Fishing for a Reason
Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you.
From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.
Fishing for a Reason
55: Should You Switch to Lithium Batteries on Your Boat? Here's What You Need to Know
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If you've been thinking about swapping out your old lead acid batteries for lithium — but you're not sure if it's worth the money or if they're even safe — this episode is for you. Scott walks through his real-world experience after two years running lithium phosphate batteries on his boat, covering the pros, the cons, the gear you'll need, and the mistakes to avoid.
In This Episode:
- Why lithium batteries are far safer than the lithium batteries that gave the technology a bad name
- How lithium nearly doubles your usable capacity at half the weight
- The charger, inverter, and DC-to-DC changes you may need to make
- Why some outboard manufacturers (like Yamaha) say not to connect lithium directly — and how to work around it
- How the battery management system app lets you monitor charge state and troubleshoot electrical draws in real time
- Scott's honest two-year review running EPOCH lithium batteries on his boat
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Seattle Boat Show recap
01:30 – Anglers Unlimited Gold community update and PSA scholarship announcement
03:30 – North of Falcon salmon season setting preview
04:15 – Lithium battery safety: Why LiFePO4 is different from old lithium tech
06:00 – Pros: Capacity, weight savings, and consistent 14-volt output
08:30 – Cycle life and warranty
09:30 – Cost comparison: Lithium vs. Lead acid
10:00 – Charger upgrades: Why your old charger won't cut it
11:30 – Inverter compatibility and brand options
12:30 – The outboard question: Direct connection vs. DC-to-DC charger
16:00 – Dual-purpose batteries and cold cranking amps
17:30 – Charging best practices: The 20–80% rule
18:30 – The battery management app and real-world monitoring
20:30 – Scott's two-year honest review and final thoughts
Key Takeaways:
- Lithium phosphate batteries nearly double your usable capacity at roughly half the weight of lead acid.
- They maintain above 14 volts all the way down — no more anxious voltage watching on long anchor days.
- Budget around $400 per battery versus $200 for lead acid, but factor in the 11-year warranty and 3,500+ cycle lifespan.
- Check your outboard manufacturer's stance before connecting lithium directly — a DC-to-DC charger is the safest route for most setups.
- Your old trickle charger won't work — lithium batteries need a compatible charger that can deliver 30+ amps for bulk charging.
- The battery management app is a game changer for monitoring charge state and tracking down mystery electrical draws.
- Keep batteries between 20–80% charge for maximum longevity — and you don't need to leave them plugged in when stored.
Resources & Links:
- Anglers Unlimited Gold Waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold
- PSA Fidalgo Scholarship (Deadline March 15): https://www.psafidalgo.org/scholarships-and-grants/
- WDFW Fishing Regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations
- North of Falcon Process: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falcon
- Brands Mentioned: EPOCH, Dakota Lithium, Victron, Ionic, MasterVolt (inverters)
Want structured courses, expert seminars, fishing maps, and a community that helps you catch more fish? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership at https://anglersunlimited.co/gold