I already shared most of my thoughts in the last FFS thread, but I will chime in on this one too since I keep seeing the same two weak arguments pop up:

#1: “What about GPS/DI/SI/trolling motors etc., didnt they help catch more fish? Should we ban those too?”

Yes, obviously each of those technologies help put more fish in the boat and very few people would support banning them. This line of thinking actually supports taking a closer look at tech in fishing. Combining all these technologies continues to put more pressure on our lakes and at some point there will need to be limits. As we can see even in this thread, there will be significant opposition to “banning” any tech that is mainstream, so it will be important to get ahead of future advances.

#2: “Finding fish on FFS doesnt mean they will bite”

Again, yes, obviously. Finding fish more efficiently leads to higher catch rates. FFS is a very powerful tool allowing anglers to find fish faster than previous technologies (in certain situations). Anyone who has watched a tournament lately knows the majority of anglers are absolutely glued to their screens, so to pretend its not a big advantage over old tech is ridiculous/laughable at this point.

To be fair, I do think there are more credible arguments pro-FFS that state something along the lines of “the point is fishing is to catch fish, so catching more fish is a good thing.” I can get on board with this one, I want to catch more fish too. I think the core question/issue relates to hooking mortality rates (especially for Muskies) and can our lakes handle higher catch rates at current stocking levels?

With all that said, I would be in full support of a $25 Muskie and/or Walleye stamp that went directly towards stocking.

buckybadger wrote:

Certain lines have been drawn with technology and the harvesting of large game. Yet for some reason many feel that fishing cannot possibly have lines drawn on technological assistance to harvest (or harvest and release) fish.

I don’t know what the “line” is for fishing. I don’t feel the current versions of FFS are something that need to be banned or strictly regulated. I DO feel that there has to be some kind of parameters at some point and planning for the future isn’t a bad idea. It’s not as if technology is just going to stop.

This is spot on, the current versions are powerful in the right hands, but not an existential threat to our fisheries. I do have concerns about what things will look like in 10 years with how fast technology is advancing which is why it makes sense to start at least studying the impacts right now.

Also, no one is disputing many muskies have been and will be caught in open water without FFS. The point is FFS is uniquely powerful/effective at locating suspended fish, especially recently post-spawn muskies, and pretending otherwise is disingenuous.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize FFS is impacting muskie fishing negatively. Same goes for panfish on smaller lakes. So over time your average angler will be catching smaller and less fish thus impacting their enjoyment. Its so early that there has not been time to actually conduct long-term credible studies, but seeing and hearing countless stories about the negative impacts at least warrants a conversation.

Its obvious other technologies have impacted fishing, I don’t think theres a person here who would dispute that. I am not advocating for a blanket ban on FFS by any means, but the question is where do you draw the line? I don’t understand why people think we cant or shouldn’t even consider regulating it when other sports such as hunting have clearly demonstrated its possible.

“Aren’t muskie fishermen catching muskies just to pound their chest and say look at me? regardless of what sonar they use”

Sure maybe some people, but I would argue many enjoy the rush of seeing and catching such a large fish along with the challenge and comradery/memories it builds.

“Does harass = catch ?? Are we not “harassing” every single fish we catch, or try to catch? Do I need to do an HR training session for this?”

I guess it means a combination of things, in some cases its throwing your whole tackle box at a single fish you are following on radar, and yes sometimes it bites. That is the point of fishing, but when it gets to the point when its too easy/efficient for some anglers it ruins the experience for everyone.

“Also for all the “it’s not fun staring at a screen, I’d rather fish” posts – then don’t do it! I agree with you, not a fan of sharpshooting, so I don’t do it. But I also don’t think we should take it away from the guys that do like to use it.”

I disagree with this sentiment, its impacting our fisheries and other anglers enjoyment of the sport. Would you start to care when/if your catch rates start going down?

Lowering the bag limits (which I support) wont fully solve/address the issue. The article was mostly focused on muskie fishing. I have mixed thoughts on the topic, but hearing stories about people catching 10+ muskies in a day using FFS to harass them in open water leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Even with perfect handing techniques a fish or 2 probably dies in that scenario, and the guys doing that are generally the ones taking pictures and measuring every fish.

I am not sure how to fix it, but it does not seem sporting to me. One thing I would add is this is no longer a “watch your own bobber” situation, as the actions of a few can have material impacts on a fishery (and other anglers success, or lack there of). The hooking mortality issues are obvious, but everyone knows highly pressured fish are tougher to catch.

Would not touch an old 50V in 2025 with the deals on 24V and 40V models out there, or gas augers are basically free on market place these days.

We went on Sunday and thought it was fine, makes sense to me there would be a large space devoted to campers since its the “sport show” and not the “boat show”. Seemed to be fairly well attended, but not super busy. Didn’t see much as far as actual deals go, was that a bigger part of the show in the past?

I thought the new Alumacrafts looked nice, lots of casting space in the back. Still a tough sell for me vs. glass options with pricing where its at.

Steve Root wrote:

Here’s a crazy thought. How about the Gophers dropping down to FBS? The best game I saw all year was NDSU versus SDSU. Montana State’s quarterback was all world. Great football without the million dollar price tag.

SR

Why would a team that just beat USC, crushed Wisconsin, and went toe to toe with Penn State move down a division? Nothing like games against Lehigh or Jackson state to get the fan base revved up…

Dutchboy wrote:

There are 12 play-off spots chosen for the national play-offs. Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Oregon will usually represent the Big 10. On occasion one of those will be replaced by somebody else. To think the Gophers would ever leapfrog into that group is crazy.

I don’t think anyone actually thinks that will happen or should be the standard for gophers football. It seems pretty obvious at this point.

One can still cheer for the team and enjoy consistent 7-9 win seasons with some rivalry victories mixed in. Heck, last year wasn’t great but they gave a playoff game winning Penn State everything they could handle. Throw in a chance at double digit wins every 5ish years and that’s a program worth keeping an eye on, at least for me personally.

Appreciate all the responses! My example about standing water was a little extreme, but it would be nice to have something that can at least make it through a half hour walk through various puddles/dew/etc. which mine can’t at this point. Will check out the Red wings.

I like the concept and think they actually look really nice, but based on the pricing I have seen I wonder how much they will sell. The few listings I have seen had pricing relatively close to inline with a comparable glass boat and at a premium vs. its main aluminum competitors.

I would pass at $2,500 with that many miles, thats a ton of hours even with it being a proven Yamaha engine. Makes we want to buy a new 700 though.

One of the benefits of banking with Wells Fargo is they have tons of locations. Credit unions typically offer better interest rates and account perks, but they do not offer the same convenience. You choose the credit union. Totally understandable, but I don’t see why WF would be obligated to provide a service to a non-account holder.

Lots of different opinions on this which is interesting to see. My immediate reaction was no way, but I grew up being taught not to fish within 100 yards of someone.

It depends on the circumstance, obviously there’s going to be others close by if you’re fishing a community spot on a metro lake. I mostly fish northern lakes with less traffic, and people generally keep their distance (which I appreciate).

Dakota Angler also has the Norsk 32AH on sale for $175, I just ordered one for my shuttle.

I am a Fleck fan, he’s built a solid program that is competitive each week. He runs a clean program that at least gives hope to fans most years. As others have said, I think we left a few games on the table this year given the talent we had, but every team can say that.

This year was fun to watch. Of course I wish we were 9 – 3 instead of 7 – 5, but pretty much every game was entertaining and they finally had the players to run an exciting offence. I wish we had another year with Brosmer, but hopefully Drake Lindsay learned something from him and can be effective next year. Might be an uphill battle with how many guys we are losing, but Fleck has shown he recruits well from the portal.

I am curious to see how the pricing and performance compares to the Garmin LVS34. With the sales Garmin is offering its looking like Mega 2.0 could be $1000 more expensive for a bundle, so it better have a performance advantage.

Another nice win for the Gophers, if we finish out 2-1 down the stretch here that would be a solid season.

I am looking at upgrading my boat in the next few years and will not consider boats with an Etec on the back, no matter the price. Unfortunately it sounds like many others feel the same.

Matthew Sandys wrote:

As said above, Garmin is just waiting on their next gen. I would go with Garmin for FFS. They are way ahead of the rest.

Agreed, I am leaning towards Garmin, but curious to see how much HB can improve.

They better be upgrading their FFS, otherwise I am switching to Garmin this winter. Helix units are definitely due for an update as well.

I have been on the lookout for lightly used Reata or Solera too. You will find the vast majority in that year range have a 150 on the back. Most describe the performance as “adequate” with top speeds in the 46-47 range. That would be fine for me, but I find myself wondering if I will be disappointed by the performance, especially when most of the new ones have 200’s.

There are some decent deals to be had out there from what I can see, but again they are all 150’s.

buckybadger wrote:

IF you are looking at an Impact 1875, I think you owe it to yourself to look at the comparable Alumacraft and Crestliner. Shopping one against the other and speaking with multiple dealers is never a bad thing. The dealer/service is very important when going with something brand new as well.

Would definitely second this, the trophy and Superhawk/sport fish are very similar boats. Most will have a 150 off the back which should be perfectly adequate for your needs.

I would take a cashiers check, have the buyer bring the withdrawal receipt too as extra insurance. If you want to triple check he should be able to pull up his online banking and show the exit of funds from his account.

I was at the stair fair yesterday and seeing a few 2023 Reata’s for ~$54K had me thinking about upgrading. Would like to see them with a 175 on the back, but pretty much everyone one I see listed has the 150. Pretty crazy they are almost at price parity with the Crestliner superhawk/sport fish, but some of those do have a 200 hanging off the back.

I think they will win 7 games. The offense should be better than last year. They upgraded at QB, have a strong RB stable, and a potential NFL receiver. I am far more worried about the defense. It would not shock me to see Fleck leave for a stronger program if they have a decent year.

Brunswick/Mercury will be fine long term, but its definitely tough times for dealers right now. The dealer near me still has a few brand new 2022’s on the lot and the price’s have not come down much.

If you think the boat market is bad I cannot imagine being in the snowmobile business right now after last winter.

The design on that boat is actually really impressive, I really like the extended back fishing deck and the general/battery storage is nice too.

I have been lightly boat shopping for the past few years and have been totally unimpressed with the Alumacraft lineup, so good for them for making some changes.

More power to you if you want to buy a warranty for piece of mind, but dealers are selling them because they make good money off them. The math on the vast majority of warranties sold favors the seller, otherwise they would not offer them.

We love Kab, the lake has some of the best scenery in the state and more fishing spots than I will get a chance to fish in my life time. Its not automatic walleye catching from my experience, but we have gotten on plenty of hot bites.

I think your tips are good, I have not experimented much with shorter leaders, so I should give that a try. Trolling cranks along a wind blown shore has always been a slump buster for us too, I find most success on the brightest option in the tackle box. Also to your point on slow, bobbers and leech’s have served us well in the past.

I thought the whole point of the turbo was to build power at lower RPM’s?

I drive a 2013 F150 with the 5.0 V8, its been great so far and I plan to keep it past 200K. I have heard/read great things about the 2.7 eco, they have been making them since 2015 and they have a very solid reliability track record. That will likely be the leading contender for my next truck, but I would consider getting another 5.0 if they are still making them.

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Toyota either, I am assuming they will have things figured out by the time I am in the market.