Electric Trolling Motors
Trolling motor is a small engine affixed to the bow or stern of an angler’s boat that provides a source of power for slowly trolling a lure or natural bait through water where fish are sought, or to allow for precision maneuvering of the boat so that the Angler can more effectively cast his bait to where the fish are located.
Trolling motors usually are electric powered, with a battery providing energy, but small internal combustion engines are sometimes used. Trolling motors are often used as an alternative to larger engines that propel fishing boats to and from preferred fishing areas. Trolling motors and their small propellers can usually be lifted, either manually or via an electronic system, from the water to reduce drag when the larger engine is used for propulsion.
Trolling motors are also commonly used as the primary source of propulsion for smaller water craft, such as canoes and kayaks. Additionally the electric varieties are well suited as a primary source of power for use on lakes where the use of a gas powered engine is prohibited.
Electric motors operate differently than gas motors, so it is no surprise that they need different care. Electric motors use batteries to supply them with power. This means they have a whole different way of powering up. Any fisherman that has or is buying an electric trolling motor needs to check out the follow list of tips.
- Charging replaces filling with fuel. It may be extremely simple to pour in a little gas to get the motor running, but with electric motors it does not work that way. Electric motors must be charged. They require a battery charger. This can be an onboard piece or a piece that is kept on shore. That is up to the individual fisherman. The batteries are made to be run down and charged often so there is no concern over ruining them. However, the manufactures directions should be followed to ensure the motor batteries are not ruined.
- Always check the motor out before use. Stray fishing lines can easily tangle in the motor and cause major damage. It only takes a brief moment for the damage to be done, but it also only takes a brief moment to look over the engine to prevent that from happening.