How many of you guys use marker buoys?  I don't have spot lock or power poles.  Once I get the hang of using my electronics, I think I'm going to have to invest in some marker buoys to be able to keep on the fish.

I carry one at the helm and one near the TM

and tend to use them more when looking for structure in areas new to me.  I usually go past the area then circle back.  If I really like them, I drop a mark on the Garmin or Navionics app

Sonar units with GPS have marker icons to add to way points on Navonics maps that act as a bouy. It's easier for me to use the GPS bouys the same way I used the physical bouys by placing them off to the side of the target casting areas. If it's windy I do both and use the physical bouy because I don't have spot lock and looking down at the sonar screen is difficult when trying to control the boat and cast accurately. The icon bouy comes in handy to find the physical  bouy if I drifted off in the wind fighting a bass or retying.

It's like belt and suspenders something today's generation doesn't comprehend.

Tom

I like marker buoys a lot. A lot of guys won’t use them because it shows everyone on the lake where the fish are, or at least where you may be catching them. I have my “spot on the spot” marked on the gps, but the buoys give me a reference on the water that is much easier to use when casting or repositioning the boat.

Mine are collecting dust in the garage. I use waypoints on the sonar now.

Never without a set in my boat. Use them all the time.

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Sonar units with GPS have marker icons to add to way points on Navonics maps that act as a bouy. It's easier for me to use the GPS bouys the same way I used the physical bouys by placing them off to the side of the target casting areas. If it's windy I do both and use the physical bouy because I don't have spot lock and looking down at the sonar screen is difficult when trying to control the boat and cast accurately. The icon bouy comes in handy to find the physical  bouy if I drifted off in the wind fighting a bass or retying.

It's like belt and suspenders something today's generation doesn't comprehend.

Tom

Tom... true insecurity is wearing both a belt and suspenders...

 

oe

I'm an older angler & when I look back at what I just marked with that little GPS icons I have a hard time seeing em!

 

I use both buoys & GPS ?

I used to use buoys constantly.  I’ve transitioned to GPS and waypoints.  If you have a heading sensor so that your fishing finder orients the map to the directions the boat is facing, it makes it very easy to translate what you are seeing on screen to whats in front of you.  Otherwise,  have buoys can help a lot with boat positioning and knowing where to cast.

I have them but haven't used them but recently discovered the casting circle feature on my electronics and now when I make a waypoint I just use the casting circle and anchor up if needed.  I fish from a kayak so positioning is always a challenge in open water but I can manage pretty well.

I use them often .

I still use buoys both as a reference on a piece of structure and also to mark a specific cast. 

 

Something I was taught was to have one ready when fishing offshore and as soon as I get the first bite I kick one off the side and also line up something on shore. This way i can duplicate that exact cast.

Yep

oh yes

7 hours ago, OkobojiEagle said:

Tom... true insecurity is wearing both a belt and suspenders...

 

oe

I think its more about being prepared? Break the belt,your still good to go? Both gps&markers are tools. When the GPS takes a crap and you dont have markers, or cant remember points of reference,your done. You should never soley count on the gps. Seems WRB my be alittle more prepared,than most?

I use a marker buoy as a point of reference when working a hump or a large flat.

5 hours ago, flyfisher said:

I have them but haven't used them but recently discovered the casting circle feature on my electronics and now when I make a waypoint I just use the casting circle and anchor up if needed.  I fish from a kayak so positioning is always a challenge in open water but I can manage pretty well.

You’re welcome. The bill is in the mail.

6 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

You’re welcome. The bill is in the mail.

pretty sure you weren't the one to tell me what they were but you did start the post so I will negotiate down to half the total bill 

I keep a couple in the boat at all times. I wish I had a forever glowing glowstick so I didn't have to tape and untape all the time for marking brush at night. 

I use them when crappie fishing, the problem is if I have been on the same location for a long period of time, I forget to pick them up when I leave. A couple of times I've went grab one and its not where I put it. Then I kinda of remember not putting it back in the boat. But I do use them.

1 hour ago, flyfisher said:

pretty sure you weren't the one to tell me what they were but you did start the post so I will negotiate down to half the total bill 

That’s fair. 

 

 

I have marker buoys, haven’t used them as of yet. 

13 hours ago, ohboyitsrobby said:

I keep a couple in the boat at all times. I wish I had a forever glowing glowstick so I didn't have to tape and untape all the time for marking brush at night. 

you could just get some glow in the dark paint or tape

16 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

you could just get some glow in the dark paint or tape

^this.....I put a strip of white repetitive tape on one end and white on the other.....really helps

14 hours ago, ohboyitsrobby said:

I keep a couple in the boat at all times. I wish I had a forever glowing glowstick so I didn't have to tape and untape all the time for marking brush at night. 

I tried that last year . The glow sticks were a little to long and  the line kept getting caught . Back to the drawing board .

They got claim jumpers around here!

 

I don't put reflective tape on nuthin, I don't even use orange buoys, mine are all painted black.