Trolling, Fishfinder, and other silly questions.

[tokanel]

Hi, Here goes.<br />I am just starting. bought a aluminum row boat. Can I use a fish finder while rowing?<br />I have a 12' boat any suggestions on what kind and power of trolling motor?<br />How long does a battery last while using a trolling motor if i use it as an outboard.<br />I am a former frustrated shore fisherman who can no longer find fishing spots that produce. Just by using this boat and rowing it has made it so much more fun. look forward to many more inane questions.<br />thanks

 

[Down South]

Re: Trolling, Fishfinder, and other silly questions.

Yes, you can use your fish finder while rowing or while you are using your trolling motor. As far as a trolling motor you probably will be getting a hand operated one. I would suggest something around the 30 Lb range for a 12 foot alumimun boat, maybe something in the high 20s. A good deep cycle battery should give you at least 4 or 5 hours of service. Most of the time a battery will last all day and then some if you are fishing because you are not having to use your trolling motor constantly.

 

[kayak99]

Re: Trolling, Fishfinder, and other silly questions.

Yes, you can use a fish finder on your 12 foot boat. If you are using a trolling motor you can mount the transducer on the bottom of it.<br /><br />The amount of power depends on the total weight, including yours, and how fast you want to go. Off hand, maybe a 52 lb Minn Kota or similar.<br /><br />Get a good sized trolling motor battery and it should last you all day. Sams club or Walmart has good prices. Shop around for a trolling motor. Try Cabelas, Bass Pro or even ebay.<br /><br />I also suggest you buy a small gauge to check the power on your battery. You don't want to run out of juice too far from shore!

 

[stinger1]

Re: Trolling, Fishfinder, and other silly questions.

i did exactly what you are talking about until i inheireted my bass boat. i had a trolling motor and a fish finder (bottom of the line hummingbird). i fished small lakes and ponds with my jon boat until my back started killin me. i still do on occaision. a bit of advice, get a good mushroom anchor and at least 50 feet of anchor rope. keep oars with you even with the trolling motor. i had a blast. i even caught more fish in my jon boat than on my bass boat. id orr deep into weed beds and just pullem out til my arm was broke. with a long anchor rope you can tie off to something on the shore like a tree stump and with the help of the wind get over a fishing hole, thats about as good a stealth aproach as you can get.<br /><br />have fun<br />stinger1