Even bow mounted motors can be used for slow trolling. of thrust = 36 volts, 3 batteries Just make sure you bring the charger on over night trips. Most anglers think of trolling motors as a means to reposition boats for casting but even a larger boat outfitted with a trolling motor can use it for trolling. Step 1. We recommend longer shafts for operation in rough water so the prop stays about 6" below the surface when the boat pitches and rolls. As avid anglers, Joshua and Kendle spend their days exploring the waters of the Pacific Northwest and aim to teach others the joy of fishing. In general, trolling speeds between 1.5 and 2.5 mph, as measured by GPS, are a good starting place for most species like walleye, trout and salmon. Fishing with attractors like dodgers and flashers should also be a consideration when choosing a trolling speed. Slow speeds are crucial. Maintains a preset trolling motor speed in either the “heading lock” or “route record” modes. So 1 hp trolling motor basically equals to 70 lbs of thrust, and about 0.6 horsepower is a 55 lb thrust trolling. Heading Lock. FishingDuo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This is a simple online version of the Android app. Adequate thrust level is of particular importance if you purchase a trolling motor with GPS functionality like Minn Kota's i-Pilot. I had the motor for many years and it was in very good condition, I unknowingly left it in a protected watertight compartment on my boat when I used it on the salt a few times. Picking the perfect trolling speed is one of those critical things we all seem to struggle with at one point or another. There really is no exact answer for the best trolling speed for every species of game fish. Trolling at the right speed largely depends on the lure at the end of your line. Summer walleye are aggressive and trolling up to 3.0 mph is sometimes the hot ticket. Anglers' favorite motor is now available in two shorter shaft versions perfect for kayak anglers. i-Pilot is designed to keep your boat in a fixed position or steady course. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. More than once I have found myself sucked into the trap of trolling in a straight line at one speed. However, by using the tips and chart we outlined in this article, you are likely to catch more fish and become less frustrated with your time spent on the water. By adding a trolling plate to the motor, you can cut speed and it doesn’t cost much to do it either. Looking for an efficient trolling motor for your boat? Trolling really kicks into high gear for summer walleye. Take a look at forums or listen to a few experienced anglers and most would agree that 1.7 to 1.8 mph is the trolling speed of choice for kokanee. Camera: What’s Better for Ice Fishing, Noodle Rods for Ice Fishing: Everything You Need to Know, Humminbird Ice Helix 7: Best Settings for all Situations, Are Manual Ice Augers Hard to Use: 7 Tips for Easy Drilling, 8 Best Lakes to Catch Channel Catfish in Washington State. You’ll find plenty of helpful information and gear suggestions for reaching any fish below the surface. Trolling is often overlooked as a means to cover water and pinpoint prime stalking ground for muskie and pike. Even if you are trolling at the ideal speed and the lure action looks great, catching fish is still not guaranteed. Once anglers learn what speeds they should be trolling at, they often realize their boats are not configured to go slow enough. Use the trolling speed chart to find the ideal speed for your target species and maintain that speed. In those situations, use your best judgement to gauge true speed. Enter your speed and rig to calculate your trolling depth. Once again, incorporate the “S” turn when trolling to change up your speed. Everything You Need to Know for More Summer Fun Outboard Lower Unit Oil Changes: What You Need, How to Do It, How Often, and What It Costs Eye-Opening Facts About the Cost of Boat Gas The Complete Guide to Selling Your Sailboat How to Choose Your Motor: Inboard vs. They fight harder than other trout species and are known to strike just about any lure that passes by. Add To Cart. of thrust or less = 12 volts, 1 battery 68-80 lbs. It’s nearly impossible to get larger outboard or inboard/outboard motors to idle low enough for trolling at slower speeds. Both baits and lures run great, plus most boats have a great hum at this speed. No two species of fish are the same and there is not one trolling speed that catches them all. 55 lbs. The standard shaft length is 42". All the features of a regular trolling motor … Spouting out numbers for ideal trolling speeds is great but unless you can actually measure your speed it’s tough to replicate successful tactics from day to day. About Us; Contact Us; ... Motor Guide 5 Speed Hand Switch (R3, X3) $17.95. My first hand experience in salt water with a fresh water model is this. Some people counter this by using two smaller socks with one on each side for balance. Indicates how much battery power your trolling motor requires. Small boats under 14 feet are well suited for electric trolling motors. Fine-tune the motor’s vertical position with the adjustment on the mount. A trolling plate is essentially a device that lowers a flat metal or plastic plate in front of the prop to redirect the jetted water. Saltwater motors are protected against corrosion and have better seals on the mechanical and electrical components. The lever-lock bracket of the unit is made with reinforced composite material, and it can resist warping, flexing, and UV damage. Finding the optimum trolling speed for whatever setup you are using is simple. Trolling for tiger trout is most effective at 1.2 mph but it mainly depends on the lure you  are trolling. There is of course, exceptions to the rule. This gives a good indication that you’re going the right speed. Trolling plates mount onto the motor’s hydrofoil and the plate is lowered using hydraulics or a mechanical method for trolling. These beautifully colored fish have gained significant popularity over the years. Maximum thrusts at different voltages are approximately 12V/55lb. A 24V model with 54lb. of thrust, powerful enough to move heavy vessels such as pontoon boats. Easily remove your electric-steer, bow-mount trolling motor. Fish behavior varies wildly from day to day. Some Minn Kota motors feature Humminbird's MEGA Down Imaging and are compatible with select fishfinders. We recommend 5lb. You can readily find small used motors for a reasonable price. Countless hookups occur during turns and you can get an idea of what fish prefer based on which rod gets hit more. of a vessel’s gross weight. Shaft Length Brown trout garner a dedicated following among spring time trollers. 62.5 * 0.50 /20 = 1.56 hours As we troll, we can add occasional pulses to the rod to create sudden movement that often triggers a strike. Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Trolling Motor. Follow these steps to get your lure action just right. of thrust = 24 volts, 2 batteries 101-112 lbs. We like hand holding our rods when long line trolling with cranks or spoons. Many trolling motors now feature autopilot and route storage capabilities to guide you through your most productive routes. This trolling motor lets you dial in your exact speed and delivers you as much power as you need, helping you conserve your battery through a full day of fishing. Unfortunately, our services and products are not available at your location. Just like vertical jigging, keep the bait above the fish since crappie mostly feed upwards to prey, not down. On very small craft or on a light sailboat the trolling motor often doubles as an auxiliary engine and is mounted on the transom where it is operated by a tiller. Most anglers drag around crankbaits like Berkley flicker shads and Rapalas in 20 to 30 feet of water, focusing on transitions and weed edges. With your gear still beside the boat, slightly decrease the trolling speed and see if it improves the action. On the other hand, summer heat drives trout to deeper, cold water and slows down their activity. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can control these features from your phone or from an included remote control. Lower your trolling setup along side the boat just beneath the surface and check that the lure action is good. Assuming you have the depth set right and the lure action dialed in, it’s time to experiment with speed. Whatever your favorite species is, we have a few more tips to help hone in your trolling skills. LivePrecise Taking the guess work out of life. It requires constant adjusting to find what fish prefer from one day to the next. The trolling ranges and trolling speeds listed are compiled from expert advise, years of personal experience and plenty of research. Marine batteries are rated by “Amperage Hours”. So stay tuned. With so many variables to consider, it’s a small miracle when we can consistently catch fish while trolling. Trolling motors come in 12, 24, or 36 volts. Trolling plates are ideally suited for motors greater than 30 horse power and the Ironwood Pacific EasyTroller plate is by far the most popular option available on Amazon. However, for our purposes a guess just isn’t good enough. Bow mounted motors are convenient if you fish primarily in an open bow-rider or on the fore-deck of a bass boat. They also grow to some impressive sizes which brings additional excitement to the chase. Bigger is almost always better. Never heard of it? Many anglers new to trolling think there’s some sort of “magic” speed that induces fish to strike. Make sure dodgers are dodging and flashers are spinning. Spoons and shallow diving stickbaits are a favorite in early spring after the ice melts. In theory, if you are looking to power our 55lb thrust trolling motor at full speed for roughly … However, we find that these are cumbersome techniques and have limited benefits over GPS. Check out our full line of transom mounted saltwater trolling motors. of thrust may only draw 28A, while a 12V model with 44lb. However, once the spawn is over, crappie disperse and suspend over deep water, relating more to offshore structure than nearby spawning areas. Investing in an auxiliary outboard is a bit pricey but if you plan on trolling regularly it’s the most efficient option. Troll too slow with a flasher and its lethargic spin fails to draw in fish. Amp Hour Rating. So, what is the best trolling speed? The feet per minute times 60 equals calculated feet per hour. Thankfully, an electric trolling motor can keep you into fish without making a sound. Motor Guide 50" Composite Shaft (X3, R3) $39.95. Different sizes are available depending on the size of your boat. Reaching them often requires additional weight or divers trolled at slower speeds well below 1 mph depending on the lure. As a rule of thumb 72 to 75lb. of thrust roughly equals one horsepower or 746W of electrical power. Trolling around big spinners, shad raps and muskie spoons at 2.5 to 3.0 mph yields good results in pike and muskie waters. Target pockets of warmer water near inlets and channels as fish stage for spawning. Whether you like slowly trolling a bottom bouncer and worm harness or ripping cranks along mid-depth drop offs, implement a couple of these tips to boost your catch rate. You’ll need 1 battery for every 12 volts in your trolling system. Serious anglers who spend a lot of time on the water will appreciate a 36V motor. This is especially useful when fishing in areas with dynamic currents or when a stiff wind is blowing at your back. I’ll be the first to admit, fishing is not easy. and 24V/80lb. Then pause the trolling and start casting in the immediate area to capitalize on multiple fish. Motorguide X3 Trolling Motor. The next trolling question anglers often ask is how do you troll in deep water without downriggers? While 1.5 to 2.5 mph creates enticing action for crankbaits, trolling a worm harness with a smiley blade might deliver better results going slower than 1.2 mph. Long line trolling with small spinners up to 2 mph works well on these hungry fish. All fish are influenced by seasonal changes, but walleye seem particularly prone to wild fluxes in behavior and feeding habits. Just … Trolling motors are rated in pounds of thrust. With resilient components like unbreakable composite shafts, rigid aircraft-grade aluminum mounts, stainless steel bushings in key wear areas, no-flex metal foot pedals and 360° breakaway mounts, MotorGuide trolling motors offer peace of mind for the long haul. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. This chart certainly serves as a handy guide and a good starting point, especially when trolling somewhere new. ( (4 x 1540 x .85) / 12) x (60 / 5280) = M.P.H. Sometimes finding the right trolling speed is a matter of watching your rod tip. Temps in winter, spring and fall sit well below 45° to 50° F in most Pacific Northwest waters. Not everyone has the right boat, time or money to invest in downriggers. Essentially, it’s like dragging around a large open bag to create resistance as you move through the water. Luckily, there are a few ways to lose speed without spending a fortune. All it takes is a bit of fine tuning and some experimenting to find the sweet spot. Real world tips and information about all things fishing. Along with its nearly silent operation and wireless remote, it’s … Wireless Trolling Pro allows fishermen to control the speed and direction of their Trolling Motor using a hand held controller and PWM power module. While this is certainly true when summer heat drives them down to the cool depths, winter, spring and fall often yields lakers in relatively shallow water. High-yield composite construction is super strong and impervious to corrosion and specifically designed for higher thrust motors and longer shaft lengths. Early season browns hang in 20 to 30 feet of water along structure and drop offs. That’s why we are very confident starting with a trolling speed of 1.5 mph on most lakes we fish. When most people think of lake trout they think of deep water and slow trolling. You can also purchase paddlewheel adapters that connect to fish finders and record speeds relative to the water. Once you set a speed that delivers good lure action, test the affect of some small “S” turns. Once cool water opens up the rest of the water column, their aggression turns up a notch. For everyday marlin fishing with dead bait or lures, 8.5 knots is a good all-around speed. These landlocked sockeye are full of spunk but getting them to commit to your bait is a challenge for sure. Figuring out what they want today is the key to more hook ups. However, trolling for pike and muskie should be used as a one-two punch to boost your catch rates by nearly double. It’s also nice to have as a backup should something go wrong with your main motor. If you’re looking for more speed from a trolling motor, you should look for a different prop. ... on your chart do you have the labels backward min speed 30 amps? Ideal trolling speeds for brown trout range from 1.8 to 2.5 mph but 2.2 mph is a common starting speed. Lake trolls by Luhr-Jenson followed by a wedding ring worm harness or hot shot make for a productive morning. More amp hours on a battery means it has a larger storage capacity, and can power your motor longer. Transom-mount motors feature brackets that adjust to different angles and heights so the motor’s shaft is immersed at the right depth. Troll worm harnesses behind bottom bouncers or floating Rapalas on a three way rig as slow as 0.8 mph. Otherwise, use your best judgment. While they are an indispensable tool for hard core trolling, downriggers aren’t the only way to get bait into deep water. We want to catch fish efficiently and consistently and I bet you do too. Shallow diving crankbaits, spoons, flatfish or gang troll setups work well at speeds around 1 to 2 mph. Later in the season as brown trout move to deeper pockets, slow down trolling speeds and get the bait to the bottom. We generally fish for chinook at slower speeds with a dodger setup. Keep in mind that trolling plates create extra prop wash that can interfere with fish finder transducers. Battery Run Time depends on the quality, age and how well the battery has cared. Breakers and Fuses; Connectors; Plugs and Receptacles; Wiring and Jumpers; Our Company. When your boat motor is at full idle and you need to bleed some speed for trolling, try out a drift sock. Trolling Motor Accessories; Trolling Motor Wiring. Coho are hungry and aggressive and seem to prefer forceful action from flashers and trailing lures. of thrust can draw 36A. Crappie anglers don’t utilize trolling as often as they should. The tight speed range of 0.8 to 2.0 mph works in most situations. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid hold while stowing your trolling motor and makes for easy removal at the end of the day. Suppose you are using an electric trolling motor by Minn Kota 50 pound thrust at a speed setting of 2 and it’s drawing out 20 amps. Trolling with a powerful 115 horse 4 stroke at 0.7 mph is not always possible. Re: Trolling motors-- what is more reliable, variable speed or 5-speed "speed coils"? Finding the optimum trolling speed for whatever setup you are using is simple. Erring on the stronger side has its benefits because stronger motors run more efficiently at lower speeds and provide a safety cushion for handling wind, waves and current. It will help ensure that the motors' shaft is long enough to keep the propeller submerged at least 12" below the water line in your specific fishing conditions. Dodgers and flashers are used to attract fish to your bait but they won’t be as effective if you don’t know how speed affects their action. The GPS sets course and moves the boat in a straight line to the way point.