TyeeTanic

That is definitely weird. You think the difference (0.5 mph) would be the same. Batteries up to scratch on the FH? Do you have each on their own rigger at the same time/same depth? How do you measure depth of the probe? Assuming you are averaging out turns and speed?

Toronto is easy, you will see the drop off in fronto of Toronto Island. Just zig zag inbetween 80 ft and 160 ft of water. Make sure you keep your eye on direction though, as the water level comes up fast and you can easily find your bait bouncing bottom, with several rods to clean. If you can trailor your boat, it isn't a major task to get there from Bluffers.

Yes, down speed = at the ball. And yes, find out what they want, and then maintain that speed in all directions. We are in full agreement. Just for the new user, they need to be aware that 2.2 mph on the subtroll is not 2.2 mph on the fishhawk or Smart Troll.

We started using this clip for copper and leadcore backing off our TX 44 boards. It is so easy to use, one hand process now. http://www.coldwatertackle.com/church-tackle-lock-jaw-clip

East end of the lake is reporting early runs on rivers. On Saturday, went out with my dad. Went 3 for 6. Largest was 18 lbs - nice fish, good run. But the fishing was tough. On Sunday, we started fishing bronte, marked a few good hooks but nadda, so at 9:30 we picked up and went to the spit. Had more fun there, but nothing of size. We did have a big one hit, wire got jammed in ring, and I had the split ring on my snap swivel break - that is a welded split ring which went before the 40 lb test fluoro line. I wasn't happy with that, especially at the prices I paid (one of the better manufacturers out there). Anyhow, wish we had just gone straight to the spit on Sunday morning.

Yup, and 2.4 - 2.7 mph on the smart troll. I would say fish hawk is 2.5 to 2.8, seems to underestimate the speed a little. Lund - we are all aiming for 2.2 to 2.6 mph ACTUAL down speed, but I agree with what Jerry is saying. Each manufacturer is known to CALIBRATE there units differently, and so 2.5 mph ACTUAL is closer to 2.2 mph on the subtroll, and 2.7 mph on the FishHawk. Yes, you can calibrate the FishHawk, but tell me how you would go about doing that? It isn't as easy as you may think.

We have a house in St. Petes. I agree you need to go further south in May (April is way too early). I understand that Boca Grande is the best place to be for that specimen. But you can get them as far north as St. Petes in May.

Exactly. That is the whole point. When I got into my 28 footer, I panicked way too much. Now if the wind takes me, I don't touch the dial. If I have to nudge something, no damage is done. It's when you gun it and over compensate that the real damage happens. I went from a 19 to a 28 footer. By the end of month 1, I was confident, but like others said, never get overly confident. Being intimidated is a good thing, keeps you on high alert and prepared. The best thing is to captain the boat and make sure everyone follows YOUR instructions. You don't need 2 people giving instructions. Before I head out I always go over the docking procedure for when we get back, BEFORE not after. I can show guys on the dock in my own time, no pressure, what I need them to do. I even go over what we need to do if something goes wrong. When we get back, everything works like clock work. Even when a gust blows me away from the dock, everyone stays in check and we get it sorted out. In terms of speed, jog the drive into gear and back to neutral in 1 second spurts (1 second on, 2 seconds in neutral). This gets you moving really slowly, to the point that with a single you can pretty much pivot on point. You can practice that in open water and you will get really good at it. Another trick is to go to neutral about 2 or 3 slips BEFORE you reach your slip. This means you will be virtually stopped by the time you get to your slip and any movement of the drive in conjuction with a steer to starboard or port, will pivot the boat on point. Just go slow and don't panick, all will be fine. Never let a boat size intimidate you from a purchase, you can learn to drive, but you can't undo buying a smaller boat (and wishing you had gone bigger), at least not without losing a lot of money.

We run our coppers off TX44 inline planer boards, and yes the release goes on the braid backing not the wire, or it will kink and break.

You can easily fit 100 ft of braid and 1000 ft of wire on a CV30D. We do this. It helps a little. But do what Sk8man says by letting out the line. We normally clip on an open dipsey and reel it back in. That will make a big difference when you catch a big fish.

Wrapping them around a pool noodle is probable the best. I basically wrap it around my hand and then squeeze the wrapped line together and push it through a straw.

Fleas are also bad on north shore, but doesn't sound like as bad as you guys have it. Our wirelines had 2 ft sections of fleas just ahead of the dipsey. Didn't get any on the 30 lb mono.