VHF Radio Handheld or Mounted

[Da Bay Bye]

Just curious what people prefer. Either handheld or mounted VHF radio?

Reason being is I just bought a hand held model. Being new to all this stuff, maybe I should have asked before pulling the trigger.

My main reason for buying it was safety. It has all the bells and whistles with built in GPS, distress calling and is waterproof. I have over 25 years of radio experience so radio procedures is not an issue.

Is VHF used much for letting others know how the fishing is going or does everyone keep this pretty much to themselves?

Thanks for any lessons in advance. I hate to be out there and step on someones toes so to speak.

 

[Fish Assassin]

I hardly even turn my VHF radio on now days, far to many using like a telephone or CB radio. I never share reports on it that's for sure. Most guys I know text message.

 

[SpringVelocity]

I have one fixed mounted to chart plotter with DSC/GPS. I use that as it has way better range then my handheld ever will in emergencies on the boat. The handheld is OK closer in but it is all line of sight to your better to go with fix mount.

And I have another high end VHF handheld I carry with me all times with GPS/DSC just in case I leave my boat in emergency... Or worst case fall in...

Both of them have different MMSI numbers one attached to boat for fixed mount, and one assigned to me for my handheld radio. That way I can talk on my handheld when I am on another boat.

 

[bigbruce]

I too use have my fixed mount VHF connected to my GPS. I often fish in areas where there is no cell service, so texting is not possible. I also have had an experience where the VHF was invaluable as I used it to call the Coast Guard in a situation where my main engine as well as the steering system on my remote crapped out in open waters. Had things really turned nasty, that DSC feature would have been a lifesaver.

 

[Whole in the Water]

Lots of guys still talk on their radios about fishing especially on the west coast and Sooke where there is little or no cell phone coverage. Just need to find out what channel they are on.

 

[jeffywestcoast]

I was like you and bought a handheld before I new enough about it, after awhile I realized a fixed mount was more suited to my needs and also a lot more clear when transmitting to boats 2-3 kms away.. handhelds work fine but a fixed mount is the way to go, after taking the r-com course I can assure you the best thing you can do is take the course. 100 dollars well spent.. and also DSC and a MMSI number is a good idea too.. having a vhf in your boat you are required to monitor channel 16 ... not a big deal and if you were the person in distress im sure you would like your fellow boaters to be listening...

 

[jaymasta]

Fixed mounts range will be signicantly better when setup properly. Handheld is convenient easy you can carry spare batteries and you can clip it on your belt. If your fishing and boating in popular areas that has moderate to high traffic a handheld is probably fine, if your going to remote areas or offshore several miles a fixed mount would probably be a better option. I have a handheld and I rarely even turn it on anymore other then to check if the batteries are good. I fish close to shore in general, I'm always careful of the weather and I also fish and boat in high use areas, I'd say 95% of the time I also have cell phone service as well and use a waterproof cell phone holder.

 

[Seafever]

Standard Horizon handhelds have an adaptor available so you can plug the handheld into a fixed antenna.

Haven't tried it myself yet though.

Have to find out all the details....like how big an antenna you can use doing this...and also if it sucks up too much battery juice doing that.....

Although you can get an external power adaptor for them too I think.....

But overall the fixed mount VHF has more power to start with....

 

[trophywife]

I like both.. Keep the hand held on low power and chat between boats without being broadcast allover.

 

[jeffywestcoast]

with the new VHF with DSC and MMSI if you have your boat registered you are assigned a number, everyone else who has DSC vhf and MMSI number can be contacted.. you can punch in someone's number and their vhf will ring just like a cell phone.. a great way to keep in contact on the water and share information..pretty cool technology and worth having IMO

 

[Hookin'up]

fixed mount for the boat and a handheld if you have to bail, both preferrably with dsc and internal gps
remember the higher the antenna the better the transmission, so your hand held might only be good for close proximity

 

[finaddict]

I have 2 mounted VHF's on my boat. One for monitoring Ch 16 and another for all other uses and it is hooked up with DSC to chartplotter and mmsi number assigned. Also have EPIRB PLB for ditching if necessary. Many guys use their VHF for communication and are willing to share information. Channel 88A is the most common channel for this in the Strait of Georgia.

I prefer a mounted unit simply for the range and reliability. An 8' antenna mounted on a hardtop puts the transmitter about 14 to 16'' off the water. You cannot duplicate that for range form a hand held.

 

[Da Bay Bye]

with the new VHF with DSC and MMSI if you have your boat registered you are assigned a number, everyone else who has DSC vhf and MMSI number can be contacted.. you can punch in someone's number and their vhf will ring just like a cell phone.. a great way to keep in contact on the water and share information..pretty cool technology and worth having IMO

I bought the Standard Horizon HX 851. It has all those features. Just waiting for my MMSI number. I fish in the Georgia Strait around Comox so power output is not a big requirement. Knowing my GPS position is the most important thing for me in case of an emergency.

As for passing along fishing information, I have no problems telling others where, how deep and what I use.

 

[Saxe Point]

I bought the Standard Horizon HX 851. It has all those features. Just waiting for my MMSI number. I fish in the Georgia Strait around Comox so power output is not a big requirement. Knowing my GPS position is the most important thing for me in case of an emergency.

As for passing along fishing information, I have no problems telling others where, how deep and what I use.

You're to be credited. In Sooke you hear a lot of this:

"How's the fishing over there?"
"Not so great, I'm going to go over to the other spot."
"Which one, the one we were at yesterday or the other one?"
"The other one."
"Maybe we should try the "other" other place, the one we fished last week?"
"Okay, meet you there."

Not common to hear people disclose their location on the radio unless it's an emergency and help is needed.