Use a trolling motor for trolling?

[martyscher]

May be a dumb question, but does anyone use a trolling motor for lake trolling?<br /><br />I have a bow mounted, foot controlled, Minn Kota 50# AT, on my 165 Lowe. <br /><br />It's perfect for maneuvering in bays from the forward seat, but if trolling off of the stern, I find my self running back and forth to power off the troll motor, or change it's direction.<br /><br />Plus, if the power is up, the motor direction will go squirrelly, without a foot constantly on the control. There is no lock mechanism for the motor direction and the foot control cable is not long enough to move far aftward.<br /><br />The motor has more than enough power and stamina for the task, provided I can control both the motor and the boat.<br /><br />Any ideas are welcome.

 

[mountainboy]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

Hey Martysher, I have a transom-mount <br />trolling motor because I operate from the<br />stern. It is tricky at times to troll, but over the<br />last couple months I have figured things out<br />to make it easier. I guess that I don't have<br />any suggestions because you operate<br />from the bow, but I know that it can be<br />tricky at times. Sometimes my fishin, buddy<br />gets frustrated with me because I go <br />off line and get his line messed up or I'm <br />trying to change lures while the boat is still<br /> going. But, things work out in the end. MB

 

[derwood]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

I don't own a trolling motor but would it be possible to spice in a good length of wire to get it up front?<br /><br />If it were on the shade tree speical i would do it....pepole exspect that of me....but you probly have some sort of reputation to uphold....<br /><br />Derwood.

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

I have used my bow mount to slow troll for fish but not since I have had a better running motor (meaning it will run at low idle LOL).<br />Yes Derwood you can splice in some heavy gage wire and run your troling motor from a battery in the back. In actuality it is a do it yourself job of what the MFGS do. Also you can turn the head around on a transom mount and use it on the bow. They are cheaper and since I like to be up front when using it works just fine.

 

[marty_scher]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

Derwood, I too was a shade tree mechanic for many years, until they started giving me too much "credit". My outboard idles fine, but is a little too fast and my "boat stuff" budget is pretty much blown for this year (maybe next too )<br /><br />Your engineering prowess did give me a good idea though . I might extend the wire on the foot control to extend to the steering console.<br /><br />Then all I need to do is place a "weathervane" on the trolling motor, to see what direction it is pointing. The motor already has an directional arrow on top, but i would then be too far away to see it.<br /><br />Or I might try to lock the troll motor straight ahead and use the outboard as a rudder (this actually works pretty well).<br /><br />I like your ways, Derwood, so I'm trying to be a cheap as possible too.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[trollhole]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

Okay I know your going cheap and here is my best suggestion use a trolling plate on your outboard. Got mine for about 50 bucks and it's worth it's weight in gold.

 

[martyscher]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

I can probably handle that (next spring ).<br /><br />Is there any way to control speed with the troll plate, assuming the engine is at idle?<br /><br />Also, do you have problems with carbon build-up from idling?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[trollhole]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

have a force 90hp 96model normal I have to decard about every 4th time out and replace plugs about 4 times a year. There are a lot of other motors out there that can troll without all of this special attention but I own a force so I have too. As far as speed without my plate which is the automatic kind with springs holding it down trolling and when accellerating it flips up is about 3mph with the plate it went to 1.5 which is perfect for trolling for trout.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

They do make trolling motors with hand held remote controls, even voice activated ones. But they are big bucks.<br /><br />Also could use a drift sock with your outboard. Just don't forget to pull it in before you try to drive off. Its a big nylon mesh bag that you drag from your boat to slow it down. The advantage here is that you can also use it when you are drifting and the wind has you moving too fast.<br /><br />I like the troll plate idea and would like to know how they effect the motor/boat/handling when in reverse. What about backtrolling?

 

[JB]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

Boy am I confused.<br /><br />Minn-Kota's AP50 has power steering and an 18' cord to the remote so that it can be controlled from anywhere in the boat.<br /><br />The AP in the model designates it as an Auto-Pilot. Aim it, set it and it's internal compass keeps it going the same direction without having to mess with it.<br /><br />Those are two reasons why I have an AP on my boat. The third reason is that it is a Genesis, so I can deploy and stow it from the stern, if I choose to.<br /><br />Martysher, if your motor is an AP50, you really need to get an Operator's Manual.<br /><br />EDIT: OOPS! I went back and read it again. An AT50# is not the same as the AP50# I thought you had mentioned.<br /><br />Never mind. <br /><br />Good luck.

 

[trollhole]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

Hey Rosco Never had a problem backing. Never really thought about it until now. I used my boat all summer and really forgot the trolling plate was even on. I guess it makes it a little slower backing up but not much. I love that thing though. So much better than a fixed one with a cable.

 

[Beaux]

Re: Use a trolling motor for trolling?

Oh WOW!!! JB had an oops.... Well, after following tons of your advice reading old posts I am glad to see that you to are human. It is a nice change to see someone sac up and admit a mistake. I only wish the mistakes I make would be so easily fixed (stripped nuts,crossthreaded bolts, etc). You the man JB !!!