February 27, 2010
Trolling Motors by Minn Kota
Whether it is the primary or secondary form of propulsion on an angler's boat, a trolling motor is a self-contained unit that can be lifted up out of the water when not in use. There are times when it is attached to the bow - and sometimes to the stern. It has several different applications . When used as a secondary form of propulsion, it's used for trolling for game fish and usually installed on the transom in adjastence to the main motor. It allows for more accurate positioning of the vessel so that the person fishing can cast the bait where the fish are located
Trolling motors are generally designed with a DC electric motor that uses 12-volt deep cycle batteries for power. The motors are sealed into a watertight container at the end of a shaft and are submerged when operating. Tiller steering is the most common , with speed control normally positioned on the top . Trolling motors controlled by hand attach to the boat with clamps.
For smaller watercraft like canoes and kayaks, trolling motors may be used as a primary source of automatic propulsion. Minn Kota iPilot, which is a GPS-based control system for some of its trolling motors. It uses GPS technology for navigation and positioning that does not require hands-on operation. Applied on certain Terrova and Riptide models, it feature cruise control and a option that allows fishermen to obtain a fishing track of up to two miles and save it in memory , making it available for later use.
The Riptide series of trolling motors are saltwater trolling motors made for the harsh conditions of saltwater immersion. Any metal-on-metal interfaces feature composite bushings for isolation , reducing wear and making the motor very quiet. The tiller steering system is customizable in terms of tilt angle and length. And they offer the Lift-Assist gas-charged spring which is built-in with the bow mount, making it easier to lift the motor in and out of the water.
The Traxxis is a transom-mounted freshwater trolling motor from Minn Kota Trolling Motors, with features designed to assist in deploying, stowing, steering, and depth adjustment. Transom motors have somewhat of a reputation for being "tricky" to work with , but the Traxxis is created especailly for one-hand stowing with no push buttons or release levers. Like the Riptide models, the tiller steering is customizable in terms of handle angle and length. It also has a cam lock depth adjustment which is unlike the more typical tension knob depth control. It allows the Traxxis' depth to be precisely fixed, with no slipping.
A high quality trolling motor like those made by Minn Kota can make the difference between a successful day on the water and a disappointing one. By allowing fishermen to accurately and quietly maneuver to where the fish are, the motors make angling a more precise and enjoyable pastime.
Filed under Fly Fishing Vest by Brian