Buying A Trolling Motor…Don’t Make THIS Common Mistake…

Randy gives tips and advice on buying a trolling motor…#trollingmotor #angler #bass #bassfishing #fishing #fish #fishinglife #fishingtrip #fishingdaily
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[@tonystange8603]

I have the 80lb Minn kota ulterra with the self deploy and electric steering. Has spot lock also. I fish 99% of the time alone and being able to launch my boat and just have it sit there with the spot lock is invaluable to me. I’ve had a few glitches come up on it since I’ve had it but nothing serious.

[@mattmiller7447]

I recently upgraded last year from a 12v edge to a fortrex on my 16’ weldbilt and it was a great upgrade! Love the percentage adjustment dial on the side way better than the 5 speed dial on the edge

[@williambonk380]

Spot on with simple and spot on with spot lock just another thing to go wrong personally I love strolling and with all the new intel on strolling rigs it’s a win win and catches the heck out of them.if your into FFS and spot lock then yes you will be the guy with three trolling motors on your boat and thats fine when you fish at Indy level tournaments but us guys who just like catching bass and want no problems that comes with high tech a fortrex will be just fine. Thanks again Randy for the honesty.

[@gregarmstrong6798]

For me, spot-lock is non-negotiable. Gotta have it. I still have the '15 36v Motor Guide Digital 109 in my garage that I replaced w an Ultrex a couple years back. That thing was bullet-proof!

[@lorithane2006]

Amen brother!!

[@jeffreyb981]

Completely agree with you. Keep it simple. I work on vehicles for a living. The more features, the more it breaks

[@ronfussell8244]

I bought my Stratos xl20 with a remote control garmin with first generation spotlock,loved the remote because I could be anywhere on the boat,the fun went away,sold it and back to the fortrex,simple and powerful .

[@michaelparker2169]

I love my ultrex. Love spot lock. Had it several years.

[@user-dl5vc9qb2o]

Totally agree I have had both 112lb thrust Fortrex and Ultrex. Never one problem with the Fortrex. I have had several problems with the Ultrex

[@getthenet9677]

Good advice!

[@patrickmahoney3479]

Good advice

[@Etec86]

I’m going on 5 years of hard use with my Ultrex and it has been bullet proof! The Minnkota Maxxum I had before it was a tank as well. I fish rivers a lot and spotlock is amazing!

[@bstan54]

I agree with keeping it simple and when I change it will be something like a fortrex. My boat came with an ulterex and I very seldom use spot lock.

[@DHouston318]

I’ve had my ultrex lock up randomly and it’s definitely game over when it happens. Like Randy, mine came with the boat and I wouldn’t have it otherwise.

[@SpookyRedz]

I asked Matt about his Lowrance I’m thinking of getting that one next , I love foot controls , with the steering cable , ipilot has a foot but u can’t tell where ur going without looking at the head

[@markhayden3462]

Ultrex is probably the best investment I've added to my boat. I'll never be without spotlock again.

[@rickfernald3452]

I have been using my 1991 Johnson 56 lb thrust (way under rated power) pulls my 391V Ranger no problem, for tournaments and casual fishing for 34 years. I have had 1 breakdown when I left the switch in the on position and headed down the lake with the prop facing out, the wind turned the prop turning backwards running down the lake making it a generator, when the capacitor got loaded with too much voltage it blew up under the pedal with a cloud of oil. A quick change of the capacitor , good as new. They are also lightweight, and with the offset shaft they dont clog up with weeds.

[@winstonrocco1981]

Had many motorguide hand controls loved them 0 problems

[@randyclark5323]

I have an Ultrex with spot lock, I use the spot lock 80% of the time to hold the boat while I retie or change baits. Really handy on busy lakes with a lot of wake or wind. Beyond that I loved my old Motoguide. I kept my old motorguide as a backup.

[@michaelspanos269]

I put a Terrova on my 16' bass boat back in 2017 - spot lock has changed everything and is the best investment I've ever made in fishing gear period. Boat control is everything. Along with the cruise control feature it has made fishing on windy days and in current a breeze.

[@Shaqoneil81-ci7dr]

Yup the foretrex 36v is what I’ve got. It’s a good one.

[@edwardcowan7012]

I carried a spare TM in my boat from about 1985-2005. Before 36 volt motors came out I ran 4 TM batteries most of the time. I’ve been running a standard foot control MG 36 Volt motor since they hit the market. I also would replace the TM every 2 years to assure that it was dependable. They last a lot longer these days.

[@davidbaisden4846]

Back in the early 80's I had a Kicker hand controlled. 😂😂😂

[@TomKirkman1]

Oddly, our State Fish and Game department isn't worried about live scope and forward facing sonar but they are already changing some regulations because of their concern over spot lock which they say will certainly impact the fishing particularly in our near shore saltwater areas.

[@Jon45678]

Good video. It is nice to have cable backup steering. Minn Kotas are pretty modular so you can get parts to have on backup (foot pedal, steering assembly, circuit boards, etc.) and they are not bad to work on if you’re mechanically inclined. Be careful with the spring lift assist though.

[@bryandelgado3722]

Big fan and I only Kidd when I say this….I am so glad you didn’t say an anchor and an ore. :). I was kinda worried for a second for real though. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my spot lock, will never go without it again. As an angler who really sucks it is invaluable as I’m clearing backlashes and retying. However I totally agree about the buttons on my Ultrex, can’t think of a use for the north up, use the spot lock button all the time and the third one is a constant, which I have used occasionally. Occasionally and just recently started setting the speed to 1 or 2 and then let it creep me along the bank or bluff I'm fishing. Probably a great feature when trolling for crappie. I did just have to replace my on/off switch and as the unit is now 4 years old, maybe older I’m just waiting for it to give up the ghost due to a control board or module.

[@markpowers126]

I have been looking at them all awhile. They are pricey. I would like to buy the Garmin force kraken. But bought a Newport 86 lb. 55 inch for my Tritoon. Thanks for info Randy its been a long time since I seen you or talked to you.

[@rosschappell7014]

Spot lock is a must in Kansas wind. It’s exhausting without it. I can’t wait to get a new MK. But I’m not getting ALL the bells and whistles. It will have spotlock. 55lb thrust 12v system

[@bmannichols4157]

I love my spot lock especially when I am fighting a fish in current

[@daveengstrom9250]

I don't know, Randy. I fish Lake Roosevelt for walleye. Lake Roosevelt is a dammed up river and is about 150 miles long. It has a current. So holding over a walleye hole makes the Spot Lock feature pretty nice to have. I'd hate to be without it. Its nice for Sturgeon fishing too.

[@c.shoefish]

I have a 80 lbs 24v MK fortrex on mine, it's over 20 years old and it operates perfectly, it pulls my boat along at 4.2-4.5 mph. I wish it had spot lock, but TBH my 15 lbs anchor does the same thing, for way less money. I'll replace it eventually...when it breaks (if it ever happens).

[@furburglar6818]

Fish Lake Roosevelt and the Columbia River here in Washington State and spot lock sure is nice for walleye and sturgeon. When trolling for salmon, steelhead, kokanee, and walleye, I also lock down my kicker and use my Terrova to steer via remote. No way I’m ever going back to a dumbed down version. I am 56 and have learned to embrace technology.

[@alex_darsen]

I have a boat that’s going on 11 years old by model year. I’ve had it for 9 and it came with a 36v Fortrex. That troller has been great, but ever since MK came out with the Ultrex, I’ve been jonesing for one because of the spot lock feature. I know it will help my fishing day tremendously. I fish a lake that’s often windy and has currents. I would love spot lock to keep me in place while fishing a point, hump, or when I have to retie or dig trough tackle (especially when fishing alone). However, I felt they were a little too costly at the time and out of reach. Now that the new ones are out, you can find an original for a good price since vendors who still have them are blowing them out. Gonna have to pull the trigger soon. Would I like to have one of the newer, brushless ones? Sure. But the difference in cost is at least a grand depending on the brand/model. The original will be quiet enough for me…pretty much a Fortrex (in terms of noise) with spot lock.

[@phillamoore157]

I tell you Randy…. Most trolling motors today come with all that crap, so they can charge you more no matter what model you buy. I just purchased a Terrova Riptide (freshwater use, it was on sale) because the spot-lock was important to me. But, that’s the only “elite” feature i really use. Short of that, I keep it VERY simple. But, you can’t just get Spot-lock…you get all the other crap with it. That was important to me because I couldn’t afford two power poles (and those aren’t always applicable depending on depth). Part B to this is what happens when/if a part breaks. I just went through one of the most disgusting experiences I’ve ever had because a $2.00 steaming sleeve-collar, made of shamelessly cheap plastic, broke (for reasons I still can’t figure out). the entire motor had to be disassembled (including the steering box broke open) to replace that one piece. I’m a DIY’er though-and-though, but never….EVER again, will I buy a Minn Kota TM. A $2000 motor should NEVER be made of parts that can break THAT easily. I hope to find a way to wean myself off the spot-lock. *I hope you’re stil reading these comments. Because, using a trolling motor while you’re fishing is a major skill unto-itself. So, that’s where you could really help a LOT of people with a “How-to” video. But , I agree 100%…if you’re good enough with that TM, to where you don’t need that Spot-lock, then I’d buy the cheapest, cable driven 24v motor I could find (if they still make them).*

[@Jon45678]

I had to change that part too. That’s why I made an earlier comment about the lift assist, that thing is dangerous if you’re not careful. I love the Terrova though. Spot lock and Auto Pilot are both awesome.

[@phillamoore157]

@@Jon45678 Yup...you got that right. I just about took out my wife with that damn spring. I'm even considering taking it off altogether if it's solely a "lift-assist", and pick up a pull cable to life it up/down. I also shortened the shaft by close to 2ft, so it's half the weight, and the head isn't directly in my "wheelhouse" when casting. So, hopefully, I can do without that part. And, I bent/kinked up that spring trying to figure it all out. So, I bit the bullet and picked up their tool they use to handle that spring, and lot of spare parts (steering box, lift-assist coil assembly, several spare steering collars, etc..). I'm sure something will break down the road, and I don't want to be without. Lakeland Marine & Service, was a huge help with those parts. . When the weather warms up here in FL, I'll get out there and see how it behaves. I have yet to actually get it back out on the water after the repair. And, I'm hoping the pedal steering will be a lot more responsive...something I'm not real happy with. It's tough to control. And, when at full speed it makes a loud high-pitched squeaking sound, that I'm hoping will also be gone with this repair. But, as you say, I'm damn-near dependent on that spot-lock at this point. I'm hoping I'll get past the frustrations of learning the ins-and-outs of it, and it will serve me well for the foreseeable future. 👍

[@stephenearly9550]

What would you recommend for 12 volt? That’s what I have to use.

[@mikebuehler6248]

Upgraded from a 95 OMC to a 24 volt fortrex last year.

[@michaellamb1342]

Wasn’t too long ago 1K got you a pretty decent trolling motor. 3-5K trolling motors are a little pricey IMO.

[@okiefish7066]

I started out with a motor guide, great motor never had a problem. Now I have a Fortrex and I really like it, except the head came apart (plastic) and I had to buy another one which was only like 30 bucks on ebay for both upper and lower housing. I havent had any problems other than that so far. I had a buddy loan me his boat for a tournament a couple years ago I think it had an Ultrex..had all kinds of buttons I wasnt used to, one was marked CON which I kept inadvertently hitting with my foot and I quickly found out what CON meant. I had stopped in a cove with one dock in the center to re-tie my hook and I had hit that dam button, didnt realize I was going backward (at warp speed) bout the time I looked up and saw I was headed straight for that dock I slammed ass long into that dock and cracked the motor cover dam lucky I was trimmed down all the way or it would have been a LONG trip back the the dock with no lower unit. Ended up getting a body shop to repair the cracked housing and paint. That tournament ended up costing me 250 samoleons after it was all said and done.

[@rorychag]

My Fortrex has countless hours on it. I have used and abused it, and it just keeps on truckin’

[@johnm2617]

😮 I'm a motor guide guy ! But all trolling motors have come so far * Amazing! I'm 60 and seen the evolution < peace < Got my new x5 from tacklewarehouse! Zero issues < 😊 love it *

[@wills7761]

Yes, I absolutely need spot lock! It is absolutely non-negotiable!

[@Fishboy68]

A trolling motor that is compatable with your electronics is a valuable tool.

[@bennation6856]

Bought a bass boat that has an ulterra and i hate it its loud and turns slow. fished with a buddy that had fortex and I loved it.

[@billlawrence9594]

I’m looking at a Minn Kota with spotlock. I have an old maxxum 74 and it’s getting tired. I don’t have room for 3 batteries and can’t afford lithium and a new troller. I’d love an ultrex but it’s a bit spendy.

[@woodwired1]

I just purchased a Minn Kota spot lock and I hate it. When I turn the unit it makes a light grinding noise. I wish I had got a foretrex.

[@maxcole3930]

What do you think about the crappie brakes? As if the bass boats with all the essentials & electronics weren't exspensive enough. Add 2 more trolling motors to the back! Plus now people adding 20+ inch screens too. I'm glad I'm a Kayak angler! Fishing is simple, not a ton of gear. Get to to hard to get places off the beaten path away from humanity...

[@KyleKarnes-nb1jl]

It’s getting way way too far out of line. I have a nice boat 2020 model but I can’t And will not keep up. 20” is nuts

[@teamslaiyans3808]

Does fortrex have spot locks ?

[@jerryq1000]

Until I replaced my Tyee with a G3, I had never had anything but Minn Kota, never any problems, except when I thought I wanted a hand control up front; MISTAKE!! Now have a Garmin Force. It has more capabilities than this angler does! No problems with it after nearly 4 years. Garmin's customer service is THE BEST! Like many others, I usually fish alone.

[@e.butler5903]

fortrex will fit in ultrex bracket if it junks out on you ultrex has been such a blessing

[@Shaqoneil81-ci7dr]

I still like the old cable drive.

[@robertonstott6264]

Love you Randy, but life without spot lock is a no go!

[@winstonrocco1981]

More parts more to break

[@macprince5667]

Do you really need 24 volts? If you have a 15 foot aluminum boat, won't 30 lbs. of thrust do what you need?

[@mattioder]

Geez I've had a terrova for 11 years. Not a single problem and I stand on the thing everytime out

[@sheldoncaldwell382]

While I agree with you about the four trex, if you fish brush for crappie or off shore, spot lock is absolutely invaluable. Having said that, I haven't sunk the money in one yet.

[@Jon45678]

Just gotta be aware to not get your line caught in the prop with spot lock because it’s always running.

[@bassinRN]

I currently have the Ghost TM. It has been very good to me. I’m currently looking at a new Skeeter with the newly designed brushless Ultrex Quest. Fingers crossed.🤞

[@SpookyRedz]

Some company needs to pick up that evinrude design with that foot control , copy the entire motor

[@maxcole3930]

I'm not even sure how guys afford a new bass boat itself? Than add everything else? Besides being in debt. I'll stick to my pedal drive kayak. I've owned that for years now, no gas, minimal maintenance & I'm definitely not keeping up with the Jones's

[@SpookyRedz]

I miss my evinrude , I’m selling my Minn Kota I-Pilot right now I hate it , mine has the power deploy , power trim, power pick up and anchor mode , I hate it MrRandy , if u hit the wrong button on accident you have to wait for it to go through the entire motion while I’m fishing with it , 2500 dollar garbage , I’m selling it

[@KI4ZDF-Steve]

When they hit 5k I’m out

[@mongo.outdoors5479]

You have better luck telling people no FFS then don't by one with spot lock.