Trolling motor or better electronics?

[Gutz]

I bought an 1998 CC bay boat last year and have been focusing on getting the motor, guages, and other mechanical systems in order. That done, I'm ready to move on to getting it outfitted for saltwater fishing, namely a bottom machine / sonar device and a quality SW Trolling motor. Problem is my budget right now - only $1000. My Dilema: should I drop the dime on better sonar /graphics device first or is a trolling motor just too important to do without on a bay boat? I will be fishing inshore or at the jetties most of the time but I would like to go offshore to the rigs when the weather is settled? Thanks for any input.

- Perry

 

[capt sam]

Re: Trolling motor or better electronics?

it's a big pain to fish inshore without a trolling motor but not impossible. I would prolly get the electronics first then focus on a trolling motor.

 

[Gutz]

Re: Trolling motor or better electronics?

right you are! last time I had her out in the marsh the tide was going out and the wind was blowing in about 20-25kts.....sure was tired of that anchor at the end of the day....we managed to get on some redfish and flounder in the shallows without use of a fish finder but i sure would like to have a better view of the bottom and whatever else is in the water around my boat....

thanks for the input

 

[Starcraftguy1]

Re: Trolling motor or better electronics?

Yes,I think the electronics would be the best bet right now.You could still fish and get more of them,and have a safer trip with being able to see the depth,and temp,and wether you are going to run up on something.Then the Minn Kota Riptide will be next,we all have to do little as possible sometimes,but in a smart way.Good Fishing.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Trolling motor or better electronics?

I have fished without a trolling motor many different times for different reasons.. I suggest fishing the "flats" and just set up a drift according to the tide and wind.. look where you want to go and do a quick test drift to see which way the wind will take you then just position yourself so that you drift into the spot you want to fish.. when it gets uncomfortably shallow then cut on your motor and go somewhere else and do it again.. I can maneuver my boat using the big motor in around 1ft of water.. I tend to fish this way because its more relaxing and I usually catch just as many fish than if I fish up creeks..

 

[Gutz]

Re: Trolling motor or better electronics?

that's pretty much what I did the other day - but with 20-25 mph winds, we had to play "drag the anchor" to get any time to cover the water - maybe i need a drift sock, huh?

Anyway, the trolling motor probably wouldn't solve too much with the wind so strong...next time I'll check the forecast (wind) and if it calls for more than 20...I"m probably not going out there.

thanks

Perry

 

[Woodstock60]

Re: Trolling motor or better electronics?

Where I'm from a chartplotter has become mandatory, especially if you fish at night wich is 80% of my fishing and as far as trolling I actually bought a smaller boat so I could push it with an electric troller, I like stealth mode. My home waters are very very rocky and my friends and I target big stripers in skinny water after dark, on many occasions the fog rolls in and without the plotter you could be in trouble. anyway I say the electronics trump the troller.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Trolling motor or better electronics?

In salt water I prefer a good small outboard as a kicker/trolling motor. you can probably find a descent used one on cl and still have enough of your $1000 left over for a good combo unit display check out the raymarine a series they are in your price range and work quite well.