Trolling motor setup

dootech · Post by **dootech** » 11 Jul 2016, 18:24

What are you guys all using? I've got a foot controlled 55lb minkota that I like, but I'm not so good controlling with the foot and I've seen so many people that have a bow mount but hand controlled. What gives?

richg99 · Post by **richg99** » 11 Jul 2016, 20:38

I've had everything from the electric foot control; hand control; and presently have a cable control.

I have NOT purchased the fancy, expensive units that have remote steering. I suspect that would be the Cadillac style, but doesn't fit me or my budget very well.

I know very little about bow fishing, so I can only answer based on regular fishing.

Of the various styles, I think I still prefer the hand controlled units. Both the electric steer and the cable steer devices seem to make me pay a lot more attention to where I am going and what direction the boat is going. They give me less time to pay attention to quality fishing/casting.

Just one old guy's opinion. richg99

Wyatt · Post by **Wyatt** » 11 Jul 2016, 21:57

I've used all 3 styles and have owned a hand controlled and cable steer. Cable steer is my favorite by far. The more you use it, the better feel you get as far as foot positioning. I can troll for hours and never look at the head to see which direction Its facing. I use the angle of my ankle/foot to tell me. I hated having to take my hand off the rod to make the slightest adjustment.

It all just boils down to user preference.

RiverBottomOutdoors · Post by **RiverBottomOutdoors** » 12 Jul 2016, 09:28

Bow mount hand control is the way to go for bowfishing. You will want a long shaft of 50+ inches so that you can steer while standing. Ideally the motor should be mounted so that you can steer with your bow drawing hand.

Hand control advantages:
Quick turns; better maneuverability
Easy operator transition; if you shoot a fish, your buddy can just grab the tiller and take over the motor.
Ease of use; no fumbling with foot control or remotes. This is especially advantageous when you have a fish on.

You can see in this pic how my motor is mounted. When deciding the mounting I gave preference to bowfishing, but it works quite well in most all other applications. Since I'm right handed (my right hand is my draw hand) I have the motor offset to the starboard side of the boat.

richg99 · Post by **richg99** » 12 Jul 2016, 13:16

Oh yeah. Add a "Big Foot" switch. It will allow you to control on and off.... Not steer, though... On any trolling motor.
richg99