Trolling motors are small and quiet outboard motors that allow boats to move slowly and quietly through the water without scaring fish away. They are usually electric and come in front or rear mount models with hand or foot controls. The choice of voltage depends on the size of the boat.
Large boat engines can sometimes scare fish away before the boat gets close to the catch. For these situations, there are special types of outboard motors called trolling motors. Small and quiet, trolling motors allow boats to move slowly and quietly through the water without scaring prey away.
Troll itself refers to a boat that moves through the water at low speed with a baited line behind it. This allows the bait to “swim” through the water and appear more realistic. This technique can be applied to many different types of fish such as bass, salmon, and trout. While large boats with gas engines can troll, a trolling motor is usually small and electric.
The benefit of electrical power is important because it limits the noise output of the vessel. When cruising a calm lake, the virtual silence of an electric trolling motor becomes even more apparent. But as with everything else, there is a tradeoff. Trolling motors provide much less power and speed than their gas-powered cousins. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to control the boat with a small trolling motor.
As a rule, most experts believe that the most powerful engine within reason and budget is the best to buy. That way it will provide enough power if the weather turns bad and the water becomes choppy and difficult to navigate. The extra power can really pay off.
In electric motors, power comes from batteries that are generally available in 12-, 24-, and 36-volt varieties. For boats 16 feet and under, 12 volts is usually sufficient, but for anything larger it’s better to have a higher voltage battery. More voltage means more power, and don’t forget a backup in case it fails.
A unique feature of trolling motors is the choice between front and rear mount models. The advantage of a front-mounted engine is greater control and maneuverability, similar to the advantage of a front-wheel drive car. Another option is the type of control. Trolling motors are available in hand and foot control models. Manual control models provide better responsiveness and free up space on the boat floor since there are no additional pedals or cables. Of course, the downside is having to fish with just one hand. Foot controls, on the other hand, free up your hands to fish and troll more effectively. The choice is up to the user how best to move calmly through the water.
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