what to upgrade -- electronics or trolling motor?

[Chris at Tech]

So I have a purely hypothetical question (at least that's what I'm telling my wife.  Don't judge me) about where I should direct my $$$.

 

A little background first.  I fish out of a heavily modified G3 1652 jonboat on electric-only reservoirs around Atlanta.  Currently, I have an older HB 898 SI as well as an 80-lb Minn Kota Maxxum foot controlled TM, and both are totally fine in doing their jobs.

 

As much as I'd just like to obey they bait monkey and upgrade both the TM and the electronics, I'd prefer to avoid costly divorce proceedings so for now I'll only consider one.  The case for the electronics upgrade to a more recent HB SI unit is 1) larger screen = more details but more importantly 2) the ability to create my own topo maps of the smaller lakes I fish (as there are none currently available like the larger bodies have).  On the TM side, the case for upgrading to an Ultrex is centered 100% around spot lock, which I believe is a game changer for being able to more effectively fish spots.

 

Anyone in a similar boat (pun intended)?  Any sage words of wisdom for me to help me decide?

[Shimano_1]

I had the 898 on my last boat. Currently running garmin 93 sv's. I like the Garmins better,  but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 898. I will sort of be in your shoes this spring.  I want an ultrex and I want the newer garmins that are compatible with the panoptix live scope.  I will for sure get the ultrex first. I fish a Triton 18tx with a 70 lb minn kota egde and my buddy has the ultrex on an older aluminum Triton.  It is definitely a game changer.  I find myself constantly thinking man if I had that this would be so much better/easier right now lol. My 93sv are the chirp models before the plus so mine are only compatible with the regular panoptix.  Soooo....my vote is ultrex first. I believe anyone bass fishing an aluminum rig needs the ultrex or equivalent.  Wind can make it almost impossible to fish in some I've been in

[NorcalBassin]

I was in a similar position to you last year, and I went with the TM. I have a v-hull so went with the ulterra (basically same options/perks as ultrex), and IMO it was well worth the investment and the right decision. Spot lock has been great for working a spot and being able to retie anywhere on the boat without having to worry about drifting off somewhere, and autopilot also gets a lot of use when I'm working an area instead of a spot. I also went from an 80lb/24v setup to a 112lb/36v, so I'm sure that's factored into my happiness as well. 

[GreenPig]

I installed a Solix 15 SI GPS , Terrova 80 with bluetooth, 360 Imaging, and 3 group 31 batteries on my 1448 Lowe and couldn't be happier. I'd start with the TM as it will really benefit you in fishing in any wind. In the past the wind was a major frustration for me fishing out of a light aluminum boat, fighting the boat more than fishing. But I do really like being able to tap on my Solix and my Terrova will take me right to a waypoint. 

[Dirtyeggroll]

Ultrex. Especially in a boat that sounds like it is more susceptible to the wind. You can still mark casting targets and structure/cover with the 899. A lot easier to sit on those spots with spot lock.

[papajoe222]

I fish a bunch of electric only waters,along with some that have a 10hp limit, out of my Tracker. It's equipped with a  MotorGuide Tour Edition and neither of my depth finders are side imaging. If I were to choose one it'd be the TM with Spot Lock. If you're proficient with your current DF, upgrading will only give you a bigger screen and not much in the way of benefits over your current unit as long as you can mark way points. If for no other reason than having Spot Lock, the motor is going to be of more benefit to fishing your type of water.

[Oregon Native]

LOVE  LOVE   LOVE Spot lock....in that order....bigger pics and everything is awesome but Spot Lock is amazing and will spoil ya.  I'm just sad that mine sits in the garage now a lot....people who take me fishing want to use their boats...which is awesome...but not totally awesome

 

[flatcreek]

I installed an Ultrex on my aluminum rig in March and I have to agree that it’s a major improvement in fishing in wind or calm water.it allows me to fan cast an area without getting blown off the mark.i cast my vote for Ultrex.

[jaimeastin]

ultrex… I fish out of an aluminum boat too.  I have garmin units on front and bow as well as livecope… I have to drop and anchor to fish with live scope on windy days.  I use a minnkota maxxum, but I need spotlock for sure.  

 

Get the trolling motor.  They stick around and electronics change.  With spotlock, you can be fishing the same spots that your current electronics show you.  Find a hump in open water with fish, you can get them... Upgrade your electronics first and all you will see are spots out open that you cannot just fish without lots of work.  

 

You can blow out of a spot in seconds.  They you cause more disturbances getting back.  I used this for drifting... I will some times throw out drift socks, but still the same thing... Lots of hassle.  Spot lock is a real investment.