Saltwater Trolling Motors: How To Choose The Best Trolling Motor

Saltwater trolling motors are an important part of effectively fishing an inshore flat or working mangroves along a coastline.
But, how do you know which trolling motor is the RIGHT one for you?
With so many trolling motors out there and varying levels of experience, we decided to go over everything we've learned from using our own trolling motors.
In this episode, we discuss the trolling motors we currently use, how we got there, and other tips and tricks that have helped us find the best trolling motor.
Be sure to leave us a comment on the blog on our Fishing Tips page: bit.ly/3EE39yE
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Chapters:
0:00 - Saltwater Trolling Motors
1:39 - Fishing Coach Wyatt Parcel's Journey with a Trolling Motor
3:31 - Using a Freshwater Trolling Motor in Saltwater
7:32 - Fishing Coach Richard Thomas' Journey with a Trolling Motor
10:32 - Importance of Trolling Motors for Inshore Fishing
11:14 - Match your Trolling Motor to your boat and fishing style
12:43 - Spot-Lock Capabilities
13:27 -#1 Trolling Motor Mistake in Shallow Water
15:15 - Brands, Sizes, Types, Etc.
19:46 - Battery Consumption
20:35 - Bay Boat Trolling Motors
21:37 - Personal Preferences
24:21 - Mounting Trolling Motors
26:25 - Battery Source and Wiring
27:28 - Rust Prevention
29:11 - Mounting Strategies
32:06 - Foot Pedal Motors
34:53 - Trolling Motor Remotes
45:00 - Have the motor facing down

[@Saltstrong]

If you're new to Salt Strong, here's a link to our website where you can learn more about our online fishing club platform: bit.ly/3v2bJ6P

[@raymondwilcox4997]

Battery size (ah, or amp hour) and type is another topic. There are a lot of people who fish from a motorized kayak, or a small 2 man pontoon style vessel who use trolling motors as the primary source of propulsion.

[@bokettom]

I highly recommend buying the foot pedal to your trolling motors if they are available. I grew up bass fishing with cable controlled foot control trolling motors and now I have a bay boat but the foot pedal allows you to fish and not have to worry about using a remote to make adjustments to position the boat.

[@raymondwilcox4997]

Hello from Rockport, where Harvey tried to take a bite out of Texas. I really enjoy, and appreciate, your videos and what y'all do, Eventually I'll be an insider. Tight lines.

[@raymondwilcox4997]

Also, make SURE that you use the proper gauge of wire for the distance (from the battery to the trolling motor), and amperage draw, and use a resettable breaker, or at least a fuse, of the proper rating.

[@Pmaboy31]

Instinct Quest 72" Shaft On a Key West 244CC. Minn Kota sent the first one which was professionally installed but was found to be delivered defective. It would not trim. This is a brand new product and as always there can be "hiccups" . This was a big one because after the installer removed it, he took it to an authorized Minn Kota Sales and Repair shop, it had to be returned because it was in fact defective. Minn Kota replaced the unit free of charge which was fair. However, the labor to remove it and bring it to a repair shop, pick up the new one and reinstall it was not free. Not to mention a months delay to finally have an operating unit. Kind of sucks to be delayed and pay extra after buying a very expensive unit. On the bright side... Minn Kota did replace it. Seems like an extremely solid unit compared to any other Trolling Motor I have ever seen. Haven't really used it yet. Only time will tell. If you are a patient person, I suggest you wait until they work the bugs out.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@scottymagillacutty9363]

So 7 minutes in the bottom right guy has had 2 trolling motors but hasn’t said what thrust his first one was and what the thrust was that he upgraded to. 👍🏻

[@bobcoleman73]

This is Cobb I like using the but connectors that you heat shrink with the low temperature solder ring in side the but connector an all you need is a heat gun.

[@michaeldonathan672]

More is better, 20 ft. Bay boat. Terrova Riptide 112 ft lb. Brushless is super quiet. Great combination.

[@raymondwilcox4997]

Have any of you checked out the NEWPORT VESSELS line? ALL of their trolling motors are saltwater compatible, and much less expensive than Minn Kota or Motor guide. They go up to 62 pound thrust in 12 volt. They come with resettable breakers that are matched for the amp draw, and increment lights to show your voltage. They have great reviews.

[@day-cinvacuums5909]

Really enjoyed listing to all 3 of you guys. I'm looking for a trolling motor for my Robelo R160. After listening to this video, I'm now leaning to a Minn Kota Terrova ,with spot lock, 80 ft /thrust and 60 inch. Although I live in Ohio, I fished The Jettes in Jacksonville/St' Johns river in Oct. The spotlock would will keep me near the Jettes and not drifting and resetting my anchor.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for the support! We hope you like the one you decide on and keep us posted!

[@Glennmc7]

Will a high-thrust transom motor jack knife a 14-foot aluminum boat even if set to the slowest speed, I need the higher trust for my river fishing, but I also need a slow speed for casting and trolling in lakes I just don't want to go airborne.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bobcoleman73]

I have a key west 1720 center console. Is there a formal to figure out the trust for your boat?

[@richdespault7895]

I have had my Riptide control not work and the dealer said that the quit some time, he said to reverse the battery and turn it on momentarily then correct it and it started working.

[@RIZZ0B]

I’ve had terrible luck with my motorguide on an 18ft mako. 75lb thrust but she’s been down twice with nearly any hours use

[@Aaron.Davis56]

Talk about the benefits of pairing Minn Kota and Humminbird units via I - Pilot Link

[@matthewdickson2627]

I put a circuit breaker switch on my trolling motor. I always open the circuit when charging it to prevent any issues

[@Saltstrong]

Great tip!

[@rkw221]

electric? pop in a 12kWh Lifepo4 12v (1/3 the weight of an LA battery) . it's basically clean power and a couple onboard solar panels can help replace some of the power even as you're running. I have researched them and if you guys might have the resources to do a review that would be amazing to use as main motor inshore/rivers/lakes.

[@TheBigghunter01]

You would have to cover the whole boat in solar panels to get any appreciable gain in runtime. Just get an appropriate sized battery

[@aarontrenton1730]

Didn’t have time to watch the entire video. Sorry. But if y’all didn’t touch on it in this video. I hope you at some point will discuss the lock plug for the electrical. Battery tender makes a way better locking plug than the minn Kota twist lock. I’ve had shortages due to the twist locks.

[@raymondwilcox4997]

Liquid electrical tape is good for sealing the remote. Yes, Ziploc bags come in very handy for "dry bags" for wallet, phone, phone chargers, batteries, 1st aide supplies, etc.

[@raymondwilcox4997]

Ospho will remove rust streaks.

[@raymondwilcox4997]

Wyatt, please don't get people's hopes up. You can't almost get on plane with ANY trolling motor. They aren't built for speed. The bigger motors just make it easier to handle in wind and/or current.

[@RIZZ0B]

You should make 10 more fucking pointless posts on this video 😃

[@bookooc5605]

God I hate it when I open one of your videos, and I see guys behind microphones. God help us.