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i have a 1992 BassTracker TX 17 with 60hp Merc. i currently have a 30lb thrust minn kota and a Helix 5 DI fish finder. i am going to upgrade either the trolling motor or the fish finder. my options are add a Garmin 7 SV or upgrade trolling motor to a 45 lb thrust remote trolling motor. i mainly fish Watts Bar, a muddy lake part of the TN river system.
thanks for any advice
Upgrade the electronics. Sell the Helix 5. Keep on the lookout for a used Minn Kota PD.
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Do you troll? Single pole?
Yeah, but how do you mainly fish ?? (what are your main techniques ?)
When I fish WB, it's mostly dock shooting and casting to a few downed trees. Most of the time a 40 something pound thrust TM (foot pedal operated) is sufficient, but if I was there doing other techniques (like Spider Rigging or Pushing jigs or cranks) I'd opt for a TM with more thrust & probably a 24V system.
I haven't fished the "river" portion of the lake in all of the decades I've been going down there. Initially it was from Bayside to Caney Creek, then in more recent years it's been mostly from Whites Creek to Piney River. In all those years, the most advanced electronics I've had was a DI unit. If it were the depth finder I was upgrading ... I'd probably go with a 9" screen, even if it meant waiting longer to procure the funds.
i am just getting serious about crappie fishing. i have some trolling set ups but mainly use minnows and jigs under floats.i am wanting to expand my techniques.
In that case I'd go with bigger/better electronics !!Quote:
Originally Posted by tncrappieman
i live 2 miles from Caney Creek. one of the areas i target
Used to do real good at the bridge & up into Shanty Branch (along the county park bank) ... but, haven't been back there since they started putting in the RV Park (& cleaned up the bank along that side of Shanty Branch). Road Runners & jigs at the bridge & minnows under a float back in the creek (around brush & submerged trees) used to produce some good fish in size & numbers.Quote:
Originally Posted by tncrappieman
I vote trolling motor. I can fish blind a whole lot better than being able to see and not move.
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I vote trolling motor also. If your not going to go 24 volt....then I would get a 55 lb. MinnKota Terrova with I Pilot. And upgrade your trolling battery to a group 31 deep cycle.
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Second only to my big motor would be the trolling motor . 24 volt is a must for me now . If not a tournament fisher you most likely confirm what you already know . I have done both upgrades . Went to a helix-9 from a helix-5 and from a 45 lb. thrust 12 volt trolling motor to a 70 lb. thrust 24 system. Both are great upgrades but for me I can manage if temp. speed, depth are known(helix-5 does well ) but the ability to maintain boat control in wind is far more crucial . JMO.
My opinion. The trolling motor is first for another reason not yet mentioned. The way home. Problem arises and the Tm has to take you home, and it’s windy. That electronics won’t help a bit. I’ve been using a power drive Tm for over 15 years and I do everything with it, docks, troll, brushpiles. The biggest you can get. You’re only gonna buy it once. I bought the one I’m using now 7 or 8 years ago and no issues. 24volts If you can get them put away, or the biggest battery you can fit in the battery box if a 12 volt is your choice. I run a 70lb 24v and stay on the TM for 6 or 7 straight hours and still pulling when i get ready to go home. Heavy boat on a windy day, no issues. Think of it in the same way you think of home defense; you don’t need it til you need it.
I would go for a 24v TM you can find structure and fish with the FF unit you have.
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I'm not sure how I deleted my previous post. In it I asked if you might be interested in a very lightly used 65lb, 24V MinnKota Maxxum trolling motor. I bought it new last Feb. Thinking on getting a Terrova I Pilot myself.
i would be interested.