Depth Finder Or Tm?

[jsc4324]

So I finally bought a kayak (nucanoe frontier) which is awesome. Understanding that I want both a TMotor and a depth finder which would be the better first purchase. Price range for both is around 150-175 budget. So from the yak fishers out there what do you find as a more valuable tool? I don't mind paddling but it can be a nuisance keeping a position. I figure a cheap alternative to the TM would be a trolly anchor but I don't know. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[gotarheelz14]

I would definitely get the fish finder. You should also probably think twice about the trolling motor. Not to be a purist or anything like that but I don't know how much you'll really want it. If what you want is to stay in position, do yourself a favor and get an anchor trolley. They are amazing and will keep you in position down, across, or up the wind or current, all depending on how you change the trolley, which is the pivot point.

[flyfisher]

Yeah I would say being new to kayaking that you will get the hang of holding position. You also have to consider if your state requires registration if you put a trolling motor on there too.

Anchor trolleys are great as are stake out poles which is what I use most times as long as the water is about 5' or less.

[Darren.]

So I finally bought a kayak (nucanoe frontier) which is awesome. Understanding that I want both a TMotor and a depth finder which would be the better first purchase. Price range for both is around 150-175 budget. So from the yak fishers out there what do you find as a more valuable tool? I don't mind paddling but it can be a nuisance keeping a position. I figure a cheap alternative to the TM would be a trolly anchor but I don't know. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

Well...

 

If you need to get places, cover a lot of water, keep your arms from falling off, trolling motor. Depth finder second.

 

I use my trolling motor on my kayak far more than I use my depth finder. 2 cents.

[Darren.]

Yeah I would say being new to kayaking that you will get the hang of holding position. You also have to consider if your state requires registration if you put a trolling motor on there too.

Anchor trolleys are great as are stake out poles which is what I use most times as long as the water is about 5' or less.

 

And as far as keeping position, you can use a chain anchor to "drag" the bottom to hold you in relative position. An anchor trolley will work, but if you go that route, consider one on both sides.  I am going to install one on the other side of my yak.  A trolling motor will help, but is not the end-all solution. And fly is right, check your state regulations. I had to register my kayak here in VA, about $16 for 2 years.

 

I also use a stake-out pole, 7' long (Stick-It) and swear by it...well worth the money I spent on it.

 

http://www.stickitanchorpins.com/

[Wayne P.]

Getting a trolling motor is more than just getting a trolling motor. You need a deep cycle battery and battery charger too.

 

Same thing with a sonar unit--- battery and charger-just less size needed.

[jsc4324]

I know about the batteries and chargers etc. not worried about having to register with a TM the cost is minimal. I think the anchor trolly is a definite regardless so I will probablyean toward the finder first. I don't want a TM to get places but more so to fight the current and be able to move along the banks and be able to keep fishing. I like the exercise of the paddling also.

What would you all recommend for a depth finder in that price range? Also want to be able to so the scupper hole transducer I think.

[Wayne P.]

http://www.yakangler.com/fishing-gear/item/1355-lowranceelite4