First time with the new I-pilot

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02-27-2010, 11:38 AM
badbrad

First time with the new I-pilot

I know several have posted about this but wanted to share my own experience. Yesterday, I finally got to try the new I-pilot. All I can say is, Wow! It took me a little bit to get used to the new controller. Several times throughout the day I went to move the boat and started pushing my watch, which is where I used to wear the old co-pilot. By the end of the day, I had it down pat. The spot lock feature is awesome. I trolled different pieces of cover in various depths looking for fish. The wind was up pretty good at times. When I managed to catch a fish, I would hit the spot lock feature. i was able to put the fish in the well and not get blown off the spot. I'm convinced this allowed me to catch several other fish, probably missed a few bites as well. I didn't record any tracks, so cant comment on that feature just yet. Bet I rely on it alot once I start longlining and pulling cranks.

Didn't wear the fish out by any means. But brought enough home for a good supper. Haven't been out on the water since November, so it was just good to be out there.
02-27-2010, 12:22 PM
Matt Smith

I drove over Barren yesterday going up 31E and did not see a boat anywhere. I suspected it was due to the wind. If that thing lets you concentrate on catching fish in those conditions, then it's worth every penny!

Unrelated: that lake needs some brush dropped on it.
02-27-2010, 02:52 PM
rtark

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbrad

I know several have posted about this but wanted to share my own experience. Yesterday, I finally got to try the new I-pilot. All I can say is, Wow! It took me a little bit to get used to the new controller. Several times throughout the day I went to move the boat and started pushing my watch, which is where I used to wear the old co-pilot. By the end of the day, I had it down pat. The spot lock feature is awesome. I trolled different pieces of cover in various depths looking for fish. The wind was up pretty good at times. When I managed to catch a fish, I would hit the spot lock feature. i was able to put the fish in the well and not get blown off the spot. I'm convinced this allowed me to catch several other fish, probably missed a few bites as well. I didn't record any tracks, so cant comment on that feature just yet. Bet I rely on it alot once I start longlining and pulling cranks.

Didn't wear the fish out by any means. But brought enough home for a good supper. Haven't been out on the water since November, so it was just good to be out there.

Glad your happy so far because mine will be here Monday. A question: where do you keep the remote? Have you put a transducer on the motor? Did you have a problem on spot lock with the transducer cord winding up?
I caught a good crappie the other day. While I was briefly getting the hook out I blew into shallow water and got three rigs hung up. Thats when I made up my mind to give it a shot. Can't wait but I have to.
02-27-2010, 07:20 PM
gabowman

You gonna love it rtark. It's unbelieveable! All of a sudden you get to focus on fishing....not the troller anymore!:eek::eek:;):D:D
02-27-2010, 07:29 PM
badbrad

Rtark, what I found that worked best for me was wearing the lanyard for the remote around my neck. It didn't seem to get in the way to bad and after several hours, I was able to make adjustments by barely glancing at it.

My motor has the built in US2 feature so I don't have to worry about a cable wrapping up.

This thing will spoil you rotten!!
02-28-2010, 08:58 PM
rtark

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabowman

You gonna love it rtark. It's unbelieveable! All of a sudden you get to focus on fishing....not the troller anymore!:eek::eek:;):D:D

I won't sleep tonihjt. I am not going to wait for the ups truck, I will be at will call at 8:30 AM SHARP.
02-28-2010, 09:04 PM
rtark

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbrad

Rtark, what I found that worked best for me was wearing the lanyard for the remote around my neck. It didn't seem to get in the way to bad and after several hours, I was able to make adjustments by barely glancing at it.

My motor has the built in US2 feature so I don't have to worry about a cable wrapping up.

This thing will spoil you rotten!!

I am ready to be spoiled then.. Crappie fishing here is super RED HOT and bucking the wind for hours is wearing me out It is really hard to wind in a fish take out the hook, put him in the live well and work the TM. I just can't belive this thing does what it does. I thought about going the xtra mile and get the us2, too late now.
02-28-2010, 10:28 PM
slimeyslab

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbrad

Rtark, what I found that worked best for me was wearing the lanyard for the remote around my neck. It didn't seem to get in the way to bad and after several hours, I was able to make adjustments by barely glancing at it.

My motor has the built in US2 feature so I don't have to worry about a cable wrapping up.

This thing will spoil you rotten!!

Dont forget about your power cable. I got a bug fish hung up last year and I am use to fishing with a Maxxum. Needless to say I kept my foot on the pedal and dang near wrapped that power cable clean off the motor. :)