Minkota Co-Pilot Question.

[walleye express]

Just sent for the Minkota Co-Pilot Remote Wireless System and Transmitter attachment for my Auto Pilot electric. Has anybody used these tiny little wrist-band remotes? It really doesn't show or state much about it's functions in the BPS Catalog. But I'm tired of trying to hide, tripping and kicking around the foot pedal and cord when it's not in use.

Wondering most about the continuous variable speed control. Whereas the foot pedal has the sliding speed levels from 0 to 10. The remote only has buttons shown, and was wondering about the variable speed feature and how it works on the wireless.

[chamookman]

Dan - I've always had the Maxxums, but I have heard that the remotes work well, if You prefer that type of T/M. In fact, there is a guy in the downriver area that I know, that raves about it - neatest thing since sliced bread! Think You will like it. Let Me know. Heard of any jigging opportunitys? Gonna Hunt Saturday, but will most likely hit the Saginaw Sunday. Bob.

[Czarthree]

W E, I`ve had the co-pilot this entire season and absolutly love the thing. The speed button, like the foot peddle, also has 10 settings and beeps after every push of the button. It also has a on-off button to turn it off quickly. Awsome attachment that you surely will enjoy. Funny story, While up north some friends were staying in a resort next to us. When we would go out fishing I would untie my boat, put the troller down and I would walk the boat next door. People on shore were freaking out as my boat was about 50 feet behind me as I was wading the shore. I would stop, turn around and yell out here boat, here boat. Just like I was walking my dog. LOL. When I got to my friends place I wouldn`t tie it down. I would just let it float free in front of the cottage untill we were ready. I then would whistle for my pet to come to the dock to pick us up. My buds got a real kick out of that. I keep the foot peddle stowed in the boat as a back up. Good luck with your new toy. Your gonna love it. :lol:

[WALLEYE MIKE]

I have one for 2 years now. Absolutely love it. Great on the Detrit river jigging in the spring to keep vertical. When I might be fishing by myself on an inland lake, I troll with it from the rear deck. I'd be lost without it now.

You know us guys like those remote thingys.

[walleye express]

Dan - I've always had the Maxxums, but I have heard that the remotes work well, if You prefer that type of T/M. In fact, there is a guy in the downriver area that I know, that raves about it - neatest thing since sliced bread! Think You will like it. Let Me know. Heard of any jigging opportunitys? Gonna Hunt Saturday, but will most likely hit the Saginaw Sunday. Bob.

Bob and Guys.

Thanks to all of you and the positive responses. I usually don't dive into anything like this without more positive feedback or written info about the item from the Catalog. And it's funny how much really (is not) included about it's functions in the Catalog. I see that the whole sideplate on the motor itself is replaced with this unit and has two cord attachments coming out of it. One I'm guessing for the regular cord and one for the wireless, Right? Guess I'll have to put the dog on UPS watch now. :lol:

As far as the jigging opportunities go, I haven't heard of much of anything. I haven't fished for over a week and I'm getting real itchy. Thinking about a perch trip out by the island or out from Hoyles. I'll sometimes just take my Lab and go out by myself with a bucket of minnows and perch rigs. My bud just fished a salmon tourney up near Harrisville and said each boat caught 3 to 5 dandy walleyes per the two day event off the down riggers, using salmon spoons. Said some guys are trolling body baits at night along the shore in 5 to 7 FOW and doing good on the walleyes. Never heard of such a thing that far North on the Lake have you? :confused:

[ESOX]

Another rave review.
An absolute must have for guys who fish alone or fly fish too. No more having your shooting line coming to a screeching halt because it's wrapped around the pedal.

[JJ Mac]

I've been running the copilot for two years now. When jigging or casting from the front of the boat, I still use the foot pedal for hands free operation. The remote, whether attached to the rod or your waist/wrist just seems cumbersome to me. I spend too much time with the remote, which ties up one hand. Make sure to get a second remote. When I bought mine there was an offer for a free backup one. I use the remote for "super stealth" trolling in shallow and/or flat conditions. As Mike has said, it sure works great when you are working from the back of the boat. I'll often use it when setting out lines so I don't have to keep running back to the helm when running the kicker. It also works great when I'm solo and landing fish. I just put the kicker in neutral and run the minn kota with the remote.

Here boat...here boat...ha, ha! I'll have to try that next time at the launch.
I'm not sure what kind of range the unit has. I wouldn't want to have to go swimming for the boat.

There are some safety concerns with the remote. One bump of that on/off switch while the motor is up is all it takes. I've had the unit turn on while the remote has been stowed away, just from bounching around. I always back down the the speed when not in use. Also, make sure to disconnect the connection at the unit or it will continue to drain the battery.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

I loop one on a lanyard thru my belt loop. That way its always within reach if needed.

[chamookman]

Dan - No I haven't heard of 'Eyes that far north being caught regularly, but the Salmon Anglers fishing Harbor Beach this season were complaining about the nuiciance Walleyes getting on thier Salmon lures :bash: . Bob.