Welcome aboard Capt ! I was up in your part of the world last spring. I stopped and visited with Keith Wils, I am on his Pro Staff. I use alot of his stuff on Saginaw Bay and Tom's stuff too. But I wasn't on Tom's Pro Staff then.
Like Frank said....Don't skimp on your radio or antenna. I have a top of the line antenna and I can pick up boats from many miles away. They all won't do that.
Lowrances customer service has been lacking as of late. Been hearing alot of compaining about them for almost a year now. That said....I have several Lowrance units and like them. But my last graph purchase was a Raymarine.
Welcome to the site Paul ! A couple years ago I asked for some info off another "site", and you were more than happy to help with good info. I never forgot that.
Now.... lets see that recipe !!!!!