BigBendFishing.Net

Is there such thing as a good marine radio for <$100? I do the inshore thing so I wouldn't need a super-duper one...Would I? Do y'all consider these things a necessity, or a luxury for my situation? I have a cell phone (Nextel). What do ya do with them other than call for help if needed? Couldn't I use my cell?

A cell phone is great "if you can get a signal" A $100 dollar VHF would work fine just don't go cheap on the antenna "it's what gives you your distance" The loss of them two boys a couple weeks ago could have easily been prevented "IMO" if they would have had a VHF radio on board one of the boats "no cell phone sig." You can also listen in on reports in-between other fisher folks and call out to any number of folks from the BBF and just talk or arrange a meet somewhere I feel naked without one now, even in fresh water

Look at the Digital 528VW 4' antenna.

http://www.brokenlegdave.com/Manufactur ... Series.htm

Take a look at this radio. If you find one for <$100, it's probably not waterproof.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... ctId=82045

Don't make the same mistake I did. I bought a <$100 radio, and a cheap antenna. They both failed within a year.

To answer your first question, yes, you need a VHF radio.

Just for piece of mind I would have one. I fish offshore so having one is a must. If you are looking for a decent cheap one look at the Uniden's. It may be something that you can store and hook up when you need to. Like Wevans said, don't scrimp on the antenna. In this situation length does matter.

Here you go SS. $99.99

http://www.brokenlegdave.com/Manufactur ... _radio.htm

I don't think a boat should leave shore in saltwater without a good vhf radio. This is so terrible important if you fish as a lone boat. I have friends that have spent the night on the flats...because the motor broke down. They had no contact with anyone. They were found the next day by the Coast Guard....OK.... but just wore out from having spent the night on the water.
My son and his wife got lost about 6 weeks ago in the fog at Keaton Beach. They were only out about 2 miles...but the GPS failed (battery went dead). I was down there in another boat...and we had radio contact. We couldn't find them....but that radio was of great comfort until they got to shore down about Dekle Beach. That's where we found them...anchored....and waiting for help....right next to a pier.
A radio is invalueable.

dstockwell wrote:Here you go SS. $99.99

http://www.brokenlegdave.com/Manufactur ... _radio.htm

I see your making good use of that gument computer.

I followed what TC has said, and bought a "Standard Horizon Eclipse". I've never had a problem. 99.99 is a good price, I paid more for mine....

If you have the room, get a fixed mount. Save the handheld for a back up.

There are package deals as well were you get the antenna, coax, and radio for one price. It's about $150. I think I saw it at boatersworld.