Dan668

I'll echo Bills comments. Better luck in the pool versus Maclean. I have a place on this system but generally trailer over to gbay instead.

Thanks for the write up. I had the same brands in mind, but ultimately decided to stick with my 3 group 31 agm for my trolling motor. They are 4 years old and resale probably isn't great. Would have loved the space and weight savings. My Northstar AGM starter/house battery is on its way out. Too bad my outboard is an Optimax, doesn't look like Mercury approved lithium batteries for that line. Can't see much chatter online on it, but seems like it has to do with the alternator not being able to sufficiently charge the battery.

I was looking at the Fuel Keg, not a huge fan of the ring myself. I get the Flame King 1 lb'ers off Amazon.com. $70 for two including shipping, tax, conversion. Pricey but pays for itself pretty quickly with my usage.

I have had both the Minn Kota Terrova (Gen 1) and the Xi5. The spot lock on the Xi5 was much better than the Terrova. Although the odd time, it would glitch, and spin one way wanting to rip everything out as it couldnt spin anymore lol. There was an update of sorts that fixed that. I did have to replace the transducer, that was $400. On both Terrova and Xi5, had the seal go requiring the lower unit needing to be rebuilt due to water intrusion. Thankfully this was covered under warranty. If I were to to pick between both now, I would definitely lean towards the Terrova as the spot lock was greatly improved. It also has lift assist, the Xi5 can be a nuisance to stow, especially if choppy out. The Xi5 remote is very basic. I also like the autopilot feature on the pedal, which is missing on the motorguide. The pedal on the xi5 also isn't great, and may require some modification. I no longer use either. Moved to an Ultrex, and then onto a Lowrance Ghost to tie in with my finders.

Radioworld is great for support. But echo the above, can find better pricing anywhere else. Agreed on the Garmin 106SV. Debated buying one for livescope and getting rid of my active target. Not sure if I got a dud or maybe I have to learn to use it better lol.

You will be happy with the Tatula. I have a pair with the AGS guides, but have used the others as well.

Agreed. Power handle makes all the difference. First upgrade my reels get if it's missing. Nice, never seen a musky sized spy bait before. I think I may pick one up. Have you used them before?

Interesting, will have to see if I can find something similar. Thanks

Makes sense. I have agreed value replacement on my boat. It's 11 years old now. And it looks like another $ value is assigned for the electric motor. Guessing this is a rider. I think I will just reach out to a few other brokers for more information. I just would hate to insure something and find out it's not applicable.

Getting close to renewal for my boat insurance. Does anyone insure their fishing tackle in the case of theft? I have spoken with a few parties but cannot seem to get a straight answer. I understand, my home policy should cover me at home. But what type of coverage would I need, say if I were at a friend's cottage for the weekend or a campground?

Echo the above. I ordered for the first time from PPT. Normally I have to run around or place multiple orders everywhere, but they literally had everything under one roof. Including all the tackle that is currently hot and hard to find.

Charts don't change much, but for Lowrance users, you lose the advanced map options which is helpful for highlighting a single range and shallow water. Sucks to renew yearly. Might try C Maps although from looking at there viewer online, Navionics seems to superior.

I recall seeing certain brands being approved say on the Merc four strokes. Haven't seen anything on the Opti's yet. Issues with the alternator or something from some quick reading. But I know a few who have run with no issues. Thinking to retire my Northstar, as it will be the ninth season. Seems to be fine, but not sure if I trust it with a pair of 12's and Active Target anymore. Anyhow, interesting to see what brands everyone is targeting and what the best value seems to be.

Considering upgrading my Northstar cranking/house agm. But still doing research. Some are for. Some are aagainst. Hard to say. Great to see the prices falling over the past year or two.

Based on what was listed, Terrova for sure since you intend to go to Humminbird. The Xi5 can sync with certain Lowrance units however the foot pedal takes some getting used too. My Terrova served me well in the past, but I now run a Ghost. Whatever you choose, you will love the spot lock. I personally love the foot pedal for bass and musky. Hardly use the remotes on any of the motors I have had.

Good to know. I do have plenty of KVD Line and Lure Conditioner. Find it helps immensely with fluorocarbon on my bass setups. Will give it a go on my ice reels.

Looks like I will have to try and find some Fireline Crystal. Had some nanofil previously on my reels from quite some time ago and decided to get out ice fishing for the first time in like 4-5 years last year and outside of the hut, the line was not great.

I use the Graph Glass "Clear" on my Live and Carbon 12. Pricey but I am sure it adds a bit of protection. Cheap insurance versus a broken screen which at one point, no option existed to repair. Wish the coverage was better, has a fair amount of space between the edge to the border of the screen. Otherwise, no issues. Works fine with polarized sunglasses. I have heard that the anti glare washes out the image.

Good to know. Will keep that in mind for the future.

Thats good to hear. I took a chance and ordered. We shall see what happens. Thanks!

Has anyone ordered from Bass Pro/Cabelas USA before? Trying to source an Lowrance Active Target, noticed most places here are sold out, have waiting lists or dont have concrete dates of when they are expected to come in. BPS down south has had a few pop up every other day ready to ship. In the checkout process, because of the amount, 3.50 in brokerage fees are included in the free shipping. They charge HST upfront, product is made in Mexico, so I dont expect duties. Just worried that I will be hit with some other outrageous fees. Usually order my gear from Tackle Warehouse which ship UPS World Wide Saver, all costs shown. No hidden surprises. But worried with the BPS purchase haha.

I may hit GBay tomorrow and cast some Shadzilla's. Definitely feels unproductive heading out here, but you always have a chance of big one. Struck out on Pigeon the other week.

Be careful with the Garmin Motor, the Force, the 57" shaft is more like a 52". So if you fish windy conditions, not the greatest. Ultrex 60" is also a bad design. If the shaft is deeper than, lets say 54", it cant stow. Always have to re adjust. Not sure who designed these things. Sold mine to get the Ghost but covid delayed that. Im hoping the Ghost 60" turns out to be ok. Its what I am personally waiting for. But I run Lowrance units.

My Mercury group 27 battery constantly had issues when running multiple finders, nmea network, livewell, radio. If i didnt make long enough runs during say an 8 hour fishing trip. The battery towards mid/end of day would always end up dead. Switched to a Northstar Group 31 AGM, have been problem free for years now. Im actually surprised some are running Group 24's with all listed. For reference purposss, i have an Optimax, which requires high CCA and tends to be finicky.

Yep, same thing for me