We do not have a radio onboard. We've been planning on getting one for some time, but have yet to pull the trigger. We really only go out when the opportunity is to catch fish in close and on good weather days, at least so far. We'd be more inclined to head further out if we had a radio, for sure.
The South End provides useful resources and discussion forums for those that fish The South End of Lake Michigan for Salmon, Steelhead, Perch, and Bass as well as elsewhere in the Region and Chicago area.