The trolling motor was invented in 1934 by O. G. Schmidt he founded the first trolling motor company called Minnkota this company is still making them today.
Without a trolling motor you would have no way to get close to where the fish are without spooking them. The two biggest companies are Minnkota and Motorguide.
There are two types of trolling motors the bow mount and the transom mount. The bow mounted has a foot pedal and the transom mount has a hand controlled steering Colum with a speed control on the handle. The transom type is usually used on smaller boats you need at least 1 12 volt battery but its smart to carry a spare just in case.
The thrust that’s needed to power your boat is determined by size of boat and how many will be in it. On a 10 to 12 foot boat you need a 28 to 30 pounds of thrust. A 15 footer needs 36 pounds of thrust while a 20 footer needs at least 74 pounds of thrust to move it. Next you need to decide what type of battery you will need there are three types 12, 24 or a 36 volt marine deep cycled battery. The 12 needs only one the 24 needs two and the 36 needs three but its prudent to carry one spare.
The bow mount trolling motor is mounted on the front of the boat by either a bracket or a plate, most fishermen with boats 15 feet or larger prefer the bow mount type. The preferred method to use this type is the foot pedal as it allows you to keep your hands free to fish.
Trolling Motors
