First thanks for all the responses. I have read several publications on electrofishing. However lots of physics and not as much pratical experience like Dave as mentioned.
Dave, I do not have a conductiivty meter. I agree it would be good to know but I almost always predict what it would be by looking at clarity and alkalinity (maybe I will get one to have an out). I know if low I have to crank up the volts, dute and rate cycle. Yes you were right on with what I got in Asheville. ABout 580 volts with 1.8 amps with dute set on 85% and rate 100%.
I will try to get a picture on here. I have always in the past worked with two rings. However this time I went with a bar setup with droppers. It did not work well. I increased link of cable to 4 feet (effectively 3.2 feet in water) and now have larger diameter cable and 11 droppers instead of 6. This definently made a diff. It has worked great in higher conducvity water. I use the boat as ground but since it is so big 18.5 feet and 6 feet wide. This means the amount of the anode needs to be large as well. It is a control box made by Univ. of Wisc. With a 8500 watt genetrator.
SO yes I think ading more surface area is what I ned to do. However I plan to rewire and now have power to both booms and two rings. So Dave I guess no harm in having longer droppers than rings in the past except exess weight. I will try to get a pic on here of the system to see if I can get more free advice.
Ewest actually alkalinty less than 4 is quite common around here.
