A successful day of fishing depends on a trolling motor. Modern trolling motors do more than just stealthy maneuver the boat. Some have the features like GPS integration and more.
If you’re hesitated on how to choose a trolling motor, this article is for you. By reading this article, you’ll come to know the basics of choosing the best trolling motor for your boat. Let’s dig into it.
If you’re hesitated on how to choose a trolling motor, this article is for you. By reading this article, you’ll come to know the basics of choosing the best trolling motor for your boat. Let’s dig into it.
How to Choose a Trolling Motor - 8 Things to Consider
- Mounting type
Bow-mount motors: Bow-mounting provides better control and maneuverability. It is equipped with the most advanced features and a wide range of control options.
These motors are mounting to the front of the boat with a bolt-on bracket.
Transom-mount motors: it mounts to the back of the boat with a clamp-on bracket. It features hand control and ideal for dinghies, canoes, and smaller boats.
It is great for standard trolling and normal positioning.
Engine mount motors: No deploying is required for this type of mounting. Mount to the cavitations plate of your inboard/outboard to keep the deck clear of your boat. - Thrust Probably the most important thing when you’re looking for a trolling motor is how much thrust will your boat need. Thrust is the Ibs standard to measure how powerful a motor is. It is measured in pounds.
The larger your boat, the more thrust you need to be satisfied on the water.
We recommend you to avoid purchasing a trolling motor with too little thrust.
Board specific thrust charts: - Fishing conditions Fishing condition also plays a huge important role to take the right decision. In the case of fishing in the smooth lake water with no current, you might be able to stick to the listed minimum thrust without any problem.
O the other hand, if you like to spend huge time in fast moving water with significant currents or waves, move up one or two level in thrust for ensuring ample power in all conditions.
If you want to fish for multiple days without recharging, consider stepping up with a higher voltage motor that provides higher thrust. It provides you significant more run time. - Boat weight and size Boat weight and size is another important consideration when choosing a trolling motor. A general rule of thumb is you need a 2Ibs of thrust for every 100Ibs.
Do not forget to calculate the total weight including the maximum number of passengers, fuel, and fully loaded with gear.
If you don’t sure about the weight of your boat, follow the NADA boat directory. - Shaft length It’s important to choose the proper shaft length because if it too short, the prop may not be submerged sufficiently.
Our recommendation for you to submerge the motor’s center section at least 12 inches - Power consumption and battery “What type of battery to buy” is one of the most confusing aspects to select a trolling motor. There are two types of battery- AGM batteries and deep cycle marine batteries.
Deep cycle marine batteries are designed for re-charging associated with trolling motor. This can be your budget friendly battery. These types of batteries last at most 3 years.
You can purchase these standard lead-acid wet cell batteries for less than $100.
The second choice is the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery. These are made using a glass plate and a gel like substance. AGM batteries last longer than the other one.
Because of the adequate performance and long lasting durability, your budget may be little tight. - Motor style Electric steer motors: For being intuitive and innovative, these models offer you more control options and positioning technologies like i-pilot and i-pilot link. These motors ensure you less time messing with your boat and more time fishing.
Cable steer motors: As cable steer motors are rugged and responsive, these motors require direct link between the motor and the foot pedal.
It provides extra protection from things like stumps to the bass fishermen who used to excel in shallow water.
Hand control motors: are equipped with a tiller handle for responsive control. This type of motors combines industry-leading Minn Kota technology with the traditional steering to give you greater control and precise maneuverability. - Technology and additional features What technologies matter to your decision?
i-PILOT: command speed and steering, record and retrace paths, and use GPS to lock on to fishing spots- all from a wireless remote & an LCD screen.
i-Pilot link: provides all the features of i-PILOT and the ability to connect Minn Kota trolling motor to your hummingbird fish finder that will give you a fully-integrated fishing experience.
Universal sonar 2: provides interface free sonar performance and helps you to get streamlined.
Autopilot allows you to stay on any heading you want. It helps your boat to stay on course when the motor automatically corrects waves, current, and wind.
Hope this will help you choosing a trolling motor. If you’re still confused about it, you can take help by visiting the site kayakfisherly.com.
Also feel free to consult with the experienced fishermen for choosing the right one. Best of luck.
Also feel free to consult with the experienced fishermen for choosing the right one. Best of luck.

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