Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

[ebry710]

Although it seems obvious from the name "electric trolling motor", that these motors are for trolling, but in my mind I have always looks at them as for boat positioning and not trolling at 4 mph pulling a 1500# whaler and two downriggers.

In reading some forums though, it sound like people do use them for lake trolling. What are peoples thoughts?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

I troll with mine all the time while crappie fishing. Usually less than 1 MPH.

 

[HONKER1]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

I've use my electric trolling motor for trolling, but after 3 to 4 hours the battery is done for and so is my fishing for the day. I was trying to push a 18' Starcraft into a choppy lake and 5 mph wind. If you want to use a electric, you better pick your condition carefully.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

i troll with mine all the time, big battery.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

You are correct in that electrics are not intended to troll at higher speeds for long periods of time but rather verrrry slow trolling (1 mph or less) or for position fishing. Anything that requires covering lots of water with continuous boat speeds higher than about 2 MPH would be better served by a small kicker or if the boat can idle down to that speed with the main motor, that would work as well. I cover large areas trolling for walleye with my pontoon using the Suzy 4-stroke. But when it comes to position fishing or slow trolling over specific areas for pan fish or even walleyes, I drop the electric. Slowly working a shoreline or dock area for bucket mouths is also done well with an electric.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

You are correct in that electrics are not intended to troll at higher speeds for long periods of time but rather verrrry slow trolling (1 mph or less) or for position fishing. Anything that requires covering lots of water with continuous boat speeds higher than about 2 MPH would be better served by a small kicker or if the boat can idle down to that speed with the main motor, that would work as well. I cover large areas trolling for walleye with my pontoon using the Suzy 4-stroke. But when it comes to position fishing or slow trolling over specific areas for pan fish or even walleyes, I drop the electric. Slowly working a shoreline or dock area for bucket mouths is also done well with an electric.

If your goal is to troll 4 mph, how small of a gas kicker can you use?

I have a Minn Kota for positioning and working the shoreline. My plans included a 8-9.9 hp, but my pocket book got stopped.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

I can't get any slower than 2.5 knots with the SeaRay (no aux. motor) which is a little too fast for me. If there's a good breeze in my favor, I have to take advantage of that. Of course, this is few and far between.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

You can't go wrong with a 9/9 but I would think a 7.5 or even a 5 HP would be suffient to provide 4 MPH. I used to fish with a neighbor that had a 19 foot Crestliner (a heavy boat) with a 150 Mariner and he used an older 7.5 Merc kicker. Worked fine. A four blade prop would be something to consider if they make one for whatever you end up with.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

This is good to know. I have a line on a ~5 hp Gamefisher that a buddy of mine owns. He bought it for his boat to troll, but he has a pretty boat and doesn't want bait following between his seat cushions. It has not been used much and he is good at seasonal up keep, plus he'll allow for me to barter/finance. In the meantime I will save money for my 8 to 9.9 4-stroke and keep my Minn for shoreline lure and fly fishing.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

A kicker would be ideal, but here's a few other options.

I used a Troll-a-Matic trolling plate on my old SeaSwirl (Mercruiser 140HP) and it slowed the boat enough so I could troll. Backing was more difficult since a portion of the prop is blocked, but after learning how it acted it wasn't a problem.

I've also seen people throw out a drift sock (trolling sock, sea anchor) to slow the boat for trolling,,, or even a 5 gallon bucket.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

I believe that Gamefisher 5 HP is nothing more than a single cylinder Clinton lawnmower engine strapped to a lower unit. I bought of those on a closeout deal at Sears many years ago. Man -- that thing is loud and will shake your teeth loose. Go for a "real" outboard -- even one that's 20 years old is better than the Gamefisher. Look around -- the bargains are there. Check your local grocery store bulletin board or classified ads in your newspaper.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Are electric trolling motors really for trolling?

I believe that Gamefisher 5 HP is nothing more than a single cylinder Clinton lawnmower engine strapped to a lower unit. I bought of those on a closeout deal at Sears many years ago. Man -- that thing is loud and will shake your teeth loose. Go for a "real" outboard -- even one that's 20 years old is better than the Gamefisher. Look around -- the bargains are there. Check your local grocery store bulletin board or classified ads in your newspaper.

That's good to know. I haven't said anything so I am not obligated. It is one thing to make due....another to make due with junk. When I buy a lawn mower, I only buy it with a honda engine.....why change now.