Does Spot Lock REALLY Work in Strong Currents?? Trolling Motor Anchor Lock

Trolling Motor Spot lock Test! MotorGuide Anchor lock in strong currents. Would like to test the Minn Kota Spot lock in strong currents and the Rhodan trolling motor spot lock as well. These GPS trolling Motors have given us incredible freedom. No more heavy anchor for stop and go spot jumping.
I can’t live without a reliable trolling motor with Anchor lock and GPS steering that will stay on a heading for pulling and presenting live baits. MotorGuide Xi5 has been INCREDIBLY RELIABLE FOR ME!!
This is my Trolling Motor:
amzn.to/2WiT1XL
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Thanks for watching!!
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NSS9 EVO3 amzn.to/2Bs18pO
EVO3 NS S12 amzn.to/2GY9QPn
EVO3 NSS16 amzn.to/2DyiPUN
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Go 7 with Active Imaging Transduceramzn.to/2RdiYDN
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MOTORGUIDE Xi5 Trolling Motor
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Go 9 XSE RADAR AND TOTALSCAN
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MONO LINE /PRO SPEC
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SONIC HUB 2
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SIMRAD/LOWRANCE GS25 GPS ANT. Rate compass-Heading sensor.
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NMEA BACKBONE STARTED TER KIT. amzn.to/2GY00xJ
B 175 H WIDE 20 DEG. 9 pin Evo3 end. amzn.to/2Tg9YAU
B 175 12 degree Thru hull Transducer
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TM 185 High CHIRP Wide Xsonic plug end
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Total Scan
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Airmar Adapter 9 pin to 7 pin Blue Navico Legacy port
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Go9 Display With C-Map Pro Chart’s installed 3in1 Active Imaging Transducer and 4G Radar. BUNDLE.
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Sonar Hub
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3D System amzn.to/2Ui0F43
Simrad Go 12 XSE w Total Scan
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Simrad Go 12 XSE no transducer
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Accurate Fury Reel 400 Regular
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Accurate Fury Reel 400 Narrow
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Accurate Tern Reel 300 Narrow High Speed
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Accurate Tern Reel 400 High Speed Regular
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Ben Parker Magnum Flutter Spoon
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Accurate SR 6 Spinning Reel
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Wright and McGill Inshore Slam Spinning Rod
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ABU Garcia 6500 Reel C3
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Cuda Piranha Scissors
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FISH GRIP EGO MINI GRIP
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ABU Garcia Inshore REVO Baitcaster Reel
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ABU Garcia Inshore BEAST REVO Baitcaster reel
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CLAMP-ON LINE COUNTER
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Scotty Planer Board Releases
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Bunker Spoon
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Bunker Spoon/Mojo Combo
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Tony Maja Magic Mojo
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Boat/Motorcycle Alarm.
2 remotes.
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Boat alarm (Farmgate motion detector) amzn.to/2LLy6If
REDI RIG TOS PLANER RELEASE FLOATS
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REDI RIG TEAR DROP RELEASE FLOATS
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Custom Cutting boards email.
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Mention Team Old School for the HOOK-UP!!
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Ce Smith Heavy Duty
Flush Mount Rod Holders 30 Degree
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Ce Smith Heavy Duty
Adjustables Rod Holders - NO TOY!amzn.to/34LwPGD
This is a list of all of our gear in different sizes. If you buy any Navico-Simrad-Lowrance- Airmar Fishfinder Chartplotter products using these links, you will receive LIFETIME setup and adjustment help from myself by email or text.
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[@timd7782]

Mr. Smedley - you are the man. Spotlock is an absolute game changer. Especially fishing off rocks in waves. I previously had a 12 volt Minn kota riptide iPilot 55 lb on my montauk 150 three years ago (until it died, and then its replacement died). Now I bought a 24-volt 80 lb motorguide Xi5 for my new 2018 Montauk 170 and 3 Ionic lithium batteries (the purchase of which caused a serious threat to my marriage - but it's all good now.). You have taught me a lot with your videos and I just want to say thank you for that (especially the ones on sonar interpretation). And now I feel super smart for buying the Motorguide because you have one. Every brand has issues because of the harshness of the marine environment, but me and Minn Kota just have a bad history. Tight lines Mr. Smedley. You are a truly excellent fisherman. A Yoda of striped bass. And apparently snook, too, (which I hope to catch when I retire in Florida).

[@LIDigga]

My wife bought me an 80lb riptide terrova for Xmas...Gonna be installing it next weekend. I can't believe how good that worked in that current...Talk about a game changer....Thnx for posting...👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

L I Digga Thanks brother!! You’re gonna love it!

[@mikebruns1966]

Just added a 105lb thrust i5 36 volt 60 inch to a 22 foot tritoon. hooked up with my simrad thru the gateway and works great. spot lock is a dream. sure does beat dropping anchor for sure

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Definitely!!

[@CProFishingWithWayne]

Impressive the current coming around that south jetty is some of the strongest!! I will be adding one to my boat soon. Now stay out of my spot 😂

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I’m out! 😛

[@davidfarley6666]

Good stuff bro!I fish that style alot!In current

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother. 👍👍

[@gregnye6089]

That water is ripping too! I get mine installed on March 28th. Time to catch some NH stripers!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Greg Nye Catch em all.

[@gregnye6089]

Mike, as a side note, your videos are extremely helpful and inspiring. And those recent catches of those giant strikers fire me up for this spring!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Greg Nye Thanks brother!! I really appreciate that!! 👍👍

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

The best marketing for Motor Guide I've seen yet by someone that actually uses it. What model do you have specifically there and how long has it stood up to your use?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

It’s the Xi5. I have beat this thing up pretty good. I mostly use it for Striper fishing in freshwater and saltwater. I have had no problems with mine, unfortunately I DID hear recently from a few guys that had issues with theirs.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS any known pros and cons between the i3 and i5? I love the idea of the force but it's not been proven at all and the cost is prohibitive for me on addition to not being rated for salt water.

[@franciscallahan4213]

I'm really thinking of getting one of these on my boat I see that you have simrad electronics as well?? Are you able to link that motor to the simrad unit? when you go over structure are you able to tap the screen and the motor will lock onnit how is that useability?? Appreciate your response

[@notme6323]

One of the most famous shorelines in Florida right there.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

It was a lot of fun. 👍

[@tp8896]

Mike another great video. Definitely going MG xi5 after all this. Do I need a separate gateway to run to my Evo3. Also do you recommend the quick connect from MG I just don5 like the idea of nothing bolted down to the deck and I run a nasty inlet. Thanks bro

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Todd P You need the MotorGuide gateway and a NMEA wire. Actually the mount adds a great bit of shock absorption being Nylon. I beat the PISS out of my boat and I honestly think it’s better than bolting it directly.

[@tp8896]

Mike Smedley thanks bro. Just to clarify you went with the nylon mount not the aluminum, I can see the nYlon being better. Do you have an amazon link for the model bracket you have, i didn’t see one? I will buy it for sure.thanks Mike

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Todd P I have used the Nylon one for several years and it really works well. Doesn’t look like much, but I really beat the life out of it and it’s been great. I think there is just the right amount of shock absorption. I had lots of issues with other aluminum mounts with them bending and clunking like crazy. It drove me nuts with the noise it made. Here’s the nylon mount. amzn.to/3dNcFRf

[@tp8896]

Mike Smedley. I’m ordering it now! Stay well bro! FYI the wife saw the video showing anchor lock and she said buy it now! That’s a compelling video.

[@usedofficewarehouseequipme9792]

Love your videos Mike. You have already helped me a lot with my Simrad nss evo3. But regarding this TM, I want to put one on my Steiger 28' and I need a longer shaft. Looking at motor guide website and their longest is listed at 72". So I am looking at both the minnkota and the rhodan, 36v with the 7' shaft. So I have 2 questions. 1. Do you have any experience or recommend one of those vs the other. And 2 it appears your install is where you would normally have your red/green navigation lights, what did you do with those?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Hey brother. I have had Minn Kota my whole life I will never recommend one in good conscience. They are super unreliable. Countless ruined trips. I would definitely recommend a Rhodan though. They are designed with bigger boats in mind. I’ve heard great things on them in fact one of my best buddies just put one on his big boat. He has the beard in this video. The guys at Rhodan will help you with the size. My lights are in the rub rail. In the past I made extensions for my bow lights to raise them when they weren’t in the rail.

[@captainjoejerome]

.

[@timd7782]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS - wow, I thought it was just me on Minn Kota. They have a great design but the boards just seem to fry. And the remotes are so big, heavy and complex. And you raise an excellent point about bow lights and saltwater trolling motors. They can easily block your green and red bow lights from other boaters, which is a legit safety concern. I will have to be extra careful on how I place the new Xi5 on my Montauk to avoid that issue.

[@anthonyfoglio8749]

Just had it installed with the new lowrance i7 and new charging system cant wait to wreck fish with it!!!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You’re gonna love it brother.

[@1n21is]

Is it possible to charge the 3 batteries plus 2 more for starting and boat lights with twin engines? How do you charge your trilling motor batteries?

[@240LTS]

... Love my Xi5 36V SW. What prop are you using? .

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

It’s the 3 blade.

[@RH-qk5lt]

I've said many times, ipilot /x5 technology is the best invention in the marine industry since the live well.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I think it’s a close second to side scan. 👍

[@MichaelH21]

It wont keep the rear of the boat from spinning around tho. Side winds will not work u have to anchor

[@WolfKillerLestat]

Hi I have humningbird solix 12 g2 was thinking of getting a 80lb riptide terrova i pilot link so I could control the terrova with the solix,my question is could I control the xi5 with the solix I am using navionics charts I am not sure which one to go for..

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Unfortunately the Xi5 can only be controlled by Lowrance or Simrad.

[@ecesarchavez]

Did I heat correctly a day and a half? What batteries are you using? Is that the terrova?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

That is a MotorGuide Xi5. I have group 31 AGM batteries. We indeed ran a day and a half with one charge, but not in that one spot. We ran around to many spots. Some areas used more power than others. If we were to stay in that one spot (in the beginning of the video), I wouldn’t count on more than 4-6 hours on one charge. It felt like the motor was working close to full power. On days where the motor stays on level 3 I have gone several full days on one charge.

[@stephenrothman6058]

I have a Minn Kota 24v 60" iPilot Trolling Motor S172MK00527 with two 12 volt batteries. I was fishing Estero Bay in Florida this morning. There was a nice outgoing tide, but I don't think anything like the commotion in your video. I hit the anchor image on the iPilot remote and it shows as anchored. I just kept getting swept with the current. How strong a current can the trolling motor counter? Comments? Could I be doing anything wrong?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Why size boat do you have? What voltage is your motor?

[@stephenrothman6058]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS 22 foot Pathfinder ("bay boat). 24 volt trolling motor. But I have not checked the battery charge lately. Maybe that should be my first stop?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

If it ran more than 4 hours your batteries were probably charged. Fully charge them and put a volt meter on them. They each should be at 12.9 after being charged. A 24 volt motor on a 22 ft boat is fine for lakes, but in saltwater currents a 36 volt is a lot stronger. I use a 36.

[@gradywhite9781]

What size shaft you have with that and does it hook right up to your Simrad where you can put a waypoint in and it'll keep that waypoint

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

It’s a 72”. Yes it interfaces with Simrad so you can follow waypoints, etc.

[@gradywhite9781]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS what's the distance from unit to the water line on your boat

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

grady white Around 20” roughly

[@josephworld4094]

Hey mike question where do I get one and looking to get it installed I’m in jersey too and what I’m I looking at installed I know there expensive Thanks Bud

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Joseph World Thats a tough one brother. Best bet is a boat dealer. The motor is around $1500-$2400 depending on size. amzn.to/2WiT1XL You want the GPS VERSION This is a 36volt so you need 3 batteries. I wish I could be more help brother. I actually live in NC. I travel everywhere to fish for Stripers. Salt and fresh.

[@josephworld4094]

Mike Smedley Thanks mike 👍👍👍

[@1n21is]

How do you charge the 3 batteries for the motor? Is it possible by solar power?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

A trickle charge is possible, but not for a fast overnight charge. I use a 3 bank onboard charger.

[@stebarr70]

Looks like a little better conditions than SML. Lol

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Slightly. 😂

[@disonesto]

Can you control your trolling motor from your simrad?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yes. You just need the MotorGuide Gateway

[@dillonbuhl2921]

its the wind that my ipilot has trouble with!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yep. I had Ipilot for years and had similar issues. Loving the MotorGuide

[@restless7528]

I bet those Batteries didn't last long? But it's impressive

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Right. At full throttle they definitely won’t last very long, but with 3 group 31 batteries in 36 volts it was great for spending 15-20 minutes on each spot. With most spots only needing it on speeds 2-4, the motor ran a day and a half on one charge. My buddy got the Rhodan motor and he said he loves it.

[@chrislayton5404]

What year is yours and are they really having all the problems people say they are?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

The motor is a 2018 I think. This is my second one and I’ve never had a single issue EVER. My first one stayed with the other boat. Somebody just told me that they upgraded something inside, the gps module I think. I think there was a problem with the way it was wired and they sent out pictures of how to move the wires to one side to fix the issue. I don’t know how accurate that is though. I’m very happy with mine.

[@chrislayton5404]

I’m looking to get one but unsure because of all I’m reading on the motorguide group

[@Swill19]

Will a trolling motor spook fish on shallow water flats?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

In some cases yes, but the noise can attract fish like Stripers.

[@davidpenrosejr3698]

What boat is the MG mounted on?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sea Pro 248 Bay. 2019.

[@davidpenrosejr3698]

Thanks, I wasn't considering Motor guide at all but definitely am now. I've been looking at a Rhodan. How does the MG 105 compare to the MK 112? The 3 blade probably helps a lot?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I would go with Rhodan or MG but I wouldn’t even consider a MK. They are just too unreliable. I turned down a free one brother!!

[@davidpenrosejr3698]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS - got the Motorguide xi5 and hope to try it out today. A fried who went to Rhodan said that Rhodan uses Motorguide's main board. Thanks for your help and great video.

[@h.machado5666]

For how long can this work non stop in these conditions?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

If it’s wide open throttle it won’t last very long of course, but in normal conditions it lasts all day long.

[@h.machado5666]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Hi There Mike. Thanks to spend some of your time to answer my question. All the best 4u!

[@DinnieOmar]

Hi, can do more video for the MG spot lock on structure. Bottom fishing.🙏

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I’ll see what I can do 👍👍😉

[@disonesto]

What group size battery? How many amp hours are your batteries?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I used to carry group 31 AGM batteries. I made the switch to lithium and wish I switched sooner. I use to use a battery and a half for a 10 hour day now I use 3/4 of a single battery and it only weighs 28lbs. I believe it’s 105 amp hr. It may be 115.

[@disonesto]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS can you post a link to the lithium battery and charger you use. Im planing on doing the same

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I’m using a battery from a new company so they aren’t available yet. I’ve been using testing them for almost 2 years. They should be available soon, but this is a similar battery amzn.to/3SMbFSB. I’ve been using my regular battery charger, but you can get a lithium charger like this amzn.to/3QgQeaJ

[@disonesto]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS so you have 3 12v litumims is series or a single 36v lithium?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I have 5 total. 3 for trolling motor in series . 2 for house parallel. 👍

[@dan-o9746]

It's cool and amazing if you don't mind spending that much for a trolling motor. Drift sock - $35 Anchor / line - $50 i pilot T motor - $3K Hmmmm

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

A drift sock won’t hold the boat still in a 3mph current, and that trolling motor serves many other purposes. I can set it on a specific heading to follow waypoints, I can pull a spread of baits on boards and floats, I can drift a shore line, stopping wherever I want by touching a button. I probably use this trolling motor more than any other piece of equipment. It’s absolutely worth the money for me. amzn.to/2WiT1XL

[@MaximusThree]

Did I catch a Charlie Murphy, Rick James reference in there?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You were the first to catch that 😛😛

[@tothepoint7258]

Constant current works well. Changing current or dead calm is its weakness.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Have you used a MotorGuide or Minn Kota?

[@tothepoint7258]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS I don't own a Motorguide but have friends that do. They're basically the same. The issue is with drifting. In constant current, the motor will stay ramped up to react to changes.If the motor has to cut off or spin down to stay locked in position, it takes time for it to cut on, spin up and adjust. All that I've seen do this. Don't get me wrong, it works well 90 percent of the time but if you're vertical fishing in dead calm with harsh gusts of wind, it will drift off too much. At least that is my experience. I've heard the same from other brands but don't own one.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

ToThePoint A steady breeze definitely helps. I have had every (autopilot) MK model they make and they’ve all been a nightmare in comparison to this MG. MG isn’t very fancy but it always works. Thanks for the comment

[@melissaalleng]

Hi what lb thrust are you guys using on this boat?

[@theredman10]

Mine works like shit! You think A $65,000 ranger and stuff would work properly

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Is yours a Motor Guide? I had bad luck with MK.

[@theredman10]

Mike Smedley minn kota

[@paullobwein1632]

I call bullshit.. mine goes beep beep beep and shuts off..

[@dealsontopofdeals5920]

You keep saying the same thing over and over

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I thought I’d never shut up.

[@dealsontopofdeals5920]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS worse than a drunk bi*ch at the bar