BEST TROLLING MOTORS

Fishing Boat Trolling Motors

Step on the Ultrex foot pedal and feel what Power Steering does to a trolling motor. Then tap the Spot-Lock button to stay on a fishing spot automatically. Only Ultrex combines the most responsive, intuitive steering ever with GPS-powered automatic boat control. The only thing we didn't do to it, is compromise. Select models now available with Built-In MEGA Side and Down Imaging Sonar.

Freshwater vs Saltwater Trolling Motors

Saltwater trolling motors are made with materials that will resist to rust and corrosion. Saltwater contains a lot of ions, which is why it corrodes metal. The electronic components of a saltwater trolling motor are also enclosed in a way that will also help to prevent rust and corrosion. Freshwater is not as corrosive as saltwater, so the components and the motor are not made with these same rust and corrosion prevention techniques and technologies.

Freshwater vs Saltwater Trolling Motor Differences

1. Rust and Corrosion Resistance 2. Electric Components Are Sealed 3. Saltwater Trolling Motors Are More Expensive #1 Rust and Corrosion Resistance Saltwater trolling motors are made differently than freshwater motors because saltwater is very corrosive. Manufacturers use high grade materials like stainless steel that are resistant to rust and corrosion. The motors are also sprayed with paint that prevents rusting and corrosion. #2 Electric Components Are Sealed The electric components of a saltwater trolling motor are sealed to protect against rust and corrosion. In saltwater motors, the sacrificial anode is covered and coated with a coating to prevents rust and corrosion. If this wasn’t done, the performance of the motor would reduce drastically over time. #3 Saltwater Trolling Motors Are More Expensive Saltwater trolling motors are more expensive than freshwater trolling motors due to the extra protective measures, and materials used to build these motors. The good news is that if you have a saltwater trolling motor, it can be used in freshwater, but the opposite is not as true. It is not recommended to use a freshwater trolling motor in saltwater. It’s just too expensive of an investment to ruin it by using it in saltwater. If you think you may go into saltwater, upgrade and spend a little extra now, rather than having to replace it early in the future.

Do You Need a Trolling Motor?

Electric trolling motors are a must have for any boat fisherman that want’s to troll their lures behind their boat. They can also be used for casting plugs for bass, or most any type of fishing where the boat needs to move at a slower rate of speed. A trolling motor allows you to move the boat at a slower speed than the main motor. A trolling motor will definitely help you put more fish in the boat. There are some things, though, to decide on what you need when you are looking for a new trolling motor.

Trolling Motor Thrust

Electric trolling motors are rated for their “pounds of thrust” when they describe their power ratings. When you are thinking of how much pound thrust is needed to move your boat, some things to think about are how heavy is your boat, and your fishing gear, and total weight of the typical passenger load. Another thing to consider is whether you fish in adverse conditions, such as high winds or rough water. As well as the length of your boat. The best rule of thumb is to not skimp out on buying the right trolling motor. I recommend that you buy the biggest trolling motor that you can afford, within reason. If you buy too small of a trolling motor you will be disappointed in the results, you won’t be able to fight the currents, and you won’t be able to control your boat properly, which can lead to bad situations. If you buy too small of a trolling motor, you will realize that in the future you will have to upgrade it when you can set aside the extra cost for another one.

Trolling Motor Voltages

The voltage to power up your trolling motor can range from 12 volts, 24 volts, and 36 volts. Basically a 12 volt trolling motor runs off of one batter, a 24 volt trolling motor runs off of two batteries, and a 36 volt trolling motor runs off of three batteries. The 12 volt battery is the easiest to maintain, but it does lack the staying power that the 24 volt or 36 volt does provide. The 24 volt or 36 volt system will allow the angler to fish longer periods out on the water, as they draw lower amps while providing increased thrust for more power. One rule of thumb to take into consideration is that if your boat is 16 feet long or less, a high thrust 12 volt models would be perfect. If your boat length is over 16 feet, consider purchasing a 12/24 volt or 24 volt system. Any boat over 18 feet will need a high thrust 24 volt or 36 volt trolling motor. I recommend that you buy the best battery that is in your price range, and make sure that it is a deep cycle battery for maximum power and longevity, so it will be dependable for use with your trolling motor.

Trolling Motor Bow or Transom Mount

There are two different kinds of trolling motors on the marke, one that clamps onto the front of the boat, and another that clamps onto the back of the boat. A bow mounted motor provides easier maneuverability and much better control compared to the transom mount. I recommend the bow mount, as those have worked the best for me for most fishing styles, but for straight trolling the transom mount works great. It’s really a preference of your style of fishing.

Trolling Motor Hand Or Foot Control

Choosing between a trolling motor with a hand or a foot control, is another tough choice to make, based on personal preference. Both styles have their have their pros and cons. A bow mount with foot control gives you a completely hands free fishing experience that lets you use your hands for fishing. That is a huge plus, but some like the hand control which could be a more affordable alternative, or a preference of using your hands.

Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling Motor

The Minn Kota Ulterra® Trolling Motor features Auto Stow/Deploy and Power Trim. It gives you a choice of i-Pilot® or i-Pilot Link™, and a multi-function foot pedal. You can stow, deploy and trim Ulterra from the foot pedal, or by using the remote. Some top end models are now available with built-in MEGA Side and Down Imaging® Sonar. Key Features Auto Stow & Deploy: Stow & deploy Ulterra by pushing a button on your i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote, foot pedal or Humminbird fish finder. Power Trim: Trim Ulterra up or down at the push of a button on the foot pedal or the remote. i-Pilot Link Integrated GPS Trolling System: i-Pilot Link gives you control by linking your trolling motor to your Humminbird® fish finder. Spot-Lock with Jog: Spot-Lock will hold you in place with the accuracy of GPS, locking you right in place to fish your selected spot. AutoPilot™: Auto navigate your boat by pointing your trolling motor in the direction, activate AutoPilot™, and it will keep you on that heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves and current. Built-In MEGA Down Imaging: Get clear Humminbird® MEGA Down Imaging with a transducer built right into the motor. Heel-Toe Electric Foot Pedal: Stow, deploy and adjust the trim from the foot pedal. You can even activate Spot-Lock with one tap. Integrated Battery Meter: The i-Pilot Link remote can tell you the exact charge left in your trolling batteries. Digital Maximizer™: Provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. Weedless Wedge™ 2 Prop: With swept back flared blades to power through anything without battery draining chopping and hacking.

Lowrance Ghost Freshwater Trolling Motor

Reliable, rugged and built to last, the new ultra-quiet Lowrance® Ghost™ freshwater trolling motor lets anglers fish longer, run faster and move in closer without spooking fish. Ghost has a revolutionary brushless motor with the most thrust and the longest run time of any trolling motor on the market. With integrated Lowrance sonar options, waypoint anchoring and a three-year warranty, Ghost is the new standard for your trolling motor upgrade. Key Features • Reliable with Silent Operation • Fastest Top End Speed • Total Integration with HDS LIVE, HDS Carbon and Elite Ti² • Fly By Wire Steering • Plug and Play Lowrance Sonar • Configurable Foot pedal • Interference Free • TMR-1 Remote • Flexible Installation • 360° Breakaway Mount, and Easy to Stow and Go About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. The Best Fishing Trolling Motor Shopping Experience Awaits!