Auto pilot for bottom fishing?

[the force]

Thinking about an auto-pilot system and curious to hear some first hand experience using for drift fishing, if that’s a thing.

I often fish with only one other person so end up trying to control the boat (kicker in reverse) and jig at the same time when wind and current don’t align. Would autopilot help in this type of situation? Is there a setting where one could use it to keep a line if in reverse (slowing the drift) though boat moving forward, or moving backwards if required, or is everything (steering) backwards/opposite and/or tracking too slow?

I’ve used an electric bow mount with I-pilot previously which was awesome (direction and speed), though that is not what I’m asking about/doesn’t work for my boat. Thinking something like a Raymarine EV-150 to the main.

I assume none of them would do the spot-lock/anchor thing.

 

[Flashman]

Furuno autopilots have a feature called Sibiki mode. It keeps the boat oriented stern first in the direction you choose. You have to manually run the throttle. It's halfway to a spot lock function.

For a full automatic position holding system I think you need to go to a joystick system. All the big players have a spot lock feature.

 

[MikePA]

I have the ev-150 and it does not do well really slow speeds

 

[Yyjdennis]

I wonder if the heading hold would work? It could at least keep the bow into the wind. You would have to control the throttle manually.

We’ve just installed autopilot on our 18’ aluminum boat. Our boat is light enough that moving your body weight dramatically affects our course so it’s really helpful for trolling single handed. I’ll have to try this for jigging.

 

[the force]

Furuno autopilots have a feature called Sibiki mode. It keeps the boat oriented stern first in the direction you choose. You have to manually run the throttle. It's halfway to a spot lock function.

For a full automatic position holding system I think you need to go to a joystick system. All the big players have a spot lock feature.

Interesting, will take a look at this as could be quite helpful. Yeah, no joystick system for this guy. Thanks Flashman

!

I have the ev-150 and it does not do well really slow speeds

Hmm really, I was thinking the big names would all be pretty comparable. If I’m already spending a few $k I think 10-20% more for better slow speed control would be worth it. Does it frustrate you very often Mike, which scenarios if so?

 

[MikePA]

Interesting, will take a look at this as could be quite helpful. Yeah, no joystick system for this guy. Thanks Flashman

!
Hmm really, I was thinking the big names would all be pretty comparable. If I’m already spending a few $k I think 10-20% more for better slow speed control would be worth it. Does it frustrate you very often Mike, which scenarios if so?

It's fine at trolling speeds, but if you were trying to drift or hold an particular angle/position while jigging it definitely wouldn't do that. It's an interesting system and might be something I've set up wrong.. but it almost needs to recalibrate itself if I haven't been out for a while.. it'll drift way off course and slowly correct itself as it recalibrates.

 

[Flashman]

Interesting, will take a look at this as could be quite helpful. Yeah, no joystick system for this guy. Thanks Flashman

!
Hmm really, I was thinking the big names would all be pretty comparable. If I’m already spending a few $k I think 10-20% more for better slow speed control would be worth it. Does it frustrate you very often Mike, which scenarios if so?

Ya, you and me both on the joystick system. Between needing electronic throttle engines, power steering and the joystick system it's probably a $80k upgrade.

I may put in a furuno autopilot, still on the fence though.

 

[Flashman]

I got curious and did some more reading, if you have Suzuki's with digital controls, Furuno has a position holding feature called Spot Lock. It runs the throttle and shifts in and out of gear to hold a position.

FishHunter™ Drive from Suzuki And Furuno wins 2022 TOP PRODUCT AWARD from Boating Industry Magazine | Suzuki Family | Global Suzuki

The sailing of 465 nautical miles day and night for 22h, it was brought by the crews of Aretusa Explorer.

www.globalsuzuki.com

 

[Rain City]

Thinking about an auto-pilot system and curious to hear some first hand experience using for drift fishing, if that’s a thing.

I often fish with only one other person so end up trying to control the boat (kicker in reverse) and jig at the same time when wind and current don’t align. Would autopilot help in this type of situation? Is there a setting where one could use it to keep a line if in reverse (slowing the drift) though boat moving forward, or moving backwards if required, or is everything (steering) backwards/opposite and/or tracking too slow?

I’ve used an electric bow mount with I-pilot previously which was awesome (direction and speed), though that is not what I’m asking about/doesn’t work for my boat. Thinking something like a Raymarine EV-150 to the main.

I assume none of them would do the spot-lock/anchor thing.

A sea anchor would drastically help you out to keep the boat inline with the current. If that's all you're trying to do. If the wind or current are too strong, you just shouldn't be fishing that way anyway.

 

[SpringVelocity]

I use it on pinnacles. Go into plotter and draw a route. Again it has to be a good day not too windy and low swells.

I mainly do it so I can stay on edge of pinnacle and troll around. Works well in the right conditions.

 

[kaelc]

I wonder if Lowrance has anything like that? Thanks for sharing

Furuno autopilots have a feature called Sibiki mode. It keeps the boat oriented stern first in the direction you choose. You have to manually run the throttle. It's halfway to a spot lock function.

For a full automatic position holding system I think you need to go to a joystick system. All the big players have a spot lock feature.

 

[CBsqrd]

I wonder if Lowrance has anything like that? Thanks for sharing

No, Furuno is the only manufacturer that offers the ability for the autopilot to function when the engines are in reverse.

 

[the force]

I use it on pinnacles. Go into plotter and draw a route. Again it has to be a good day not too windy and low swells.

I mainly do it so I can stay on edge of pinnacle and troll around. Works well in the right conditions.

Interesting. So you’re doing a slow 1-2mph troll and jigging, or just trolling swim baits for lings?

 

[the force]

A sea anchor would drastically help you out to keep the boat inline with the current. If that's all you're trying to do. If the wind or current are too strong, you just shouldn't be fishing that way anyway.

Come’on man, that’s way too cheap/easy lol!

I got curious and did some more reading, if you have Suzuki's with digital controls, Furuno has a position holding feature called Spot Lock. It runs the throttle and shifts in and out of gear to hold a position.

FishHunter™ Drive from Suzuki And Furuno wins 2022 TOP PRODUCT AWARD from Boating Industry Magazine | Suzuki Family | Global Suzuki

The sailing of 465 nautical miles day and night for 22h, it was brought by the crews of Aretusa Explorer.

www.globalsuzuki.com

Hmm, some reading to do here. Thanks for the link! Getting closer to sea trial on that boat of yours!?

 

[Flashman]

Hmm, some reading to do here. Thanks for the link! Getting closer to sea trial on that boat of yours!?

Rigging and electrical start next month. It'll be in the water before summer one way or another. It's a slow slow process, no time to work on it these days.

 

[SpringVelocity]

Interesting. So you’re doing a slow 1-2mph troll and jigging, or just trolling swim baits for lings?

Both

 

[Samnjoe]

I usey TR1 in reverse lock. Holds stern to the wind. Adjust drift speed with throttle.