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10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Freshwater

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,311
Control Type
Mounting Location

Most important from
105 reviews

Control Type
The autopilot and cruise control features make fishing much easier.
Mounting Location
Highly recommend getting a lock for the floor mount before installing the floor plate.

The Minn Kota 1358380 Terrova is an electric trolling motor designed with serious anglers in mind. With 80 lb. of thrust and a 60" shaft, it provides ample power for various fishing conditions, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use. One of its standout features is the advanced GPS Trolling System, which includes Spot-Lock, allowing you to stay on your fishing spot with excellent accuracy without needing to constantly adjust the motor. The wireless remote control is user-friendly, letting you navigate and control the motor effortlessly from a distance.

Another major advantage is the Digital Maximizer technology, which helps extend battery life significantly, offering up to five times longer run time on a single charge. This means you can fish longer without worrying about draining your battery. The Weedless Wedge 2 prop is also effective, designed to cut through weeds without using too much power, which enhances efficiency.

On the downside, the motor's weight at 63 pounds can be cumbersome for some users, especially during manual transportation. Additionally, while the advanced features are great for experienced users, they may overwhelm beginners who are not familiar with high-tech equipment. The initial price point might also be a consideration, as it is on the higher end of the market, which may not be suitable for casual anglers. The product includes a three-year warranty upon registration, addressing some concerns about the durability of electronic components in harsh marine environments. The Minn Kota Terrova is a robust and feature-rich trolling motor ideal for passionate anglers who value functionality and efficiency, but it might be more than what a novice fisherman needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,311
Control Type
Mounting Location

Most important from
105 reviews

Control Type
The autopilot and cruise control features make fishing much easier.
Mounting Location
Highly recommend getting a lock for the floor mount before installing the floor plate.
#2

Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock, MEGA Down Imaging – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Freshwater

Rating
9.7
Thrust
Shaft Length
Control Type

Most important from
27 reviews

Thrust
The motor provides powerful thrust and keeps boats stable even in challenging conditions like 20-knot winds.
Shaft Length
Durability is assured with a composite shaft backed by a lifetime guarantee, promising long-term reliability.
Control Type
The wireless remote and foot pedal controls offer versatile and intuitive operation tailored to user preferences.
Mounting Location
Installation and removal can be challenging due to the motor's weight, requiring some physical effort.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, allowing for extended use over hours without frequent recharging.

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.

Rating
9.7
Thrust
Shaft Length
Control Type

Most important from
27 reviews

Thrust
The motor provides powerful thrust and keeps boats stable even in challenging conditions like 20-knot winds.
Shaft Length
Durability is assured with a composite shaft backed by a lifetime guarantee, promising long-term reliability.
Control Type
The wireless remote and foot pedal controls offer versatile and intuitive operation tailored to user preferences.
Mounting Location
Installation and removal can be challenging due to the motor's weight, requiring some physical effort.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, allowing for extended use over hours without frequent recharging.
#3

Garmin Force Kraken Black trolling Motor 63" Shaft with GT56UHD-TR Transducer

Rating
9.4
Thrust
Voltage
Shaft Length

Most important from
3 reviews

Thrust
Delivers powerful 100 pounds of thrust, ideal for moving larger boats and tackling tough water conditions.
Voltage
Runs on 36 volts, providing strong, consistent power for extended trips.
Shaft Length
The 63-inch composite shaft offers excellent durability in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments.
Control Type
Anchor lock with multi-band GPS and integrated heading sensors keeps the boat precisely in place effortlessly.
Mounting Location
Pivot-style mount simplifies installation, especially in limited bow space.

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.

Rating
9.4
Thrust
Voltage
Shaft Length

Most important from
3 reviews

Thrust
Delivers powerful 100 pounds of thrust, ideal for moving larger boats and tackling tough water conditions.
Voltage
Runs on 36 volts, providing strong, consistent power for extended trips.
Shaft Length
The 63-inch composite shaft offers excellent durability in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments.
Control Type
Anchor lock with multi-band GPS and integrated heading sensors keeps the boat precisely in place effortlessly.
Mounting Location
Pivot-style mount simplifies installation, especially in limited bow space.

Buying Guide for the Best Trolling Motors

Choosing the right trolling motor for your boat can significantly enhance your fishing experience. A trolling motor is an electric motor used to maneuver your boat quietly and precisely, which is crucial for fishing. To find the best fit for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your needs.
ThrustThrust is the measure of how powerful the trolling motor is, usually measured in pounds (lbs). It is important because it determines how well the motor can move your boat through the water, especially in challenging conditions like strong currents or heavy winds. For small boats or kayaks, 30-40 lbs of thrust may be sufficient. Medium-sized boats may require 40-55 lbs, while larger boats might need 70 lbs or more. To pick the right thrust, consider the size and weight of your boat and the typical water conditions you will encounter.
VoltageVoltage indicates the power system of the trolling motor, commonly available in 12V, 24V, and 36V. This spec is important because it affects the motor's power and battery life. A 12V system is suitable for smaller boats and lighter use, while 24V and 36V systems provide more power and longer run times, ideal for larger boats and more demanding conditions. Choose the voltage based on your boat size and how long you plan to use the motor during your trips.
Shaft LengthShaft length is the distance from the motor head to the propeller, and it is crucial for ensuring the motor stays submerged at the right depth. If the shaft is too short, the propeller may come out of the water, while a too-long shaft can be cumbersome. For bow-mounted motors, measure the distance from the mounting point to the waterline and add 20 inches. For transom-mounted motors, measure from the top of the transom to the waterline and add 16-20 inches. Choose a shaft length that keeps the motor submerged in various water conditions.
Control TypeControl type refers to how you operate the trolling motor, with options including hand control, foot control, and remote control. This spec is important because it affects your convenience and fishing style. Hand control is straightforward and less expensive, foot control allows for hands-free operation, and remote control offers the most flexibility and ease of use. Consider your fishing habits and personal preference when choosing the control type.
Mounting LocationMounting location refers to where the trolling motor is installed on your boat, either at the bow (front) or transom (rear). This is important because it affects the boat's maneuverability and control. Bow-mounted motors provide better control and are preferred for larger boats and serious anglers, while transom-mounted motors are easier to install and suitable for smaller boats. Choose the mounting location based on your boat size and how you plan to use the motor.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the trolling motor can run on a single charge, which is crucial for planning your fishing trips. It depends on the motor's power consumption and the battery capacity. Higher voltage systems (24V and 36V) generally offer longer battery life. To pick the right battery life, consider how long you typically spend on the water and whether you have access to recharge the battery during your trips.

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