Jim Grouch

I have the 797 and love it. As far as interpreting the images, here is the best way I can describe it. When looking at the right side of the boat, tilt your head 90 degrees to the left... That will show you the bottom, the water column, and then the top of the water... Which you will usually see the bubbles from your prop. The same goes for the left side...In order to interpret the image of the left side, tilt your head 90 degrees to the right. I hope this helps.

I did it myself. I thought it was fairly easy to do. This, by the way, was the first time I've ever mounted one. All the components are there to install. I can't remember all the tools that were needed, but they were basic....drill, screwdriver, wire stripper, electrical tape, and some silicone (a little bit added to the transducer screws). When turning it on for the first time, the preloaded settings are good to go. There are some fine tuning settings that you can play around with, but right out of box it's fine. As far as skills needed to install...I would compare it to being able to install a home stereo system. Skim over the instructions and hook up a few wires. I hope this helps.

Hi Goober...First off...BUY IT! I bought the 797 c2i last year and love it. It took me awhile to convince myself to buy a unit that expensive, but I can tell you it is money well spent. There's no use in having a nice boat if you can't find the fish. Next thing is pay the extra money to get the Navionics Gold and Hotmaps. You will regret the decision if you buy the cheaper unit because you cannot add these after you buy it. Also it would be benificial to purchase a Navionics Hotmaps Explorer disc. It's around $20. What you can do with this is study the lake maps, find the spots you might want to fish, plot your routes and waypoints, and then use an SD card (same card for alot of digital cameras), and transfer them into your 700 series. For the $20 it makes it wayyy easier to study lakes on the computer rather than using the fishfinder itself. The new 798 model replaces last years 797 model so there aren't a ton of reviews on it yet. They look very similar and I do not know the added features on the 798, but I'm sure its the same quality as the 797 I purchased. I found 1 or 2 reviews on the Bass Pro website and Amazon. There use to be alot of exceptional reviews for the 797 on websites, but I noticed they took them down when they added the 798 model. Go to Yahoo and search the groups for: Humminbird side imaging... Sign up to be a member. There is a wealth of knowledge from many of the members there. I think there may also be alot of guys that work for the company there that can answer any questions you may have. There are alot of images and technical data on there, but you will most defiantely be able to see it in action. I cannot say enough about how happy I am with purchasing it. Easy to install right out of the box. It's amazing to be trolling along and see schools of baitfish or an engine block laying to the left or right hand side of the boat. Pretty amazing stuff. I am in no way affiliated with the company, but I thought I would give my 2 cents for helping you make a decision. The first time out with it, you'll forget all about how much money it was and wished that you had it sooner. The ONLY issue that I have with it is I spend wayyy too much time checking out the fish and structure rather than actually having my line in the water. It's addicting. Good Luck! -Grouch

I agree w/ u Nubby...I think there should be a Macomb County Bass Club... If I were home more often I would most definately help you set it up.

Pay the $10 for the players advantage... This is my first year doing the fantasy league and I payed the $10... The info it gives you is well worth it.

Get a copy of Navionics HotMaps Explorer for your PC. It sells for around $20...maybe cheaper on ebay. I purchased this a few months back and don't regret it for a second. You can for the most part pick out spots you'll want to try even before getting to the lake.

I did call FLW and here's what they had to say. It is a draw for partner...So pretty much the registering together is just to guarantee yourself into the tournament. Not that you guys were wrong at all...but just wanted to check from "the horse's mouth". Next part is about the insurance for the boat. They said that the boat must have accident and liability insurance. They do not require a specic amount, but do require that you have it for the boat. Now keep in mind that is for the BFL tournaments and does not apply to all bass tournaments in general. Most questions can be answered in the rules section of the FLWoutdoors website. I hope this helps anyone else in the future that may want to give it a shot. -Jim

Awsome...Thanks guys. I've read the rules over and they seem pretty straight forward. I have a friend that is also a non-boater that wants to enter and also wants me to put in for being the boater...But I'm sure you guys can see where I'm coming from and just being a little hesitant and intimidated for it being my first tournament. I appreciate all of your feedback. It looks like the red rocket will prevail!!!!

That's the problem...I don't know any boaters for the tournament. It's a 19 footer and a good rough water boat and everything works. I'm half tempted to enter it just to be sure to get in. I just don't want my partner all pist because he's not in a new Triton....but then again I guess its better then his boat. The lake is Lake St. Clair and Detroit River.

Thanks for the quick responses. Now for my second dilema. I want to go to my first tournament as a non-boater to get a feel for the game. I'm worried that if I show up as a non-boater then I might not be able to fish in the tournament due to the numbers. Is my 1995 Nitro good enough to be out on the water with the rest of the pack...or am I gonna get laughed at? That's the only for sure way I can see getting into the tournament is by being the boater. What are your thoughts???

I plan on fishing a BFL tournament this upcomming year and have never fished a tourney before. I am a little confused on the partner process. I understand that turning in my member number and my partners member number in at the same time prior to the priority deadline will give us "priority". However...I am a little confused by the wording on the rules. Does that mean he and I will be able to fish that tournament together??? Or just that it we have priority in getting into the tournament and will be drawn partners that we don't know?? I know this may sound like a silly question. but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks -Jim

I'll take you out. I'm from Shelby Township and willing to meet half way between us somewhere. I dont know what your work schedule is like but I can only go out during the week. Let me know.

Thats great John...I'm glad that there was finally a good solution for you. We are all looking forward to seeing pics of the final product and for you to tell us how it is...Also, make sure to take pics during the whole project... You'll definately refer to them in the future. Looking forward to seeing it.

Epoxy...This isn't ever going to be in a boat show. Sinking any sizeable amount of money into it wouldn't be worth it. Just do the minimal amount of fixing where it will get you out on the water (even if you need to bring a cup or a rag to rinse the water out) and save your money for another boat. That is my opinion...unless this boat has sentimental value from someone special.

I said JB Weld for small leaks.... (2 in. or less I think is what I wrote you)....You didn't say that it was leaking from the whole seam all the way down the boat...I would just use it as is if its only getting cup or 2 every so many hours until the winter comes. Then buy a rivit gun and enjoy doing this....rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet,rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, rivet, .......

I'm heading up there next spring in mid May. I'll be with a veteran of that water but in separate boats. I must say I'm concerned about boat damage. Some say rent a boat on sight. Others say go for it. What say you? I say use your own boat, but just take it slow. If you bust a prop on the rental then you need to buy a new one anyways.

Grouch, you rookie,....you forgot the 12 pack and THE NET!! ;D I don't think a 12 pack is enough for that much fun!

This is awesome...I almost want to take side bets... Don't know who Im rootin' for but it would make for some added fun. I'd say LBH chose that spot, thats gotta be at least 2:1 odds in his favor. Any takers? $5

Heres what I did...I found a local boat mechanic looking for side work. He is charging me $245 to remove the old motor, fill the holes, place new motor on, hook up all lines, wires, control box, and gauges.....I thought that was a pretty good deal.....well that was easy!

I was hoping someone could give me some direction on this. I have read a few websites and find a bunch of different answer. I am replacing a 1980 Johnson 175 hp with a 2001 Yamaha Max 150 (on a 1995 Nitro). I need to fill the old holes and redrill new ones. How do I go about filling the old holes already in the transom. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks. -Jim

Wow...that isnt just one small leak. The whole seam is coming apart. Do us a favor and take a picture of the inside of the boat looking at that same seam.

I am going in blind on this one. I have never fished St Clair before and will be there for 30 days. I work overseas 9 months a year and get limited time on fishing. I am looking for a few gps spots if anyone can help. I want to catch some of these monster smallies that I keep seeing pictures of. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks for the comments...I, being the bargain shopper that I am, just picked up a 2001 150 hp Yahama VMax for $3000. Totaling $6500 into the boat. I still have the (3) 175 Hp motors to sell that came with the boat. I'm guessing I'll get between $2-3000 for those. I will post pics whenever I get around to rigging it.

Please tell me someone knows this guy...I laugh every time I see this.

2,000,000 candle power spot light and 1/4 stick of dynamite...not really catch and release friendly, but makes for one heck of an outing.