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Hey all,
I purchased a handheld radio for the boat ( standard horizon hx300). I can scan several channels once I program it, but do not know which channels to program other than 9 and 16. Any help you may be able to offer would be appreciated.
thanks in advance,
Eric

When fishing we normally are on 68

yep what bob said.  The Michigan City guys are on 5 so thats a good one to scan as well potentially.

I had a handheld initially on my boat, the range is pretty short on those so you may not be able to reach many unless you are right in with the thick of it with them.   For the most part like already said 68 is the popular channel on the southend.   

Hello Eric,
for the price of a hand held radio you could have purchased a regular marine radio. Things happen and when they do the extra reach of a marine radio is worth it's weight in gold. A strong south wind could put you in a bad spot with not enough anchor to hold you.

Example would be your down by Gary and the only boat out. You need some help, the hand held may not reach portage or East Chicago. 

Marine radios are a life saver, and money well spent.

I echo what Ed and Ed said.

If you are going to rely on a hand held, then make sure you have some way to recharge it on the boat. I had one years ago, but it could only charge with a 120AC outlet. You can figure the rest of the story. I imagine more updated ones will charge off a 12V system. If so, make sure you have the hardware to give it a boost. 

Your best option would be to treat the handheld as a back-up, and go ahead and buy an inexpensive permanent radio @ $140 - 8' antenna - $80 and a ratchet mount $20 and you are set.  If you can't swing it, sell the handheld on eBay and then buy the above.  

A handheld is like a donut spare tire. Nice to have when you need it, but don't think you can drive on it forever.  

I have that same handheld and it serves as a backup for me.  If you have a cigarette lighter style charging port you can plug it in if you get the correct adaptor. So far it holds a charge for a really long time but as a backup it doesn’t get used much.  I can also attest the range isn’t anywhere near what a unit attached to an 8’ antenna can achieve.

I have the capability to charge the unit on the boat. I was planning on using it to monitor and communicate with boats nearby. My rig isn’t very big, so I plan on only fishing near shore. So far, I have had cell service everywhere I have gone. I was going to rely on that as a communication method should an emergency occur. Perhaps I should rethink that. 

Eric good morning,

You have a beautiful boat. And you are now addicted. Face it. You live close to some of the best fishing around. Your a short drive out to lake Erie for walleye all season. Your fishing knowledge of the area here and what your comfortable fishing in will change with time.

In May and June the same Coho your catching now will be perched on the state line. With your rig that is about a 20-25 minute run one way. In July there will be Summer run Skamania to catch in close. For a little money spent your fishing can expand extensively and safely.
Your conversation on a hand held isn't the first time for discussion here, and as you can see the folks on this site have a good track record of open and honest feelings to some of or new fishermen.
To my knowledge we have not had anyone get into a serious situation. If you do decide to make a marine radio purchase, and need any help setting things up, let me know I would be glad to help you out.
As mentioned by BN, a good 8ft. antenna, ratchet mount, and a PL-209 connector along with a marine radio and your in business.