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 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
- EFFICIENT POWER: 62lb 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 36 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 4.25mph, 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 62lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor also includes a 60amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 58A
- 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
- EFFICIENT POWER: 36lb 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 2 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 3mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors. Our 2 Blade Propeller performs well in weeds and grassy conditions.
- BATTERY: The NV 36lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor includes a 40amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 29A
- 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.
- Motor for Reliable Thrust: This 68lb thrust trolling motor features a copper core design with upgraded wiring, providing approximately improved performance over standard motors. Suitable as an auxiliary outboard motor for larger vessels or primary propulsion for small craft. The optimized thermal design supports consistent performance during extended use
- Control & LED Monitoring: Operate your kayak motor or fishing boat with 5 forward/3 reverse speeds via the ergonomic telescoping handle (extends to 6"). The integrated LED voltage display shows real-time battery status, with visual alerts when power approaches low levels. This trolling motor maintains low noise operation around 50dB, reducing the chance of helps reduce underwater noise. The intuitive twist-grip facilitates speed changes in varying currents
- Depth & Angle Adjustment: Easily adjust this outboard motor to changing water depths with the collar-release mechanism. The 90° rotatable bracket secures in 10 positions for enhanced steering control on kayaks or inflatables. Install the debris-resistant propeller (3-blade/9.5") without tools - this trolling motor's specialized design helps reduce debris accumulation. Practical for kayak motor users operating in shallow waters
- Stability-Focused Design: Built-in protection mechanisms discourage abrupt forward/reverse shifts at higher speeds. The water-resistant control box materials support use in multiple scenarios. The low-voltage cutoff helps reduce over-discharge and supports longer battery usability. Monitor power via the LED meter during operation
- Compact & Versatile: Weighs approximately 20.72 lbs with a 30" adjustable shaft and collapsible handle for efficient storage in kayak compartments. This trolling motor compatible with standard 12V deep-cycle batteries (≥50Ah), includes propeller, fin, and maintenance tools
- 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.
- Deploy-Assist Lever: Get in and out of the water easily. Just depress the lever to deploy your trolling motor and when it's time to move, it stows easily and securely.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. Powerdrive uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from Powerdrive's simple and straight-forward micro remote. (Not Compatible with Foot Pedal)
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button to get an instant "stage of charge" reading.
- Digital Maximizer: Provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing.
- Power Prop: Delivers extra power to push through any fishing scenario and excels in open water.
- [SAFE AND RELIABLE] Trolling motor plug 12v-24-48v and socket housings are made of corrosion resistant and flame retardant materials with a sealed waterproof cover for waterproofing, Helps you cope with challenging marine weather conditions with ease. More than 10,000 trolling boats have already chosen ATQYZLM brand trolling motor connectors, welcome to join us.
- [IMPROVE EFFICIENCY] The trolling motor quick connect is made of standard U.S. 8-gauge copper wire, which has a lower resistance than 10-gauge wire, dramatically accelerating battery charging efficiency and extending battery life.
- [EASY TO USE] The trolling motor plug and receptacle is simple and easy to use, just open the plug cover, connect the male plug to the trolling motor, connect the female plug to the battery, then connect the male and female plugs together. Some customers have reported that it takes less than 5 minutes to set up and have the trolling motor running as expected.
- [WIDELY USED] Trolling motor connectors are designed to be compatible with a wide range of trolling systems and power supplies. Works with a wide range of boats and motors to help you enjoy your boating experience.
- [WHAT YOU GET] 1 x 2-prong trolling motor plug, 2 fixing screws. If you have any questions about the product, Please contact us in time, We will provide you a satisfactory solution within 24 hours.
- 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 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.
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.