BigBendFishing.Net

So, took the new to me boat out Sunday. Everything went well. Ship didn't sink, motor started, and the sun was shining. Didn't catch any fish. Of course, we you have no idea where you are or where your going that happens. So to assist in that problem, I made a little trip to West Marine today. Walked out with a Garmin 172C, an ICOM 302 radio, BlueChart, and a whopping credit card bill Now, if someone would show how to use all of this crap...I guess that's half the fun. Boy, I feel dangerous.

First of all congrats on the procurement (boat and equipment)....

Secondly....You should have asked the board about what equipment you need and how to price shop at West. I'm sure we could have saved you a dime or two....

Thirdly....I think you did well on your procurement, some would probably recommend at different radio, but if it works it works...

Forthly....Did you get an Antenna?

Fifthly....Happy boating

Thanks Chalk,
The boat already has a radio and antenna on it. The radio was a little worse for wear. Some of the knobs and the display were a little shaky; however, the reception seem to be pretty good with the current antenna. I'm going to try to the new radio hooked to the old antenna and see how it goes. I was able to save little cash. They have a new boat owners program that lets you knock a little of the regular price. Ended up saving about $50-60 bucks. As far as the radio selection, I went off of the West Marine guys recommendation. Should've checked with you guys but the money was burning a hole in my pocket. Stuck to the Garmin GPS cause that what all of you guys seem to like. Once I figure out what I'm going, I think it will be a blast. I'm open to any recommendations. I'm a rookie and ain't afraid to admit it...

Taint nobody an expert, some are close and some fake it, but were all here to help when you need it and laugh at you when your down.... Just kidding

Garmin is great, wish I had bought that stock 4 years ago , but anyhow it will serve you fine...Did it come with a PC adapter....Some can import and export information that way....

Make a note to yourself:
Self, it isn't about catching fish everytime, it's about having a good time on the water with friends......and not breaking anything

All you need now is a yellow sun dress and you will be good to go....

My wife has plenty of sundresses; but, I think I look better in blue

Eerman wrote:So, took the new to me boat out Sunday. Everything went well. Ship didn't sink, motor started, and the sun was shining. Didn't catch any fish. Of course, we you have no idea where you are or where your going that happens. So to assist in that problem, I made a little trip to West Marine today. Walked out with a Garmin 172C, an ICOM 302 radio, BlueChart, and a whopping credit card bill Now, if someone would show how to use all of this crap...I guess that's half the fun. Boy, I feel dangerous.

Lets see
GPS 172C 679.99
ICOM M302 159.99
BlueChart 99.99

Dang you had a pile of money burnin son

PS: I'm envious

And still enough to go to Wendy's afterwards...thank goodness for the .99 menu

Mojo is with the yellow sundress, trust me...TinCan will back me

You did well with your electronics selection.

It won't take long to learn to use the GPS. Garmin is very user friendly. I would suggest you do a few radio checks to Shields and make sure your transmission and reception is adequate with your radio setup. I learned the hard way. The quality of the antenna is more important than the radio. most all of the radios are sufficient. The Icom should be fine. I purchased a new radio because of bad reception and transmission. The new radio made no difference. The problem was with the antenna. Went back and purchased a good antenna and solved my problems.

Chalk is correct on a couple of points. Your number 1 priority should be safety. Number 2 should be the pleasure and enjoyment of getting out there and chasing the fishies. Number 3 is catching fish.

When Chalk and I fish together our catch increases tremendously when he wears the yellow sun dress, and the blonde wig. However, I suggest you shy away from the white, or black, 5" patten leather heels. When Chalk went to the heels, he had difficulty maintaing his balance, fell down in the boat several times, broke several things in the boat in the process, and had difficulty fishing while trying to hold the matching purse. Try the blue sun dress if you think it will work better for you. That's what it's all about. Experiment until you determine what works best for you.

After determining what color sun dress, you mightr want to experiment with bait selection and presentation. There are times when this also has an influence on your catch.

I'm happy for you. Welcome to the world of boat ownership.

BTW, you might wanna get together with mjsigns and y'all can cry over a few together.

TC, would you expect contact with Shields, say, south of 24 using a 4' digital antenna?

db, some how, I don't think so.