4beader;
I have a Smartcast and one advantage is using it from shore or a stationary position. You can map a lot of lake bottom without paddling all over. I use it on a medium/heavy spinning rod and can realy reach out there.
If you were to add a line footage counter to the reel you could do a very accurate job of mapping the bottom.

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Don't forget the Michigan Fish-In August 14th to the 20th. The Holy Water's of the Au Sable await you!!

Cactus