CB RADIO OR VHF

5.0Fishmaster · 03-03-2004, 07:56 AM

What is everyone running ? I want to install something but dont want a CB if Most people are running Vhf radios . I Mainly fish in the Big Willy and the Columbia around St.Helens area . Any input would be great . Thanks

fishchaser · 03-03-2004, 08:05 AM

VHF, If you go with a CB you can only talk to people who are near you. Even on the big blue, you won't reach far. Go with a VHF and you can talk to people far away on the river. I would say a few great miles away. Plus you can hail coast guard easier if needed. You can listen to barge traffic, and monitor the emergency channels to see what might be going on. Just an all around better radio. Plus after you put in the CB, you will notice you will need a VHF, so you might as well do it right the first time.

LQQKASTAR · 03-03-2004, 08:18 AM

im not sure but i got a freind who uses hand held
VHFs for hunting,he said there were illegal for that purpose,but he could here a few boats. but he could not broadcast to them, but he could talk to his buddirs miles away.. cristal clear.
i noticed that sportsman had a basic boat VHF for 89$

ProCastinator · 03-03-2004, 08:55 AM

I agree with fishchaser on the VHF choice. I fish the St. Helens area also and just replaced my handheld VHF with a fixed VHF to get the added range. I have mine scanning at all times I'm on the water. Most VHFs with a scan feature offer a "priority" scan that alternates between emergency VHF channel 16 and the other channels. You won't get that on a CB.

h20dog · 03-03-2004, 09:31 AM

I had a CB and all it was good for was the weather channel and listening to occasional potty mouth chatter

Just got a basic VHF and i still get the weather, but now i can talk to Ifishers up and down the river on channel 68.
A couple weeks ago i was anchored down by 72 and talked to digifish up at Warrior rock and another guy down at Prescott. VHF gets my vote hands down.

(anyone want to buy a CB and antenna cheap?) :grin:

Beefcake · 03-03-2004, 05:04 PM

How limited is the range on a handheld? I have been considering picking one up, but I don't know if it would be a waste of money. My little boat doesn't have an electrical system, so I was hoping to use a handheld for both boats instead of buying two units.

Crazy Fisherman · 03-03-2004, 05:20 PM

When out on the the ocean I got a VHF, CB and a cell phone. I don`t think you can have to many ways of communication when out there. I`d say a VHF in the rivers. Personaly I`d have both, VHF and CB.

Killertraylor · 03-03-2004, 05:51 PM

vhf

Silver Eagle · 03-03-2004, 05:56 PM

If only one go VHF and I don't think they are illegal for hunting......I use a portable on Flybridge to call for a cold one down below, the hand held dosen't have the range of mounted but sure is handy.............

cannonball · 03-03-2004, 06:50 PM

If your fishing east, like in idaho CB's are prefered, they work better in the deep canyons. If you are fishing west, like at the dalles Vhf is a better choice.

Why not both????

they are fun to play with when the bite is slow.

chynook · 03-03-2004, 07:40 PM

I have used the handheld VHF at St. Helens to communicate with the Coast Guard in Portland while pulling two persons from the water - the handheld worked fine, but I'm sure the Coast Guard has antennas all up and down the river just for that purpose. Go with the VHF, and when you buy one, make sure it has the capability to use alkaline along with the ni-cad. My ICOM IC-M3a does this and was only $149.00 . I use it on my sled and have a Standard Horizon Eclipse Plus in my Blue Water. If you're interested, I have a spare unit in my garage - I think it works - yours for the asking.

TonTo · 03-03-2004, 08:51 PM

Well for general BSing a CB should be prefered the range may not be as good,but there are restrictions on what a VHF should be used for...The Coast Guard does not respond to CB so for emergency situations a VHF is a must but general conversations are not allowed, you are only supose to discuss subjects pertaining to your business on the water,fortunately fishing does fall under this category,but many things descussed on the water do not.And it is illeagal to brodcast from a VHF station on dry land,unless you are licensed to and then only if it pertains to business on the water such as monitering a VHF channel and directing marine trafic or reporting emergencies.And when the VHF is turned on you are required to moniter ch16 unless you are conducting business on another station.So my sugestion would be both,VHF on ch16 and a CB if you want to BS with your buddies...CB does have an advantage though on inland waters since you are more apt to reach a truck or home base unit in an emergency situation.

5.0Fishmaster · 03-04-2004, 07:34 AM

Thanks for all the GREAT info . Sounds like i will go with the VHF, listening to the bardge trafic would be a bonus!! I take my old man out all the time in the Big Willy and he is always on the lookout for the big Sneakers ( Bardges ). I take it with the Vhf you cannot BS with others !??

mtpar · 03-04-2004, 07:40 AM

5.0 -

I have a VHF in my ride and its great, however their are times when I wish I had both.

If I were to pick, the first would be VHF

Coasties, Tow boat, weather, mayday?

Any salt VHF only way to go. They monitor channel 16 constantly

mtpar

Stryker · 03-04-2004, 08:41 AM

What's a "CB" ???

KalamaSpark · 03-04-2004, 12:27 PM

vhf you never know when you realy need to talk, help or calling the ship coming at ya'. Tips Up !