I-Pilot in Conjunction with 1197C Side Imaging

I had the Skeeter Boat Center install the I-Pilot in my Terrova 101 recently. Utilizing the I-Pilot in conjunction with the side imaging of my 1197C has been flat out amazing. With some hands on training from Greg at the Skeeter Boat Center I have again increased my TOF (Time On Fish) tremendously. I like to utilize the split screen with (Left side Image/right Lake Map) as a preset on my unit when in search mode. As I arrive to the location I’ve chose to fish via the the my Lakemaster chip with 1ft contours I am quickly able to scan the entire structure for fish with 1 loop around. This saves me a lot of time versus a 2d search. When I locate a pod of fish I can simply highlight the fish by stopping the screen, and dropping a way point, and also photograph if I see something really cool!! Then I am able to mobilize to the way point, and search my findings methodically in 2D. When doing this I deploy the Terrova I-Pilot with anticipation of marking a good pod of fish. With remote in one hand, and a keen eye on my 2D I simply anchor the Terrova into a beautiful hover on top of the target fish. This set up is amazing, and I would guess adds 30-45 minutes of fishing in an 8 hour outing. Beyond that maximizes the time spent hovering on top of the fish!! So many times in the past under windy conditions the time spent netting, photographing and releasing the fish kept other anglers in the boat from catching doubles and triples. NOT ANYMORE!! Let alone has made my job much easier, and more efficient. Anyone NOT utilzing this seek and destroy method should give the Skeeter Boat Center a phone call Immediately!! Worth every penny and more. The 1197C from Humminbird worked in conjunction with the 101lb Terrova equipped with the I-Pilot is simply gamechanging in the world of structure fishing pods of fish!!

Humminbird 1197C + Terrova 101 w/I-pilot + Lakemaster 1ft contours = Gamechanging technology for extreme angling!! Call Greg TODAY at the Skeeter Boat Center for more details, or feel free to drop me a PM.

http://www.skeeterboatcenter.com

After witnessing this first hand fishing with Daze last weekend , I will definitely be adding this equipment.

Seems to me that spending all that time playing with the technology instead of “jigs in the water’ necessitates a “RD Vice Admiral” on the Skeeter. You know someone to drive along with running,maintaing, and cataloging all the digital information now available to you. This is turn would leave you free to “run the net, take photos and tell lies to clients” I will be forwarding my resume to you by the end of business today!

LOL!! Uncle Touchy your the perfect man for the job!! Please send references, and not any from guys that chum for walleyes in rough water.

Andy…….Do you have that Skeeter Dialed in for the houseboat trip yet?? My back is still a bit sore from hucking around those huge logs!! Sure looks nice on top of the hill prior to the big fall fishing beatdown!! Thanks A TON!!

Stay tuned after this weekend , getting some strong bites on my boat

Well set the hook Andy!! The “Skeet Retreat” awaits ya!!

Sorry had a better offer. Seems that a certain individual felt that my skill set was better applied to fishing near the Ranier Bridge so that I can be taught every thing I need to know.

LOL!! Alright then. I’ll keep you in mind if I get into a pinch.

wow…that would be great! my bow mount went out prefishing for the i falls bass tournament…so i spent the whole tourney using my rear trolling motor to bass fish…not fun.

That makes it TOUGH Phil!! The Terrova 101 with I-Pilot is superior in my mind. Might be something you want to add come next year. Beyond that the 1197c With Side Imaging is a HUGE advantage for Bass fisherman. Scanning rockpiles and pinpointing fish is a tremendous advantage.

Chris I own a 19 foot Lund Tyhee. Local guy who sells the IPilot suggests I can get by with only an 80. He thinks the 101 is a litle excessive. Your thoughts? New to the site. Love your stuff. thanks

Hi Fishhound,

First off welcome to IDO!! Glad to have you here!! IMO a 19ft Tyee will tend to sit high in the water and be further prone to catch gusts of wind making it more work for your electric motor. I would without question put a 101 with the 36 volt system in, and if I have a little extra power NO PROBLEM. If I’m a little short I’d be very dissapointed. I believe the Terrova 101 with I-Pilot is ideal. Feel free to call Greg at the Skeeter Boat Center for their thoughts also. http://www.skeeterboatcenter.com They can install….. My buddy is installing the Terrova 101 on his new WX1850 Skeeter after laying witness to the sharpness in which my unit handled my 21ft Skeeter. Again there are NO COMPLAINTS with a little extra zip!!

Beyond the I-Pilot the extra power in the bow is very nice when utilizing the trolling motor when working shallow water casting zones in any wind…..I’m not sure how much $$ it has saved me in boat repairs and stickbait costs being able to feather my way into a rocky shoreline to pick a bait off shore without putting a scratchin the boat. I guarantee you without the 101 pushing straight back

Go Big fishhound!!

Chris Just started playing with my new I-Pilot with 101 pound. Great call! I’m REALLY looking forward to using this on the lake. Now I just have to save up enough money for the electronics. Thanks again for the advice.

Glad to hear it Fishhound!!

OK Chris. You got me. In for a pound – might as well throw my whole savings account at the trolling motor and electronics. Told my wife that you can’t take money with you. If I go unexpectedly she’ll probably burry me with the the thing. I went ahead and purchased the 1197C with side imaging. Next question. Do I need to get the Lake Master Humingbird Chip or can I use the Lake master Chip I already have for my old Lowrance. I bought that chip back in April. Spent $100 for it. Unfortunatly I didn’t keep the box so I’m not sure exactly what I have. Any suggestions?

Hey Fishhound

The chips for Lowrance are specific to Lowrance and the chips for Humminbird are specific for Humminbird. You’re Lowrance chip won’t work in your new unit but the good news is the resale value on used chips is strong. You shouldn’t have any issues selling it for $75+.

Here’s the chip you’ll need >>> http://www.lakemap.com/gpsfishingmaps-humminbirdwoodsrainy.aspx

I have really debated the switch to the birds, I am a little torn since running Lowance for many years. The resale on the Lorance big screens is currently IMO good.
How is the HD/downscan on the birds compared to Lorance?

Hi Huskerdu,

I have no direct experience comparing both the Lowrance and Humminbird unit. With that I will say that I absolutely love my 1197, and don’t think I could ever go back to a smaller screen. Must be getting old. The unit prints fish absolutely fantastic, and coupled with SI gives anglers a tremendous advantage while on the water for all species of fish. I would highly recommend calling Greg at the Skeeter Boat Center to discuss all the assets of the Humminbird. They have greatly helped me out, and continue to field phone calls from me even when I’m out on the water. They are a invaluable asset with the complexities of todays electronics, and rigging!! http://www.skeeterboatcenter.com

Oh…….29 inch walleyes have RED in the marks!!

Hi Fishound,

As James mentioned those are seperate chips, but you shouldn’t have much problem selling the Lowrance chip. Glad to hear you ended up going with the 1197C!! You’ll love it!! It is my biggest asset, and my best friend!! you’ll have to get up here, and I can show you in person how I use my set up!! Oh……29 inch walleyes that weigh 9lbs have a distinct RED mark in their air bladders on the 1197C!! SO GET YOUR LINE IN THE WATER TEAM!!

Chris
The combination of the two units is incredible. Especially the anchor. Fishing was a little slow, so we were slow trolling jigs in the mouth of the river on Seine Bay. We hooked a double so I quiclky hit the anchor. For the next 6 hours we had great fishing while our two partner boats couldn’t buy a fish. Current and wind and the until held the postion perfectly. Pretty neat. Qustion I have for the chip is how do I keep darken the navigation trail on the map. I’ve been able to change colors on my existing trails, but have a hard time picking out the navigation trails. Thanks again for the recomendation.