CTFishTalk.com: GPS ? - Connecticut General Topics ( CT General Topics ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi!

OK! I'm posing this question !

With most Ct. waters being small (applies to rivers) and with shorelines visible (with dicernible landmarks) -> How many of you actually use/need a GPS to mark a spot

I mean -> you note that there's on shore a tree, house, dock, rock, weed-patch, etc. that you can see and where you caught a decent size fish off of once before.

I'm sure most of you can motor or paddle directly back to that exact same spot again and again without the need of a GPS!

On big waters, I agree, that having a GPS is nice to have to return to underwater structures that are relatively small and hard to relocate.

I may have the advantage as a professional navigator, because I was taught how to triangulate my position by eye and noting landmarks to my left and right.
Also by reading pond and lake charts (depths) and using my FF, I can get back to exact spots where I have caught fish before.
There are some Ct. waters that have underwater reefs (indicated on depth charts) -> So by doing visual triangulation and watching my FF, I can get back on that particular reef very easily.

Just want to hear your thoughts about the need for GPS on our small Ct. waters!

SeaDog1

flippy · Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 1150

Seadog, I dont use mine on small waters,, except when I use to prefish fun little tournys for bedding fish, I could find the beds in a hurry, and catch alot of fish quick,, but otherwise, no I dont use it on our small waters except a few of our bigger lakes, now if your talking Erie or Champlain, YES!!

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi flippy!

Well I did say, I agree that GPS is very useful on big waters. Very Happy

Especially the Ocean, Big Lakes, or in reduced visibility.

SeaDog1 Mr. Green

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

I was on Batterson Park Pond in my Hobie Pro Angler last year in whiteout fog conditions. I couldn't see anything more than 20 feet away from me and the water was like glass because there was no wind at all. I definitely could have used a GPS then, because I pedaled around in a circle for 45 minutes. Although I have a GPS on my Hobie now, I haven't gotten any detailed maps for it. I think that the low resolution maps that came pre-loaded on it wouldn't be much help, not on a small pond like Batterson, at least.

When Tim, Derek and I were on Lake Champlain in May, a GPS helped Captain Mick get us safely back close to the shore. I wouldn't go on big water without one.

I have an iPhone with the Navionics map app, now. It has a high enough resolution and is accurate enough to help out on small waters in reduced visibility, although I haven't been impressed with the accuracy of its bathymetric maps. To be fair though, the water levels in our small lakes and ponds have been atypical this year.
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dave_376 · Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 171

I have a few way points saved on mine that are small boulders on the bottom of the lake. I found them with out the gps and i could find them again with out it. Having said that it is so much faster to look at the screen and be exactly on the spot... There is no way that anyone could land on a boulder by merely triangulating their position from landmarks on shore with out the use of navigation tools on most of the lakes in CT. You might be able to get in a general area but the gps allows me to pull up and be on it.

The biggest benefit for a GPS is the mapping. When you visit a new body of water it shows you depth of water and gives you an idea of where to go fishing. Like any piece of fishing equipment we have at our fingertips now they are not necessary but when used correctly they can make your outings more productive and enjoyable.

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi Phil and dave_376,

I do agree that having a GPS is nice when you want to relocate underwater structure with better even faster accuracy. -> And without question, it is super to have when out of sight of land.

Me! -> Well I guess I like old fashion reliability Exclamation

With the simplest equipment -> a magnetic compass, navigational/bathymetric chart, analog watch or stop watch -> I can navigate anywhere!
Mariners and fishermen have been doing it for hundreds and hundreds of years with great reliability and accuracy, long before Loran-C- SatNav or GPS came into being!
It's considered more of an art than a skill!
Plus you don't ever have to worry about running out of battery power or equipment failure. Smile

Having a magnetic compass is really an essential item to have aboard any vessel, (Even a pin-on type, hunters use).
In reduced visibility -> you can always set a course, relatively accurate, back to your original put-in point or make a landfall on some specific shoreline.

Now with an FF you can also navigate ponds and lakes by following depth contours off a chart.

As you said Dave -> A GPS is very nice to have when fishing an unknown body of water for the 1st time and do your own underwater structure survey.

As far as "triangulation" -> Your very much wrong! -> Give me 3 landmarks to take magnetic bearings off of and I'll put you smack on the money every time!
We did this many many times doing surveys on the Oceanagraphic ships I sailed in, all over the world.
May take me a moment or two to make some navigational adjustments, but I'll be right on that underwater structure.

Again -> Magnetic Compass, Chart, Analog or Stop watch will get me to my fishing spots or home every time Exclamation

and again -> No Power necessary! Very Happy

Been doing it so long it's second nature to me, besides it keeps my navigational skills sharp! Thumbs Up

Best regards,
SeaDog1 Mr. Green

hoppy · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 393 Location: congamuck

i use mine to mark new spots. rockpiles, submerged weed beds, etc. i have yet to realy use it to help me navigate my way back home.