genec--my observation so far

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12-14-2011, 11:46 AM
Don G

genec--my observation so far

Gene, I went out again yesterday with my new I-pilot, HB 788 & 898..

This is just my opinion::::

For the way you & I fish, docks & brush piles, I see no need for SI or a Terrova TM with I-pilot...I, along with help from HB, have been fighting the interference problem and have it partially solved with the exception of the 800 kHz frequency for SI..

If I had it to do over I would buy a MK Maxxum TM like I had before the Terrova and a large screen HB 2D, DI DF...I saw yesterday that I was spending waaaaay too much time fooling around with electronics..

I would thoroughly check out the SI with someone that has one before making a purchase..

Like I said, this is my opinion and I don't fault anyone who has SI and are enjoying it..(Tap, Corker, etc)

PS:: you & Ron were dead on with your I-pilot test when you were in PA...Mine drifted a good 18' several times before correcting & this was with maximum reception shown on the remote..It did however give me time to throw out a buoy marker and anchors...:Doh:
12-14-2011, 12:57 PM
undertheradar

Not to rob you thread, just my simple thoughts...

The only time I feel the need for that type of TM is when i'm trolling.
My setup is a tiller style TM w/ bigfoot switch.
bigfoot switch - Bing Images
I just leave the speed set and bump the switch with my foot when desired. The handle is right there in front of me, I can steer it in any direction with my knee if I wanted too. Heckuva lot cheaper.
I dont think I spend anymore time/effort (maybe less) than the guys with any of the foot controls. When its really windy out, I like to be tied up to something or at home. But that is just me. I have so many other hobbies I have to prioritize my budget. But you ask anyone who's ever fished with me and I bet they'll tell ya the same.

I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A S.I. UNIT!!!
12-14-2011, 01:58 PM
TapOut64

If you fish brush piles I'm curious to know why you wouldn't need side imaging? How will you find new brush piles? Also, why not scan the docks your shoot to see if they are holding fish?
12-14-2011, 03:06 PM
HeyCharlie

DonG, Your right,, SI is bad! What you want for your 898?? :)
12-14-2011, 03:08 PM
HeyCharlie

I had tiller TM on my first bass boat.. I loved it!
12-14-2011, 05:08 PM
genec

Hey Don,I agree on TM, but on SI, I would love to have one and then get Tap to show this "tar heel" how to use it. I'am sure you will love it after you get use to it. I see charlie is learning how to use his. When he do ,maybe he can show me and I would be glad to show him what little I know about jigs and brush and shooting docks. Are you listern charlie? LOL
12-14-2011, 05:24 PM
HeyCharlie

:)
12-15-2011, 11:32 AM
fishdoc

DonG, I think we just gettin too old for all this modern technology. I think I'm goin back to a scullin paddle an an anchor rope with knots tyed every foot...and a cane pole...
12-15-2011, 11:49 AM
Don G

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishdoc

DonG, I think we just gettin too old for all this modern technology. I think I'm goin back to a scullin paddle an an anchor rope with knots tyed every foot...and a cane pole...

Doc, I know I'm too old but not you..I'm still wondering how we all made it a few years back without cell phones..Being a Bell System retiree and listening to phones ring for 30 years I have already thrown 1 cell phone in Watts Bar Lake..Thumbs Up
12-15-2011, 01:08 PM
Corker

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishdoc

a scullin paddle an an anchor rope with knots tyed every foot...and a cane pole...

That's pretty much how Carl still does it, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don G

how we all made it a few years back without cell phones

My service is so bad that I'm often without even when it's with me! The only reason I want one on the water is for safety.
12-16-2011, 06:11 AM
jim.b

the last time i fished with tap on chick lake i was impressed with his si unit. but i am like radar i use a tilled hand control with speed control and in high winds i fill i have a lot better control plus i fish backwards with my hand always on my trolling motor. funny thing all the guys i have met and fished with on this site fish foward.
12-16-2011, 07:16 AM
Hoover

I am with ya on the Terrova. I had one and I thought it was the biggest piece o junk ever. Replaced it with a fortrex(Simple and functional) and love it. Still lookin at a side image. Was hopin the price would drop, but its not looking that way.
12-16-2011, 12:02 PM
tahoe 50

I run a 798si and a 778 I think on the front. Tm is a moto guide wireless. I love it,as I can control from any place on the boat,no big cables in my way to trip over.
12-16-2011, 02:55 PM
TapOut64

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

I am with ya on the Terrova. I had one and I thought it was the biggest piece o junk ever. Replaced it with a fortrex(Simple and functional) and love it. Still lookin at a side image. Was hopin the price would drop, but its not looking that way.

Not at all my experience. If you do any long lining it's the perfect trolling motor. How can you not like cruise control? I set the speed at .8 mph and off I go. Also, standing in the back of my boat using the remote control is a great feature. I suppose it depends on your style of fishing.
12-16-2011, 04:57 PM
HeyCharlie

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim.b

the last time i fished with tap on chick lake i was impressed with his si unit. but i am like radar i use a tilled hand control with speed control and in high winds i fill i have a lot better control plus i fish backwards with my hand always on my trolling motor. funny thing all the guys i have met and fished with on this site fish foward.

This spring at LCR, I used 2 motors front and back. I found that using the motor on back was very easy and it helped me to put the front poles up into tighter coves and then back out of them. I was fishing both directions!
12-16-2011, 05:14 PM
Corker

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim.b

i fish backwards with my hand always on my trolling motor. funny thing all the guys i have met and fished with on this site fish foward.

I always fished from the back seat when I used a transom-mounted motor. Most of the time I fished backwards. When I got the first bow-mount motor I was forced to move up front--but I still fish backwards on occasion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

I had one and I thought it was the biggest piece o junk ever.

My Terrova's next trip (Monday?) will be #155. It has had 0.000 trips to the repair shop. It's the most rugged TM I've ever owned. Maybe your problem was with the iPilot. That's an option with Terrova & may not have been a good fit for your style of fishing. 95% of my trips are TMO lakes and most of the remaining 5% are places where a gas motor is allowed but not really necessary. In these conditions, the iP features are very helpful. During a recent solo trip to LCR, for example, I used auto-pilot to run the boat on course for 20 min. to my first spot. On the way, I set up my rods & otherwise played deck hand. An occasional bump took care of turns and course corrections. On the spot, "spot lock" hovered my baits over the structure while I handled the rods, bait, and fish. The rest of the day was more of the same.

I have a healthy pile of failed TM bones--any of which would be in the running for the title of biggest POJ ever. While these failed motors take up space in the garage, my Terrova's out fishing.