Paulywood

I am trying to connect my Raymarine X-5 AP to my Garmin GPSMap 292 using the NMEA wires. But I am a little confused with the manual. On the AP computer there are 4 NWEA connections, + in, - in, + out and - out. In the GPS manual it shows an NMEA in and NMEA out wire. The diagram shows the NMEA out wire going to the + connection on the AP. I'm assuming this connects to the NMEA + in on the AP computer. But the GPS manual shows the - wire going to the - wire coming from the power source. Is that correct? Do I just run the NMEA out wire from the GPS to the + in connection on the AP computer then run a wire from the - on the battery to the - in connection on the AP computer? Don't want to screw it up, thanks.

I would call Big Jon's service department. They have always been helpful to me in the past.

Good luck Matt. You gotta do what you gotta do. If you do get back and want to fish just let us know, you are welcome on my boat and I am sure there are other guys who will make room also.

I was thinking about using these, although the trolling motor plugs would work also: http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/gallery/files/8/5/281352.jpg' alt='281352.jpg'>

Here is the top of the transom. The hatch is where the battery is. There is a space between the transom and the "back" of the boat where the batteries, battery switch, charger and washdown pump are.

I'm not running them through the transom, my batteries sit between the back of the boat and the transom, right next to where I have the riggers mounted on the corners. Right now I run the cable through the access cover, but I want to mount some plugs on the back. I talked to Big Jon and they didn't really have a recommendation. They just run the supplied cords through with a grommet. I'll take some pictures to explain it better.

Good job Tim! That's a healthy looking coho your boy has. I hope them Canadians invade, we'll show them!

I want to run the cords for my riggers through the rear of my boat to the batteries. But I need a plug that can be installed through the wall. What are you guys using? I have heard of using trolling motor plugs and outdoor rated receptacles but I was looking for something smaller that I can hide a little better. Big Jon said the Pro Tournaments pull 8 amps at start up and5-6 amps after that. Thanks.

I run 15# for my spoon rods and 20# for my f/f's. I also have a 12# rig that I put out with a spoon on it once the bite slows and the sun is up. I have caught quite a few fish on it and can't recall being broke off. I usually run an SWR on the other one at the same time. Rigger rods are 8' Daiwa Heartlands except for the 12# rig, that is an 8'6" Berkely Power Rod with a very soft tip. Reels are Convector's except the 12# rod, that is a Daiwa Sealine. The drags on the 209's tend to be a little sticky, you want a smoother drag for the light line. Up until last year I ran 209's on my f/f rigger rods and they were fine with the heavier line.

Nice job Scott!

Good luck and welcome aboard! Besides Captain Russ who already answered there are a few Milwaukee guys around who should be able to help. I think there is a report or 2 in the Wisconsin section, though they weren't to encouraging. Feel free to look around and stop in the Welcome section and introduce yourself. You will find this site to be very friendly.

Sorry, wednesday night. Just click on chat room in the control bar on top.

We have plenty of rain up here, the Tittabawassee is way over the banks.

Be there or be square!

I read somewhere that the new system is already successful. I don't remember the actual number but they needed a certain percentage of renewals to maker the same money they did before and based on the early renewals they were way above that percentage. Every other state that has implemented this system has had very good results. Hopefully Michiganders will follow suit.

When you renewed your plates there was an option to pay an extra $10 for the access tabs. I'm not sure if/how to add them if you didn't do it when you renewed. You would have to contact the secretary of state. If you do find something out go ahead and post it. I am sure someone else will be wondering also.

Right here: http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16491

I keep 2 nets onboard plus a gaff as a backup. One day a few years back I took the spare net out as I hadn't used it in a long time and didn't really have room for it on my old boat. You guessed it, had a double come in and the first one tangled in the net. So they both go in every time now. I really need to get a second big net though, the backup now is only good for walleye or smaller fish.

This is exactly how I lost mine last year. Came to the top of a wave. the wind blew the boat sideways and took all the pressure off the diver and it was tilted low enough that when the boat rocked a little it slipped out.

Here you go Richard, this will help you: http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16491

You would need a lot more information to determine if that is a good deal or not. On the downriggers you would need to know model and year. If they are 20 years old you can find riggers like them online very cheap. Same with the roller rods and reels. Are they top of the line rods and reels or low end? If the reels are 209's or something similar then they would be very cheap to buy and readily available. On the tackle box it would again depend on what's in there. A lot of time when you buy used spoons, flies or cranks you are buying someone's leftovers. Things they don't use or need. I bought a bunch of used spoons when I first started and most have never seen the water, let alone caught fish. If it were me I would sit down and establich a budget for what you want to spend on fishing equipment this year. Then you will need to figure out where you want to spend it. Do you want riggers? Manual or electric? Dipsey rods? Wire or braid, or both? Leadcore, copper, rigger rods. Do you have rod holders? Do you want to add more? Then, I would find out what the best baits are for the areas you are fishing. There are guys on here that would be willing to help with that. Buy a few top spoons, flasher/fly combos and plugs. Maybe some cranks. But keep it simple. This will allow you to become confortable with your setup and deploying a spread. I'm not saying to ignore used equipment as there are some good deals out there. I still buy used items myself. But you need to be selective or you can end up with someone else's junk.

I have run Twilli's and cheap roller rods. Hated the rollers, and the Twilli's were ok but had a lot of drag. If you are looking for a wire rod that will work good but doesn't break the bank, try adding a Torpedo Tip to a regular dipsey rod. I ran them last year and really liked them. Daiwa Heartland or Shimano TDR are economical dipsey rods and you can easily add the Torpedo Tip. Total cost of around $50-$60 each. If you have the money to spend I would recommend a Shimano Talora roller rod or a custom wire rod from Eyefull. They cost about $125-$150 each.

I'm doing the same thing Frank, trying to get my rods identical lengths and actions for the different setups.

Sounds like dinner! Good job

Thanks for the report Duane