Measureing Speed

[Crestliner08]

I often read about trolling and pulling jigs at 1.0, 1.2, 1.5 mph, etc.. How are you guys measuring your speed? Are you using a separate GPS, sonar GPS, mechanical paddle wheel, or what?

I've used a portable GPS in my car an on my old rig for several years. Never found it to be that accurate when you are trying to control your speed down to the .1 ths. of a mph. It does great at regular boat speeds, but when you slow way down, I never found it to be that accurate. By that I mean, maintaining a steady speed the dial varies +-one, two or three tenths of a mph.

I'm using a hand-held Garmin eTrex Legend Cx. Probably about 7 or 8 years old. It's loaded with way points and maps, but I have my reservations about using it for precise boat speed adjustments. Your thoughts please? Thanks muchly.

["G"]

I use the GPS in my fish finder

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

["G"]

Also my trolling motor has GPS too and shows my speed on the remote

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[wicklundrh]

Same as G for me.

I think that accuracy is irrelevant. The number, regardless of what it is, gives you a starting point and something that can be duplicated.

Although we would all love to think that 1.3mph is the same for us all, too many factors play in to it. Add, wind, waves, and current to the mix and you have a recipe for a head explosion!

Just use the same thing all the time and you can always duplicate it. That is the key.

[EWS]

I go by the trolling motor remote, when I'm using it, and the GPS for the big motor.

[Countryboy N.C.]

I used a etrex legend for years before I got a depthfind with gps on it. Before gps I use a speed indicator, the one that mounted on the side of boat and had a weight that went in the water that was hooked to a pointer.

[tenncrappie]

trolling motor remote or watch the screen on The bird. Either will work.

[skeetbum]

Used a garmin 72 for years and only got rid of it cuz it was too small. Depth finder gps ever since.

[ad1974]

I use the gps speed on my sonar as well,before that I used a handheld gps made by Lowrance.

[Crestliner08]

Thanks Folks! I guess replication is more important than a number. Good stuff.