water vs gps speed

[TrollnDrift]

Does anyone here prefer a paddlewheel type speed sensor over the gps based speed sensor? I could see where it may benefit trolling a river, but not so much on a lake? I see they are not too much money to add onto my 898, but may not be worth it?

[delcecchi]

Does anyone here prefer a paddlewheel type speed sensor over the gps based speed sensor? I could see where it may benefit trolling a river, but not so much on a lake? I see they are not too much money to add onto my 898, but may not be worth it?

The last paddlewheel sensor I had, on a Lowrance x65, showed major differences with GPS. If I made them agree at trolling speed, 3 or 4 mph, they were vastly different at 25 or 30 mph. If I made them agree at 25 or 30 they were way different at trolling speed.

Maybe it was how it was mounted or something but I totally quit looking at it.

[goose89]

There's nothing to prefer about the paddlewheel IMO. Not very accurate, when they aren't wrapped up with weeds / debris. GPS is only way to go now days to measure speed.

[TrollnDrift]

I know up on superior where there are different underwater currents in the lake a "true" water trolling speed is important. I didnt know if this also applied to river fishing with current involved. Thus the question. Seems I get the same answer in a few different places, maybe I am overthinking stuff again.

[delcecchi]

I know up on superior where there are different underwater currents in the lake a "true" water trolling speed is important. I didnt know if this also applied to river fishing with current involved. Thus the question. Seems I get the same answer in a few different places, maybe I am overthinking stuff again.

Probably does apply to rivers. I do regular lakes and current isn't an issue.

If I was on Superior I would probably want one of those things that measures speed below the surface, or get one of those trolling speed things with the weight that goes down in water.

Hmm, I bet you could use a bell sinker on about 3 feet of braid, hang it on a little arm over the side of the boat add a dial to measure angle and you would have one.