Trolling Motor Buyers Guide: How to Choose an Electric Motor for Your Boat or Kayak

A trolling motor is a quiet electric boat motor that lets you move, position and hold your boat without starting the main engine. For fishing, that means sneaking up on fish, working a shoreline or drifting a reef with far less noise, and staying right on the spot where the fish are.

This guide covers the main types of fishing trolling motors, how to choose the right size, batteries, and the GPS features worth knowing about. Browse our range of electric motors.

Types of electric boat motors

• Bow mount electric motor: mounts on the front of the boat and pulls it along. This gives the best control for fishing, and is the most popular choice for dedicated fishing boats.
• Transom mount motor: clamps onto the back of the boat. Simpler and usually more affordable, and well suited to small tinnies, dinghies and as a quiet backup to an outboard.
• Kayak motor: smaller electric motors, or mounting kits, designed for kayaks and canoes, so you can cover more water and save your energy for fishing.

An electric outboard motor is a slightly different product: it's built to be the boat's main engine rather than a fishing motor, though some anglers use one on small boats and kayaks.

How to choose a trolling motor

Thrust. Thrust is the motor's pushing power. Bigger and heavier boats, and boats fished in wind and current, need more thrust. If you're between sizes, most anglers go up rather than down. Check the manufacturer's guidance for your boat's size and weight.

Voltage. Motors run on different voltages. Higher-voltage systems generally give more power and run time, but need more batteries. Make sure your boat has the space and weight capacity for the battery setup.

Shaft length. The propeller needs to stay underwater, even when the boat rocks in a swell. The right shaft length depends on how high your bow or transom sits above the water, so measure before you buy.

Freshwater or saltwater. If you fish in salt water, choose a motor built for saltwater use. They're designed to resist corrosion.

Control. Motors can be controlled by hand tiller, foot pedal or wireless remote. Remote and pedal controls leave your hands free to fish.

GPS trolling motors

Many modern bow mount motors include GPS features. The most popular is GPS anchoring, which holds your boat on a spot automatically, a bit like a virtual anchor. Minn Kota's Spot-Lock and Watersnake's Geo-Spot are two examples. Depending on the motor, other features can include following a route, holding a heading, and linking with a compatible fish finder. Check exactly which features are included, as they vary between models.

Batteries for trolling motors

Trolling motors run on deep-cycle batteries, which are designed to be drained and recharged many times. Lithium batteries are a popular upgrade: they're much lighter and generally give longer run time, though they cost more up front. Whatever you choose, make sure the battery and charger suit your motor and your boat. Accessories such as mounts and battery cables are in our electric motor accessories range.

How to mount a trolling motor on the front of a boat

A bow mount motor attaches to a mounting bracket on the front deck. Many anglers use a quick-release bracket so the motor can be removed for storage or security. Before buying, check you have enough flat deck space, that the motor won't foul the anchor or bow rail, and how the cables will run to the batteries. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, and if you're unsure, have it installed by a marine professional.

Trolling motor FAQs

Can I use a trolling motor as my main motor?

On small, light craft in calm water it can work, but trolling motors are designed for slow, quiet manoeuvring, not for covering long distances quickly.

Do I need a trolling motor for kayak fishing?

Not at all, but a kayak motor can help you cover more water and fish further from the launch without paddling fatigue.

Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor?

Rules vary between states and depend on the vessel and motor, so check with your state's maritime authority.

Ready to choose? Browse our full range of electric motors.