Toad Master

Interesting topic. More lb thrust does not mean more speed. I was running a 24v system with an 80# Motorguide xi5 with 4 batteries 27 series. 2 batteries per bank and was getting 4.5 mph, I switched the prop. to a 3 blade and got 6.2 mph. I had a great opportunity on a 112# 36v Minnkota Ultrex (new) and with the same boat set up only got 4.7 mph with 2 blade prop. wanted to try it with a 3 blade but was unable to find a prop. for that size motor. I fish an electric only lake that is 5 miles long and want the speed for more fishing time and not running time. Running long distances on high with just 2 batteries (24v I would run out of power in 6-7 hrs. especially on windy days, this is why I was running 4 batteries. I read an article a long time back about how Motorguide and Minnkota tested and got their ratings for lbs of thrust at the time (I don't know if this is true today) both companies tank test with a scale in the prop. wash I don't remember how far back. Motorguide waited for the prop. wash to settle after the initial start of the motor and took the scale reading while Minnkota took their reading from the prop. surge upon startup. Like I already stated I don't know if both companies are still doing it this way. But I do find it interesting that my results are the way that they are. I wish I could find a 3 blade prop. for the Ultrex to see what it does compared to the 2 blade which is currently on the motor. Weight was a concern of mine also but the speed I was getting with the Motorguide made the weigh worth it IMO.

I had owned the xi5. I absolutely hate the way the foot control operates. I like the smooth operation of the foot pedal on the Ultrex, You can run a shoreline with it, without ever having to look at the motor to see where it is pointing. Because the pedal stays toe down or heel down, like normal cable drives do. The foot control on the xi5 goes back to a neutral postion and engages roughly by comparison, and you can't feel your way into a direction change.

Does anyone know if Motorguide is coming out with their version of Minnkota's Ultrex? I have been trying to find out Myself but, am having no luck. I have always used Motorguide but had a opportunity to use the Ultrex and like it a lot. I am reluctant to buy the Ultrex because I have two Lowrance units on my boat that are less than a year old. Any info. would be appreciated,

I had the use or not use of scent explained to me this way may years ago. It's like throwing a slice of bread in front of a dog, he may or may not eat it. But put gravy on the same slice and watch how fast he eats it. So in my mind if the fish is hungry he will eat, if he is not and only looks at your bait or hits and spits it out, scent could close the deal. I have no evidence that using scents hurts. But being practical I am sure that in some cases it does. imo

I just saw today a Ulttrex on e-bay for $1800, 36 volt and if I remember right 112 lb. thrust lightly used. I told a buddy about it.

On the other hand I fish as a non-boater in my club, and I compete with the boater. So since I pay half the launch fee and half the cost of gas to the lake and back home I feel as long as I don't cross his line or interfere with his cast and retrieve, I should and have cast forward of the center line. And don't get any complaints from any of the boaters I've fished with. Maybe I just belong to a great club.

Is anyone using Lowrance's spotlight scan? I am thinking about getting one to use with my gen 3 HDS 7. What are the pros and cons? I know like all things there is a learning curve to work through. Is it worth the money? Any thoughts about this product? Thanks in advance. Joe

great thanks for the imput

I have a 24 volt TM and am wondering if there is a way to hook up 4 batteries to it for more TM running time. I fish in heavy current alot for 8 to 10 hrs. and outting. I need to get more draw time from my batteries. Many days I can only get 6-7 hrs. out of my current 2 batteries. I hope my queston is clear, I'm not sure how to ask it better. thx for any help.

I am in the market for a new kicker motor (see title). And in the description it says,"remote steering". Any idea what is means. I'm thinking steering wheel setup but not sure. thx for your heljp.

Thanks for the options. I do have lots of extra skirts. It's just frustrating having this happen on the water. I will most likely go the copper wire route. In the meantime I'll look for some of the other jigs mentioned and see for myself if they are something I my want to switch to. Thanks again, for the imput.

While going over my tackle today I found that the collar that holds the skirt on my jigs has rotted, (New jig in package). This is not the first time either has happened with anything that has a skirt added to it. Anyone know how to prevent this? I was thinking about trying same spray you would use on Mono (like reel magic). any ideas? Thanks.

Am I the only one who think that televised fishing tournaments are somewhat boring? I don't like the way they are run today. We are told how many fish they catch and even what the fish weighs, and the total courrent weight the pro. has in the boat. We are even told if they are in 1st--5th place. Makes the weigh in anti-climatic for me almost no point of watching the weigh in. I like the way the tourney's where run 10 yrs. ago. You saw the fish caught and put in the livewell without the running total of the weight, You had no idea who won until the weigh in. I do still like to see what lures are being used, how, where and why. I like to see the cover fished. I still learn some tips from them. And I do like to see a nice fish added to the livewell. But in the end the outcome of the tournament is lack luster in my opionion. What are your thoughts?