Talons worth it

[slonezp]

19 hours ago, FishOn!GetTheNet said:

Do you have spot lock can talon down and use spot lock to keep the bow from spinning around to keep the bow into the wind

Not realistically...maybe...possibly. I have the original version of Spot Lock from 2014. It was upgraded 3 years ago and is supposed to be way more accurate. I have a single Talon and a Terrova with Ipilot Link. In a steady wind, or no wind, I can use cruise control to set a speed and direction which will keep the boat steady. Andy big gust and I have to make corrections. I fish for panfish with the Talon down and TM running all season long. 

It's possible the newest version might allow the spot lock to act as a second anchor. Your enemy will still be wind, current, and boat wakes.

If you bed fish for bass, you'd be better off with 2 Talons.

When I made the purchase, I thought I'd use the spot lock a lot. The only time I use it is vertical jigging when there is no current and little wind. In current, I use cruise control. I can set the speed/direction to offset the current and keep a vertical presentation with a lighter jig when river fishing for walleye. Basically, I'd rather use a 1/4 oz jig and the TM to keep a vertical presentation than a 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz jig and just drift. Think about it. If you're vertical jigging in current and your line isn't straight down, you have no clue where the bait is in the water column.

On the same note, if you are fishing in current with spot lock, your bait could be 40ft away in 20ft of water and be nowhere near the bottom.

[A-Jay]

3 hours ago, Fishin Dad said:

AJ,

When getting ready to load your boat, why didn’t you drop the talons instead of tying to the dock.  This was one of the reasons I really wanted shallow water anchors.   I hate my boat rubbing at the dock.   By the way, I am looking at the Lund Pro V as my next boat.  Love your set up.  

@Fishin Dad

I use the Talons to launch & recover the rig on to the trailer EVERY TRIP.

However, 30 years running boats, cutters & ships in the US Coast Guard, makes me tie it off with a line as well.

Can't help it.

Either way, the Talons are very helpful - when launching & recovering solo; which is about 99% of the time for me.

Especially when it's a little sloppy.

I've posted a few video's of this - here's one . . .

 

A-Jay

[Fishin Dad]

Your routine is solid, I must have missed it on the first video.  It just looked like your boat was rubbing on the dock.  But it really didn't move at all.   I saw you hit the remote this time.  I really like your videos.  I have watched your pro v videos and it makes me want one even more.  That v8 just growls!!   Thanks for posting!!   Looking forward to hearing about your trip south.   Come on Spring!!!

[A-Jay]

5 minutes ago, Fishin Dad said:

Your routine is solid, I must have missed it on the first video.  It just looked like your boat was rubbing on the dock.  But it really didn't move at all.   I saw you hit the remote this time.  I really like your videos.  I have watched your pro v videos and it makes me want one even more.  That v8 just growls!!   Thanks for posting!!   Looking forward to hearing about your trip south.   Come on Spring!!!

I'll also say this @Fishin Dad

While I am all about taking care of my rig - 

A little dock rash is going to happen.

It's part of the game; especially when it's windy & without a wingman.

And while I do not tie up at 25 kts - I'm not losing sleep over a couple of bumps & bruises.

A-Jay

[Fishin Dad]

12 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I'll also say this @Fishin Dad

While I am all about taking care of my rig - 

A little dock rash is going to happen.

It's part of the game; especially when it's windy & without a wingman.

And while I do not tie up at 25 kts - I'm not losing sleep over a couple of bumps & bruises.

A-Jay

I agree A-Jay!   I buy my stuff to USE it.   Mine has battle scars as well after 5 years.  I was just hoping with twin anchors to avoid it as much as possible and make launching solo much easier.  Looks like the ticket.  Thanks again.  

[WRB]

I haven't noticed a new 19'+ bass boat that wasn't equipped with 2 Powerpoles or Talons appear to be standard equipment now.

On the water I only see the poles deployed during the spring spawning cycle, otherwise the vast majority of boats are using the trolling motor to control the boat. 

Our SoCal lakes have steep banks, 15' of water is about 25' from the shoreline on average on the main lake areas making use of poles limited to coves or bays with shallower water area.

Powerpoles/Talons require a house battery dedicated to operate the added equipment, larger sonar units etc. You need a boat big enough to handle the added weight. 

If you are looking at Powerpoles/Talons get 2.

Tom