Nothing on the ban is based on science, it is personal bias. Writing laws based on personal bias is wrong. You do not get to cherry pick what is acceptable and what is not based on your personal opinion. If so, then ban side imaging, as 360 is just side imaging in a circle. GPS, mapping, fish cameras- it’s all the same. Livescope is just sonar folks, not some easy street to catching more fish. If anyone votes “yes” on this, then put your money where your mouth is and take ALL and ANY technologies off your boat, including throw your computer away and never visit this site or the like again. The internet has been the greatest bane of all in regard to putting pressure on fisheries. Good news is, fishery biologists set the bag limits, and that ALONE determines the amount of fish that leave a lake. If the bag limit is 3, it does not matter if you are using a cane pole and twine from grandpa’s shed or 150K worth of equipment— you can only keep 3! If anyone feels that in any way this hurts fish populations has a hole in their head- you can only keep what your daily bag limit already allows! Unfortunately, we are living in a world where people run their lives more on emotion than fact.

I have and currently have found this. I run the Epoch heated 100ah batteries and have had good luck with them, but a learning curve. 1) Via internet search, I have found they need more than 10 amps to activate the internal heater in lithium batteries (I assume most companies use the same heater pads). My MK 212 (6 amps per bank) and Noco (5 amps per bank) both charged the battery fine above 32 degrees, but would not cooperate with the batteries BMS under 32 degrees. In conversation with MK tech dept, they noted smart chargers reduce their amperage below 32 degrees and my MK 212 was probably putting out 3-4 amps – my guess the Noco was putting out less than that. It’s charger temp that matters in that case, not battery temp. You could wrap the battery with a battery blanket, but that defeats the purpose of the heated battery. I purchased the Epoch 15 amp charger and it worked perfectly, activating the heater when battery temp was 25 degrees. Would a MK PCL at 15 amps per bank work- I do not know. I do know hooking both leads of the MK 212 to the lithium battery when below 32 degrees (in hopes of getting 10 amps) did nothing.

I have 2 boats, both paid off. My skeeter has north of 70K invested in it. My ’98 alumacraft I bought for 5K and updated the motor since I wanted EFI (had trade value with original motor). Run the same electronics on both boats, as they swap from boat to boat. Point is, I have as much fun fishing out of the 5K boat versus the 70K boat. Long as the layout is correct a rig can pretty much last you a lifetime. Most likely, these 2 are my last boats. If you have to start small, pay it off and leverage it into your next boat purchase – all the while having a savings plan targeted to your next rig. It will take some time, but it’s a great feeling to eventually have your dream rig, especially once it’s paid off. Unfortunately, the boat shows attract many looking for immediate gratification, hence the dude getting caught up in a 20-30 year loan — eeek!

Interesting and somewhat compelling. This is a start, but not the end all to dismissing barotrauma- plenty of dead fish due to it.

Reason I voted for the reduced bag limits had more to do with being proactive. Let’s face it, farming practices are NOT going to change in the near future. The MN River will keep dumping its mud into the Mississippi and spawning habitat will continue to degrade. Habitat degradation is going to happen on some level with every fishery, including the Croix. Personally, I’d like to see it catch and release thruout the pools, and Croix, from Jan. 1st thru May 1st. The Great Outdoors might be God’s Grocery Store, but heck, they’re not running a firesale! I agree the fisheries are in fantastic shape, the whole idea is to keep them that way.

Did you check the water level in the cells prior to storing? If not, the water levels may have been low. Your charger may have shown “full charge”, but lack of water allowed for a weaker battery going into the winter – losing voltage quicker and being prone to freezing.

Congrats James! Always good to see a friend succeed! If this means you have more free time, the Pool 4 walleyes better look out!

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/kitchen-utensils-and-gadgets/indoor-floor-mats/7414782

I put this in the cockpit area of my MX2040. Cut it to fit. Surprisingly, is not any hotter than carpet.

If no one mentioned it, a can of wasp spray works in a pinch for self defense spray.

Closing dams, rip rap and wingdams— count me in!!!!!

Like onestout said, 4000-5000 hours is pretty typical for guys running motors in saltwater. Being a Yami more than likely, hours would not be a concern versus good maintenance and not being abused. I have run a MX2040 for 3 years now. The boat is very well laid out, with design input from some very good fisherman- including our own James Holst. Pros: rod locker is huge with NO TUBES. Storage is well thought out and a ton of it. Fishes very flat and close to the water, which it was designed to do. Sticks to the water like glue, not getting blown around in the wind. Some knock the big water ride, but really it can handle anything with proper driving. If big water is a need– get a Warrior, they were designed for that. Matches up great with a SHO 250, which is a hot motor. The 250 SHO is only 18 hp short of the 300 yami offshore (265 hp versus 283 hp) and you will miss nothing on the bottom end and maybe a mile or two an hour on the top end. It has been very solid. Cons: could use trim tabs- but most every boat in existence would benefit from trim tabs so really not a slam. I currently do not run tabs on my boat, but would be a nice addition for balancing out the boat when I have guide customers sitting on the back bench. If I thought they were an absolute need, I’d have them on there. Overall, I love my boat and have zero plans on getting out of it any time soon. If the boat fits you, you’ll be happy.

Good point FryDog62. They are 2 separate tools that do 2 different jobs. I have both, and too, would not go without either. Unfortunately, most who are now getting into “the sonar game” are looking for shortcuts rather than the understanding that they are merely purchasing a tool that can make them more efficient. Good question Phillip, I understand the need to figure out what specific tool is best for your situation and it might take quite a bit of thought to figure out which to get first. On pool 4, I use mega360 ALOT for pitching anything without structure (seams, flats, eddies), versus using my megalive for pitching anything with structure (wingdams, closing dams, rip rap). Or, I might use my mega360 to show me the layout of the structure, and use my megalive in conjunction with that. Again, if it’s the proper tool for the job, I use it- but I don’t expect a hammer to turn a bolt.

Mnfishermam, with thought I see your point. But, in defense, it seems you, and the other fisherman in the pmtt have reached a subjective limit. Their is no proof yet of livescope hurting fishing or tournaments, just some guys perceiving it gave some sort of advantage because one team cleaned clock and majority of the field had egg on their face. Most will be “unwilling”, as it is easier to stay in one place rather than grow or progress. Your point is valid on PEDs and the such, but until this actually, objectively, proves to be harmful it sure smells like some guys just don’t like being left behind.

I posted this on a similar thread, but is relevant here as well.

This is a complicated subject. It really does not have anything to do with new technology, but everything to do with reaching people’s limits. Most, but not all, people become more self limiting the older they get. We all get “set in our ways”, and think “that’s enough, we’ve gone far enough”. How many guys are fine with 2D sonar, but livescope- no way, that is too far. Well, 2D pretty cutting edge in it’s day. People can get set in their ways due to reaching their financial limits- now thinking everything they can not afford is too much and should not be allowed. Most tend to turn off the learning process the older they get, just reaching a point and doing the same old thing- hitting the rev limiter. Most guys complaining on this topic are either: 1) older or 2) financially unable or unwilling. Technology will always march forward, and it’s up to the individual to keep up with the changes. If we would have lived with self-imposed limits of “that’s far enough”, we would have never put a man on the moon. Like it or not, tournament fishing is a rich mans sport on all levels- freshwater and way elevated in saltwater. Look at how many guys now jump into the NWT events just because they can afford to do so but really could not catch a cold in a room full of 1st graders! This is a good question, but it’s not life’s job to make things fair. One thing for sure, limiting technology in most anything typically is a final nail in the coffin.

Regardless if you are going around looking with sonar, or making 10 million casts, you are still technically looking for fish. Searching with sonar is just another way of fishing. Many types of saltwater fishing (tuna for example), they do not put baits down until fish are seen on sonar.
In a sense, technology erases luck – but will never erase skill.

All RAM mount stuff. Depth collar is same as used in 360 ice fishing kit.

This is what I rigged up. Works perfect, locks up solid and off the nose of the boat. Here is a link to a video I made on a Y cable work around for the US2 ducer. The cable is from Humminbird’s ice fishing kit. https://www.facebook.com/OnlyYellowDogs/videos/874271699857111

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I was thinking the same thing today Russ! Your post answered my question. Any good “real world” comparisons for run-time versus lead/acids? I added a Amped Outdoors 60ah for my electronics house battery and it has been awesome. In past, bow unit (helix 12) would start to drop below 12 volts post 2 hours, now with lithium stays at consistent 12.5 volts all day long.

Garmin is getting better with SI, but your Helix 7 will never compare to say a Helix 10 or above for picture quality. With all the brands, bigger screens with better quality is a must for great pics- that with clean power. Save your cash and go big as you can.

People are banking on cheap electricity- what happens when it rivals gas for price? I am for EV, heck I’d never go back to a gas auger but this is too quick, too fast. Some day, other technologies will make the gas engine obsolete but holding us hostage at the pump is not going to get us there faster. A self sustaining system with minimal charging dependency or hydrogen fuel cell EV generation is a long term solution.

Just wait until the price of electricity goes thu the roof, or to charge faster requires a higher payment… Let the technology evolve at a realistic rate. Lithium is a finite resource, nor does it bode well to us being energy independent if it’s outsourced from another country. Next, there will be wars over that.

Love high water! Just keep the landings open.

Holy cats, this thread has so much conflicting information we are going to need the homeland security’s “Minister of Truth” to sort it out!

I tend to listen to smart elderly people when they talk. Common thread with them is “buy once, buy it right, and pay it off”. Too many can “afford the payment”, but truly can not “afford the item”.

Once the spawn hits and into post spawn- the dumb bite is over. What makes it tougher is influx of rising, cold water, which happens yearly around this time with melt water. Most people don’t move with the fish – usually out of the current and into the shallows for the most part. Less current is warmer water and rising water moves fish shallow. Bite windows are shorter, like BK said early and late in day can be main focuses. I am a firm believer not as many fish migrate out of the lake (esp. saugers) in the spring when the water does not substantially rise. We can look at this spring as more of a “low water” event. Most fish currently in the upper river are resident walleyes and fall run saugers. This can be backed up by lack of fish in Hay Creek hole, High Bridge area and other spots that load up with migrating fish. Best advice is look at it the same way as a good night of bar hopping – if the joint is hopping stay, if not leave and find another joint. Jump from spot to spot but don’t get married to it unless your catching fish. Fish are there and can be caught, you just gotta find them.

I assume if the Boat Center wired your boat, they did so on dedicated lines from the starting battery with high grade marine wiring. To trouble shoot (and possible solution) would be to unhook your graphs from the starting battery and run off a dedicated battery. This will tell you if the graphs are the problem of drain. A 60ah lithium weighs 15 lbs, so add single bank charger for it and will have enough juice to power all your electronics. If it is still dying, something else is the draw. Since you are starting with a fresh battery right off the charger, it’s something while charger is off (when you are using your boat). A common source overlooked is any type of pump run on “constant”– that will drain a battery in a short period of time. A stuck bilge should be easy to find, as it would be always running (probably would end up burning out!). Sometimes it’s operator error, as I know of one fella that would turn on his livewell pump and leave it run all day – then wondered why his boat was dying! The battery is a finite resource, and with all the junk with have on our boats battery management is #1. It seems with your situation, it’s something simple, but also something that is drawing a lot of juice fast. With your 3 locators, probably pulling 6 amps or so. That would take hours to drain a battery at that rate.

We broke the net on a 16 incher, not a current fan of Ego nets….

It was a little “over the top” to say the least. Most AIM guys did not go to the dam- the rest did. I know it’s the usual, but gets to be like 100 guys are hunting the same 40 acres– everyone is stepping on each others toes and getting into each others way. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does! Good news is, regardless of how bad the fishing is, with that many hooks in the water someone is going to catch a 10lber!

It’s a zoo. From here on out, it will be a zoo. Plus side, there might be a boat out there selling brats.

Think we all have to admit, the internet has become a sort of “cancer” for hunting and fishing. Be it websites, YouTube, etc., it all has had a great effect on boat numbers, how quick boat numbers show up (over on the Fox river, it can be a matter of hours for the landings to fill up post a good fishing report when in the past it was days to weeks), well as fishing success – as all one has to do is watch a YouTube video and not only learn techniques, but exact locations. Add to this mix more reliable boats, hot rod electronics and GPS and the “internet” has now become the “tipping point” to take the average Joe fisherman, who might experience occasional success, and now he regularly puts fish in the boat. All I can say is, “THANK GOD” for the foresight in lowering the bag limits and one over 20″. There has always been a ton of pressure on pool 4, but the internet, especially video work, has added a vast increase in angler success to that pressure. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the vast number people who fish the scour hole and kill fish after fish and the rampant keeping of snagged fish I saw last fall above the first wing dam and snag current seam, more stringent regulations are going to be needed as anglers will never police themselves. Things always look good and rosy until a “tipping point” is reached, then something crashes – that is what happened to our big saugers, and will probably happen to them again. That being said, I too enjoy the internet, the videos and information learned – but progress always comes at a price.

Having used Mega 360 extensively on the ice last year, and now Mega Live this year – my go to search tool is without doubt Mega 360. It’s not that Mega Live (or any other active sonar) can’t be used as a search tool but it shines as a targeting tool. Mega 360 is constantly radaring a huge area (100 foot diameter is typical) at a great range. Asking the active sonars to do the same is comparable to using a crescent wrench rather than the real thing- it can do the job but not as well. That being said, I love both and use both- just correct tool at the correct time. The active sonars are a bit a a head scratcher – can be used as a search tool, but not the best. Can be used as a fishing tool, but 2D sonar really shines spot on the spot. In context, I use it to show me “signs of life” and as a learning tool in seeing how fish react (which is amazing). One thing I am curious with is how it will shine used for deep water, suspended fish location– if water depth is too deep, 360 (like side imaging) can lose it’s effectiveness. Time will tell and look forward to how James and the Gang figure out using all these cool new technologies together!

Long as this has gotten off topic, might as well chime in. Woody has a valid point, well as the others in regard to internet and technology being far more advanced, and utilized, than ever in the past. This is not going away and will only progress. The Fox River fills up within hours of a hot spring report. Youtubers have taken over the fishing industry with showing locations to fish well has how to fish them. Livescope, GPS, SI, etc. are only going to get better. The learning curve is gone. Combine that with other stressors on fish, be it hormones entering the water, salt, changes in habitat, fishing pressure, etc. and poor spawning years enhance the problem further. Sure, some fisheries still are “good” (i.e. pool 4), but that is zero reason not to be proactive. None of this stuff will get better and we as conservationists have to realize that. That will mean lower bag limits everywhere, maybe even permanent catch and release such as pool 2. I like eating fish like everyone else, but if systems are better off with limited take- that is more important than me being able to keep. So, even if the DNR considers public input on where fisherman would like to see the “future” go, I am ok with that long as it is proactive rather than reactive. This world is filled with more problems than solutions.

I had my trailer do something similar. Backing it up my driveway would activate the trailer brakes. Cause was somehow the E-brake cable for the trailer was pulled, breaking the little ‘C’ clip that holds the cable. Once I replaced the ‘C’ clip on the cable (with some zip tie reinforcement to keep it from happening again), I am back to trailer working properly.