Buying Guides & Resources
How to Use a Trolling Motor for Fishing: Tips and Tricks
Ever plan to go on a fishing trip and returned disappointed because your boat was too difficult to handle? Fishing is all fun and exciting until you realize both your hands are busy controlling the boat's motor. But that is not necessarily the only way to spend your fishing day. Have you heard of trolling motors? They can be your best companions in such cases. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, a trolling motor can help you execute your fishing plans smoothly and return with satisfaction.
I am sure you might have so many questions about these trolling motors. This blog will answer all these questions that are evolving in your mind. So, let's get on with it.
How to Use a Trolling Motor for Fishing
Fishing can be enjoyed exactly how it's meant to be, and trolling motors can help make this happen. The use of a trolling motor will enhance your fishing experience by providing you with more control and precision on the water.
Conventional motors demand too much attention and effort. On the other hand, trolling motors will allow you to focus on fishing and require less manual control. They are mounted on the front of the vessel.
Here is how you can use a trolling motor to fulfil your needs:
Firstly, you can adjust the motor power setting according to your preference. You can move efficiently with a low battery demand.
Focus on the target you want to move forward to and point the motor head in its direction.
Slowly apply power with the help of the tiller handle and foot push button.
Once you set the direction and move toward your target destination, the motor will ensure you head in the right direction.
Now that you know how trolling motors can simplify the task, you might be interested in learning more about what trolling is. Well, here is what you need to know about trolling.
What Exactly is Trolling?
Trolling is a fishing technique where you let bait or lures get slowly dragged behind a moving boat through the water. This attracts the fish. The fish will try to bite the bait as the boat moves, and this allows you to catch these fish without being in a rush.
Why Trolling is Effective: Trolling is all about efficiency. You do not have to spend too much time at a single spot; keep moving slowly and find more fish. The slow and steady movement will allow you to explore larger areas and find fish more consistently and quickly.
How Trolling Motors Play a Role: trolling motors are the perfect fit for these conditions; why? Well, they are designed to provide quiet and controlled movement for your boat, making them perfect for trolling.
Conventional motors are noisy; they drive away the fish. Trolling motor fishing is done by moving slowly without making too much noise or disturbing the fish.
Types of Trolling Motors
The trolling motor is not a structure with a particular place on a boat. It comes in various types that can be mounted at different places and specialize in different aspects.
Employing these motors in the correct manner will be useful to you in different cases. So, let's explore the different types of trolling motors to help you choose the right one for your vessel.
Bow-Mount Trolling Motors:
One of the most common ways to have ultimate precision and control is the bow-mount trolling motor. It offers great maneuverability; you can move in any direction without putting too much effort. This can be perfect for anglers who want to have full control and peace of mind while fishing.
Transom-Mount Trolling Motors:
If you are just starting out, transom-mount trolling motors can be your wise choice. They are budget-friendly, compact, effective, easy to use, and ideal for smaller fishing vessels.
If you want to fish in calm waters, these motors will let you enjoy the process without demanding heavy-duty power.
Engine-Mount Trolling Motors:
If you are fishing around with a larger boat, Engine-Mount Trolling Motors can work wonders in your favor. These motors are attached to the main engine and offer more power to assist with trolling.
If you are fishing in areas with long distances and challenging conditions, these motors can be ideal and provide additional power.
Choosing the Right Motor for Your Boat:
These motor options are great, but deciding which one will suit your needs is based on the size of your boat and the area you usually go for fishing.
Bow-mount motors are best for those who need precise control and are fishing in more complicated areas. Transom-mount motors are perfect for smaller boats, easy to use, and more affordable. Meanwhile, engine-mount motors that provide extra power needed to tackle bigger waters are best suited for larger vessels.
Tips and Benefits of Using a Trolling Motor
Wanna know some trolling motor tips so that you can use them efficiently and effectively?
Here are some:
Maintaining a Steady Speed: maintaining a speed that does not scare away the fish is very necessary. Trolling motors ensure exactly this: they move at a steady and slow pace, allowing you to maintain the right depth and let fish track your bait naturally.
Adjusting Speed Settings: these motors have a great feature that allows you to adjust the speed of your vessel. If you are not able to catch any fish, try changing the speed a little and see if the fish respond. Experiment with your trolling motor's speed to find what works best for you.
Proper Boat Positioning: keeping the boat steady and at the right spot is a must. You can use the trolling motor to keep your vessel in place.
Battery Management: you can charge your batteries before you head out for fishing. Trolling motors have battery indicators, so keep an eye on them throughout the day. If you are planning a fishing trip over a long distance, choose a trolling motor that provides adequate power.
Quiet Operation: Fish are sensitive to noise; make sure your trolling motor operates as quietly as possible. A quiet motor will help you avoid spooking fish when you are fishing in calm waters.
Choosing the Right Trolling Motor for You
You must consider these factors when choosing the right trolling motor that will be a perfect fit for your vessel:
Consider Your Boat Size and Weight: the most important factor that determines the right motor is the size and weight of your boat. For instance, a larger vessel will require more power, while a smaller boat will work well even with a decent trolling motor.
Match Thrust Power to Conditions: You need to know what kind of waters you are fishing in and how they affect the thrust power you need. For calm waters, a motor with a lower thrust will work. However, for windy, choppy waters or large areas, you might need a trolling motor with higher trust.
Battery Life and Voltage: Different trolling motors use different types of batteries, and their voltage affects how long they'll last. A 12V motor is good for smaller boats or shorter trips, while a 24V motor is suitable when you need more power and longer battery life on larger boats during longer fishing trips.
Water Type and Saltwater Considerations: you need to choose a motor that will work effectively in the kind of water you are moving. For example, fishing in saltwater is challenging and requires a motor designed to resist corrosion, so choose a motor with rust-resistant materials.
Additional Features: some trolling motors provide additional features like GPS or wireless control. They make fishing convenient and easy.
Conclusion
Trolling motors are like your best friends while fishing as they offer great precision, maneuverability, and efficiency, which helps you cover more water and keep your bait in the perfect strike zone.
You must experiment with different trolling motors and their settings to know what works best for your fishing style and needs. You can check out the wide range of trolling motors that we provide on our website. The more you try, the better you will be at fishing with trolling motors.
Use the tips mentioned above and have a safe, effective, and rewarding fishing trip!