The trolling motor is a near-necessity for fishing from a boat. If you have ever tried to fish from a boat without a trolling motor, you know how much of a game changer they are. They make fishing from a boat accessible to the masses, allowing everyone from the casual fisherman to the die-hard who lives, breathes, and sleeps fishing to fully embrace the world of fishing from a boat. They allow you to easily cover a lot of water and fish in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible or inaccessible at all. They also allow you to fish in areas where you are disturbing the environment less by minimizing how much noise and commotion you are making. They are also great for fishing in areas where there are a lot of obstacles, like docks, rocks, and other boats. They can help you overcome physical limitations like back pain or physical disabilities.
There are so many types of trolling motor available, and it can be hard to know what to consider when shopping for one. Are you looking for a motor that will help you get to your fishing spot quickly? Do you want a motor that will help you stay in one spot for a long time? Are you looking for a motor that can help you fish in shallow water? Are you looking for a motor that can help you fish in heavily wooded areas? Are you looking for a motor to help you fish in current? Do you need a motor that can help you fish in a variety of water depths? Are
Our Editor’s Best Trolling Boat Motors Reviews
- 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
- 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: This prop delivers extra power to push through 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 indestructible composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.
- Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
- Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
- Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
- Extra Long Cables: 5'6" Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution
- ROBUST & LONG-LASTING - The reinforced nylon bracket ensures exceptional strength, excellent resistance to wear, and consistent dimensional stability. The all-aluminum head enhances the motor's lifespan.
- ERGONOMIC EXTENDABLE HANDLE - With 8 speeds and a 6-inch telescoping adjustable handle (5 speeds forward & 3 speeds reverse), you have complete control at your fingertips, ensuring a smooth and easily maneuvered ride.
- 28-INCH FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE SHAFT - With high tensile strength and corrosion resistance, allows for precise depth placement in all water conditions. The 28" shaft is particularly suitable for seated operation.
- 10-POINT LED BATTERY INDICATOR - The battery indicator safeguards your batteries, providing a convenient way to monitor the remaining electricity (battery not included).
- STAINLES STEEL HARDWARE - The saltwater-compatible hardware ensures optimal performance in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
- EFFICIENT POWER: 55lb Thrust - this 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. High quality components allow the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish.
- FEATURES: This motor features a 36 inch fiberglass shaft, a 10 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, 30 degree adjustable head, and 3 blade propeller. The tiller angle, as well as mount, height, angle, 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 55lb X Series 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
- USA SERVICE: Newport is based in California with a full in-house customer service team (M-F 9am-5pm PST). BUY IN CONFIDENCE
- 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: This prop delivers extra power to push through 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 indestructible composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.
- Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid hold while stowing your trolling motor and makes for easy removal at the end of the day.
- Heel-Toe / Cable-Steer Foot Pedal: Get heel/toe control of your motor with this ultra-responsive foot pedal that includes speed control, and momentary and constant on/off. Made with a high-impact composite material for unparalleled durability.
- 5-Speed Settings: Choose from five speed settings to dial in the right speed control when you're trolling.
- Directional Indicator: Easy-to-read directional indicator is built into the top of the trolling motor head on Edge foot control models.
- Power Prop: For 3-1/4" motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push through heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
- EXTERNAL BATTERY PORTS - Safely and easily connect your trolling motor or accessory to the battery ports without opening the box.
- DUAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT BREAKERS - Integrated with 10 Amp and 60 Amp circuit breakers to protect your trolling motor and other accessories from electrical damage.
- DIRECT USB CHARGER AND ACCESSORY PORT - Provides one USB Charger and one 12V accessory port for convenient connection of various DC accessories.
- PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: 17 x 12 x 10 Inch, Fits Group 24 & 27 batteries, LED meter measures battery charge level (battery not included), Non-slip rubberized feet keep your battery box in place.
- EFFICIENT POWER: 86lb Thrust - this 24v 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 40 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 4.5mph, 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 L Series 86lb motor requires two (2) 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: 48A
- QUALITY & RELIABILITY: All Newport motors are made to high quality stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware to withstand fresh water and salt water environments. We stand behind every product we make with industry leading customer service and a 2 year warranty.
- 【From Supplier to Trusted Brand】SIEKON, a well-established supplier of electric vehicle battery components, operates its factory spanning over 12000 ㎡ and more than 70 patented technologies, has now introduced its sub-brand -- Siekon Energy, specializing in LiFePO4 batteries and energy storage solutions. Siekon Energy possesses a mature industrial chain for manufacturing from cell sorting, and components assembly, to battery testing and transportation, ensuring uncompromising quality at every stage
- 【Lighter Weight & Group 24 Size】The Siekon 12V 100Ah TM LiFePO4 Battery, designed to BCI Group 24 specifications, weighs only 21 pounds, making it 66% lighter and 27% smaller than a traditional Lead-Acid battery. Its compact size facilitates easy placement and connection in various applications
- 【TVS & IP67 Protection】This 12V 100Ah TM LiFePO4 battery is equipped with a built-in transient voltage suppressor (TVS) for protection against voltage and current shocks. Additionally, it features IP67-rated watertight protection, making it particularly suitable for marine applications in rainy or wet conditions
- 【Next-Gen BMS For TM 】Our 12V 100Ah TM LiFePO4 built-in upgraded BMS, featuring triple protection against dust, water, and salt spray, also pulse equalization, low-temp protection, prevents overvoltage and undervoltage, overcurrent discharge, and short circuits full protection to ensure safe use and stable performance
- 【Longer Cycletime】Lead-acid batteries typically have a lifespan of 300-400 cycles, whereas our lithium-iron batteries are constructed with grade-A lithium iron phosphate cells, providing higher energy density, more consistent performance, and increased power. They can achieve 5000 cycles at 100% DOD and retain 80% capacity after 5000 deep cycles, as well as endure 6000 cycles at 80% DOD and 15000 cycles at 60% DOD
Best Trolling Boat Motors Buying Guide
Before choosing the best trolling motor you should consider following options:
1. Motor Power: Trolling motors are available in different power sources, including electric and gas. The first thing you should consider when purchasing a trolling motor is the power source.
While most people think gas is the best option because of its higher power, electric is equally good. You can use it on boats with a small deck and those made of plastic. The only limitation is that an electric motor cannot be used in water that is deep or wide.
2. Lift Capacity: The lift capacity of a trolling motor is an important factor to consider while buying one. The lift capacity of a trolling motor is usually expressed in pounds or kilograms. Higher the capacity, the higher is the weight it can lift.
The lift capacity of a trolling motor depends on factors such as the material used, shape, size, and others. The type of fish you want to catch and the type of water you intend to fish also determines the lift capacity of the motor.
If the water is rough, you will require a higher lift capacity. In case of flooded lands, you will need a trolling motor with a high lift capacity.
3. Speed: While trolling for fish, you will require varying speeds, depending on the fish you want to catch. For instance, a higher speed is required when you want to catch fast-moving fish such as trout.
Low speed is required when you want to catch fish such as catfish and bass. The proper speed also depends on the water you are fishing in. For example, if the water is rough, you will require a higher speed.
What else you should know about trolling boat motors
1) What is the best trolling motor for the money?
There is no single answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including budget, boat size and fishing style. Some of the best trolling motors on the market include the Minn Kota Riptide, the MotorGuide Xi5 and the Garmin Force.
2) What are the best trolling motors for freshwater fishing?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences and what type of freshwater fishing you are doing. Some fishermen prefer trolling motors that are quiet and have a long battery life, while others prefer ones that are powerful and have a lot of speed options. Ultimately, it is up to the individual fisherman to decide what the best trolling motor for freshwater fishing is for them.
3) What are the best trolling motors for saltwater fishing?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. Some anglers prefer trolling motors that are specifically designed for saltwater use, while others find that freshwater models work just as well. Ultimately, it is important to choose a trolling motor that is durable and can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing.
4) What are the best trolling motors for bass fishing?
Minn Kota and Motorguide are two of the best trolling motors for bass fishing.
5) What are the best trolling motors for walleye fishing?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the type of boat you are using, the type of fishing you are doing, and your personal preferences. However, some popular trolling motors for walleye fishing include the Minn Kota Maxxum, the Motorguide Xi5, and the Humminbird Helix 5.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best trolling boat motors. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best trolling boat motors will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.