Finest Trolling Motors of 2024

After I purchased my first used bass boat within the fall of 1996, it got here with a bow-mounted, foot-controlled trolling motor with a whopping 43 kilos of thrust. It was a “12/24” mannequin, in a position to change from working on one deep cycle battery to going right into a supercharged mode that drew upon two batteries equally. That marvel of engineering received slowed down in even modest grass beds, and I realized to hold and change the steering cable, which had the behavior of binding up and breaking when it hit cowl, and as soon as simply from flopping whereas driving down the highway.

Little did I do know that 25 years later my new trolling motor would have greater than 100 kilos of thrust at my disposal, drawing from three marine batteries. I’d hyperlink it to my electronics, together with GPS, and it might autopilot me from one spot to a different, or maintain me regular on a predetermined waypoint. Moreover, I’d have the ability to outfit it with varied equipment—together with levers, cable jackets, specialised prop nuts and aftermarket props—to boost its efficiency. Lastly, and maybe most significantly, immediately’s trolling motors are extra sturdy that these of a era in the past. It was that in case you hit a stump, and even simply received slowed down in grass, steering cables and shafts and different inside elements would break. With immediately’s beefed-up construct high quality and breakaway mounts, you’ll be able to simply carry on trucking.

We’re dwelling in a golden age of electrical trolling motor effectivity, and that’s bolstered by the truth that we’ve 4 predominant gamers within the area. By the late Nineteen Nineties, we had been successfully down to 2, MotorGuide and Minn Kota, however with the addition of Lowrance’s proprietary merchandise in addition to these of mainstream electronics producer Garmin, we now have an arms race of epic proportions to maintain your boat beneath silent trolling motor energy. There are rumors of a fifth competitor coming into the fray both this yr or subsequent. For now, right here’s the perfect trolling motors for recent or saltwater.

Finest Trolling Motors for Freshwater

Finest Trolling Motors for Saltwater

Finest Trolling Motors for Freshwater: Opinions & Suggestions

Minn Kota’s Ultrex fully raised the bar in what was then a two-horse race when the corporate launched the Ultrex in 2017. Anglers had utilized GPS performance extensively for effectively over a decade earlier than, however by no means earlier than in seamless live performance with their electrical trolling motor. Whereas the motor was made to “go,” maybe the best innovation was the flexibility to cease and keep – with Spot-Lock, the motor might maintain a ship fastened on a GPS coordinate, even within the tooth of robust winds or heavy currents. In the present day’s Ultrex fashions construct upon that robust begin, and are available in a number of fashions—each 24 and 36-volt variations, requiring two and three batteries, respectively, and 45 and 52-inch shafts to account for various boats and fishing types.

The I-Pilot function, which could be managed from a distant management or a phone app, is a large a part of professional angler Keith Combs’ success. He prefers to fish offshore, and famous that he can retie or handle different enterprise and let the motor pull him to a preset waypoint unattended. When operated manually, the steering is remarkably clean and could be locked so it stays within the predetermined place in case you take your foot off of it. Combs mentioned that when fishing a grass line, he’ll usually use the “jog” function, which strikes him in 5-foot increments, permitting him to cowl an space exactly and totally.

Prior to now, interference from jostled or improperly mounted transducers generally led to imperfect or malfunctioning electronics, basically making them heavy paperweights, however with built-in transducers with down-imaging and/or side-imaging expertise the Ultrex supplies most readability. Humminbird is the one model that gives 360-degree sonar expertise in addition to Mega Stay forward-facing sonar, and Combs mentioned he makes use of them in tandem, with the Ultrex as his base of operations. Choose fashions have built-in Mega Down Imaging.

This distant management trolling motor is available in 45-, 52- and 60-inch lengths, and each 24- and 32-volt methods which offer a most of 80 and 112 kilos of thrust, respectively. They arrive with a restricted lifetime guarantee on the shaft and a restricted 3-year guarantee on every little thing else. Minn Kota additionally makes an excellent trolling motor for kayaks.

Lowrance, a longtime chief in marine electronics, ever since founder Darrell Lowrance launched the “Fish-Lo-Ok-Tor” generally known as the “little inexperienced field,” jumped into the trolling motor recreation with the Ghost freshwater trolling motor. Because it was their first trolling motor, they claimed that it allowed them to construct it from the bottom up, studying from the errors or omissions their predecessors.

Clark Reehm, who fishes the Sort out Warehouse Professional Circuit and guides on Lake Sam Rayburn in Texas, mentioned that a very powerful factor about his Ghost is the brushless motor, which permits it to be extra energy-efficient. “I could make my batteries final for much longer within the day,” he mentioned. “That permits me to search for bedding fish for a number of extra hours or to struggle present and large waves with out worrying that I’ll run out of energy.”

He additionally likes the truth that the motor doesn’t intrude together with his 4 Lowrance HDS12 sonar models, and furthermore pairs simply with them to maximise the usage of his DownScan Imaging and Lively Imaging applied sciences, with a minimal studying curve. It’s how he makes his dwelling, however he mentioned that’s crucial for the weekend warrior who needs to get out on the water and begin discovering and catching fish instantly. Lastly, he mentioned it’s sturdy, and the composite shaft has a lifetime guarantee if for some purpose the 360-degree breakaway mount doesn’t defend it.

Whether or not you’re left-footed or right-footed, the pedal could be configured so that you just’re most comfy, and the motor’s capabilities could be arrange in varied permutations, to place those you want and use most the place they’re most accessible.

The Ghost is available in 47-, 52-, and 60-inch shaft lengths and each 24- and 36-volt methods that present as much as 97- and 120-pounds of thrust. Lowrance affords a restricted lifetime guarantee on the composite shaft and a restricted three yr guarantee on the remainder of the motor.

Simply as Minn Kota/Humminbird had been the primary to convey the spot lock trolling motor function to huge use, Garmin was the primary model to popularize forward-facing sonar, within the type of their Garmin Panoptix LiveScope system, and so they paired it their proprietary Drive trolling motor to get essentially the most out of the expertise.

Missouri bass professional Chad Morgenthaler mentioned that “due to the brushless trolling motor, I get zero interference whether or not I’m wanting ahead or down.”

He additionally believes that the supposed 100 kilos of thrust is an unlimited underrating. “I can’t show it, however it’s far more highly effective than the rest I’ve ever used. Even with my 21 foot Phoenix boat loaded heavy, with the trolling motor huge open I’ve run it as quick as 4.1 miles per hour.”

Garmin has distinguished themselves with wi-fi expertise. Not solely does the trolling motor join wirelessly to your chart plotter and supply built-in sonar capabilities, however the foot pedal could be operated wirelessly (utilizing AA batteries). It will also be laborious wired if an angler doesn’t belief that set-up. The Drive comes with a floating, waterproof distant management that may be personalized to supply all kinds of options.

The Drive combines glorious energy with world class electronics to offer anglers the most effective trolling motors. It’s accessible in each 50- and 57-inch shaft lengths. It comes with a 3-year guarantee and a restricted lifetime guarantee on the shaft.

MotorGuide, together with MinnKota, is among the two “legacy” trolling motor corporations, and their Beast and Tour Editions rule the roost in sure quarters for many years. In the present day, they’re the one one of many 4 main manufacturers that isn’t straight tied to a particular model of electronics. Certainly, their declare to fame could also be that they work equally effectively with whichever electronics and angler chooses, or with a combination and match assortment.

Just like the others, MotorGuide Tour Professional affords options like Anchor, Jog, Heading Lock and Cruise Management, however they declare that their GPS trolling motor navigation is thrice extra exact than the competitors. For years, MotorGuide’s steel foot pedal was the usual for sturdiness and precision, and so they’ve continued that custom with a steel pedal that doesn’t flex. That’s complemented by a 360 diploma breakaway system and an outsized outer shaft that protects the composite interior shaft.

Prior to now, many trolling motors had been troublesome to retract and deploy, usually resulting in dangerous backs and damaged raise ropes, however MotorGuide claims that their Zero-G Carry Help System makes the method simpler than the competitors. The 2-blade Katana prop is nice at chopping up thick vegetation.

The MotorGuide Tour Professional comes with a 45-inch shaft in each 24- and 36-volt methods, which as much as 82 and 109 kilos of thrust, respectively. It’s appropriate with different main sonar manufacturers, so you’ll be able to select the one which fits you finest. The shaft has a lifetime guarantee.

Finest Trolling Motors for Saltwater: Opinions & Suggestions

Finest General: Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra

With push-button distant management for almost all of the trolling motor’s capabilities, Minn Kota’s Riptide Ulterra is really hands-free. The important thing to the system is the i-Pilot distant with giant buttons and an easy-to-read display monitoring the motor’s capabilities. Not solely can I management the course and program the motor, however the Ulterra affords auto deploy and stow. I pull as much as the fishing spot, hit a button on the distant, and the trolling motor routinely drops into the water. Then, with out leaving the helm, I can push one other button, and the motor lifts up and folds securely. Utilizing the big, easy-to-read distant, I can even trim the motor up and all the way down to match the water depth and fishing circumstances. 

In shallow, weed-choked water, I raise the prop larger within the water. When the waves and present kick up, I drop the propeller deeper for extra energy and management. It additionally options i-Pilot, which permits me to manage the course, program pace, and route and nearly anchor the boat. The i-Pilot is ideal for programming a course for trolling or to repeat a drift. The preferred perform, Spot-Lock, permits me to cease the boat and maintain place over a chunk of construction or within the good place for casting a lure or fishing a bait. 

Most Indestructible: Energy Pole Transfer

Rumors of an imminent Energy Pole trolling motor began circulating a number of years in the past. Nonetheless, the corporate delayed the general public launch till early 2023 as a result of they wished to emphasize take a look at the heck out of it. They put it by means of each potential rigor and impediment earlier than releasing it to the general public. That’s typical of the corporate, which constructed its title by means of progressive shallow water anchoring methods, however cemented its legacy by means of customer support and by overengineering its merchandise. This new trolling motor lives as much as that latter legacy insofar as you’ll be able to crash by means of waves, bang into stumps, run all of it day at excessive pace, and nonetheless maintain ticking.

There are two completely different fashions, the ZR and the PV, with a scissor raise and pivot mount, respectively, however that’s a serious distinction. They’re each made to be corrosion-resistant in recent and saltwater and with varied backup methods to protect towards dropping your capability to make use of the motor once you want it most. That begins with a titanium shaft (45, 52, or 60 inches) with an unconditional lifetime guarantee and extends to the ultra-quiet brushless motor. Even the propeller is custom-made to be extra environment friendly and weedless, and you’ll run the motor on 24 or 36 volts of battery energy.

The Transfer has new tech like a wi-fi pedal, wi-fi distant management, and wi-fi foot switches. Nonetheless, the true benefit is the flexibility to pair them with the finest fish finders, notably with Lowrance and Simrad models. The ZR even has an optionally available built-in transducer for Lowrance models. The motor has anchor mode, a vector mode, and a compass heading, however essentially the most spectacular is the “Observe a Route,” which permits anglers to set a posh and winding route forward of time, and the motor will hint it flawlessly.

The Motorguide Xi3 is a superb alternative for kayak anglers trying to motorize their fishing kayak. The 36-inch shaft is the right dimension for a small boat, and 55 kilos of thrust strikes the kayak quicker than you’ll be able to pedal or paddle. The massive draw for the Xi3 is the distant management. Mount the motor on the bow and wirelessly management course and pace. The Xi3 has lots of the premium options of bigger trolling motors, reminiscent of GPS management, digital anchor, programmable routes, and autopilot. 

Set up is simple, many kayaks are pre-rigged with threaded inserts within the bow and stern to put in a normal trolling motor base. Merely bolt on the Xi3 base, plug right into a 12-volt, deep-cycle marine battery, and also you’re able to go. The Xi3 has a big lever to make it straightforward to stow and deploy, even from the kayak seat. I can use the Xi3 with any of the finest kayak fish finders to mix my transducer and trolling motor. To watch motor capabilities and battery energy, the Xi3 has an LED show, so I by no means run out of juice. Not solely is the Xi3 good for maneuvering the kayak whereas I’m fishing, I exploit the motor to energy to and from the fishing grounds. Having the facility of an electrical trolling motor makes me extra assured and expands the horizons for my fishing kayak.

Everybody needs the comfort and management of the perfect trolling motors, even anglers in giant sportfishing boats. To fulfill the necessity, Minn Kota’s Riptide Terrova is on the market with an 87-inch shaft and 112 kilos of thrust. That’s ample dimension and energy for a ship over 25-feet lengthy. Utilizing a trolling motor on an offshore boat, I can maintain the boat on construction, sluggish troll down a weedline, or repeat a programmed drift.

The Terrova even serves as autopilot to take me again to a saved place. I achieve additional management of the motor’s options and capabilities from the fish finder display, my smartphone, or with the hand held distant with a shade touchscreen. On a giant boat, I want to manage the trolling motor from the helm and the cockpit. Utilizing the Terrova’s built-in management, I can use the distant or my fish finder to run the motor. For offshore and inshore anglers in search of final boat management, the Riptide Terrova affords essentially the most superior trolling motor options with an extended shaft and high-power propulsion system.

Anglers powering a small skiff, jon boat, flat transom canoe or kayak want a transom mount trolling motor with a tiller drive. Newport Vessels NV trolling motor supplies dependable energy at an excellent worth. Out there with a 30 or 36-inch shaft and energy from 33 to 86 kilos, there’s an NV mannequin to suit any small watercraft. The NV has 5 ahead speeds and three reverse speeds with clean transitions between settings. To watch battery life, an LED show retains monitor of the remaining energy. The Newport Vessels NV is straightforward and cheap, however it’s also sturdy with corrosion-resistant elements and durable development. Electrical motors are lighter and safer than a small fuel outboard, and the Newport Vessels NV can be cheaper and simpler to function.   

Probably the most correct GPS accessible places the Rhodan HD GPS Anchor inside three ft of programmed coordinates. Meaning the GPS Anchor holds the boat in a particular place and follows programmed routes, and returns to an actual level. After I’m fishing a shipwreck or reef, and I mark fish on the fish finder, I need a saltwater trolling motor that returns the boat to the identical spot time after time. The HD GPS Anchor operates like a conventional trolling motor, or it may be programmed to run together with the primary motor in heavy seas and present. The HD GPS Anchor is simple to function with a waterproof, floating fob. Rhodan affords one mannequin in three energy ranges, in order that they focus their engineering experience on making the HD GPS Anchor the most effective trolling motors with GPS.

FAQs

Closing Ideas on the Finest Trolling Motors

Finally, selecting the perfect trolling motor is a really private choice primarily based on a lot of components, the 2 most necessary being the scale of your boat and the scale of your price range. By selecting a extra highly effective motor, you may additionally be selecting so as to add one other battery, so issue that into the equation. Past these preliminary concerns, there could also be worth in shopping for the model that matches your marine electronics, to make sure compatibility and to attenuate interference. Simply keep in mind, whereas their general reliability has elevated considerably lately, once you add extra options, you add extra issues, so don’t chew off greater than you’ll be able to chew.

Finest Trolling Motors for Freshwater

Finest Trolling Motors for Saltwater