Marker Buoys / GPS / Spotlock

[MickD]

3 hours ago, WRB said:

The marker buoy is my spot lock!

The problem with this is this is that a marker buoy cannot keep your boat near it, but spot lock can.  Even if you're setting up a new rig, digging out a backlash, answering nature's call, having a sandwich, applying sunscreen, adding or removing layers of clothing, etc etc etc.  It allows one to hang the boat from the wind and fish a spot without constantly working with the motor, and a marker buoy cannot do that either.  They really are not equivalent.

[Catt]

1 hour ago, MickD said:

The problem with this is this is that a marker buoy cannot keep your boat near it, but spot lock can.  Even if you're setting up a new rig, digging out a backlash, answering nature's call, having a sandwich, applying sunscreen, adding or removing layers of clothing, etc etc etc.  It allows one to hang the boat from the wind and fish a spot without constantly working with the motor, and a marker buoy cannot do that either.  They really are not equivalent.

 

Buoy markers & anchors still work today!

 

Not everyone has a grand to throw down on a trolling motor.

[ww2farmer]

10 minutes ago, Catt said:

 

Buoy markers & anchors still work today!

 

Not everyone has a grand to throw down on a trolling motor.

Amen!!!

 

Even if I did...don't know if I would want to. Been in plenty of boats with all trimmings. I still feel more comfortable in an old tin boat just "fishing". I do OK.

 

 

[WRB]

4 hours ago, MickD said:

The problem with this is this is that a marker buoy cannot keep your boat near it, but spot lock can.  Even if you're setting up a new rig, digging out a backlash, answering nature's call, having a sandwich, applying sunscreen, adding or removing layers of clothing, etc etc etc.  It allows one to hang the boat from the wind and fish a spot without constantly working with the motor, and a marker buoy cannot do that either.  They really are not equivalent.

Wasn't met to be equivalent, it was made tongue in cheek. If the marker is on the bottom, it will mark the spot and all the angler needs to do is keep an eye on it to return where it is or a GPS way point to get back to marker.

My last post, the last sentence says if I was going to purchase anything it would be a TM with Spot Lock and said that when they 1st came out a few years ago.

Tom

[Logan S]

But if someone DOES have all the trimmings, marker buoys are just redundant....And the OP has got the trimmings .

 

If you've got decent electronics and mapping and are competent using them while fishing and running the trolling motor you just don't need to bother with buoys anymore.  The visual reference you need is on the screen instead of the in the water.  I say this as someone that was a die-hard buoy user back in the day.

 

Before GPS and accurate mapping was universally available/affordable for bass boats, marker buoys were the only option to put a visual reference on something.  We also used the triangulation method to accomplish the same thing.  I stopped doing both when I realized I was more accurate with my electronics than I was with the visual references...The bonus is that you save a ton of time - Can go directly to your waypoint/spot and start fishing immediately.  

 

Doesn't mean buoys are useless, but modern electronics make them unnecessary for many.  

[Tennessee Boy]

It’s a challenge to translate what you see on the screen into your position on the water as it relates to what you are trying to fish.  A couple of buoys make it easier.  One great tool that we have not mentioned here is a heading sensor.  Having the map orient itseft to the direction the boat is pointing when it’s not moving is very helpful.  I don’t think I could have given up using buoys without a heading sensor.

[A-Jay]

3 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

It’s a challenge to translate what you see on the screen into your position on the water as it relates to what you are trying to fish.  A couple of buoys make it easier.  One great tool that we have not mentioned here is a heading sensor.  Having the map orient itself to the direction the boat is pointing when it’s not moving is very helpful.  I don’t think I could have given up using buoys without a heading sensor.

Yup ~

Especially at night.

A-Jay

 

[WRB]

The op asked the question does he need marker buoys? He has all the new tools including state of the art TM with spot lock, technically he doesn't.

My question does the op know how to use the state of the art technology?, he said he is new to bass fishing. 

Hypothetical; Where is that coffee table size rock pile I metered, it was clearly displayed on my sonar screen, punched in the way point, spot locked on the way point and can't feel the rock pile and no fish where they should be at, where is that rock pile?

Answer, read my 1st post.

Tom

[Catt]

Everytime I've turned around & looked that little black line aint there ?

 

For me the most important feature of any depth finder is the grey line!

[scaleface]

In marking a  ledge or channel buoys work well . Having them fifty yards or so apart  one can go back and forth at his leisure . Only down fall is other boats stopping to fish your buoy's .

[NHBull]

18 minutes ago, scaleface said:

In marking a  ledge or channel buoys work well . Having them fifty yards or so apart  one can go back and forth at his leisure . Only down fall is other boats stopping to fish your buoy's .

That would be me...Put a lot of fish in my boat that way........Especially if it is a spot I planned on fishing

[Tizi]

I fish from a kayak 75% of the time.  Marker buoys are an invaluable tool for me.  I like deep cranking and the buoys help me stay on a spot. In a kayak, drifting is a constant battle. I have an anchor trolley that is a must and gets used often.  Buoys and an anchor.

 

 Once I get my pedal kayak up and running, this might be easier.