Paulywood

Mark, I got mine from Marine Discount Center. It was $1437 out the door. A lot of places list them online but don't actually have one in stock. This place had 2 before I ordered mine. According to Raymarine they won't be shipping any until mid-summer.

For the cable steered AP's they hook up at the helm. If you want to check your cables you can unhook them at the outdrive and then try turning the wheel.

Finally found one online. Can't wait to get it and get it installed.

Thanks for the report. I might be heading up to fish somewhere from Manistee to Frankfort in the next week or 2. My uncle wants a chance at a big brown and I told him the odds were better farther north.

You can try contacting Garmin or GPS City, they might be able to tell you what comes preloaded. I'm waiting to hear back from Hodges on an autopilot.

Matt, might want to check this out: http://www.hodgesmarine.com/ They have a rebate for $200 from Garmin if you buy a plotter and map chip. They have the 421 plotter listed for $400. If the card is $100 then it would only cost you $300 out the door.

I have no experience with that unit but Humminbird has made a lot of improvements over the past few years and everyone I know who has one loves it. Like Ken said, the screen will be small but instead of using it in split screen mode you could always flip back and forth between the screens. Use the GPS to navigate and sonar to fish. If it works well you can always look to add another unit down the road. Seems like an economical way to get started.

Matt, Garmin does make the best GPS/Plotter units. The biggest problem is that with all brands the plotters are significantly more expensive than a sonar unit. I had a few links to companies in response to a thread by gspsteel below. I also found a company out of Okemos called J and H that sells marine electronics. There are plenty of units available, just depends on the budget. BTW, I have a Garmin GPSMap 292 and love it.

I've been able to track down a couple of AP12's. I found an X-5 but I'm leery because I think it's last year's model. I'll find something.

Bags, they are a lot easier than they look. A lot of charters use them. Get quality trolling bags though, not drift bags. Amish Outfitters and Big Papa Sports are both high quality.

Well, guess I should have ordered it a month ago. It has officially been discontinued. Now I'll have to wait on the Raymarine X-5, which, of course, is on back order. I'm going to keep looking but not holding my breath.

I talked to the guys at Bethel Marine Electronics today and they have a show special right now, and additional 4% off. Just in case someone is looking for electronics.

Good job! Sounds like everything went well, which is the most important part of the shakedown. Fish are a bonus.

Nice browns guys!

Good job! It never pays to skimp on terminal tackle. I learned the hard way also. I use mainly Sampo and Spro, and had good luck with the Dreamweaver swivels last year.

Here's a tutorial on how to post a pic: http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219

Nice fish man! Nick=Jealous

Good job Don! Glad Bev showed you how to fish:) Sounds like the WMFL guys put a hurtin' on the St. Joe guys. Way to represent.

Here are a few sites that usually have good prices: http://www.cascadegps.com/store/home.php http://www.bethel-marine.com/ http://www.boatersworld.com/ http://www.marinewholesales.com/ http://www.consumersmarine.com/

I plan on being there. Since we're not fishing tomorrow my crew signed up for next week.

I must be lucky. Last night I hopped in my truck and headed down the road. Got to the corner and let off the gas. When I got back into the gas the truck ran really rough and started smoking. And I mean horribly. I turned around and headed back home, thinking I had blown the motor. Had it towed to the dealer this morning. Turns out it's just an injector problem and GM is footing the bill. It must be a pretty big repair as they have the parts but it won't be done until tuesday. The dealer doesn't have a loaner car available but GM is paying for a rental car. This is a diesel that's 6 years old and has 180,000 so I was surprised to hear that they are covering the repair and rental. Thanks GM! I won't be able to make the Brown Blast but at least I don't have to pay to get it fixed.

Sorry Frank, but I've actually lost more fish due to braid cuting through mono than wire. Of course, the score is 1-0 but still:) I have braid and wire dipsey's. If I have enough people on board I run both. If I am fishing deep I run wire. Up high braid. If the fish seem spooky I'll switch the wire to braid. I guess what I'm saying is it pays to be versatile. They both have their time and place.

Technically, starting next year everyone will have access to the state parks and launches. It will be an honor system. If you plan on using them they ask that you pay the $10 when you renew your plates. I plan on paying it for both of our vehicles. Some of the western states have adopted the same thing and it has been very successful. Hopefully it works out here too.

Welcome! Let us know if you need any help.

If you are fine with fish in lower numbers than any of the places you mentioned would be fine. Fish in shallow (5-25') and look for temp changes from creeks. If you want a better chance at some numbers then head down to St. Joe. Now, there is no guarantee but the odds of catching more fish are a lot better farther south. I'm not sure what you consider a long drive. It takes me 3 hours to get to St. Joe but I plan on being there friday and saturday.