Fishing with Jen and Matt... 11/25/2023

[Lynn M]

There were several boats over there, too, but not too crowded, so down went the Terrova and the baby Merc. The Fish Hawk was deployed, because there's a lot of current in that area, and the speed set at 1.8 on the FH. The SOG was showing 2.0-2.1mph on an easterly direction.

Thanks for another great report Capt. Juls! I do have a question about your trolling method of using your "baby Merc" and the Terrova simultaneously. What advantages do you see of doing this if higher speeds aren't necessary? Do you have better boat control? Would you say the extra noise of running the Merc is an advantage, disadvantage or do you feel the extra noise makes little difference? I do not have a small kicker on my boat, but the only time I've felt I needed it was when I need higher speeds or when I am trying to troll into the wind. So I have been considering getting one if there is definite advantage of having it. I have a relatively small boat, 18 foot Tracker Targa Deep V. I would value your thoughts on this or anyone else that would like to chime in.

Thanks! Lynn

[Capt Juls]

Thanks for another great report Capt. Juls! I do have a question about your trolling method of using your "baby Merc" and the Terrova simultaneously. What advantages do you see of doing this if higher speeds aren't necessary? Do you have better boat control? Would you say the extra noise of running the Merc is an advantage, disadvantage or do you feel the extra noise makes little difference? I do not have a small kicker on my boat, but the only time I've felt I needed it was when I need higher speeds or when I am trying to troll into the wind. So I have been considering getting one if there is definite advantage of having it. I have a relatively small boat, 18 foot Tracker Targa Deep V. I would value your thoughts on this or anyone else that would like to chime in.

Thanks! Lynn

The advantage is, better battery life on the trolling motor batteries. In the early spring, when the speeds are super slow, I won't use the kicker, but once I'm going speeds that need the trolling motor to go over power level 5, I engage the kicker, too.

I have the tiller model, so I can just lock it in straight. I just want it to push us, while the Terrova does all the steering. I use the iTroll to dial in the RPM speed, so I can dial in the speed needed to allow the Terrova's power level to stay at number 5.
I like power level 5, because it will give me enough power to keep control of the bow on windy days, without using up all the batteries. I'd rather the power come from the kicker.
I will bump the trolling motor speed up and down, from time to time, (for turns or to just slow down a bit), but mostly it stays at level 5.

Simply....with a boat my size, and weight, there is no way my bow mount could last the day, without the kicker there to help...especially, if I am headed into the wind.

I do not think noise is a factor, when it comes to catching, because the Off Shore boards are taking the baits out away from the boat...they still bite.

[Lynn M]

Yes, that makes perfect sense. I am running a 24 volt Ulterra on two 156 AH Lithium batteries, so running out of power is not an issue unless I try to run 2 days without charging. Thanks for the feedback!