Hey everybody, being new to fishing Rainy Lake I’ve noticed a lot of guys have VHF radios with big antennas mounted to their boats. Is this the only way to go or are handheld VHF radios worth a try? Just wondering if a handheld would get much of a transmit distance up there and if you would get NOAA weather info reliably or if I should just mount something permanent on the boat. Thanks!
Brian
I have a much older hand held Uniden that I use on lake MI and get about 5-6 miles of reception/transmission clearly. After 7 miles, I’m much beter off sending up smoke signals. The NOAA channels wo9rk flawless
Hand held don’t work very well on Rainy due to so many islands. An 8′ antenna would be the best option, but a hand held would work if you don’t venture too far away with whomever you are trying to stay in touch with.
unless your looking to keep in touch long distance the 4 ft antenna works great and is allot more manageable in the boat both set up or laying down
My handheld worked for the noaa weather but was worthless for communication. Put the money towards a fixed unit. You may need it some day 
Thanks for all the responses. Any units and antennas you guys would recommend? I’m looking for the most reliable option without having to spend a small fortune.
The thing with Rainey, once you get down the lake there is zero cell phone coverage. If you get into a pickle out there the only way you are going to get help is the radio, flares or a loud horn. If I fished Rainey on a regular basis, I would not leave the dock without a working radio and a quality 8 foot antenna.
I have been real happy with the Standard Horizon. The other brand I would look at is ICOM.
-J.
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