If there is power at grandpas dock, plug in a halogen work light and angle it to shine down in the water overnight and you might be able to catch all the bait you need with a cast net at the dock before daylight… Your chances for this are probably better on the lower lake right now for herring but try it periodically to see what you can draw in throughout the year…maybe some gizzards and threads too… I’d buy a nice bait tank way before an ipilot. Fish on other peoples boats as often as you can getting started… I’m sure plenty here would be glad to show you around for a little gas or bait money…Good Luck!
Team Shad Up & Fish
If you’ve had fun catching fish on the transom bait, you are welcome…
I’ve spent about 85% of my life’s wages on fishing, the rest I just wasted…
Here is a used autopilot for $250, that’s about as good of a deal as I’ve seen on the autopilot. If the 48" shaft works for you boat I would buy it. It is tough fighting fish while trying to control a trolling motor without autopilot. One slight breeze and your boat spins and all lines are tangled. 42# is not much, but it will work fine on most days. That hydroglo light is a good deal too if you fish at night (I know you don’t agree woody, lol)
http://www.striperboard.com/brd/sb/messages/45920.html
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
The 48" shaft is not quite enough on my boat. It will come out of the water on and decent wave. Thanks for the link though. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get any autopilot or ipilot right away but I will try to eventually. For right now I have a 80 pound minnkota tiller steer on the bow that I will use.
sundance 1900
Well the starter went out in the motor so it will be a little longer before I get started
sundance 1900