As we move closer to summer and warm temperatures, fishermen are itching to hit the waterways in their boats. But, before you pull your boat out of storage, blow off the dust, and hit the waterways, it’s important to make sure you have the right equipment on your boat for success.
I know that every fishing season I don’t hit the waterways without my MotorGuide Trolling Motor. My trolling motor is an essential part of my fishing equipment and a great addition to my boat. It allows me to slowly troll a lure or live bait through the water to where the fish are located providing precise maneuvering of my boat, allowing me to keep on top of the fish as they move. If the fish begin to pick up speed as the move, I can easily adjust my trolling motors speed setting to keep on the fish. I find it to be a great combination between performance, durability and value.
If you’re a true die hard fisherman and you don’t have a MotorGuide Trolling Motor, I would recommend running out and getting one today. But, before you do that, here are some factors to consider when selecting your MotorGuide Trolling Motor: mounting location, control type, and thrust.
Below I have explained in depth the factors you should consider while selecting your trolling motor.
Thrust
I believe this to be the most important factor when considering what trolling motor to purchase. Selecting a trolling motor that does not provide adequate thrust to move your boat can result in sluggish performance along with a difficulty in combating rough waters, as well as slower acceleration, which can lead to difficulty in getting to the fish and staying on them as they move. If you know the weight of your boat, length, and your fishing needs, picking out a trolling motor that provides enough thrust will not be a problem. If you do not know your boats weight, you can find an adequate trolling motor with just knowing your boats length and construction materials. The thrust from a trolling motor is going to perform differently on fiberglass boats and aluminum boats.
Mounting Location
Most, if not all trolling motors are either mounted on your boats bow or transom unit. Both locations have pros and cons, and it’s best to select a trolling motor based on your boat and your needs.
- Transom Mount Trolling Motors: Mounted on the transom unit, operated by hand, and have a trolling emphasis, drivers sit in the rear of the boat steering as they move along.
- Bow Mounted Trolling Motors: Mounted on the bow of your boat, can be operated by the use of a foot pedal allowing for hands-free operation, and allows for precise maneuvering of your boat.
Shaft Length
Trolling motors shafts come in different lengths and are determined by whether you want a transom mount or bow mount trolling motor. When selecting a shaft length for a transom mounted trolling motor, you need to know the distance from the transom to the waterline. When you figure out that distance, add an additional 20 inches to that length to ensure your trolling motor remains in the water during rough conditions.
If you want a bow mounted trolling motor, then you need to take the length from the top of the bow (desired location) to the waterline, and then add an additional 20 inches to that length to ensure your trolling motor remains in the water during rough conditions.
Below is a chart highlighting “Bow to Waterline and Shaft Lengths.”
Bow to Waterline Shaft Length
0-10 inches 30 inches
11-16 inches 36 inches
17-22 inches 42 inches
23-30 inches 50 inches
31-34 inches 54 inches
If your measurements land in-between available shaft lengths, round your number up to the nearest shaft length.
Control Type
Trolling motors come in three control types: hand control, foot control, and wireless control. There is no definite answer for selecting a control type for your trolling motor; it pretty much boils down to personal preference and fishing style. Select the trolling motor control type that matches your fishing style. I know I use a foot pedal on my Motor Guide trolling motor, which leaves both of my hands free to tend to my fishing needs.
So, there you have it. Adding a trolling motor to your boat can help improve your fishing experience at an affordable price. No matter your need or fishing style, there are trolling motors on the market that will complement your style and address your needs. Keep in mind too, that selecting the wrong trolling motor can result in sluggish on-the-water performance or other frustrating complications.
Fishing is one of my biggest passions. There is nothing I like more than hitting the open waters with my trolling motor and pole - that is why I put together this blog on how to help other anglers become more educated when buying a Motorguide Trolling Motor. In addition to fishing, I love hunting, biking, hiking, and campaing. I am a true outdoors man Thanks for stopping in to read my post.

