VHF antenna - Need advice

[JoseGaspar]

Well, I snapped my VHF antenna on my way to my grouper hole last week.  I am not an electronics expert and don't understand ohms and gain, etc.  I regularly fish 25 miles out into the gulf and was wondering if anyone had any advice on a VHF antenna that would work from that distance?

Thanks,
JG

[Blue Agave]

Don't skimp($) on the antenna. A good quality antenna is worth splurging on, it could save your life.  Also, the higher up you can get the antenna the better.

[seabob4]

Jose,
An 8' Shakespeare Galaxy is the norm, mounted on the T/Top or hardtop.  And always carry a handheld, should your electrical system fail.  You can hail a nearby boat, at least...

[pete]

Jose,
Find your cheapest internet price on the antenna you want,print it out take it to west marine,I got a 4 ft galaxy $128 at west for $66,they will match internet prices.

[John Jones]

good advice here.
Shakespeare Galaxy or Digital brand.  (not a "digital" antenna, it's the company name).

http://www.digitalantenna.com/prods/vhfantenna_8.html

[DOCREED]

The shakespear 5225XT is my favorite.  it always gets great reviews when tested   I can have
any antenna i want and i have 5225's

[JoseGaspar]

Thanks everyone.  As always.....much appreciated.

JG

[Blue Agave]

JG,

How's the grouper fishing been? Reports are appreciated! Looking forward to sept. 16th so I can spear some gags.

[JoseGaspar]

JG,

How's the grouper fishing been? Reports are appreciated! Looking forward to sept. 16th so I can spear some gags.

Been good.  Limited out on Reds August 14th and 21st.  First line wet around 9:00am after the run out and me and six others hit our limit just before noon on the 14th and around 1:30 on the 21st.  Couldn't fist last Sunday, and it doesn't look too good weather-wise for this Sunday  :cry:

[Blue Agave]

JG,

How's the grouper fishing been? Reports are appreciated! Looking forward to sept. 16th so I can spear some gags.

Been good.  Limited out on Reds August 14th and 21st.  First line wet around 9:00am after the run out and me and six others hit our limit just before noon on the 14th and around 1:30 on the 21st.  Couldn't fist last Sunday, and it doesn't look too good weather-wise for this Sunday  :cry:

How deep?  And are you heading out of Tarpon?

[JoseGaspar]

Went with the 5225XT on DOCREED's recommendation.  It arrived today so will have it on this weekend.

Thanks
JG

[Blue Agave]

Just in time to get some Gags.....I'll be out off of Tarpon this weekend in 70 foot with speargun and stringer in hand.

[JoseGaspar]

Just in time to get some Gags.....I'll be out off of Tarpon this weekend in 70 foot with speargun and stringer in hand.

How did you do on the Gags?

[Blue Agave]

Gags galore!  In 70-65 foot off of Tarpon.

[JoseGaspar]

Gags galore!  In 70-65 foot off of Tarpon.

Limited out again today by 11:30am on the reds.  Finally got my first gag of the year...god those gags are beautiful fish.  Had a shorty hit a spoon on a #3 planer while trolling for kings as well.