overnight on the boat in very cold weather and it turned right on the next day. Very tough!
Just my .02
Tom