Thread: Help me add electronic and rig my new boat. Getting son ready for HS Bass fishing tea

Not to rain on your parade plans, but that's a huge investment to compete at that level. I don't know how many years he has been fishing, but all the fancy equipment and gear is no substitute for time on the water. New and shiny stuff is nice, but it does not catch fish- skill and persistance does. The latest equipment usually makes fishing more comfortable and efficient- not necessarily more successful. Bragging rights about a nice new boat soon disappear at the weigh-in spot if you know where to find and hook a big bag!
Just trying to help you weigh all the benefits of spending a lot of $$$ when you don't bass fish much. Throwing out my advice after 60+ years of fishing. Feel free to disregard anything I have offered.
Good luck to you and your son on the quest.

no clue here , but sure wish my dad did that for me , good on you bro ....

Thanks for the replies. So I have settled on 2 Garmin Ultra 126 SV. And I am adding the latest version of live scope.

Originally Posted by cddogfan1

Thanks for the replies. So I have settled on 2 Garmin Ultra 126 SV. And I am adding the latest version of live scope.

That's an awesome set up!!

I can tell you what i just rigged my xpress h17c out with and i love it and so does my son. He is also wanting to fish on his HS team. Granted i rigged it for sacalait (crappie) but i can still fish bass if i would like to. Much like you my entire life ive never used electronics or knew how to read a fish finder other than the depth. But it is fairly easy to learn, it does take seat time to learn the species of fish you see, but learning how to operate and understand it is simple even for your son. I have set back at the console watching the 93sv seeing what he sees on the 126sv in the front and kind of coaching him through it. Hes hooked! and i rarely get to fish anymore lol

I put the Garmin 93sv flush in the console and networked it with my 126sv on the bow (they are networked so you can view both screens from either location).

The gt54 transducer is on the bow of the boat i use at the steering wheel for Clear Vu and Side Cu (Down and Side imaging) looking for structure, brush piles, etc.
The LVS34 transducer is on the trolling motor shaft with a 0 degree garmin mount.

I put the 126sv on the bow with a stowaway xl mount which is really great i like it. It raises up to around 32" if im not mistaken.

I put the 24v Minn Kota Ultrex 80# with US2 for 2d sonar in as the trolling motor (I have not got to use this yet, as it was just installed a few days ago.

(2) 12.8 100aH Power Queen Lithium Batteries powering the trolling motor.
(1) 12V 50Ah Ionic (only supplying power to the Livescop and 126sv)

I added the millenium rod transport racks I think these are a must for any boat they are nice, i use my rod storage for misc. storage ( If i used normal size rods i would probably use rod storage but my jigging rods are pretty long)

I really like the garmin stuff, i know ive heard side imaging and maps are better on hummingbird, and they may be but im content with Garmin for that for what i need it for. I may upgrade in the future to try it out , but before i do that i think i will add power poles and/or crappie brakes.

Maybe this will give you some ideas and good luck

Originally Posted by jdk426

I can tell you what i just rigged my xpress h17c out with and i love it and so does my son. He is also wanting to fish on his HS team. Granted i rigged it for sacalait (crappie) but i can still fish bass if i would like to. Much like you my entire life ive never used electronics or knew how to read a fish finder other than the depth. But it is fairly easy to learn, it does take seat time to learn the species of fish you see, but learning how to operate and understand it is simple even for your son. I have set back at the console watching the 93sv seeing what he sees on the 126sv in the front and kind of coaching him through it. Hes hooked! and i rarely get to fish anymore lol

I put the Garmin 93sv flush in the console and networked it with my 126sv on the bow (they are networked so you can view both screens from either location).

The gt54 transducer is on the bow of the boat i use at the steering wheel for Clear Vu and Side Cu (Down and Side imaging) looking for structure, brush piles, etc.
The LVS34 transducer is on the trolling motor shaft with a 0 degree garmin mount.

I put the 126sv on the bow with a stowaway xl mount which is really great i like it. It raises up to around 32" if im not mistaken.

I put the 24v Minn Kota Ultrex 80# with US2 for 2d sonar in as the trolling motor (I have not got to use this yet, as it was just installed a few days ago.

(2) 12.8 100aH Power Queen Lithium Batteries powering the trolling motor.
(1) 12V 50Ah Ionic (only supplying power to the Livescop and 126sv)

I added the millenium rod transport racks I think these are a must for any boat they are nice, i use my rod storage for misc. storage ( If i used normal size rods i would probably use rod storage but my jigging rods are pretty long)

I really like the garmin stuff, i know ive heard side imaging and maps are better on hummingbird, and they may be but im content with Garmin for that for what i need it for. I may upgrade in the future to try it out , but before i do that i think i will add power poles and/or crappie brakes.

Maybe this will give you some ideas and good luck

Thanks this is great info. Kind of backs up the direction I am headed.

Originally Posted by cddogfan1

Thanks this is great info. Kind of backs up the direction I am headed.

one thing I accidentally left off is you will want to install a shut off switch on your livescope battery and black box because it constantly draws. Simple install, it’s the red switch in the picture