More Thoughts on Another Cold Day...11/22/2024

I do know, I like to keep things simple. I'm sure you've all heard the acronym "KISS"...meaning, "Keep It Simple Stupid", right? Well, that's how I like to do it.

The least mentioned, but probably the most important add on, that I would never want missing on my trailer, is the EZEEStep system. These steps have made my job of loading and unloading, so much easier, safer, and faster. I can't even imagine going back to a boat/trailer without these steps. 

They have nice grippy non-slip steps, (but, don't do them barefoot!), and can hold up to 450 pounds. They are easy to install, too. They are custom fit to each individual boat/trailer, and boat owner's preferences...check them out, if you haven't already.

We all know why a bow mount trolling motor with iPilot or Autopilot is a necessity, and how it works, so I don't need to explain that one. It's a good'n! :)

The "Baby Merc", as I call it, is responsible for providing power, while the bow mount controls the course. I keep the bow mount on power level 4 to 5, and adjust the kicker's RPMs, to dial in the speed, so the bow mount's batteries can last all day. (I do increase the power level to help get through turns, quicker).

I used the iTroll product, for the first time three years ago, when I ran one in a previous boat. I liked it, so I put one in the Vexus, too, and relied on it a lot these past two seasons.  I've already received the new iTroll for the 2025 boat, too. But, the new one is an upgrade, and has the wireless capabilities, which will be nice.

I have mine mounted under the throttle, so when a customer was sitting in that seat, I always had to say, "Excuse me", as I reached down to turn the dial. Then, I would have to reassure them that, "No", they are not in the way...lol

Now, I'll be able to keep the remote on my person, and make adjustments from anywhere in the boat.

"How do I know what speed I want to dial in?", brings us to the next add-on that I'm really happy I added. It's the FishHawk speed/temp probe. I use the X-2 model, and run it the same way Mark Romanack is running it in his YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nofjc147Yl8&t=21s

It has shown me how different the surface and under currents can be from each other, here on Lake Erie's Western Basin. Adjusting my speed to what the FishHawk is showing me, has helped me catch more fish, and understand the lake's currents, better. The speed at the bait, is what is important, and the FishHawk just makes that easier. 

When I wasn't using one, I would get the SOG to what I thought it should be, and then drop a bait over the side to see the action of it, in the water. If a speed adjustment was needed, it would be made. The FishHawk just takes all that guesswork away, and tells me what speed my baits are running at....all the time. 

(This is where adjusting the RPMs on the kicker comes into play). I base my speed off the FishHawk, and not the GPS's SOG. I'll try different speeds until I find one the fish like best. Then, mostly keep it there, but also speed up and slow down using "S-Turns", from time to time....just to keep them honest. 

Everyone has their favorite rod holders, too. I like the Cisco rod holders, on their long track system. Vexus improved their gunnel strength to accommodate the track, by putting a metal plate along the underside of the gunnel. Allowing the Cisco tracks to screw down tightly to the gunnel. I have never found a screw coming out, like I did when the tracks were only fastened to fiberglass. I also don't have to worry about customers using the rod holders for balance purposes anymore, since I know they can't do any damage. I used to have to say, "Please don't lean on the rod holders". :)

I used Cisco's hybrid tube rod holders for the past two seasons, and really like them. The main reason being, due to their design, the reel is always facing inside the boat. It's a little thing...but, it's my thing.

SmoothMove Seats were add-ons, too, and worth mentioning. I have the "Air-Ride" on the passenger's side, and the manual seat on the driver's side. I have them that way, because once you set the manual one, for the weight sitting on it, you don't have to adjust it again.  I also keep my seat firmer, so that I can feel what the boat is feeling, when running on rougher days.

I have found that the Air Ride will lose air, especially if it's cold out, so pumping it up can be done easily with the 12V plug-in, that they provide. 

So, for the comfort of your passenger...look down and make sure they have enough air in their pedestal, when the boat is running across the lake. :)

I can't think of anymore add-ons at the moment....so, as you can see, I  keep it pretty simple.... Find fish....fish for fish....and, hopefully, catch those fish, using the tools I have at my disposal. :)

Capt Juls