Low and slow with a GPS controlled TM.

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thudpucker

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https://www.louisianasportsman.com/details.php?id=4213

A July press release from Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics begins, “Continuing the evolution of GPS trolling-motor navigation, Minn Kota’s i-Pilot Link utilizes GPS technology and ethernet connectivity to achieve new levels of boat control.”


The first generation of i-Pilots included the ability to record three GPS tracks (now called iTracks), each up to two miles long, and then pull your boat up or down them at your chosen speed. A Cruise Control feature let you set your speed down to a 10th of a mile per hour along an iTrack, while traveling in a compass direction set by AutoPilot or while following an arrow-straight string of GPS points laid out using Advanced AutoPilot.

For guys who fish a slow choppy in and out course on a repeat basis, this looks like something you'd work hard to afford.
I recall fishing certain Bar's and Guts for Halibut where I could have used this thing.
Rainbow Trout fishing in lakes with no landmarks stifking up it'd be a real boon.
 
I've got a Terrova 55 w/ IP, like it a lot for my style of fishing (longlining for crappie) but seldom use the the iTracks as you refer to it, I do use the autopilot/advance autopilot and cruise control alot tho. The IP was worth the $$ to me as I can now do other things such as re-ty lures, get some coffee, look at the gps map, etc., etc., and not worry about the boat going off course. The spot lock does not work as advertised (keeps the boat w/in 15' of the spot marked) but close. I use it at times when setting up or getting ready to try another location or just taking a break. Spot lock will allow the boat to "wander or drift" but will bring you back close. If you are fishing a brush pile, it works but will not keep you "on the spot" all the time, especially with wind unless you can keep the bow into the wind.
 
You are an observant fisherman.

An aside on that 'missing the spot'
In AK I went across Cook inlet in a boat with an auto pilot. Not a GPS unit, just a Compass heading indicator.
As the waves came into us from the Port bow, the Auto helm would be fouled by the winds and waves.
Each time we were knocked off course, the little Auto-helm would try to get back on course.
Soon we were running a corrected course, nearly 90 Degrees Left to try to reach the original course.
So we were not as attentive as you with your TM. We are old. We learn slow!
We turned it off and used it in calm waters after that.
 
If you've got more money to add on you can link the I-Pilot with any ethernet capable H-Bird and have it follow contours (provided you're using their very own Lakemaster cards). I know a few of the walleye guys/gals were tripping over themselves to get it, but AFAIK the only people that have it are the pro-staff.

TNTroller hit the nail on the head with the spotlock issues. My bud's boat has one with the i-pilot, and that thing is more of a pain than it's worth on the river. The boat never really sits where you want it, and it loves to over correct itself in the wrong direction, especially with the current. On big water it's better, but only because there's so much more room to "float" in. When it's working well, it's nice. Otherwise it's kind of a pain.
 
Jeez I'm amazed.
Technology has invade our fishing.

Soon we'll have a "Memory" in the lures. All we'll have to do is Cast when the little "Beep" sounds.
The lure will guide itself to the appropriate Lily Pad.

THEN maybe I'll catch a fish! :LOL2:
 

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