This is a good thread. I was all set to buy the Elite 7 but decided to hold off for this yearand I am glad that I did. Most likely I wont be shelling out $1000 for a Furuno. If I fished exclusively on Lake O I would, but the 3-4 times I get there I dont think I will swing it. I might look at the Humminbird lineup.
From what Iexperienced last weekend and the posts of those who where there at the same time as I temp isnt as necessary to focus on. I was fisining in deep water like 350+ and down 150-175'. those who fished in 100-15' of water down 100 did better than I
LAst weekend out of Mex Point everyone seemed to be cordial. One comment came over chl 68 where some guy was yelling at another guy cause he felt as though he was gonna cross his copper. Might have been the same guy that you speak of. It was my first time out last weekend and although I was "in the pack" at times, I never felt as though I was a bother to anyone. I would simply adjust. I did however get cut across pretty abruptly by a boat. I hailed him on the VHF and simply asked if he was running copper in which he said no and thanked me for asking.
We fished primarily over 350-450 FOW..I had my DR down between 95 and 175 feet. I ahve 200' cable on the riggers. I honestly think I was fishing too deep!