You will never see the numbers like you did in the ESLO days. For one, ESLO began as only 4 days, so those days were really busy.. Also, the gear needed was really basic. Todays gear has priced a lot of guys out of this type of fishing. Dick Schleyer the OG of ESLO promoted the heck out of it where LOC dont do a darn thing.
That being said, I saw more boats off Rochester this year than for quite a while.
Dont really see anything out of the ordinary. Obviously a bit old tech but easy to update.
One odd thing Ive noticed.. low amperage fuses say 1-2 amp blade type seem to blow easier than the glass tubes.
You are better off with a new post. Your comment was on the 2nd page after a lot of fluff. You're counting on someone reading all the comments before seeing yours.
Be sure to run your braids out high and wide and wire deep. Deepest closest to the boat. I run all my divers with at least 10ft difference in depth, just in case they do cross. Current plays a big role.
Its not as high as its been years past, regardless of the reason. I didnt fish any less then or any place different, and still trailered to the Islands for camping twice a year.
I bought mine new but old stock. Not thrilled with the auto stop but I prefer their small profile over Cannon and Scotty, and their slow speed as I fish alone a lot. But If I had issues like yours, I would look elsewhere.