| Whether it is the primary or secondary form of | | | | Available on certain Terrova and Riptide models, it has |
| propulsion on an angler's boat, a trolling motor is a | | | | cruise control and a feature that allows fishermen to |
| self-contained unit that can be lifted up out of the | | | | record a fishing track of up to two miles and store it in |
| water when not in use. Sometimes it's attached to the | | | | memory so that it can be precisely retraced on a later |
| bow and sometimes to the stern. It has several | | | | fishing trip. |
| different uses. When used as a secondary form of | | | | The Riptide series of trolling motors are saltwater |
| propulsion, it's used for trolling for game fish and usually | | | | trolling motors made for the harsh conditions of |
| mounted on the transom next to the primary motor. It | | | | saltwater immersion. Any metal-on-metal interfaces |
| allows for more precise positioning of the boat so that | | | | feature composite bushings for isolation, which reduces |
| the person fishing can cast the bait where the fish are | | | | wear and makes the motor very quiet. The tiller |
| located | | | | steering system is fully customizable in terms of tilt |
| Trolling motors are generally designed with a DC | | | | angle and length. And they offer the Lift-Assist |
| electric motor that uses 12-volt deep cycle batteries | | | | gas-charged spring which is built-in with the bow mount, |
| for power. The motors are sealed into a watertight | | | | which makes it easier to lift the motor in and out of the |
| container at the end of a shaft and are submerged | | | | water. |
| when operating. Tiller steering is most common, with | | | | The Traxxis is a transom-mounted freshwater motor |
| speed control normally located on the top of the unit. | | | | from Minn Kota, with features designed to assist in |
| Trolling motors controlled by hand attach to the boat | | | | deploying, stowing, steering, and depth adjustment. |
| with clamps. | | | | Transom motors have somewhat of a reputation for |
| For smaller watercraft like canoes and kayaks, trolling | | | | being difficult to operate, but the Traxxis is designed |
| motors may be used as a primary source of | | | | for one-hand stowing with no push buttons or release |
| automatic propulsion. Minn Kota, a company based in | | | | levers. Like the Riptide models, the tiller steering is |
| Racine, Wisconsin, is one brand of trolling motors. The | | | | customizable in terms of handle angle and length. It also |
| company makes both fresh water and salt water | | | | has a cam lock depth adjustment which is unlike the |
| motors in over a dozen different models, all of which | | | | more typical tension knob depth control. It offers the |
| have engine shafts made of composite materials | | | | Traxxis' depth to be fixed precisely, with no slipping. |
| designed for long wear. Minn Kota trolling motors for | | | | A high quality trolling motor like those made by Minn |
| salt water are made with materials that resist salt | | | | Kota can make the difference between a successful |
| water corrosion. | | | | day on the water and a disappointing one. By allowing |
| Minn Kota also makes the i-Pilot, which is a | | | | fishermen to accurately and quietly maneuver to |
| GPS-based control system for some of its trolling | | | | where the fish are, the motors make angling a more |
| motors. It utilizes GPS technology for navigation and | | | | precise and enjoyable pastime. |
| positioning that doesn't require hands-on operation. | | | | |