Best Trolling Motors – Types and How To Choose Best One

Best Trolling Motors/A trolling motor is a self-contained unit that includes an electric motor, propeller, and controls, and is affixed to an angler’s boat, either at the bow or stern. A gasoline-powered outboard used in trolling, if it is not the vessel’s primary source of propulsion, may also be referred to as a trolling motor. Trolling motors are often lifted from the water to reduce drag when the boat’s primary engine is in operation.

As any experienced angler will tell you, silence is vital when it comes to angling or fishing and more reason you should invest in the best trolling motor. The truth is that a loud motor, sputtering engine, or too much vibration will scare off the fish. You will spend lots of time and effort, yet you get nothing.

The element of surprise helps in making a big catch and this is why experienced fishermen or anglers rely on a quiet approach. No noise, no vibrations, no exhaust fumes, and no gas smells. To achieve this they turn to quiet, smooth, and easy to maneuver electric trolling motors.


List Of The Best Trolling Motors

Goplus New Transom Mounted Trolling Motor

Any serious angler or fisherman will appreciate this best trolling motor. The transform mounted unit is elementary to install and also very light and compact. It takes a few minutes and doesn’t need advanced skills. It comes in a proper height for the best reach and a user-friendly handle. Although it doesn’t produce too much noise, the thrust from the motor is very reliable. And thanks to the 5 forward and 3 reverse gears, maneuvering the boat even in tight or confined spaces is easy. The excellent quality is suited for the wet conditions and chances of rusting or corroding are minimal.

Reasons To Buy This

  • The maximum thrust of 86lbs for quick takeoff
  • Shaft length of 36 inches for a better reach and convenience
  • The lightweight of 22 lbs for easy carrying and reduced stress on the vessel
  • 6-inch telescoping adjustable handle for better control
  • 10 points LED light for indicating the remaining battery charge

Newport Vessels NV-Series Electric Trolling Motor

With this trolling motor, angling or fishing will be more enjoyable and productive. The lightweight motor can easily be mounted on different types of vessels within minutes. The engine, although small, feels pretty durable and can be used in lakes, slow-flowing rivers, large dams and other places. It’s mainly made from stainless steel and will resist rust fading, and corrosion. This makes it the right choice for both freshwater and saltwater. The small unit has incredible thrust thanks to the strong motor and powerful blades.

Newport Vessels NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft
  • 36lb thrust - the easy to operate, quiet and cool 36lb nv series allows you to fish all day long without overheating, or scaring away fish.
  • 30-inch composite fiberglass shaft - high-strength, fully adjustable shaft allows for proper depth placement in all water conditions.
  • 8 speeds and 6-inch telescoping handle (5 forward, 3 reverse) - ergonomic extendable handle, 5 forward speeds, and 3 reverse speeds puts total control at your fingertips for a smooth and controlled ride.
  • 5-point led battery meter - super bright battery indicator provides immediate charge level. note: the nv 36lb motor requires one (1) 12v lead-acid deep cycle or marine battery (battery not included).
  • Saltwater compatible hardware - stainless steel, zinc, and magnesium hardware ensures the motor is ready for fresh or saltwater.
  • 2 year warranty - we stand behind every product we make with industry leading customer service and a 2 year warranty.
  • Included components: Owner s Manual

Reasons To Buy This

  • 36 pounds of thrust for good performance
  • Stainless steel construction for strength and resisting rust and corrosion
  • 30-inch shaft for improved performance
  • Composite fiberglass for high-strength
  • Heavy-duty nylon mounts for a secure fit
  • 5 forward and 3 reverse gears for easy control
  • 6-inch telescoping handle for good maneuvering

Minn Kota C2 Endura 55 Trolling Motor

Smooth operation, efficiency, and reliability are what the C2 Endura 55 is all about. The silent motor allows you to approach the fish without stirring the waters or creating lots of noise. The fan blades seamlessly push the vessel in water without causing any ripples, whereas the easy-to-reach telescopic handle gives you maximum control. Like other best trolling motors on the market, this accessory is mainly constructed from rust/corrosion-resistant stainless steel. In addition to its sturdiness and easy maintenance, the motor will last for an extended period and doesn’t require regular maintenance.

Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (42' Shaft)
160 Reviews
Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (42" Shaft)
  • Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
  • Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller.
  • 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
  • Power Prop: For 3-1/4" motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
  • Indestructible Composite Shaft — Guaranteed for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructable composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.

Reasons To Buy This

  • Ergonomic handle for best grip and maximum comfort
  • Unique bearing system for smooth operation
  • High-quality motor for high torque and low RPMs
  • Patented Weedless Wedge prop for cutting through weeds and other debris without draining the battery
  • Swept-back flared blades for insistent performance

Minn Kota Endura C2 Endura C2 55 Trolling Motor

Thanks to its quiet nature, you will be able to catch more fish in minimal time. This electric motor is suited for different boats and water bodies, including lakes and rivers. The accessory easily fits on most boats and stays firm throughout the operation. Its slender profile minimizes drag while the ergonomic handles provide an excellent firm grip and maximum comfort. The motor isn’t a power hog, and the battery will last for a reasonable period before it gets drained. And to prevent you from having to use the oars due to a dead battery, the motor features a LED light weaker indicator.

Minn Kota Endura C2 Endura C2 55 Trolling Motor
79 Reviews

Reasons To Buy This

  • Ergonomic, 6-inch telescoping handles for maximum comfort and easy steering
  • Lever lock bracket for a rock-solid mount
  • Special composite materials for resisting warping, flexing, and UV damage
  • Simple design for quick and easy mounting and dismounting
  • 51 x 18 x 8-inch dimension for space-saving
  • The lightweight of 30.6 pounds for minimal structural stress
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Newport Vessels NV-Series Transom Mounted Motor, Saltwater

The NV-Series from Newport Vessels has some of the best trolling motors in the market. This unit, for instance, is regarded as among the most silent. It’s also one of the most ergonomically-designed, and simplest to mount. It produces a decent thrust that is suitable for small to midsize boats. The transom-mounted accessory has a solid shaft that has good depth and an easy-to-control handle. The motor maintains its silence even when moving fast and the innovatively-designed blades ensure there are minimal ripples.

Newport Vessels NV-Series 46lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator & 30' Shaft
4,666 Reviews
Newport Vessels NV-Series 46lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft
  • Efficient power: 46lb Thrust - this 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish.
  • Features: This motor features a 30 inch shaft, a 5 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, and 3 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed.
  • Speed: 8 speed motor, 5 forward & 3 reverse. Motor is designed for trolling, with a top speed of 3.5mph, exact top speed depends on boat shape, weight, water, wind, & other factors. 3 blade prop provides great low end torque to get the boat moving.
  • Battery: 46lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (not included), 50ah recommended. Motor also includes a 40amp circuit breaker, recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 40A

Reasons To Buy This

  • 46lb Thrust for good thrust
  • The ultra-quiet motor for a quiet environment
  • Cool-running motor for extended operation without overheating
  • Composite fiberglass shaft for high-strength
  • Fully adjustable shaft for the best depth placement
  • 6 -inch telescoping handle with 5 forward and 3 reverse gears

Minn Kota Endura C2 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor, 30-Inch Shaft

Coming with a 30-inch shaft, the Endura C2 is very easy to use. The compact piece can be fitted on most boats and is recommending for freshwater use. The strong motor is quite “trusty” and will move the vessel with minimal time. And not to scare the fish, the motor is also very silent. It is powered by a 12-volt battery and features an extendable handle for varying the length to suit different. The unit remains cool even after prolonged use.

Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30" Shaft)
  • Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
  • Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller
  • 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse
  • Power Prop: For 3-1/4" motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer

Reasons To Buy This

  • The convenient and practical 30-inch shaft
  • 6-inch telescoping handle for easy twisting and turning
  • Lever lock bracket for the best mounting
  • 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds for easy control

Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom Mount Trolling Motor 12V, 50Lb

This motor will make angling or fishing more successful and enjoyable. Thanks to its powerful motor, it provides right thrust and also keeps the operation very silent. This ensures that you don’t spook the fish. It also produces minimal waves and ripples courtesy of the well-designed blades and good depth. The weather-friendly materials of construction resist rust, corrosion, color fading, and also can withstand the harsh sunshine, wet conditions, extreme cold, and strong winds.

Minn Kota Endura C2 50 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (36" Shaft)
  • 36" Shaft, 12v, 50 lbs Thrust
  • Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
  • Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller
  • 8 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse
  • Power Prop: For 3-1/4" motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer

Reasons To Buy This

  • 50lb pound for easy movement on the water
  • Adjustable handle for improved control
  • Ergonomic design for maximum comfort and solid grip
  • 51 x 18 x 8-inch dimension for space-saving
  • 30.4-pound weight for easy carrying and mounting

Minn Kota Endura C2 40 Transom Mounted Motor, Freshwater, 36-Inch Shaft

With this one of the best trolling motors, your chances of angling the most significant catch will be high. Thanks to the strong and silent motor, you’ll be able to track the fish which scaring them off. It’s made from a sturdy material that can tolerate the wet conditions, harsh sunshine, strong winds, and extreme cold. The motor provides smooth operation for minimal vibration, whereas the ergonomic handle provides maximum support and comfort. It can run for a long time without draining the battery and also keeps cool to prevent overheating the motor.

Amazon Best Seller
Minn Kota Endura C2 40 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (36" Shaft)
  • 36" Shaft, 12v, 40 lbs Thrust
  • Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
  • Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller
  • 6 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse
  • Power Prop: For 3-1/4" motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer

Reasons To Buy This

  • 40 pounds of thrust for easy movement
  • 36-inch shaft for the right reach and depth
  • 6-inch telescoping handle for improved control
  • Lever lock bracket for a firm mount
  • Cool quiet power for a silent surrounding and longer battery life
  • Composite shaft backed for strength and long life

Newport Vessels 8 Speed Trolling Motor, 55 Lbs

Your angling or fishing expedition will be a success when using this motor for trolling. This best trolling motor is mounted on the transform and only occupies minimal space. The lightweight and compact piece is straightforward to install and provides good depth in water. It features a user-friendly handle for the best control and comfort and can be adjusted for the best maneuverability. Despite being very silent, the motor’s thrust is quite impressive. It’s powerful and torquey and together with the 5 forward and 3 reverse gears, controlling the vessel is easy. To tolerate the outdoors and the elements, it’s made from tough materials that resist rust and corrosion.

Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Motor w/LED Battery Indicator & 30' Shaft
4,666 Reviews
Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Motor w/LED Battery Indicator & 30" Shaft
  • Efficient Power: 55Lb Thrust - This 12V Electric Trolling Motor Provides Excellent Power And Efficiency For Any Boater. The High Quality Build Allows The Motor To Run All Day Long Without Overheating, Or Making Noise To Spook Fish
  • Features: This Motor Features A 30 Inch Shaft, A 5 Led Battery Meter, A 6 Inch Telescoping Tiller Handle, And 3 Blade Propeller. The Mount Angle, Height, And Direction Can All Be Adjusted And Locked Into Place When Needed
  • Speed: This Motor Has 8 Speeds, 5 Forward And 3 Reverse. The Motor Is Designed For Trolling, So The Top Speed Of This Motor Is About 4Mph, But Depends On Your Boat Shape, Weight, Water, Wind, And Other Factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller Gives The Motor Great Low End Torque To Get The Boat Moving
  • Battery: The Nv 55Lb Motor Requires One (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle Or Lithium Deep Cycle Battery (Battery Not Included), 50Ah Recommended. The Motor Also Includes A 50Amp Circuit Breaker Which Is Recommended At All Times To Protect From Battery Voltage Surges. Max Amp Draw: 52A

Reasons To Buy This

  • 55lb Thrust for decent performance
  • Stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc construction to suit fresh and saltwater
  • The ultra-quiet operation for preventing spooking the fish
  • 30-inch Composite Fiberglass shaft for maximum strength
  • Fully changeable shaft for the best depth placement
  • 5-Point LED meter for displaying the available battery charge
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Types of Trolling Motors

There are different types of trolling motors on the market. Knowing each of them will make the decision process a bit easier for you.

Saltwater or Freshwater Motor?

  • Generally speaking, there are two types of trolling motor; saltwater trolling motor and freshwater trolling motor. Freshwater motors are exclusively for use in lakes or small ponds. If you employ them in seas, it can void the manufacturer’s guarantee and cause some severe damage to the motor.
  • In contrast to freshwater trolling motors, saltwater motors can be operated on both types of water. Saltwater motor parts are usually salt and corrosion-resistant and thus can adjust to any kind of water.

Bow Vs Transom Mount

  • In terms of mount options, you can divide the motors into two sections; bow mount and transom mount. As the name states, the bow mount motors are installed on the bow, whereas the transom mount motors are set up on the stern.
  • So, which one should you go for? The answer mainly depends on your boat size. If it’s a small fishing boat or a kayak, then the transom mount motors should be your go-to choice. However, if the boat is rather large, then a bow mount motor will be required.

Top-Rated Trolling Motor Brands on the Market

Being informed about reputed brands will help you evaluate the products more accurately. For this reason, below I am going to discuss the top-rated trolling motor brands at length.

Minn Kota

Quality. Trustworthy. Affordable.

  • If I were to describe Minn Kota in three words, these are the exact words I would use. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if I said that Minn Kota is by far the most popular brand in this industry. As the founder of the company O.G. Schmidt invented the first and one of the best electric trolling motors, they have certain responsibilities towards their products.
  • I must say that they have fulfilled their responsibility very well and exceeded expectations with each of their latest products. You can see that a majority of the products on my recommended list comes from this company, which shows the level of appreciation I have for Minn Kota. As to their products, they are well-built, versatile, and operate without creating any loud noise.

But their motors are best-known for incredible battery efficiency as they often employ Digital Maximize technology to conserve power.

Newport Vessels

  • If you are into trolling for a while, then you are bound to hear about the Newport Vessels. They have earned a stellar reputation in a very short period. Their products are extremely versatile and can be operated on both saltwater and freshwater. Also, they tend to be very fast and easily maneuverable. Note that NV electric motors are well-suited to kayaks than the large vessels.

Intex

  • They mainly produce trolling motors for inflatable boats of their brand. Thus, unless you are in possession of an Intex inflatable kayak, there’s no need for you to get one. Intex electric motors are incredibly effective in cutting through weed as they include a weed button to clear things up. It’s also nice that these motors are saltwater compatible. Also, they have an exceedingly long battery life with the capability of running all day long without killing the battery.

Cloud Mountain

  • Regarding performance, it’s hard to beat cloud mountain electric motors. No matter if it’s saltwater or freshwater, their products always work like a dream. To accommodate different boat-size, they offer a variety of options for thrust. You can get the appropriate thrust according to the requirements of the vessel.
  • These motors are remarkably powerful and can sail through the water even against mild currents using less than 50 pounds of thrust.

Haswing USA

  • The motors that come out of their company are usually geared towards ease-of-use. If needed, they don’t shy away from going against the grain to make the experience a bit more pleasant or you. To give you greater control over your boat, their electric motors include foot control and wireless remote control for direction and speed management.
  • Also, these motors come with protection against salt and erosion. People often complain about the high price of their products. However, they justify the hefty price tags with superior performance and a plethora of useful features.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Purchasing Trolling Motors

If you aren’t familiar with trolling motors, you are bound to make some mistakes. However, some mistakes can be very costly and render the motor worthless. Here, we will talk about the most common mistakes you must avoid. and i am sure if you read all the points then you can easily choose the best trolling motor for your boat.

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Not Enough Thrust

  • Suppose, you buy a motor with hundreds of bucks and later find out that it lacks sufficient power even to get your boat moving.
  • Wouldn’t it be terrible? Yes, you can return the product and get a refund, but why go through all these troubles? For this reason, you need to check if the motor is capable of powering your boat before you make the purchase.

Wrong Shaft Size

  • Getting the shaft size right is vital. A misjudgment in shaft size can make life difficult for you out on the water.If you have a kayak or a small fishing boat, then 24″-36″ should suffice. Anything longer than that could cause problems in shallow water.
  • However, if you have a large boat and intend to mount the motor on the bow, then you will need a shaft that’s about 40″-52″ in length.

Going For a Cheap Motor

  • Saving a few bucks is great. But if it means compromising quality, then it’s a big no. Unlike cheap boat motors, quality one’s last years and eventually prove a lucrative deal over time. The bottom line is: Always choose quality over price.

Benefits of Using Trolling Motors for Fishing Kayak & Small Boat

There are numerous advantages of using a trolling motor for pontoon boats or fishing kayaks. Below we will talk about some of them.

Operates Quietly

  • While fishing with a kayak, there’s one thing that you certainly don’t want to do; announce your arrival to the fish. That’s why you want the motor to work as quietly as possible while you are inching towards your destination.
  • But it’s not possible with a regular motor as they make a lot of noise. For this reason, you need to get yourself a trolling motor which pushes the boat in silence and lets you take the fish by surprise.

Rechargeable Batteries

  • Since electric trolling motors are powered by rechargeable batteries, there’s no need to buy gasoline or any other fuel. That means plenty of bucks saved.

Easy To Use

  • Even if you are a beginner, you will have no problem operating or installing a trolling motor. Moreover, to make things easier for you, manufacturers usually include a user manual showing how to use a motor properly.

No Stink

  • Not only gasoline-powered motors are inefficient, but they also have a terrible stench. By using an electric boat motor, you can avoid the stink of a gas motor.

Easy Maintenance

  • Trolling motor maintenance is incredibly easy and doesn’t take up much time.

Trolling Motor Take Care and Maintain Tips

No matter how expensive or great the motor is, it needs to be cared for. Below, I will show you how to maintain a trolling motor properly.

Recharge the Battery Prior To Use

  • If you use a battery before they are fully recharged, it can have adverse effects on the battery life. To preserve the efficiency of the battery, make sure the battery is 100% full before firing it up.

Check If It Sounds Right

  • Cranking sound while starting the motor is a red signal. It means everything isn’t alright and the motor is in need of servicing.

Clean the Motor Regularly

  • Keeping the motor dirt-free and clean can go a long way in prolonging the life period of the engine. For this reason, you need to wipe down the entire unit with an anti-abrasive material after every use.

Keep an Eye on the Propeller

  • Look out for signs of damage on the prop. Chipped or bent propellers can significantly hamper the performance of the motor.

Essential Features of a Trolling Motor

Trolling motors have some features that are essential for its functioning. Let’s get to know them.

The Ability to Conserve Energy

  • An electric motor that drains the battery rapidly can be a true annoyance. It sucks the joy out of cruising as you are always worried about the battery condition.
  • Hence, you should get a motor that’s battery efficient and allows you to cruise without frequent glances to the battery gauge. The Digital Maximizer technology of Minn Kota can be useful in this case as it’s already proven its ability to lengthen the battery life.

Build Quality

  • When you spend hundreds of bucks on a device, you expect it to last. But it can’t if it isn’t constructed well. To get years of faithful service out of your device, you gotta make sure that the unit’s durable.

Warranty

  • Every single electric motor comes with a warranty. However, the duration of the warranty may vary from device to device. Get something that has at least one year of warranty. That way if something goes wrong or a part gets broken you can get it fixed free of charge.

In-Built Wares

  • In-built wares allow freedom over battery placement and make installation easier. That said, the included wares aren’t often long enough and may require to be extended.

Safety Issues That You Need To Consider When You Operate a Trolling Motor

You need to be careful about a few things to ensure the safety of the boat. Here I have jotted them down;

Circuit Breaker

  • Some electric motors may require you to buy a circuit breaker. For example, if a motor draws 40 amps at maximum speed, then you need a 50 amp circuit breaker. Failure to draw enough amps could cause a motor to get permanently damaged.

Check If the Motor Is Sealed Properly

  • If the engine isn’t sealed properly in a waterproof compartment, then the water could reach the engine. It can lead the motor to a malfunction or in some extreme cases get completely ruined.

Battery

  • Before you embark on your boat and set out for a troll, you will like to check how much juice is left. If it doesn’t seem enough, recharge the battery so that you don’t run out of power while out in the sea.

Important Features to Consider

A trolling motor should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a trolling motor for your fishing trips:

  • Thrust – In order to propel a boat, trolling motors use battery power. The amount of power needed for a boat to move through the water is described as thrust. There are many factors you need to take into account when deciding on the right amount of thrust for your boat, for example, the weight and the length of the boat, whether you carry a lot of equipment with you, and weather and water conditions you fish in. If you carry a lot of equipment and fish in rough conditions, you’ll need higher levels of thrust. Also, the longer the boat is the more thrust it will need. So, for a 12ft long boat, you’ll need 30lbs of thrust, for a 16ft long boat you’ll need 40lbs of thrust, and a 22ft long boat requires 101lbs to be able to move through the water efficiently.
  • Voltage and batteries – Trolling motors have 3 power systems: 12, 24 or 36 volts. A 12V motor needs one 12V deep cycle marine battery, whereas 24V and 36V motors require two and three batteries respectively. The appropriate voltage for your boat depends on its length. If your boat is 16ft long, a 12V trolling motor will be enough. However, if your boat is longer, you’ll need a 24V or a 36V power system to avoid hassling.
  • The type of motor – A trolling motor can be either transom mount or bow mount. Transom mount motors are installed at the back of the boat, while bow mount motors are installed at the front. In order to install a bow mount model, you need to have enough room up front and a mounting bracket to affix the housing. A transom mount motor is simply attached to the stern of the boat and it’s suitable for any type of boats. A bow mount trolling motor provides more space for maneuvering and better control, which makes it perfect for 14ft or longer boats that have bow mount fittings. However, if you have a small boat, canoe or a dinghy, transom mount is a great option.
  • Shaft – The length of the shaft is extremely important when choosing a trolling motor. A shaft that is too short won’t allow sufficient submergence of the prop during rough water conditions. On the other hand, a shaft that is too long will cause you a lot of problems in shallow waters. The length of the shaft depends on the height of the bow or stern. Short shafts are a great solution for canoes, while deep V boats require longer shafts.
  • Materials – When buying a trolling motor for your boat, make sure that the shaft is made from stainless steel to be able to defy rough conditions. Also, the prop should be weedless and the mount should be heavy-duty and strong, without plastic parts if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

While I was scouring the internet for more information on trolling motors, I saw people asking some common questions frequently. Below, I will try to give concise answers to those frequently asked but important questions.

1. What is a trolling motor thrust?

  • We all know that trolling motors run on battery power. Now, the amount of battery power required to haul the boat through the water is called trolling motor thrust. It’s measured by pounds.

2. What is the best-quality trolling motor for a kayak? 

  • To be honest, it’s a bit difficult to point to a unit and say “that’s the right trolling motor for a kayak.” The ideal motor for your kayak would vary according to the size and weight of your boat. However, I’d recommend checking out the Minn Kota trolling units as they are perfect for kayaks.

3. What type of battery is used for a trolling motor?

  • When it comes to choosing a battery for a trolling motor, there aren’t too many options available. If you have decided to go with a deep-cycle battery, then you can pick either Lead Acid Wet-Cell or AGM batteries. Otherwise, you may get a marine battery.

4. What is the purpose of a trolling motor? 

  • The primary purpose of a trolling motor is to act as a non-primary source of propulsion.

5. What is the best speed for trolling? 

  • There are no definite rules regarding trolling speed. You can set the pace according to your needs.

6. Can you use a starting battery for a trolling motor? 

  • Simply, no. Because it has thermal issues and won’t last long.

7. Can you use a freshwater trolling motor in saltwater?

  • I wouldn’t recommend that as the majority of the motor parts are likely to incur damage.

8. How fast do you troll for kingfish?

  • The 5-9 knot is the ideal rate for catching kingfish.

Conclusion

The trolling motor is a lifesaver for many a fisherman or angler. It is super silent, doesn’t produce any vibrations, and is very easy to maneuver. It’s also very lightweight, efficient, versatile, and easy to control. Nevertheless, some products will outscore others in important areas including reliability, smooth performance, silence, maneuverability, flexibility, and efficiency. It is therefore important to take time looking around and comparing various products. Some of the good accessories have been listed in the above review of the best trolling motors in 2020. By selecting any of the devices, your fishing or angling expedition will be a success and very satisfying.

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