Man, heavy topic.

I 100% agree that boat noise is a huge issue with guys. The other closely related topic is boat positioning. Some guys have problems not getting into the rhythm and flow of the conditions.

For example, when I'm fishing really well, I can fish a row of docks with minimal touches to the trolling motor for minimal durations. You have to stop and start a lot dock fishing, and the less do, or less overshooting and backing up stuff the way better. I'm learning this in my new Z520. I've never owned a MinnKota, and I've never had a recessed trolling motor mount on the deck. I must say, Minn Kota is impressive. Not saying better than Motorguide thus far, but impressive. Quiter, and less jerky/smoother. I love the built in transducer thing and connection to Lowrance. Getting off topic, but trolling motor noise best keep to a minimum. When I'm burning a bait and covering a lot of water, I pretty much have the trolling motor on the last 10 feet or so, if I can see no fish is following or on the bait. Occassionally, I get burned, but the idea is have your foot on the trolling motor as your bait is out of the water, even in flight, during the casting process.

Turn off your electronics period when trophy hunting. No front or back graphs, no auto bilge, no aerators. Release your fish quick: take your pictures, party with your catch, and be done with it.

I am always trying to improve my boat positioning. I now have a boat w/GPS so having the main graph on while the gas engine is running, and getting right on spots and places I have marked. That is huge in my mind in some situations for landing right on your fish.

Slapping water on your hull, agreed. Again boat position better, and definitely don't fight wind and current if you don't have to. Go with it.

Nico, have you found bluegrass music or something? You have truly been talking about the finer things in bigbait fishing. I love the topics. They are on point.

Shaka all, Happy New Year.

Matt