Big One

Found a potential savings deal on the Hds pro units - Scheels and Russell are selling 10” with the old 3 in 1 transducer for $1.5k. The unit (no transducer) is $2.1k. If one were to buy the 10” with the old transducer and then buy another with the new transducer it seems to save you around $700. Seems too good to be true, but understand they might be trying to get rid of the old transducer bundle stock. Could even sell the old 3 in 1 and save more. Is this accurate?

Thanks both for the responses. To answer your question GIM, yes LVS34 is a Garmin Transducer, and I was planning on pairing it with the 93sv head unit (no transducer) for Livescope purposes only. I haven't personally used Active Target 2 but have watched a few videos and seen not so great reviews compared to Garmin. So, the final set up would be two Lowrance Elite units to replace the bow and console. Then an additional Garmin unit up front for Livescope. Another thing that popped up while doing year end maintenance: Anytime I would crank the motor I would have a constant beep from the dash every 2 minutes. It's a Merc Optimax 2 stroke and read online it's typically due to the main oil reserve float going bad. I had the shop replace it and still having the same alarm. They said the computer needs to be sent to a shop in CA that specializes in this field. Anyone ever heard of this or know what it could be related to? I have read many threads and all seem to fix the problem with a new oil main tank so not sure what else it could be. Of course I trust the experts, just wondering if anyone is familiar with this as I have found no threads on it.

Hi all, I'm looking to upgrade my current units and have a few questions around compatibility. For Context: I have two Gen 2 HDS 7 Lowrance units (one at console and one at bow) Sharing a link for reference: Lowrance HDS 7 Gen 2 Fishfinder | eBay I would like to upgrade both screens to a newer and larger version (Elite 2) I'm also considering buying a Livescope unit Questions: Since the boat is already wired for Lowrance units, will I need to have this rewired for the newer units or could I simply plug and play? If the new units require the new transducer how difficult is it to self-install this? I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but just want to confirm before I make any purchases - do I need to buy the head unit transducer or fine to just run the LVS34 and use the Lowrance units for maps/side/sonar? Lastly, anyone interested in buying these old Lowrance units? I'd be open to letting them go at a significant discount! Thanks and fish on! - Big One

Current setup is a Dobyn's Fury 7' M, multiple reviews state these are about halfway between M and MH. Usually throwing a zoom super fluke with a 2/0 wide gap. Ordered some dropshot hooks to test out the nose hook method and will be out tomorrow with a 7'1 ML, will have to report back.

Just the side cover, thanks for the info. Not sure dock defenders would help in my situation, I'm keeping the boat in a slip and still have about 2-3 ft on either side give or take. Agreed, it's crazy.. I'm using some 3/8 ropes to secure it right now given the low-profile cleats on the boat and even those are starting to fray at the cleat because it is non-stop on the weekends. Looks like a lift is in my future lol. Correction, it's the piece that's connected to the side plate, not sure what that would be called believe it's this

Thanks MN, super helpful. Reel, I can throw 1/4oz a decent distance but prefer lighter for spots. Spool us full of 15# braid with 8# fluoro leader

This is the best I can do until Wednesday, but the crack is located on the bottom of the plastic piece indicated by the arrow. When the boat came down after a big wave it caught on the dock and caused it to crack. Now that piece is flared outwards causing more vibration since it's in contact with the other plastic to the left. I don't really mind the wakeboarders/skiiers, it's the surfers that cause all this damage. $300 for a no-ski sign online, but people would definitely be like wth when did this happen. Just been taking notes on the type/color for those early morning dock sessions 😏

Sweet, thanks guys. Mind sharing the lures you typically throw on the 7M?

Noticed a vibration coming from the Trolling motor this past weekend and realized one of the arms that connects it to the mount was cracked at the base of the plastic causing it to stick out and rub when operating. It's pretty firm to the touch and does not want to sit back in the original place now that it's broken. Is there anything I can do to fix this other than just replacing it? Of course, the damage was done by a Wakeboat. I keep my boat secured at the dock but on busy weekends we can expect 3-4 wakeboats all doing circles in the cove throwing 3-4 foot rollers right into the dock. What can I do to prevent this in the future, the obvious answer is to get a lift/pull boat out each week so please other suggestions. I tied it so that the front of the boat is further from the actual dock and seems to be better but what do I do, invest in a camera, lol? I mean seriously, other than buying my own no-ski sign and putting it in the middle of the cove what are my options?

Hi all, What do you recommend buying if looking to throw lighter baits specifically 1/8 - 1/4 oz. Right now, I have a Shimano Stradic 3000 on a 7' M and struggle to throw weightless flukes, lighter jerkbaits, etc. I'm considering buying a Vanford 2500 and pairing it with a 7'1 ML rod as these types of baits get bit all year round. Mainly fishing for Spotted bass so finesse is more ideal, I'm also planning to use that for dropshots, nekos, and other finesse presentations. Any preferences with weights if fishing in 20-45ft of water? I've noticed some people prefer baitcaster over spinning setups for weightless flukes especially when skipping under docks. Planning to get a Shimano DC and 6'9 M rod for that but will be later down the road. Just curious if anyone has a personal experience where they would recommend one setup over the other or if it's just personal preference. Thanks!

Dang even early mornings are that bad? I definitely understand most people are out on the lake by 10am and don't really plan on staying out much later than that. Assumed I'd at least be able to get a few hours in and hopefully some decent spots.

Thanks for the feedback! Agreed, I spent ~2 years near 2 mile (not fishing) and I can already see how much busier the south end is. Why you would want a 40ft yacht on a lake I'm not sure, people with too much money imo. Would you consider above Pelican Pete's to be the North end or where is the true cutoff? Would you say that weekends are not worth the hassle/risk? I'm newish to boating as well and definitely take all the necessary precautions but even on some weekends now I find myself trimmed up going no more than 25mph to get back safely.

Lol ikr, didn't realize until I looked them up after purchase. They still work fine and have located plenty of fish with them! Definitely a good point on signal degradation, something I will keep top of mind. I can understand the importance of having maps on regardless of the situation I guess because my set-up is limited, I've learned to work around it. I really appreciate your input Cats, I just sent a note over to my local techs and will see what the estimate is. You may or may not know but worth a shot, if I decide to upgrade and keep the old HDS 7's, how costly is it to have these moved into the dash and bow rather than sitting on a mount on top? I already have two small Lowrance housings in both, assuming they would just need to cut a bit more and buy new housing? Additionally, if I'm running two 7's, a new 10, and a livescope.. what size battery(ies) should I have to make sure I can last all day on the water? I've had some low voltage issues with my current set-up and believe I fixed a loose connection but still haven't been out for longer than ~6hours with everything running. I've done a few stress tests and everything seems fine, but still a little concerned with going out morning-dawn.

Hi all, I’ve recently started fishing Lake Lanier towards the South end part of the lake. I haven’t really ventured towards the North side and was wondering if there is anything I’m missing out on. I’ve stayed primarily near Baldridge and Shoal creek with decent success as a beginner. Typically can catch ~10 bass every morning just fishing blow throughs, points, and shallow rock. I dont have livescope (yet) and my units are old. I’ve considered going further North towards browns bridge and even closer to the river but given my success and lack of knowledge, I’m hesitant. Is it really worth the extra time spent in route or would you say some of the best fishing is on the South end? I’ve heard largemouth fishing is much better on the North but I primarily have targeted spots since I started. Any input/advice is appreciated and feel free to be honest. Also does anyone have advice/resources for finding brush piles, do you really just idle around the points until you find one and mark it as a waypoint? Again, I’m new take it easy.

Extremely helpful info, thank you! I’m pretty new to the electronics side of fishing so I appreciate the input. Surprised by your point to keep the old units and add new ones. I recently got this boat and the units came with it, wiped clean of waypoints and tbh I haven’t been great about marking my own, just keeping mental notes. That said, I feel like I would be better off upgrading both to either 2 Lowrances w/ active target at bow, or 1 Lowrance at console and Garmin at bow for Livescope. I don’t really mind splitting screens at the console (maps & down/side imaging) to find my spots, but is it really that helpful to have maps at the front as well? I get it for following contours but even right now I just use my depth as a guide. I’d prefer to get rid of the old ones but if that’s counterintuitive I’d love to hear the why. I guess because my set up is so limited right now, I don’t really understand what I would be missing lol. Note, the current units are Gen 1’s and over 10 years old. Thanks!

Considering upgrading my current units and could use some guidance. I have two Lowrance hds7’s gen 1’s one at the console and other at bow. I’m thinking about getting another Lowrance at the console hds10 and replacing the bow unit with a Garmin w/ livescope. Should I instead just get two lowrances with active target? Is it fair to say this will cost ~5k install included?