View Full Version : VHF and Lake Erie
cheesehead III
04-18-2001, 02:53 PM
I will be on Kellys Island in 2 weeks. Do I need a vhf radio.Any fishing tips would be appreciated also.Thanks
In all honesty, yes, it would be in your best interest to have a vhf radio. it isnt a bad idea to have a cell phone either. but the radio can be a lifeline for anybody on the water. erie can be a mean body of water, and quick too.you can get a lot of information from the radio, as well as help if needed. good luck and good fishin.
Den
Yes - absolutely. And I second Dens response about carrying a cell phone. There are fairly reliable handheld VHF marine radios available - I have one on board as a backup to the base unit. I hope you don't need to use the radio to save your bacon, and you likely won't, but in the event you have trouble they are worth their weight in gold. If you take the handheld also take backup fresh batteries. You may need the ability to talk for a long period of time under emergency circumstances.
cisco
04-18-2001, 11:52 PM
On the Great Lakes a good marine radio is the most important single piece of equipment you can have. Don't leave port without one.
Moose
04-19-2001, 01:44 AM
LAST EDITED ON Apr-19-01 AT 03:45AM (CST)[p]What is a good radio?I was thinking of buying one.what's the range on one?
Airwave(OH)
04-19-2001, 02:08 AM
Ratheon makes a real nice radio for aound $150.00. It is a must have. Your range will vary from day to day. I have talked 35miles before and other days can't get out 2 miles. Just depends on what your trying to talk around, And other traffic.
Moose
04-19-2001, 02:17 AM
whats the model # and what a/b the antenna?
thx for the info.
RANGER
04-19-2001, 02:33 AM
Moose,
There are a number of good radios on the market; Raytheon, Apelco, Shakespeare, Standard, etc. The one thing you DON'T WANT TO DO is cheap the antenna! Get the best you can afford. The best radio in the world is only as good as the antenna it receives and broadcasts from.
Second biggest thing to remember is to attach the radio DIRECTLY to the start battery and not via a fuse panel, distribution bus etc. They work the best in this configuration.
RANGER
"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"
Boatnut
04-19-2001, 03:41 AM
I agree that a radio is very important but I've heard people that were broke down talking to a towing service or the coast guard and when asked where they were at, all they knew was "well, I can see Perry's Monument"! A chart and/or GPS is also a "must" on the big water. Radioing for help wont do ya much good if ya dont know where you're at.
Mike(boatnut)
RANGER
04-19-2001, 04:54 AM
Darn good point, Boatnut!!
RANGER
"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"
bob oh
04-19-2001, 05:08 AM
I agree Ranger, buy a decent radio, but make sure you buy a VERY good antenna!!!
Bob
Also handhelds are OK for a backup but unless you're gonna always stay with the crowd I'd have a mounted radio with some range. I've seen too many situations where the handhelds wouldn't reach over a couple miles and that isn't far enough on Erie a lot of times.
Moose
04-19-2001, 05:40 AM
thx a lot guys for the info. now imust go play with my lcx-15mt to see if the new soft ware is any good!!!!!i'll s*** if it isnt!!!!!!!! lol
tight lines.
Very good point mike. you can get an inexpensive hand held gps, it will tell you where you are at, and in the fog or darkness it will get you back to port too. also make sure you have a decent working compass too. good luck and good fishin.
Den