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I'm curious to know from those of you who own the Minn Kota with the spot lock feature... Is it worth it?
Went to a local crappie club yesterday and asked a few.... seems pretty much divided (although some admitted that they'd tried the first gen models.)
I'm currently on the hunt for my crappie rig (Ranger 188C) and seriously considering adding this feature if it's not already installed.
So, what's the consensus? Worth every penny, or sorry ya got it?
Beavz
You'll get mixed opinions here as well.
I have a Gen 1 Ipilot and it will hold the boat in a 20-30' radius of the spot which is ok with me as I only use when I need to focus on re-tieing several lines/lures as I troll 99% of the time. I've read several comments the newer models are better, but it really depends on your expectations and how you plan on using it.
Ipilot is great for trolling as you can sit back and let the TM/IP control the direction of the boat. You just have monitor things, not drive the boat the entire time.
I have the newer version and I think it is worth it. The old one was just ok. The new one is great.
Don
I absolutely love the feature on my new trolling motor. Wouldn't be without one from now on.
Curious also
Thanks for the reply's.
I'd call my technique "hunter" not "troller."
I mostly fish docks or find structure that is holding crappie, and hold over and fish.
I'm thinking' that I'm going to "take the plunge" and try spot lock out.
:ThumbsUp Beavz
I'm like Dallman, older version is ok since I'm not much of a spot fisherman but I have run the new version and was really impressed how close it would hold on a spot and it ramps up and down much slower than the older version. If you go with it just make sure you are getting the latest version which is on 2017 models. If any doubt take serial number and call minkota.
second newer version. have 2nd gen and its all over the place. spend 2000 and get junk. i myself can't see spending another 2000 to get what should have worked in the 1st place. when i do go to upgrade ill go xi5.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
Worth every penny. Now I will freely admit that I don't use it that much crappie fishing, but I don't just crappie fish. IMO it's worth the price for just being able to tie on a new jig after a break off, or get up and dig through a compartment looking for something. Not having to ever look up and make sure you aren't about to run aground or hit a tree limb is awesome. I use my spot lock at least a couple of times, every time I fish.Quote:
Originally Posted by Beavz
Mine is 2nd Gen and my boat is almost dead still when it's on as long as there is some current or wind blowing. Dead calm, they drift a little.
If you don't get the Ipilot you are going to regret getting anything else. The newest spot lock is a dream, I don't know how I managed fishing without it. You won't regret it.
Absolutely love mine. It's fit my type fishing to a T. I troll a lot and just hit the autopilot at slow speed to land a fish without tangling lines then able to hit Spotlock if I see some white bass or wipers popping shad on the surface. being able to "anchor" for a few minutes to try a likely spot in the windy conditions we have here is worth everything I paid.
The newest one is definitely worth the money. I use mine a lot for sitting on a school of stripers when down rod fishing.