10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Force Kraken Black trolling motor is a top-tier choice for anglers who want strong performance and advanced technology. It delivers a powerful 100 pounds of thrust, which is excellent for moving larger boats or handling tough water conditions. The motor runs on 36 volts, providing ample power for longer trips and challenging environments. With a 63-inch shaft made from sturdy composite material, it resists damage well, making it suitable for freshwater, brackish, and saltwater use.

One standout feature is the anchor lock combined with multi-band GPS and integrated heading sensors, allowing you to keep your boat precisely in place without constant steering. The motor also connects wirelessly to Garmin chartplotters, enabling you to set routes and patterns for automatic movement while fishing, which is a big help if you prefer hands-free control. The pivot-style mount is designed for easy installation, especially if your boat's bow space is limited.

This trolling motor is ideal for serious fishing enthusiasts who want advanced GPS positioning, strong thrust, and wireless control. If you have a medium to large boat and value precise, easy handling with tech integration, the Garmin Force Kraken is a smart pick. However, if you need something simpler or more budget-friendly, you might want to explore less complex models.

The Minn Kota Terrova is a powerful and feature-rich bow-mount trolling motor designed for freshwater fishing. With 80 pounds of thrust and a 24-volt power system, it offers strong and consistent performance suitable for medium to larger boats. Its 60-inch shaft length provides good flexibility for various water depths, making it versatile for different fishing environments.

One of Terrova's standout features is its advanced GPS trolling system, which includes Spot-Lock technology. This lets you automatically hold your boat in place over a fishing spot without manual steering, a huge convenience for anglers. The inclusion of a wireless remote and a foot pedal with intuitive controls offers multiple ways to steer and adjust speed, catering to different preferences.

Battery life is optimized thanks to the Digital Maximizer, which can extend run time up to five times longer than standard motors by using only the power needed at any moment. The Weedless Wedge 2 propeller helps the motor move efficiently through weeds and debris without draining the battery quickly. The shaft is made of an indestructible composite material, backed by a lifetime guarantee, ensuring durability. However, the motor’s weight at over 28 kilograms (about 62 pounds) might make installation and removal a bit challenging for some users. The Minn Kota Terrova is well-suited for anglers seeking advanced electronic control and precise boat positioning. Its combination of strong thrust, long shaft, GPS capabilities, and battery efficiency makes it a solid choice for serious freshwater fishing, especially if you value convenience and technology on the water.

The Minn Kota 1363585 Riptide PowerDrive is a robust trolling motor designed for saltwater fishing, offering a significant 70 lb. thrust and a 54-inch shaft, making it suitable for larger boats. One of its standout features is the Advanced GPS Trolling System, allowing for precise navigation, speed, and steering control via a simple micro remote. This is particularly beneficial for anglers who require consistent boat positioning.

The Deploy-Assist Lever simplifies getting in and out of the water, while the Advanced Corrosion Protection ensures the motor's durability in harsh saltwater conditions. Additionally, the Digital Maximizer technology helps extend battery life by providing only the necessary amount of power, making it possible to fish for extended periods without frequent battery changes. The Push-to-Test Battery Meter is a handy feature for quickly checking the battery's charge status.

On the downside, this motor requires a 24-volt battery system, which means additional investment if you don't already have one. Weighing around 20.87 kilograms, it might be on the heavier side for some users, making installation and handling a bit cumbersome. The product is backed by a two-year warranty, providing some peace of mind. It's a solid choice for serious anglers who need a reliable and feature-rich trolling motor for saltwater use.