Trolling motors can be said to be an awesome invention especially for the fishing kayak. Fishing is more of a stealth game than just a way of relaxing or entertaining yourself. Selecting the best trolling motor for the job can be quite a difficult. This is why I recommend you read the following top 10 trolling motors buyer’s guide.
Introduction to the Trolling Motor
Trolling motors are a must have if you love fishing in calm waters. This is important as it prevents you from driving the way the fish by disturbing the water. You may find some boats with gas engines but when fishing, a trolling motor needs to be mounted especially when maneuvering in calm waters. Furthermore, they are great during a windy day. They help to push the boat around and one can position the blades so that they work in your advantage. It is quite easy to add trolling motor to your boat but it is quite another story when it comes to selecting the best. Salt water fishing requires a troll motor that will handle the harsh conditions of the water. Furthermore, you will find them in different lengths and they provide varying thrusts. This allows you to select the amount of power you need for your boat.
My Top 10 Best Trolling Motor At A Glance
How to Choose the Best Trolling Motor
There are a lot of factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing the best trolling motor. They include:
- They last longer
- They are built with high quality materials
- No defects are present especially when compared to cheap ones
It is also wise to incorporate genuine accessories for the trolling motor to boost performance.
- Location of the area you will fish in
- Wind
- Depth
- Speed of water
If the waters are rough and have tides, your motor will definitely need to provide a great thrust. Boat length is also a factor to consider when thinking about thrust of the trolling motor. What I recommend is that the longer the shaft length, the more the thrust.
- Bow mount
- Transom mount
Bow mounted motors are very popular as they are placed on the front of the boat. This provides great control since it will pull rather than push the boat. It also offers precise steering which is a great option when fishing on the front of the boat. This means that you can reach the motor should need arise for you to steer. Since not all boats are compatible with bow mounts, consider the space available for the batteries first. A flat bow is another factor you need to consider. It should have no raised lip along the edges. You can also consider engine mounts. They are placed on the motor cavitation plate. To steer it, you simply have to steer your own boat motor. While they save on space, they are difficult to control. Make a wise choice when it comes to the mount.
5 Best Trolling Motors Comparison
Usage: Heavy Duty
Type: Saltwater
Voltage: 12V
Maximum Thrust: 55LB
Shaft Length: 30 inches
Speeds: 5 Forward and 3 Reverse
5 point LED Battery Meter
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Usage: Heavy Duty
Type: Freshwater
Voltage: 12V
Maximum Thrust: 30LB
Shaft Length: 30 inches
Speeds: 5 Forward and 3 Reverse
Control: Telescoping Handle
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Usage: Heavy Vegetation
Type: Freshwater
Voltage: 12V
Maximum Thrust: 40LB
Shaft Length: 36 inches
Speeds: 5 Forward and 3 Reverse
Control: Telescoping Handle
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Usage: Heavy Duty
Type: Bow Mount/Foot Control
Voltage: 12V
Maximum Thrust: 45LB
Shaft Length: 48 inches
Speeds: Powerdrive V2
Control: Telescoping Handle
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Usage: Heavy Vegetation
Type: Freshwater
Voltage: 12V
Maximum Thrust: 55LB
Shaft length: 36 inches & 42 inches
Speeds: 5 Forward and 3 Reverse
Control: Telescoping Handle
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Recommended 10 Best Trolling Motors
Minn Kota Endura C2 30 runs on a 12 volt battery that generates a thrust level of 30. Its shaft length is 30 inches and has a 6 inch telescoping handle. It is fitted with a tilt twister tiller which provides smooth speed control and steering.It is integrated with the lever lock bracket that offers you a rock solid mount. This is very good especially when you are fishing. The Minn Kota trolling motor is designed to work at 5 different speeds for going forward and 3 speeds for moving backward. This provides you enough speed that allows you to handle any situation well. The manufacturer has provided a lifetime warranty with the trolling motor.
This covers the shaft and a 2 year warranty has been provided that covers the motor. You can rely on the Minn Kota Endura C2 30 trolling motor especially for heavy usage. It is designed not to heat up even for extended usage. The temperature does not arise which would otherwise cause damage to the electric components. For every boat lover out there, I would suggest you buy this dependable motor.
It is built with stainless steel which is known to be a tough alloy that assures you of durability and maximum protection. This Newport Vessels 55 Trolling Motor is perfect especially if you are going to fish in salty water.
A thrust of 55 pounds is generated by the motor. It is fitted with a 6 inch telescoping handle that improves control and provides a decent performance thanks to the motor thrust.
Best Trolling MotorIt has 8 different speeds where 5 are moving forward and 3 for moving backward. To ensure that you can control the motor, the shaft has been designed to be lightweight. This is due to the carbon fiber material used. This ensures durability especially in heavy usage.
You can control the 30 inch shaft easily and can be adjusted to the desirable height. It is suitable for different boats even inflatable ones. For a 55 pound thrust 8 speed electric trolling motor, it offers great performance. You can expect a great experience when you mount and use the electric trolling motor. I recommend this motor to buyers because it is built with performance and durability in mind.
It is fitted with a 6 inch telescoping handle. This provides an easy and comfortable steering. It has a 10 position bracket that features a quick release lever lock and reinforces composite material.
This has been done to enable the lever lock bracket to withstand flexing, warping and damage from UV rays.
Minn Kota Endura C2 40 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling MotorThe Minn Kota C2 40 trolling motor provides an 8 speed setting where 5 is for forward and 3 is for reverse. You can simply select the speed you desire thanks to the intuitive control available. This puts you in command of your boat and you can navigate from one location to another with ease.
It comes with a power propeller that delivers extra power for that greater thrust. It is designed to push you through heavy vegetation so that you can finally get the fish hiding there. It comes with a 2 year warranty that assures you of protection.
It has several pros which include:
- An indestructible composite shaft. The composite is made with a stronger material than steel. It can flex on impact and will not break, kink or corrode.
- Assured durability throughout the lifetime of the motor.
- Runs quietly and cooler thanks to the extra large windings and commutators that dispense away the heat. This ensures more cooling air is available providing a quite operation.
- The unique bearing system also helps to minimize friction to below the cut fish spooking noise. The manufacturer boats the trolling motor is so quite the fish will never hear you coming.
Just like others manufactured by Minn Kota, this is a transom motor suitable for freshwaters. It is designed to deliver dependable and quite performance. It comes with a tough composite fitted with a level lock bracket that cannot break, corrode or kink.
Minn Kota Endura C2 55 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor
This Minn Kota Endura C2 55 trolling motor is controlled by a 6 inch telescoping handle and it’s powered by the Power Prop propeller. This is designed to push the boat easily through heavy vegetation. And as Minn Kota say, the fish will never hear you coming.
The lever lock bracket not only provides a solid mount but it also resists flexing, damage from UV rays and warping. If this does not assure you of a quality trolling motor, nothing will. It has a 5 speed motor setting for reverse and forward.
The indestructible composite shaft assures you of a great motor for a long period of time. The XL windings are designed to dissipate heat ensuring a cooler operation. This also improves on battery power as well as motor life.
It comes with a 2 year warranty and the unique bearing system is known to reduce friction and sound.
This trolling motor lacks a telescoping handle which means it is foot controlled. It has a powerful motor that gives justice to the brand name. The motor generates a thrust of up to 45 pounds which is easily handled by the 48 inch shaft.
Best trolling motor speaks of heavy duty usage than the Minn Kota Powerdrive 45 V2 Bow Mount Trolling Motor Foot Controlled. The motor is foot controlled as said earlier which is perfect for people who love to fish while sitting at the back of the boat. It provides more steering and control capability as your hands will be full concentrated on the fishing rod.
You can change the speed, steer, start and stop from the foot panel provided. It comes with a digital maximizer that allows you to get more charge for the battery. This is because it only delivers power that is required by the motor at that particular time. It is waterproof and has a rating of IP68 which is known to be the highest in the industry.
There are several accessories that can help to improve your boating experience when using this bow mount trolling motor. The manufacturer recommends users to buy their GPS system. This improves steering and control capability as you can navigate from one point to another with ease. You can never lose sight of the fish when using this Minn Kota Powerdrive 45 V2 trolling motor.
This is a transom mount trolling motor which means it is fitted with a telescoping handle that allows you to steer and control your boat.
This is not a disadvantage as the motor allows you to enjoy a long duration on the lake or river. It also saves you strength which is used for reeling in the big fish.
Best Trolling MotorIt generates 40 pounds of thrust, has 5 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds. This allows you to never miss a great fishing spot ever again. The Intex trolling motor is designed to run quietly which is great as you will not scare the fish away. You can easily navigate into an area and the fish will never know. It takes 12 volts to run this great motor especially if you hook up the trolling motor to your Intex Challenger, Seahawk or Mariner boats.
It has a shaft length of 36 inches which makes it perfect for the transom mount. It comes with a battery meter that informs you how much charge you are left with. This is great as it allows you to plan ahead and you can never be stranded in the middle of the lake.
It has the auto prop oscillation mode which helps to remove weeds entangled on the propeller. It is suitable for use in both fresh water and saltwater.
It comes with a digital maximizer that improves battery life and power. It provides up to five time longer run time on a single charge. It achieves this by drawing only the power needed. This Minn Kota Endura MAX 55 prevents wastage of power.
Best Trolling MotorAs a variable speed motor, all you have to is dial in the precise speed and let the digital maximizer deliver the right amount of power. Thanks to the variable speed setting, you can control your speed better and not be limited to preset speeds.
It is fitted with a 6 inch telescoping handle which ensures a comfortable and easy steering. The lever lock bracket has 10 positions that feature a quick release lever lock.
It is built with reinforced composite materials which help to resist:
- Flexing
- Warping
- UV damage
You can know how much battery power is left at the push of a button. The Power Prop is designed to help you push through heavy vegetation allowing you to get the fish from any location. It comes with a 2 year warranty backed by the manufacturer.
This is a low cost transom mounted electric trolling motor that ensures long runtime without sacrificing performance and reliability. It is built with high quality materials that assure you of a long lifespan.
It has an adjustable 30 inch shaft which is suitable for all NewPort Vessels inflatable boats. It can be used with similar fishing boats, fishing kayaks and other inflatable boats as well.
Best Trolling MotorIt offers 36 pounds of thrust which is enough to enable you navigate as well as steer your boat with ease. With the versatile 8 speed control system, it provided 5 for forward and 3 for reverse. This allows for a smooth ride thanks to the easily adjustable speed increments. It comes with a 2 blade propeller with a diameter of 8.9 inches.
This Newport Vessels NV-Series assures you of optimal compatibility and power conservation. It is built to be powered by a 12 Volt Deep cycle battery or the Marine battery which is not included. I recommend the installation of a 40 amp manual reset circuit breaker in the outboard motor which leads within 1.8 meters to the battery. This should be on the positive line.
You can purchase the circuit breaker separately. This is helpful in that when the motor is stuck in the weeds or small stones, it will cut off power automatically preventing damage.
It has the deploy assist level that puts you in motion quick and easy. You can pursue the fish faster thanks to this feature.
All you have to do is depress the lever and you are good to go. It stows easily and securely, ready for action when you are in need.
Best Trolling MotorIt has a digital maximizer that ensures the amount of power drawn is minimal. This helps to eliminate wastage and also improve the lifespan of the battery. The Minn Kota Riptide 55 SP motor has a variable speed setting which allows you to set it and the digital maximize will do the rest.
The push to test battery meter allows you to know how much charge is left. It comes with the weedless wedge 2 prop. This pushes weeds away and tackles the thick stuff without draining battery power. It features swept back and flared blades for unrelenting and reliable prop performance.
A best saltwater trolling motor has several pros making it suitable for use in saltwater.
They include:
- Advanced corrosion protection
- Fully encapsulated electronics
- Sacrificial anode
It comes with a 2 year warranty.
This Outsunny 12V electric motor has a composite built shaft that assures the user of durability. 10 different positions are available from the lever lock bracket.
With the 6 inch adjustable telescoping handle, you can steer and control the boat to any location with ease. The telescoping handle is comfortable to use and you don’t have to strain much.
Best Trolling MotorIt generates 50 pounds of thrust which is great and ensures that your boat can navigate even through weeds and vegetation. The motor runs on a 12 Volt battery which supplies the power and thrust performance. It is suitable for use in both fresh and salt water.
As a best saltwater trolling motor, it is protected against corrosion and rust thanks to the composite material used. The Outsunny motor has five forward speeds and three speeds in reverse. It can be mounted in ten different positions thanks to the lever lock bracket. This has made installation to be extra simple. It has a maximum speed of 6.5 km/h and can support a weight capacity of 5 to 7 people.
Final Verdict
Trolling motors help to improve the fishing experience by providing a different dimension. When it comes to selecting the best trolling motor for your boat, you have to consider several factors.
Thrust, power, shaft length, mounting position and type of control are a few factors you need to have in mind.
I recommend that you shop around, if permitted, take every motor style you find suitable for a test drive. Pay attention to details when doing this.
