Thread: The Walleye Channel

OE

I'll keep score with you.. But only if we're bluegill fishing. I seem to know how to catch those.

Every Dog finds a bone now and then.

I was that Dog on that particular day.

Jimmy,

If you could (As well as Kevin) please come up with a post in regards to what you see as the differences between the Xi5 and the MinnKota. What you like about each and what you do not like. This is quality information coming from guys that have experience with both platforms.

Also, if you get a chance, maybe come up with something about the differnces (as you see it) between Lowrance and Hummingbird. Many guys (myself included) get caught with one particular module and don't want to change. Having someone that was willing to change is valuable information that we need to tap in to.

For me, I have been a Lowrance fan for awhile. There were some things I did not like about the Hummingbird. The problem is that I am also a MinnKota fan (outside of spot lock). So, I'm in a catch 22 as I am sure you were last year and this year. Obviously, you were a Lowrance guy so maybe you purchased the Xi5 because of their ability to link up (last years boat). If so, was there things you like or dislike about the motor? About how it interfaces with the Lowrance?

There must have been a reason why you went back to MinnKota this year? If so, did that sway you to go to a hummingbird because you liked the idea of being able to use the Link features? What do you like about it? What do you not like about it.

I'm curious as it is not often we get someone that has experience in two different trolling motor platforms linked with two different sonar platforms!

Worthy information in my book.

I would like to suggest that this thread also include information for guys like me who can't, or choose not to, fish the big water. I, personally, don't feel comfortable going on Erie or Saginaw in my 16' Sylvan, don't have the gear for pulling cranks or cash to buy all the latest electronics but still like catching walleye. I'm stuck with jigging the Detroit and Saginaw if I want to catch numbers of walleye. Input on where and how to target them on inland lakes would be helpful. I have chased them through the ice, but not on open water much so any information would be great.

Originally Posted by wicklundrh

Jimmy,

If you could (As well as Kevin) please come up with a post in regards to what you see as the differences between the Xi5 and the MinnKota. What you like about each and what you do not like. This is quality information coming from guys that have experience with both platforms.

Also, if you get a chance, maybe come up with something about the differnces (as you see it) between Lowrance and Hummingbird. Many guys (myself included) get caught with one particular module and don't want to change. Having someone that was willing to change is valuable information that we need to tap in to.

For me, I have been a Lowrance fan for awhile. There were some things I did not like about the Hummingbird. The problem is that I am also a MinnKota fan (outside of spot lock). So, I'm in a catch 22 as I am sure you were last year and this year. Obviously, you were a Lowrance guy so maybe you purchased the Xi5 because of their ability to link up (last years boat). If so, was there things you like or dislike about the motor? About how it interfaces with the Lowrance?

There must have been a reason why you went back to MinnKota this year? If so, did that sway you to go to a hummingbird because you liked the idea of being able to use the Link features? What do you like about it? What do you not like about it.

I'm curious as it is not often we get someone that has experience in two different trolling motor platforms linked with two different sonar platforms!

Worthy information in my book.

I plan on doing that only after i get some more time behind the wheel

I will comment on why i went to MK, I only did this as it was part of my boat package, i could of went to MG but there was a upcharge and with everyone was saying how well the spot lock worked and with the lift assist and better remote it was worth a try . I did consider if i did really like this TM i would go to Hummingbird so i could network my electronics together, dont think thats the case anymore i also am a life long Lowrance user.

I will comment one decision i wish i didn't go with is the Ipilot Link, the remote that comes with this TM is a touch remote and my 1st thought this well work nice as i like my touch FF, well im finding out im always bumping the screen when im grabbing it and change settings, i feel the buttons should be on the bottom .I tried buying the standard remote and it will not work if you have a link TM, the only other remote that i could use is the micro remote but you would give up to many button selections

The new bluetooth TM has two trolling modes, Advance and legacy, from my understanding the advance feature is sort of how MG worked it lays out a GPS track and it follows it no matter what weather conditions are like, Kevin mentioned how his MG would give him issues and i believe this is how the MK Advance operates, don't have enough time to really comment yet but im finding the Legacy mode is better, this is the original circled N function MK always had just renamed

Picture of my remote, i can set the screen to rotate 180 degrees however the soft buttons are upside down and when turning right, well you know what happens

Originally Posted by spartannation

I would like to suggest that this thread also include information for guys like me who can't, or choose not to, fish the big water. I, personally, don't feel comfortable going on Erie or Saginaw in my 16' Sylvan, don't have the gear for pulling cranks or cash to buy all the latest electronics but still like catching walleye. I'm stuck with jigging the Detroit and Saginaw if I want to catch numbers of walleye. Input on where and how to target them on inland lakes would be helpful. I have chased them through the ice, but not on open water much so any information would be great.

I been on Saginaw Bay and lake Erie many many times and never had any issues with my old 16 ' Sea Nymph, you just need to watch the weather really close, i use most of the weather apps Rich posted , On Saginaw any wind up towards 10 mph i was off the water, sure wish i had a smooth move seat back then.

Thanks Jimmy. I look forward to hearing and learning more. The two features of the remote are exactly the same as the old system (just renamed).

The old system had GPS mode (N with the Circle) and compass mode (N without the circle). I ALWAYS use compass mode. The GPS mode isn't a gid fit when trolling into and against the wind as it points you at a fixed point. As the wind moves the boat from left to right, the bow continues to point at that fixed location. Compass mode allows you to point at a compass heading. If the wind moves you left and right, the boat is still pointed at that compass heading.

Jerry,
As we get more into this, I can give a ton of different ideas relating to finding walleye in inland lakes, rivers, and streams. Heck, with your experience, you might be able to give all of us a few good tips, tricks, and tactics!

I've caught more through the ice than i have open water. We fished Houghton and Missaukee quite a bit on hard water with OK success but most open water walleye on inland lakes have been incidental catches. I'm better at panfish.

I did make a trip to the mighty Detroit today. The weather was beautiful and the wind wasn't bad until 11:00 and the boat traffic was almost non existent. We were fishing by 7:45 and had a three man limit by 9. All were small males 16"-19". We stuck around till 1:00 playing catch and release and trying different spots and boated another 20-25 of the same sized fish. The bite slowed down when the wind picked up. Sure was a nice day to be on the water.