Screen Scene: Selecting the Right Trolling Motor for the Job

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In this column in past issues, we’ve covered modern fishing electronics in-depth and how the technology can help you catch more fish. Now it’s time we discuss the value of selecting the right trolling motor. The power to drive your boat hands-free using an intuitive pedal, or even a hand-held remote that works anywhere in the boat, is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of those electronics.

If you can’t be adequately positioned—and that position be maintained—how can you expect to have effective use of your sonar/chartplotter? Most trolling motors these days can be connected to graphs through the established network to add more power to the overall system. Front-of-the-boat control is an essential part to productive angling today.

The brands of freshwater trolling motors I reference here include Lowrance’s Ghost; Minn Kota’s Ultrex, Terrova, and Ulterra; Power-Pole’s Move ZR; Garmin’s Force and Kraken; and the MotorGuide Tour Pro and Xi5. Most brands offer some type of built-in universal sonar connectivity (Ethernet connection) that produces various types of sonar returns from the head of the trolling motor.

Regardless of the brand or type, the most utilized feature among all brands is locking in place via GPS, no matter the current or wind speed. Across brands it’s known as Spot-Lock (Minn Kota), Anchor Lock (Garmin), Anchor Mode (Power-Pole), Pinpoint GPS anchoring (MotorGuide), and Anchor Mode (Lowrance).

Trolling motors also can be divided into two additional categories: bass-boat and deep-V style. A number of differences exist between the two styles, yet both have a valuable place depending on boat type. Other additional models of trolling motors, some bowmounted and some transom-mounted, serve a number of applications. For this article, let’s look at pro-level motors as they best relate and connect to existing chartplotters.

Brushed vs. Brushless Motors

Traditionally, electric trolling motors have incorporated brushed motors, but recently, brushless has become more popular. Both styles have pros and cons, but as trolling-motor designers have come to understand each type, brushless seems to be the way forward.

Brushed—Brushed motors feature a stator that contains magnets, while the rotor has electromagnets. A carbon brush remains in physical contact with a commutator inside the rotor to transfer the electric voltage, which generates an electromagnetic field in the rotor by continually flipping the polarity of the magnetic force, creating a spinning motion.

Brushless—Brushless motors are basically the opposite. The rotor features the permanent magnets, and the stator creates the electromagnetic field. Rather than physical brushes, an electric controller creates a three-phase variable current that powers the motor’s coils. The process generates a rotating magnetic field in the stator that powers the rotor’s magnets. The end result is also a spinning motion.

Deep-V Hulls

A deep-V, or multispecies boat, typically requires a longer trolling motor shaft because the hull sits higher above the water. These boats work well on big water, which often comes with windy and wavy conditions. A long trolling motor shaft, to 72 inches and beyond, keeps the boat under power and reduces motor-head surface breaches, which can complicate staying on the spot.

Generally, most deep-Vs don’t come standard with a recessed foot pedal tray, so the traditional scissor-type trolling motor base isn’t as convenient. There are exceptions, and due to the bulky pedal, some anglers don’t mind fishing in the Captain Morgan pose, but that position compromises balance. Corded and Bluetooth-connected pedals are available for this style of boat, but many anglers often run it with a hand-held remote. A few great brushless trolling motor options for deep-V multispecies boats:

Minn Kota Terrova Quest: Minn Kota’s entire Quest series motors are now brushless; however, the previous brushed-motor models are still an option and proven reliable. The Terrova Quest is available in 45-, 54-, 60-, and 72-inch shafts and 12-, 24-, and 36-volt models with built-in Mega Down Imaging, Side Imaging, or 2D sonar (minnkotamotors.com, $1,899.99 to $3,899.99).

Minn Kota Ulterra Quest: The Ulterra features Auto Stow/Deploy and Power Trim for more hands-free operation. Available in 45-, 60-, and 72-inch models and 24- and 36-volt systems with several options of built-in Mega Side/Down Imaging and 2D sonar ($2,799.99 to $4,499.99).

Garmin Kraken: The saltwater-friendly Kraken, available in both black and white models, feature extensive wireless integration with LiveScope cable management inside the trolling motor shaft for clean sonar implementation. Available in 63-, 75-, and 90-inch models in 24- and 36-volt power options and comes standard with the GT56 transducer for brilliant UHD sonar (garmin.com, $3,699.99 to $4,299.99).

MotorGuide Xi5: The Xi5 is available in 45-, 48-, 54-, 60-, and 72-inch shafts and 12-, 24-, and 36-volt systems. The motor features fully wireless operation with an easy-to-use hand-held remote and foot pedal, runs on 105 pounds of thrust, and holds tight with accurate Pinpoint GPS anchoring. It also provides GPS-assisted jogging, heading lock, cruise control, and more. It comes standard with built-in sonar, allowing simple connection to Lowrance chartplotters (motorguide.com, $1,739.99 to $2,399.99).

The following options are ideal for most bass boats and even a few multispecies rigs for anglers with specific fishing needs who are willing to innovate. (60-inch shafts work on multispecies rigs, but it’s more likely to breach in rough seas.)

Minn Kota Ultrex Quest: The new Ultrex Quest is available in 45-, 52-, and 60-inch shafts with various power options. They can run on both 24- and 36-volt systems creating 115 pounds of thrust and come with optional built-in Mega Down and Side Imaging or 2D sonar ($2,999.99 to $4,199.99).

Power-Pole Move ZR: Power-Pole put years’ worth of research and development into this trolling motor. It’s available in 45-, 52-, and 60-inch shafts, and flexible 24- and 36-volt battery setups. It also features a wireless foot pedal and comes with a 9-pin connector for direct connection to a Lowrance HDi unit (power-pole.com, $4,999.99 to $5,599.99).

Garmin Force: Garmin’s Force comes in two shaft lengths, 50- and 57-inches, and works on both 24- and 36-volt systems. A wireless foot pedal comes standard, and the built-in sonar is compatible with Garmin chartplotters. It can also be connected to a long list of the company’s smart watches, for even more cool applications ($3,549.99 to $3,649.99).

Lowrance Ghost: The Ghost is available in 47-, 52-, and 60-inch shafts and features a configurable foot pedal. The motor works with both 24- and 36-volt battery systems, seamlessly integrates with Lowrance HDS Live, HDS Carbon, Elite FS, and Elite Ti2 chartplotters, and is interference free. Ghost comes standard with an HDI nose-cone transducer, but you can add an Active Imaging 3-in-1 nose-cone with CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan (lowrance.com, $3,499 to $3,749).

MotorGuide Tour Pro: Tour Pro is a true cable-driven system that produces 109 pounds of thrust. It’s available on a 45-inch shaft and runs on a 36-volt battery configuration. The motor features a universal sonar adapter so you can connect to the chartplotter of your choice. MotorGuide’s Pinpoint GPS anchoring system holds tight to the spot-on-the-spot ($2,999.99).

Trolling motors are advancing in technological integration with more powerful and easier-to-use options than ever before. As a result, they’re not cheap, but a worthwhile investment, indeed.

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