Most Useful Piece of Equipment

I’m sitting on the fence of what direction I want to head in with a big purchase such as this one. I am deciding between a side imaging unit (Probably Humminbird 798) or the new Minnkota iPilot Link. I put a Terrova with a Gen 1 iPilot on my boat earlier this spring and I can say that it has helped me catch a lot more fish with the added boat control. My dad added the iPilot Link this spring and the difference between my boat control and his seems almost night and day. I love the follow the contour feature the most out of the entire system because it basically makes fishing so simple. However, I feel that side imaging could be a great fish/structure finding tool that will help me eliminate unproductive water in a much faster manner. If you were only able to purchase one , which would you rather have in your boat?

Thanks for any input you have to offer

By far I use the iPilot Link, and specifically the spot lock, on my boat the greatest majority of the time. I wouldn’t want to go back to fishing without it. Been a game changer for me. Side imaging has been nice when the application makes sense but isn’t something I rely on continually like the iPilot. A close second….IMO.

For me, my purchases went with HB Side-imaging, then I got the Terrova I-pilot later. Still no link as it will not work with my older 798. If you can use your current HB and link it to a new ipilot, that’s what I would do. Good luck!!!

Is it true the spot lock does a lot of moving around before it locks in, then stays real well? it would seem like a very handy tool.

Quote:

---

Is it true the spot lock does a lot of moving around before it locks in, then stays real well? it would seem like a very handy tool.

---

I have learned to be almost dead stopped before I hit the spot lock,if not.. it will take you very close to where you first pushed the spot lock button.

My opinion.. they greater the current the better they work.

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

Is it true the spot lock does a lot of moving around before it locks in, then stays real well? it would seem like a very handy tool.

---

I have learned to be almost dead stopped before I hit the spot lock,if not.. it will take you very close to where you first pushed the spot lock button.

My opinion.. they greater the current the better they work.

---

They do move around a lot on lakes (no current) when the wind is not a consistent speed. I do not know if MK changed anything on newer Ipilot models but the reaction time is too slow in my opinion. Meaning it takes too long for the motor to decide to speed up or slow down. Just last week I was fishing a lake in the wind, I would get where I wanted and hit Spot lock then the wind would blow me away and the MK would then s l o w l y ramp up the speed to take me back.
As mentioned current works well as it is more of a constant and using the main motor to hold you for a bit while the motor plays its catch up game works well but as mentioned MK needs to address the recovery time for speeds when using spot lock.

Quote:

---

For me, my purchases went with HB Side-imaging, then I got the Terrova I-pilot later. Still no link as it will not work with my older 798. If you can use your current HB and link it to a new ipilot, that’s what I would do. Good luck!!!

---

I have a 788ci HD that I will be able to link it up with if I decide to go that route. However back by the tiller I’m still running an older Lowrance LMS-332, and it can be a bit small of a screen when running across the water and that’s why I was looking to upgrade that unit as well. Too many decisions, but it’s a good problem to have

1st thing, your boat needs propulsion…YOu’ve already got a terrova and an outboard…Your set.

2nd thing, get your self the best darn depthfinder. YOu’re not catching fish, if your not on fish.

3rd thing, make your propulsion easier with the ipilot link.

I’ve had my HBird for a few years and just recently upgraded trolling motors to the ipilot.

I would go on the river with an old Johnny Ray before I would give up my Terrova. The terrova is by far the most useful tool on my boat for the river. So if you are mainly on the river I would get the Terrova. If your on lakes more its a toss up

The Terrova with the Gen 1 iPilot has already been added to the boat, so I am leaning more towards a graph at the moment. I just don’t know if I can justify spending over $1000 on a side imaging unit like an 898. The best deals I have found so far would be a 798 HD for $700 and an 858 HD with a new map chip for $750.. Granted the side imaging unit would be very useful for finding fish holding structure, but would more guys opt for the bigger screen with just 2D sonar?

You will need a Humminbird with GPS that supports the Link portion of the trolling motor for that feature to work.

Such as following a certain depth.

Also need the connecting cable if it isn’t supplied.

For the 798 you need an adaptor ethernet cable as well.

The rest of the I-Pilot features do not require the TM and GPS to communicate.

These are some of the additional things to consider that will impact usability and total costs.

I think your 798 will support the Link:
what you need to do is update to the latest software release.
And use the Link supporting map card version from Lakemaster.

I use the GPS on the 798 to locate my spots that are saved.
Then I use the SI with split screen to find the fish.
Then I use the spot lock to sit on them.
I purchased the 798 first.
Then I upgraded to the HDSI transducer.
Then added the Gen 1 I-Pilot.
Just upgraded to a bigger screen.
Next will be to add the Link feature.
And the final add will be 360.

There are some heck of deals on Hbirds right now Universalmania has the 898 for $936.

After having both 1198 and I-Pilot I would hate to go with out either one. As was mentioned earlier river fishing I-Link fishing lakes Pepin etc SI. Even river fishing My SI plays a big role I can run the face of a wingdam finding out shape, rock, soft areas, and many times finding fish on the spot.

FYI

The 798 has the most vertical pixels of all Humminbirds

798 640 x 640

898 480 x 800

998 480 x 800

1198 600 x 800

When i run 2d and mapping on the screen, i have 2d as a very small section. WHen i have SI and mapping on the screen, SI is probably 70% of the screen. So my point is that 2d doesn’t need to have a big screen…The bigger the screen just shows you more ‘history’ and nothing else..besides blowing up the size a little. SI however, the bigger the screen the better you can see.

Like said above, if you like to fish rivers, then you are fishing areas with TONS of structure. Most 2d fisherman don’t realize it. Instead of fishing a wingdam to find out if it is holding fish, you can just drive right past it with you SI, move your cursor right over to where the fish are and mark a waypoint, then go cast to the spot on the spot….Or blunder your way through life like many 2d only fisherman do. Shell out the cash for the 898. It’s worth it.

Plus, you can find cool things like boats

Thanks FBRM! I think since I already have an iPilot in my boat, I would benefit a little more from adding a new side scan unit to really enhance all the aspects of how I fish. Now the only thing to do is find a good deal on an 898, wish me luck. Thanks for all the info you guys have offered

In case you needed any more convincing, and i don’t think anyone mentioned this, but when i get into less than 10′ of water, i’m automatically looking at my SI screen as you and I know that 2d isn’t worth a darn for locating fish in shallow water. Tried to type this last night on the lake pulling cranks in shallow…But fingers wouldn’t work Lol

With the prices available now. (or even before) no way, no how would I buy a 798. Screen size is paramount when using SI.. Figure out which unit stretches the budget tight, and then buy the next size up.. The only time you will regret it, is when you give them your credit card.. After that is done, you will be patting yourself on the back, telling yourself good job..