Last updated on August 1st, 2019 at 10:30 am
When you want to improve your trolling technique and increase your chances of catching muskie or other fish, you are going to need the best electric trolling motor. There are dozens of quality trolling motors to choose from, all of which can easily be attached to your boat.
Best Electric Trolling Motor – How to Choose
Whether you consider yourself a pro angler or a recreational fisherman, choosing the best electric trolling motor for sale online can go a long way towards boosting your trolling methods.
To help you select the best electric trolling motor, look over these tips and suggestions for comparing motors and examining features.
Primary Features of the Best Electric Trolling Motor
What features should you look for, when shopping for the best electric trolling motor? The first feature to consider is whether you want a hand-controlled or foot-controlled trolling motor. Motorguide and Minn Kota are both known for creating high-quality foot-controlled motors, as this has become the preferred style of operation. With foot-controlled motors, both of your hands remain free.
Some of the other features to look for in the best electric trolling motor include:
Performance rating
Bow or Transom mount
GPS auto-pilot
Shaft length
The performance rating of the motors refers to the pounds thrust of the motors. You can typically find the best electric trolling motors in 12V, 24V, and 36V models, with thrust ratings varying from 55 pounds to 130 pounds. For canoes and small recreational boats, a 12V motor with 55 pounds thrust should be sufficient for trolling, while larger boats may require a stronger motor.
You will also need to decide whether to mount your motor along the bow or transom. Transom mounted motors remain the more popular option, as they tend to be more affordable and easier to setup.
When considering the mounting position, look at the height of the hull of your boat. For a boat with a deep hull, a longer shaft length will be needed – you need to ensure the motor actually reaches the water. Before shopping for the best electric trolling motor, it may be a good idea to measure the height of your boat – from the top of the hull to the water level.
Another feature to consider is GPS. The concept of trolling requires you to troll around an area at a constant, slow speed. With GPS auto-pilot, you can set your trolling motor to maintain a consistent speed and automatically navigate a set course – trolling in circles around a detected hot spot, while maintaining a slow and steady speed.
Best Electric Trolling Motors Top Manufacturers
A handful of companies are known for manufacturing the best electric trolling motors, including Motorguide, Minn Kota, and Bass Pro. These are not your only options, but shopping from these top manufacturers is a good place to start your search for the best electric trolling motors for your boat.
Comparing the Best Electric Trolling Motors
Once you decide on the features that you are looking for, begin evaluating different models, looking at customer reviews, and comparing prices. When it comes to choosing the best electric trolling motor for your fishing needs, carefully consider the pros and cons of all the motors in your price range.
Summary of the Top Features to Look For
Foot-controlled trolling motors allow you to keep your hands free for managing your fishing lines; though, there are other features to consider.
You should also look at the overall performance rating to ensure the motor you choose has enough power to propel your boat. Decide whether you want to mount your motor along the bow or transom and if you would like to use GPS auto-pilot for automated trolling. The shaft length could also be an issue, depending on how far the hull of your boat extends above the water level.
Keep these considerations in mind, as you shop for the best electric trolling motor.