Stealth is a major contributor to successful fishing. After all, you want to be quiet enough not to scare away the fish. Paddling might do just fine. But then it’s very exhausting. An electric trolling motor, on the other hand, has all the qualities you need to land yourself a great catch. First, it’s extremely quiet and causes minimum disturbances. Next, it generates thrust that does all the hard work for you, allowing you to concentrate more on your fishing. But the biggest question is, “what are the best electric trolling motors on the market?”
Well, there’s a vast choice of electric trolling motors. But as with most products, some provide better performance. Lucky for you, we’ve done all the homework on your behalf. In this article, we give a list of the best electric trolling motors. Not to mention, we highlight the outstanding features that set them apart from other models out there.
Table of Contents
- 10. Trophy Strike 12V Electric Thrust Trolling Motors
- 9. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
- 8. Minn Kota Endura Max in Shaft Thrust Transom Mount
- 7. GOPLUS Trolling Motor with Adjustable Handle for Fishing Boats Freshwater and Saltwater Use
- 6. Watersnake T18 ASP 18 lb. Thrust 12V Electric Trolling Motors
- 5. Watersnake ASP Salt Water Transom Trolling Motor
- 4. G Electric Trolling Motors
- 3. Watersnake Venom Swet 54 Pound Thrust Electric Trolling Motor
- 2. Haswing Cayman 12v 55lbs Bow Mounted Trolling Motor and Foot Control/ Foot Pedal
- 1. Minn Kota Riptide 80 SF Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
10. Trophy Strike 12V Electric Thrust Trolling Motors
Trophy Strike offers a choice of four thrust levels, ranging from 36 to 60 pounds. Except for the 36-pound model, all come with a 36-inch shaft. The shaft has anti-corrosive composite material. As a result, it’s safe for use, both in saltwater and freshwater. Besides, it flexes on impact, making it indestructible. A telescopic handle with a twist tiller makes it easy to control speed and direction. Not to mention, it offers more responsive steering without putting in much effort. You have 8-speed options, five forward speeds, and three reverse speeds.
Another notable feature is the quick-release tilt lever. It adjusts the mounting bracket to 10 positions. Hence, you can lock the motor in a vertical position, tilt it out of the water, or angle it for shallow depths. Trophy Strike is a transom mount motor. Hence, it’s ideal for small boats and canoes. And before we forget, it’s compatible with a 12-volt deep cycle battery that has at least 50 amp-hour ratings.
Special Features
- A choice of four thrust levels (36, 46, 55, and 60 pounds)
- A 6-inch telescopic handle offers responsive steering
- 5 forward speed and 3 reverse speed
- An anti-corrosive shaft is safe for use in saltwater
- Transom mount design suitable for small boats up to 21 feet
9. Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
Minn Kota Endura is a compact but highly-efficient trolling motor. It delivers a thrust level of up to 55 pounds. Besides, the motor runs cool and quiet. Hence, it prolongs motor life and battery power. You get a strong yet flexible composite shaft. It’s durable and less likely to break on impact. Depending on the model, the shaft can measure up to 42 inches long. A telescopic twist handle not only requires less effort to operate but also provides more responsive steering.
Not to mention, it has five forward speeds and three reverse speeds. There’s a tilt lever that adjusts the motor to 10 different positions for better steering. This transom motor is for small boats up to 21 feet and is ideal for freshwater use. Furthermore, it runs on a 12-volt deep cycle battery.
Special Features
- A choice of five thrust levels (30, 40, 45, 50, and 55 pounds)
- A flexible and robust shaft doesn’t break on impact
- The telescopic tiller handle offers responsive steering
- 5 forward and 3 reverse speed
- Suitable for freshwater use and in small boats up to 21 feet
8. Minn Kota Endura Max in Shaft Thrust Transom Mount
This trolling motor looks almost the same as Endura. However, it has a few upgrades. For instance, it comes lighter at 30 pounds compared to the 40-pound Endura motors. Hence, it’s a bit easier to install. It has a choice of four thrust levels that max out at 55 pounds. Whereas the Endura motors provide 5 forward speeds and 3 reverses, this one offers a precise, digital variable speed. A digital maximizer is another remarkable upgrade. It offers up to five times longer run time on a single charge. In addition, it has a battery meter that displays the remaining charge.
Similar to Endura motors, it has a shaft length of up to 42 inches. Moreover, the shaft is strong, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. A telescopic tiller handle provides excellent steering and speed control. Also, the motor is adjustable to 10 different positions, thanks to a quick-release tilt lever. Endura Max uses a 12-volt deep cycle battery. It’s ideal for freshwater use on small boats up to 21 feet long.
Special Features
- A choice of four thrust levels (40, 45, 50, and 55 pounds)
- A digital maximizer offers up to five times longer run time
- The battery meter displays the remaining charge
- A digital variable speed control
- Flexible anti-corrosion shaft
- A telescopic tiller for better steering and speed control
- Transom mount for small boats up to 21 feet
- Ideal for freshwater use
7. GOPLUS Trolling Motor with Adjustable Handle for Fishing Boats Freshwater and Saltwater Use
Goplus trolling motors come in three variants. First is the 46-pound motor, which is ideal for boats up to 2890 pounds. Next is the 55-pound model suitable for 3640-pound boats. Lastly is the larger 86-pound trolling motor designed for 4520-pound boats. The first two are compatible with 12-volt deep cycle batteries. The 86-pound variant, on the other hand, works best with a 24-volt battery. Goplus motor has an adjustable 6-inch hand control. It provides excellent speed and steering control at your fingertips.
Another outstanding feature is the fiberglass shaft. It doesn’t break and is extremely resistant to corrosion. As a result, it’s safe for use in both saltwater and freshwater. Whereas most motors comprise a 2-blade propeller, Goplus has a 3-blade propeller. Hence, it delivers more power to push through thick vegetation. You can adjust the angle and depth of the shaft to meet your surfing demand. Also, the motor has LED indicators that display the amount of charge left. Therefore, you can monitor and charge accordingly.
Special Features
- Three motor variants (46, 55, and 86 pounds)
- Safe for both saltwater and freshwater use
- Three-blade propeller delivers more power to push through thick vegetation
- LED indicators display allows you to monitor battery charge
- A 6-inch telescopic handle offers comfortable steering
- 5 forward speed and 3 reverse speed
6. Watersnake T18 ASP 18 lb. Thrust 12V Electric Trolling Motors
With a thrust level of 18 pounds, T18 is among the smallest trolling motors. Besides, it’s extremely light, offering the ultimate in portability. Considering such specs, it makes an excellent choice for smaller boats, such as kayaks and inflatable boats. The motor has a 24-inch anti-corrosion shaft for saltwater use. Not to mention, it uses a 2-blade propeller that powers through heavy weed. The hand control has the option of high and low speed. In addition, it has a switch for reverse and forward speed. Another unique feature is the anti-impact clip system. It allows the motor to deflect on impact to avoid damage.
Special Features
- 18-pound thrust is suitable for inflatable boats and kayaks
- Lightweight and portable construction
- Safe for use in freshwater and saltwater
- Anti-impact clip system prevents damage on impact
- Forward and reverse speed
5. Watersnake ASP Salt Water Transom Trolling Motor
ASP may not have the powerful thrust of most trolling motors. Nevertheless, it makes up for it with its extremely lightweight design. At 6.7 pounds, it’s portable, easy to install, and won’t weigh down your boat. The 24-pound thrust makes an excellent choice, especially for small boats, such as kayaks. In addition, the motor comes in anti-corrosive stainless steel. As a result, it’s safe for saltwater and freshwater use.
The shaft is 24 inches, which makes it suitable for fishing in the shallows. Another notable feature is the clip system. It protects the motor against damage in the event of an impact. A tiller handle provides comfortable steering. Besides, it has low and high-speed control. Not to mention, it offers the options of reverse and forward speed.
Special Features
- Lightweight and simple design
- 24-pound thrust is ideal for kayak fishing
- Suitable for saltwater and freshwater use
- The Tiller handle offers comfortable steering
- Reverse and forward speed options
- Anti-clip system prevents damage
4. G Electric Trolling Motors
G Trolling is a transom mount motor. Similar to Goplus trolling motors, it has a choice of three thrust levels (46, 55, and 86 pounds). The 46 and 55-pound models run on a 12-volt battery. The 86-pound model, on the other hand, runs on a 24-volt battery. Also, the G Trolling motor uses a 3-blade propeller. For this reason, it offers better acceleration and fewer vibrations. A tilt lever and adjustable depth collar allow you to adjust both the angle and depth of the shaft. The 6-inch telescopic handle offers steering comfort.
Likewise, it allows for easy speed control, both in reverse and forward directions. G Trolling motor comes with a battery meter. Thus, it’s possible to monitor the amount of charge left.
Special Features
- A choice of three thrust levels (46, 55, and 86 pounds)
- The battery meter displays the amount of charge left
- A 6-inch telescopic handle offers comfortable steering
- 3-blade propeller generates less vibration and better acceleration
- 5 forward speed and 3 reverse speed
- Anti-corrosive material is safe for freshwater and saltwater use
3. Watersnake Venom Swet 54 Pound Thrust Electric Trolling Motor
Watersnake Venom delivers a 54-pound thrust and runs on a 12-volt battery. This makes an ideal choice for boats up to 20 feet long. Besides, it offers easy transom mount on small boats. The motor has a 42-inch composite shaft. Hence, it’s high enough for comfortable steering and deep enough to keep the propeller submerged. In addition, it uses a 3-blade propeller. As a result, you get less vibration and more acceleration. The motor has a stainless steel shaft and zinc coating, making it ideal for saltwater fishing. Also, the motor has a telescopic handle for comfortable steering and speed control. It has the options of 5 forward speed and 3 reverse speed.
Special Features
- 54-pound thrust ideal for boats up to 20 feet long
- Easy transom mount for small boats
- A 3-blade weedless propeller offers better acceleration
- Anti-corrosive material for saltwater and freshwater fishing
- 5 forward and 3 reverse speed
- The telescopic tiller offers comfortable steering and control
2. Haswing Cayman 12v 55lbs Bow Mounted Trolling Motor and Foot Control/ Foot Pedal
This is a bow mount trolling motor, an ideal choice for serious fishermen. At 55 pounds, it delivers enough thrust for medium to large boats, weighing up to 2,750 pounds. Another outstanding feature is the flexible foot pedal and remote control. The foot control frees your hands for other tasks. The remote control, on the other hand, controls the motor from up to 164 feet away conveniently. Besides, it allows you to control speed, both reverse and forward. The motor has a 48-inch stainless steel shaft. Because of its excellent corrosion resistance, you can safely use it in saltwater.
Special Features
- The 48-inch shaft is long enough to be used on different types of boats
- Excellent corrosion resistance allows use in freshwater and saltwater
- A convenient wireless remote control has a range of 164 feet
- Foot control lets you focus more on fishing
- 3-blade weedless propeller
- The cruise control maintains a constant speed
- Variable speed dial, both forward and reverse
1. Minn Kota Riptide 80 SF Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor
Riptide is one of the best trolling motors for saltwater fishing. It’s unique, powerful, and of course, highly efficient. First, it has fewer moving parts, making it easy to operate. Next, it delivers a thrust level of 80 pounds, which is capable of powering larger boats. The motor runs on a 24-volt battery, which has a digital maximizer. As a result, you get extended run time, allowing you to fish for longer. The motor comprises a counter-tension stabilizer. Hence, it reduces steering torque and plays, resulting in years of silent operation.
Another remarkable feature is the break-away mount. It resets automatically on impact. For this reason, it doesn’t interrupt your fishing. The motor has a 52-inch shaft, which is ideal for deep water fishing. Furthermore, it has a 6-inch telescopic handle. The handle is fully adjustable and has a variable speed control.
Special Features
- Excellent corrosion protection for saltwater and freshwater use
- 80-pound thrust powers through most situations
- A telescopic tiller extends up to 6 inches and tilts up to 45 degrees for better control
- A digital maximizer extends battery life up to five times
- Digital variable speed control
- The battery gauge monitors the amount of charge left