An electric trolling motor is a common feature of many freshwater fishing boats, and may also be found on boats used to fish in shallow saltwater. If you are renting a fishing boat, knowing how to use the trolling motor will greatly enhance your day on the water. If you are not familiar with using the electric motor, ask the owner or captain for a quick walk-through on its controls. It’s especially important to know how to deploy the motor from its stored position, and then to retrieve and stow the motor securely on the deck. Show
Let’s dig into the basics on using a trolling motor… Explore All Available Fishing Boat Rentals Near You What is a Trolling Motor?While these compact electric motors are commonly called a trolling motor, they can be better described as positioning motors. The primary function of the motor is to position the boat for advantageous angling with more precision than could be accomplished with the main, internal combustion outboard motor, or in water too shallow for the main motor. Of course, the electric motor is also much quieter than the main outboard, and so less likely to spook the fish. Many anglers use a trolling motor to maneuver in tight spaces where fish may lurk, such as around docks on a shoreline or into gaps in brush or rushes. The trolling motor can also be used to maneuver the boat along underwater structure holding fish, such as a drop-off, a weed line or a clump of submerged brush that can be viewed on a fish locator.
Types of Trolling Motors: Transom vs. Bow MountFor years, the trolling motor market was dominated by two brands—Minn Kota and MotorGuide. Recently two new players—Lowrance and Garmin—have entered the market with new technology tied to the electronics these companies are known for. When it comes to different styles of trolling motors, one option is usually mounted on the bow of the boat where it can be controlled by an angler fishing from the forward casting deck. If the boat is underway, the motor is stowed on its bracket on the deck. Once it’s time to fish, the angler uses a handle or cord to lower the motor into the water. A different style of electric motor is designed to be mounted on the boat’s transom. It may be used as primary propulsion on a very small boat, canoe or kayak, or as an auxiliary positioning/trolling motor placed alongside the primary gasoline-fueled outboard. Some multi-species (walleye) fishing boats are being rigged with a smooth, quiet transom-mount electric motor for trolling in place of a gas-powered “kicker” outboard. Some trolling motors are designed specifically for use in saltwater. They resist corrosion and are available with a very long shaft so they can be mounted on the higher bow of a saltwater fishing boat. A freshwater trolling motor should never be used in saltwater.
What Size Trolling Motor Do I Need?Electric motors are rated by “pounds of thrust,” which is simply a static measurement of pushing or pulling power. Current electric motors range in power rating from about 30 pounds of thrust to more than 100 pounds. So, how much trolling power, or thrust, do you need? Thrust requirements are determined by the size and weight of your boat.
The motor’s thrust rating also determines the battery power required to operate the motor. Deep-cycle 12-volt marine batteries power the electric motor, and the power rating thus is in 12-volt increments. The least-powerful motors require a single 12-volt battery, while the most-powerful 36-volt motors require three 12-volt batteries. More batteries of course add significant weight to the boat and also take up space. Most new boats are designed with battery storage to accommodate the trolling motor that will typically be installed in the boat. If you are adding a trolling motor to your boat, or considering an upgrade in power, make sure there is room in the boat for the required batteries.
How to Operate & Use a Trolling MotorThere are three types of trolling motor steering control: The most-basic transom-mount motors may have a steering tiller that is simply turned left or right by hand to steer the motor. Bow-mount motors have traditionally been steered by a two cables connecting a foot pedal to the motor.
Cable steering is reliable, affordable and instantly responsive, but it ties the angler to the pedal position. Electronic “fly by wire” steering solves this issue.
Electric steering affords the opportunity for more electronic features.
All these bells and whistles add cost, and the most feature-laden new trolling motors now top $3,000, batteries not included. These features mostly benefit the most-serious anglers. The primary consideration when shopping for a trolling motor is making sure you buy enough thrust to control your boat in any likely situation. Ready to Fish? Book a Fishing Boat Charter Now How do I know what size trolling motor to get?Boat weight is the most important consideration to take into account when choosing a trolling motor. A beginning rule of thumb is that you want a minimum of 2 lbs of thrust for every 100lbs. For example, if you have a 3000lb boat, fully loaded, then the calculation is (3000/100) * 2 = 60lbs of thrust.
How do you size an electric trolling motor?General rule of thumb: you need at least 2 lbs. of thrust for every 100 lbs. of fully-loaded boat weight (people and gear included). If things like wind or current are major factors where you fish, you'll want a little extra thrust.
What size trolling motor do I need for a 21 foot boat?If your boat is in the 18′ – 20′ range, you can begin thinking about a 36-volt system with more power. However, a 24v trolling motor will still have enough power to handle just about any situation. The ideal trolling motor for this size of a bass boat is a 24-volt 52″- 60″ shaft with 80lbs of thrust.
How big of a trolling motor do I need for a 14ft jon boat?This trolling motor model gives you plenty of options so you can choose which best suits your needs, and with a 14′ Jon boat, that often means you need more thrust. 82lbs of thrust is more than enough to efficiently move your boat against the wind and current in any conditions that are safe to be in with a small boat.
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