clemsondds

Bought a boat and am looking to get some vests. I am planning to wear an auto pfd but my wife would prefer a traditional foam filled vest. Can anyone recommend options for both? Prefer to stay away from the big bulky foam vests...trying to keep her as comfortable as possible. And anyone seen any good deals on auto pfds? Looks like the price ranges from $115-400...which way is the best bang for buck? Was thinking about something like this for my wife... It's more of kayak pfd...but thought it might be less bulky. Any thoughts? Any other ideas? Thanks

I don’t think this is the case anymore. Unless your auto pfd is marked as a type V, then you aren’t required to wear them to count. Only type V are required according to USCG regs. Changed a couple years ago. There’s a good thread about this on thehulltruth.com last year. Obviously, you should always wear it, but it’s not required by law.

That's a great idea. I'll look into it!

Thanks for that comment. I wish I had a ton of time to get on the water and fish all the time, but I don't. So when I do get out there, I like to feel like I have a chance of catching something since I'm using the right lure at the right time. I think part of the issue is the increase in youtube (lakeforkguy, bassresource, fishing with nordby, roland martin...) videos. They are helpful, but with all the great fishermen on there and them having to create new content all the time...it leads to them talking about all the various techniques constantly and you/I get a little overwhelmed. Each video seems to be how some other technique is the best thing in the world and you would be an idiot for not trying it lol. Again, I have fished my whole life, but have never been an avid fisherman. The last twenty years or so, I have been swamped with college, dental school and life and am just now able to get back in it. So I'm just trying to find a way to keep it all sorted in my head and be able to take in all the variables when I go fish and select two or three of the best lure/rigs that give me a shot at the right presentation. I'm not looking to master all the different techniques...just want to be familiar with when to use what. The flow charts that were already posted were a great help and give me a good starting point. Thanks!

I think he was trying to be sarcastic... helpful posts are always appreciated. Can anyone recommend any good books or sources for me to learn more about specific circumstances for certain baits? I am trying to learn for example: if I come up on a point with a ledge in clear water mid day water temp 60 degrees...what’s the best bait to start with and then what should/could be my second and third option? I could guess but I would love to have more that just a guess behind my reasoning. I wish I had a dad or friend to take me fishing but at this point I don’t, so I’m just trying to learn on my own right now (and the help of the greatest bass forum in the web ) Thanks for the help!

Thanks for the help and advise! That makes a lot of sense.

Thanks

Thanks but I'm asking if there's been any research or proof to show these things work? I did a few google searches and of course the only stories you read are the negative ones where they didn't work in time of need (and it was a mustang...). I am sure there are studies or stories of how these auto pfd's saved someone's life...or at least worked the way it's suppose to. I agree that I would be much more likely to wear one with them being lower profile. I just want to be confident they will work

Anyone have any thoughts on the auto pfd? I saw a few comments where they wouldn't wear them and only wear foam, because of the stories of boaters dying after falling in and not inflating or ripping...Obviously I'm new to all of this so just trying to learn. Thanks

Thank you!! Wow...that's a lot of stuff ha. I really appreciate all the help! Can anyone recommend some brands I should look for in lifejackets and cleaning stuff? Thanks

Cool thank you! Appreciate the helpful post. I’ve been fishing for 25 years but this is the first time I’m getting a little more serious about it. Disappointed with some of the other responses...try to be helpful and supportive of new fishernen. I’m just trying to find a way to have a quick reference guide to how and when to use certain rigs/lures. Not trying to be lazy or anything...just trying to be a better fisherman. Appreciate the help!

It would be nice to have a flow chart for beginners to reference (ie if the water color is this at this time of year, at this depth then use...)

Has anyone found a really good flowchart that takes into consideration most variables and most major lure options? I’m somewhat new to bass fishing and the more research I do, the more overwhelming the lure options are various situations. I am still trying to learn all the various rig/options and it’s hard to learn them all, let alone learn when is the best time to use them (Eg ned rig, carolina rig, Texas rig, senko, dropshot, spinnerbait, chatterbait, a-rig, lipless/square bill crankbait, jerkbait...) Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

As the title suggests, I just got my first boat and am looking to unfit it. Can you give me your recommendations on things I should have on the boat? So far I’m thinking lifejackets (for driver and passengers...), emergency tools, boat maintenance stuff... Brand/model names or links would be greatly appreciated. Anything you can think of that you wouldn’t want to go boat/fish without... thabk you!!

Ok thanks everyone! How about transporting boat and exterior...what all do I need? Should I buy straps to ratchet down the boat when traveling? Any other tips/things to buy that I will need? Thanks again!

Anyone know if it takes about 5 hours to install unit and two transducers? Or is it too tough to tell without knowing the details of the boat? Thanks

Thanks guys. Decided to go with the Helix 7 G3N. Has the mega imaging and seems to be the best 7" out right now. Hopefully it will last at least 3 weeks before being obsolete ha. I did get a lot of info on it. Can't do the trolling motor transducer if you want depth readings while not using trolling motor obviously. So had to go with transom mount transducer that comes with the unit. That transducer doesn't read about 10mph, so had to get a second 2D transducer to go on the transom as well, to give depth while at speed. Got the unit for $699. Y cable for $40, 2nd transducer for $90 and install is 5 hour =$550. That seem right?

thanks

Anyone have a helix 7 g3n? I read that the mega imaging transducer doesn’t read depth at speed. So you need a separate DI transducer if you want depth while at speed. Can anyone confirm this? I hate to spend that much money and not be able to tell what depth I’m at as I’m going up the river/lake.

Anyone have a helix 7 g3n? I read that the mega imaging transducer doesn’t read depth at speed. So you need a separate DI transducer if you want depth while at speed. Can anyone confirm this? I hate to spend that much money and not be able to tell what depth I’m at as I’m going up the river/lake. Thabks!

Pretty small

Ok what if I just do the basics and go with Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N with the regular transom mount? Am I really missing out on that much not having the transducer mounted to the trolling motor? Is that something I can add later when I add another unit on the bow? Thanks!!

But I was planning on just purchasing one unit right now...so there's no way to have one console unit connected to both trolling motor transducer and a transom mounted transducer? I spoke with humminbird twice...one lady told me I could and the other lady told me I would burn up the motor if the trolling motor wasn't in the water since they would be working together.

oh ok. now if i have the transducer on the trolling motor, it will only work when it's in the water. So how do you tell your depth when it's out of the water? Do most people have a high speed transducer put on the back?

Oh I didn't know that would matter for fishfinders. Looking at the Riptide I-Pilot 80lb prob. Maybe the Terrova? Seen several advertisements for Humminbird/Minnkota One-Boat network...just didn't know if there was an advantage to going with humminbird since I'll have Minnkota tm. Thanks