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Cheap radio?


HuntFishDude

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I was just reading about monitoring radio channels and I was wondering if anyone could reccommend a cheaper radio ( I am assuming a marine radio?) to have on the pond? I also thought it might not be a bad idea in case of boat issues although I gotta think I can lean over and ask the guy in the next boat for help wink.gif

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walmart has a cb unit for about 34 dollars and and about 10 dollars for the antenna

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As far as I know (about a foot and a half) the resorts all use marine band radios, very few monitor cb anymore, so unless the truckers on 169 can help, I'd find a marine band. Sorry, no info on good deals frown.gif

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The cheapest I saw at Fleet Farm today was $90. I think. You want one with a 4' antenna. those radios are line of sight.

Dan

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Thanks for the tips... The guy at Gander Mt. talked me out of buying one! Said he didn't think the range was that good on them and if you were to really do it, then you need a 6-8 antenna and have a unit installed. Made sense and I guess most lakes I fish on have cell phone coverage so the safety factor isn't an issue. I guess I'll hold of for now...

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Once people try marine band radios, they love 'em. But if you fish small lakes around the cities, and occasionally Mille Lacs, it wouldn't be needed. If you get one don't buy cheap, good value yes, but not cheap. You can get a good one for about $100 at Cabelas (Uniden Solara or a Raymarine for a little more). Don't bother with an antenna less than 8 feet. Figure $80 to $120 for a good antenna. I learned (the hard way) that the short antennas still send OK, but they don't receive as well. You bought the darned thing and went through all the work to install it to communicate so do everything right so it works when you are in iffy conditions. I have had one in my boat for 11 years. I have made a base model for when we stay in cabins too, to talk to the wife and kids. Great for houseboat trips because then you can talk to your gang in the houseboat (all rental houseboats have them). Be careful what you say on them though - you'd be surprised how many people are "scanning" all the stations for info. Especially on Mille Lacs. If you fish with friends nearby in other boats they are really nice to have. NOAA weather radio and alert is built in, and I find this VERY valuable. Saved my life (or a ton of money at least) twice. If you can get by with a cell phone, great. If you spend a reaonable amount of time out of cell tower range get a marine band. Not hard to install yourself though, if your somewhat mechanically inclined.

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