Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

  • 0

Is auto-pilot worth it?

Guest

Asked by Guest,

 Share

Question

Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

I have a 50lb thrust trolling motor right now and I like it. However, I don't like battling the wind to keep my boat straight. I am wondering if anyone out there can give me advice if $300 more for an autopilot is worth it.

The only two reasons that I can think of to use the autopilot is that it would help in a wind and it would keep you on a fairly good line if you get a fish on versus drifting way of course.

If it gets too windy, I backtroll anyway with the main motor, so I really am struggling to consider paying the extra money, but it seems like a neat idea.

I am probably being short-sided to what it can do. Any comments would be appreciated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

Auto pilot would work to keep you on a straight line if you had it set prior to fighting a fish.

But it is a good product if you need to keep your boat controlled while you do other things

Rob

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

I have used the autopilot for years and I really like it, while guiding and one client catches a fish or breakes off its nice to have so the boat doesn't do circles. I just bought a pinpoint we'll see how that works as soon as the *&$%#@ ice gets off the lakes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

As a guide ,I agree,at times they are real handy to have.Auto is te way to go .They who sell know that ,thats why they cost so much more.Much of the time I use manual,keeps me busy,and makes me pay attention to the spot Im working.If yu go to your motor and pefer to back troll ,I would say save your money.
good fishing...www.garytheguide.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Scoot Grand Master

Scoot

Posted
Posted

Kirsch,

I asked this exact same question before and got much more mixed reviews. Several people seemed to like it while others said it wasn't worth the extra money.
I'll warn you though, if you get some nice new fishing gear be sure to keep your friends away from it- they tend to break stuff (inside joke).
Scoot

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
CorynTracySellHomes Experienced

CorynTracySellHomes

Posted
Posted

I would never ever buy another autopilot! I have owned two of them and have had nothing but problems! My first complaint is the mounting system: It is not very strong (I have broke both of them on Mille Lacs, also the they are a pain to put in the water and take out. I much prefer a system that uses a cord to pull in and deploy the unit.
My second complaint is the foot pad: It is slower to adjust (being as it is electronic) than the standard cable toe to heel system. The auto pilot feature is "ok", but if you practice with a regular trolling motor you will become much more consistent!
My third complaint is if you are fishing at night, with a standard heel to toe sytem you can feel exactly where the motor is turning by where your foot is positioned, on these motors if you can not see the head of the motor you can not tell what direction it is pointing. I myself have a Motorguide, but if you want MinnKota go with the Maximum.
Just one guys humble opinion!
Cory Frantzick
RE/MAX Associates Plus
Timberlane Homes
(612)801-0809
e-mail [email protected]

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

Cory,

I appreaciate the feedback, but I didn't really notice your negativity to be towards the autopilot features but instead towards Minnkota itself. I am one who personally likes the foot-pad on the Power Drive Minnkota, but thanks for the feedback.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
CorynTracySellHomes Experienced

CorynTracySellHomes

Posted
Posted

You know what? you are right! The autopilot is definetly a good feature that I (hate to admit it) miss sometimes! If MinnKota came up with unit with a different pad and mounting system I probably would be interested in it! Sorry I got off track from your original question!
Good Luck!
Cory Frantzick
RE/MAX Associates Plus
Timberlane Homes
(612)801-0809
e-mail [email protected]

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
GullGuide Veteran

GullGuide

Posted
Posted

Cory,
Minnkota has many cable drive models to choose from....just none in the auto pilot line.
>"////=<

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

I have owned both the Minnkota Auto pilot and the motor guide version.I bought the motor guide to replace an auto pilot on one of my boats.In simple words motor guide sucks.The auto pilot is the only way to go.Yes they do have draw backs(all listed by CorynTracy),but the advantage of not having to mess with the motor constantly outweighs the disadvantages.If you are primarily a bass fisherman then maybee the cable system would be better for hovering on weed beds.But if you troll,slip drift or jig fish the auto pilot is the way to go.I have two of them ,one on each boat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
basser Collaborator

basser

Posted
Posted

I personally like the auto pilot,especially with kids in the boat, the problem I have is when its windy, the motor keeps going straight while the rest of the boat is sideways. This usually only happens though when Im trolling slower than the wind speed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to question listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      Big Kandiyohi

      By smurfy · Posted

      i cant help you with the weed thing, but i just came back form out that way......Regal, New London Hawick area. i dont no how big the swat of rain was but there is water standing everywhere. my buddy told me they had over 3 inches of rain yesterday/last night 
    • mulefarm
      Big Kandiyohi

      By mulefarm · Posted

      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Big Traverse Ice Free

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By leech~~ · Posted

      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By Rick G · Posted

      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By smurfy · Posted

      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept