This Is What You Need To Know About Trolling Motors
Trolling motors are a common accessory you will stumble upon in almost every freshwater fishing boat. The primary motive of trolling motors is to allow fishermen to have more control over their boats and to manipulate the movement of their boats to their advantage. The result? A better fishing experience, of course!
Lucky for you, we’ve answered these questions right here in this article for you to understand better. Continue reading below to learn everything about the different types of trolling motors!
WHAT IS A TROLLING MOTOR, EXACTLY?
A trolling motor is a unit that’s equipped with a propeller, motor, and controls. It is usually mounted at the bow or stern of a fisherman’s boat. It’s an excellent accessory and helps fishermen by allowing them to suspend their boat against the current, in freshwater. In other words, a trolling motor is super helpful and allows us to maneuver our boats with little-to-no manual drudgery.
COMMON TYPES OF TROLLING MOTORS
Bow-mounted trolling motors
Bow-mounted trolling motors are most suitable for steering quietly in fishing pots. This trolling motor is one of the most popular types of trolling motors for serious fishermen who wish to have better control over their medium to large-sized boats.
The thrust is generally located on the bow, which helps keep the boat pointed towards the wind or current. Almost all bow-mounted trolling motors feature a handle to assist anglers to launch the motor into the water.
Transom-mounted trolling motors
Transom-mounted trolling motor is most relevant for smaller-sized boats or canoes. These are quite beneficial when it comes to positioning or standard trolling.
If you are looking for a trolling motor that helps you move at a speed of one to three miles per hour, this is what you need!
These trolling motors are comparatively easier to install, as well as simple to operate. On top of that, transom-mounted trolling motors generally don’t clutter up the deck with foot pedals or cords, which is quite a common occurrence in bow mount motors.
Foot pedal-controlled trolling motors
Foot pedal-controlled trolling motors require fishermen to rock the foot pedal forward or backward. This helps them turn the boat to either left or right. Plus, the speed can be controlled by applying more or less pressure, depending on how fast or slow you wish to move. This hands-free trolling motor is another popular option among fishermen who wish to cast as they move through the water.
Digitally-controlled trolling motors
This type of trolling motor is considerably new in the market and is embedded with modern technology. You’ll be able to operate these using a hand-held remote.
The perk? You can steer and also apply thrust with the left, right, forward, and backward arrow buttons! Some of these digitally-controlled trolling motors may also be paired up with your smartphone!
SUMMING UP: WHICH TYPE OF TROLLING MOTOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Now that we have listed the common types of trolling motors out there, it all comes down to one question — which type of trolling motor should you go with?
We believe it’s more about personal preference than features. When it comes to features, however, thrust power should be prioritized. Thrust tells us how potent a trolling motor is. And, the larger your boat, the more thrust your boat will require to maneuver.
The location also plays an integral role in determining which trolling motor will best suit you.
If you are willing to fish in small lakes or ponds with no water current, a trolling motor with minimal thrust will do a reasonable job. But, when it comes to fishing in moving currents, you will require a trolling motor with a higher thrust rating.