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Posts: 585
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland | I plan on purchasing a boat for Musky fishing soon. Looking for input on how to set it up. Thanks - Tom  |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | Don't really know what you are looking for.....
More specific please........
What kind of boat are you getting, where do you fish, ect... |
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Posts: 585
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland | not sure what boat yet. However, I will be fishing small lakes & reservoirs. Mostly trolling, but some casting. Primarily looking for options that anglers have added to their boats that have made using their boats more enjoyable. |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | adjustable rod holders since you are going to troll
A good kicker motor, or 4 stroke outboard
cd player if you are going to troll
GPS so you can follow your trolling patters correctly
maybe a top/cover so you can troll in the rain without getting wet
Don't know much about trolling, sorry! |
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Posts: 585
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland | The bimini top idea is a good one. Thanks, Tom |
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| Hi Tom,
Mike already brought it to the board, but a GPS is a geat for trolling. It helps you duplicate your trolling pass and will allow you to wavepoint the area when you have a rip-fish. I have areas were I have ten wavepoints on top of one another. These wavepoints help you develope patterns throughout the season. As far as a boat, If you're going to be running down sharp breaks with several turns and underwater points----run a tiller. If you're going to be fishing open water or gradual breaklines--- a steering console will be fine. If you're going to troll the majority of the time, think about a mast system(with OR-19 clips). These help spread out your baits and able you to fish six baits were it is legal. This system is only for an open water system since you can't make sharp turns. -- As far as rod holders, Down East rod holders are excellent. Also, if you can afford it, a four stroke is an excellent option. It's quite, fuel efficient, and are reliable motors. Good luck on your search and feel free to call 630-244-0358
Todd Kotarski |
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | I have a Bimini top for my boat ( Lund Mr Pike ) and just love it ( so does the family ), I don't have the top up much while actually Muskie fishing but when fishing for bait ( Crappies, Bass, Etc. ) or taking a break in the broiling summer sun it sure is nice to have some shade or to get out of the rain, Not an essential tool but it sure is nice to have when you need it
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Posts: 326
Location: Plainfield IL | Onboard batt charger
first aid kit
tool kit
Release tools.
There are a few great threads on what to have for first aid, tools and release tools for your rig. Every year I seem to be adding more things to each.
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Posts: 585
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland | Thanks guys. There were a couple of things there that I hadn't thought of. Tom  |
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| a tiller for better control on those trolling runs - get/stay tight to the breakline, run in through inside turns, etc. |
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Posts: 16
Location: Michigan's U.P. | I will add a ditto for the onboard charger...a must have in my opinion (if you have more than the starting battery).
Running lights for the inner compartment if you night fish...a lot better than trying to set-up a light...speaking of lights. A cigarette lighter or accesory socket for a shining light helps find boat launches at night. |
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| A few ideas...
Trolling motor - Don't underpower the motor or undersize the shaft for the size of the boat. Having too short of a shaft (No jokes please!) and having it come out of the water in big waves really sucks.
Batteries - I went with the biggest & longest lasting batteries I could find. One of the best investments I have made. I have two of the Dual Pro monsters that weigh 88lbs a piece. I have gone 4 straight days on them and not run out of juice. Also No maintenance on the batteris either.
On Board Charger - very important. Talk about convenience, just plug em in and leave. Dual Pro batteries and charger stay plugged in year round. Get one that has enough banks for ALL batteries on your boat; trolling, starting, back-up.....
Electronics - Personal preference but I feel a GPS enabeled system is a must. GPS on both dash and bow is very usefull. Color systems are great for night fishing.
Back-up Prop - for both trolling motor and main engine. Not worth paying all that money to get to your destination and being stuck on a trip with no spare prop for either.
Edited by Esox1850 1/28/2005 4:51 PM
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Posts: 585
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland | Thanks. Some great tips here. Tom |
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