Using the Spot Lock function of the updated i-Pilot to target fall crappies

My i-Pilot/Terrova 101 is mounted on a Deep V walleye boat (a Ranger 1860), but many of the guys in my circle run the i-Pilot on Deep V tin boats or even on flat bottoms, and most are very very happy with its performance. In my mind, the optimum conditions for using the i-Pilot are when there is a steady force trying to move the boat off position....whether that's a steady current, steady wave action, or a steady wind. Blend two or more of these together, in such a way that they are not all acting to move the boat in the same direction, and the i-Pilot has to work harder to control position. In my mind, by selecting a situation where I had steady current and a cross-current to upstream wind, I ended up with a set of circumstances where the i-Pilot its work cut out for it, and it performed perfectly.

Spot Lock is the most frequently used i-Pilot function in my boat. The most important thing I've learned is to start with the boat heading into the primary force trying to move the boat off its position....bow into the current or the wind or the waves. This tends to minimize steering corrections as the boat returns to the locked position. I still carry a traditional anchor and will use it during those limited times when the current is too strong, the waves too big, or the wind too swirly.

Great video. My fishing life has improved 500% with the spot lock function. Not always perfect, like you said, if you have too many factors influencing the boat movement it can be tough but most of the time it performs great. My only complaint is it seems that whatever direction I'm pointed when I hit the spot lock button it always goes back, turns and then comes back up to the spot. Just takes a little longer to get "on the spot." Used it very effectively a couple of weeks ago vertical jigging for eyes under a bridge with a 10mph wind swirling and jettisoning through the bridge making it improbable to have done it by my manual control but the spot lock made it a real pleasure.

i have a hard time controling my boat even if the wend isen`t blowing . it is so hard to consintrate on tying a jig bating a hook and controling the boat i am just not a multytasker . planning on gitting one soon . i hsve a auto pilot but it some times turns on its own .

Spot Lock is just one of the powerful boat control tools that the i-Pilot offers. It is a position fisherman's dream. However, when covering water while casting or trolling, the Track Record and playback features rise to the top. I will be filming a Track record piece this weekend to highlight its applications for casters and trollers, and will be sure to share that here.

i purchased a terrova with i-pilot in june and mine does not hold me like ypu showed us, what do i have to do to upgrade to that version? or can I?

Jason how do u think spotlock would work on a 22 ft pontoon with 80 lb thrust terrova

I plan to purchase a 12 volt Terrarova I Pilot early next year. . How do I determine that I am getting the newest version?
SeaRay

I've had the same problem. Spot lock is a good feature, but don't think that it's gonna hold you on a stump with the wind blowing, mine won't. It will hold you in casting distance, but not dipping distance, unless maybe you're using a 20'er. I use mine most for holding in the wind near the area I'm gonna start a pass trolling, while I set the rack and poles up. Works good for that. I still like mine, as a complete unit, plenty of power-very handy unit.

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Originally Posted by Jason Halfen #511

My i-Pilot/Terrova 101 is mounted on a Deep V walleye boat (a Ranger 1860), but many of the guys in my circle run the i-Pilot on Deep V tin boats or even on flat bottoms, and most are very very happy with its performance. In my mind, the optimum conditions for using the i-Pilot are when there is a steady force trying to move the boat off position....whether that's a steady current, steady wave action, or a steady wind. Blend two or more of these together, in such a way that they are not all acting to move the boat in the same direction, and the i-Pilot has to work harder to control position. In my mind, by selecting a situation where I had steady current and a cross-current to upstream wind, I ended up with a set of circumstances where the i-Pilot its work cut out for it, and it performed perfectly.

Spot Lock is the most frequently used i-Pilot function in my boat. The most important thing I've learned is to start with the boat heading into the primary force trying to move the boat off its position....bow into the current or the wind or the waves. This tends to minimize steering corrections as the boat returns to the locked position. I still carry a traditional anchor and will use it during those limited times when the current is too strong, the waves too big, or the wind too swirly.

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great advice....still getting the hang of my I-pilot, but I have found what your saying to be 100% on....I have mine on a deep v tin boat, wind can be a pain, but made alot easier as I learn how to apply the options to the conditions im facing

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Originally Posted by SeaRay

I plan to purchase a 12 volt Terrarova I Pilot early next year. . How do I determine that I am getting the newest version?
SeaRay

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the 2012 model has 6 recordable tracks and 6 memory spots for the anchor spot function. Earlier models only have 3 of each.