A dark motorized boat with two seated figures moves across a lake at sunset, creating a white wake. Trees line the distant shore under a warm orange and blue sky.

Trolling Motors

Shop trolling motors for boats from Minn Kota, Garmin, Rhodan and MotorGuide, with electric trolling motor options for freshwater, saltwater, GPS positioning and different boat-control needs.

Trolling Motors

Find the best trolling motors for every type of fishing—from 12V electric trolling motors for small boats to bow-mount GPS trolling motors with Spot-Lock for pro anglers. Whether you fish in saltwater flats, freshwater lakes, or need a quiet kayak trolling motor, this collection covers high thrust, long-shaft, weedless, and energy-efficient trolling motors designed for every marine condition. Perfect for bass fishing boats, inflatables, pontoon boats, dinghies, and more.

CONFIGURATION MATCHING

Guidance on thrust, voltage and shaft length

FRESHWATER & SALTWATER OPTIONS

Choose the right motor for your boating environment

EXPERT SELECTION SUPPORT

We’ll help verify mount type, power and compatibility

Shop Trolling Motors By Brands

Find the Right Trolling Motor for Your Boat

Choosing the right trolling motor starts with your boat, fishing environment and preferred control system. Compare water type, mounting position, voltage, thrust, shaft length and GPS features before selecting a trolling motor.

  1. Freshwater or Saltwater

    Choose a trolling motor designed for the environment where you normally fish. Start with freshwater or saltwater use before comparing motor size, mounting style and features.

  2. Bow or Transom Mount

    Bow-mount trolling motors provide precise boat positioning from the front, while transom-mount trolling motors offer a straightforward option for many smaller boats and fishing setups.

  3. Thrust, Voltage & Shaft

    Compare available trolling motor thrust, 12V, 24V or 36V electrical requirements and shaft-length options against your boat configuration before ordering.

  4. GPS & Smart Control

    If hands-free positioning matters, compare GPS trolling motors with position-hold, heading control, wireless control and compatible marine-electronics features.

Trolling Motor Selection Guide

Use these key selection factors to narrow down the right electric trolling motor for your boat. Always confirm the exact motor specifications and installation requirements on the product page before ordering.

Selection Factor What to Compare & Why It Matters
Water Type Freshwater or Saltwater — helps narrow the motor families designed for your fishing environment
Mounting Style Bow Mount or Transom Mount — determines where and how the trolling motor is installed
Voltage 12V, 24V or 36V — must match the motor's required electrical system
Thrust Available pound-thrust rating — helps match motor power to the boat and application
Shaft Length Available shaft options — helps keep the propeller at an appropriate operating depth
Control Type Tiller, Foot, Wireless, Cable or Electric — changes how you steer and operate the motor
GPS Features Position Hold, Heading Control or Navigation — adds automated boat-positioning capabilities
Sonar Integration Model-Specific Compatibility — important when connecting the motor with marine electronics

Always verify the exact trolling motor model, voltage, thrust, shaft length and compatible control or electronics options before ordering.

How to Choose the Right Trolling Motor

Choosing the right trolling motor is about more than selecting a brand. Start with where you fish and how the motor will be mounted, then compare trolling motor thrust, voltage requirements, shaft length and control style against your boat and fishing setup.

Freshwater or saltwater use should be identified first. Next, determine whether you need a bow-mount or transom-mount trolling motor and check which electrical system the motor requires. Shaft length also matters because the propeller needs to operate at the correct depth while the boat is loaded and moving through normal water conditions.

If you want more advanced boat control, compare GPS trolling motors with position-hold, wireless control, heading management and compatible sonar or chartplotter integration.

Before ordering, confirm:

  • Freshwater or saltwater use
  • Bow or transom mounting
  • Boat type and approximate loaded weight
  • Required trolling motor thrust
  • 12V, 24V or 36V electrical system
  • Required shaft length
  • Preferred steering and control type
  • GPS positioning requirements
  • Sonar or marine-electronics compatibility

GPS Trolling Motors & Position-Hold Technology

GPS trolling motors can help anglers maintain boat position, follow a heading and reduce the amount of manual steering required while fishing. Depending on the brand and model, available features may include GPS position hold, wireless control, heading control, route functions and marine-electronics integration.

Different manufacturers use different names for their GPS technologies. Minn Kota uses Spot-Lock, Garmin uses Anchor Lock, MotorGuide offers Pinpoint GPS on selected systems, and Rhodan offers GPS-based anchoring functionality. Compare the actual features of the specific trolling motor rather than assuming every GPS motor uses the same system.

Freshwater vs Saltwater Trolling Motors

Do not choose between a freshwater and saltwater trolling motor based only on thrust or physical appearance. Always verify the manufacturer's intended operating environment for the exact model.

Freshwater Trolling Motors

  • Designed for lakes, rivers, and freshwater fishing environments
  • Compare bow-mount or transom-mount options
  • Check the required trolling motor thrust
  • Verify 12V, 24V, or 36V electrical requirements
  • Select the correct shaft length for your boat
  • Compare steering and control systems
  • Check available GPS and position-hold features

Saltwater Trolling Motors

  • Designed for coastal, bay, inshore, and marine fishing applications
  • Choose a motor specifically listed for saltwater use
  • Compare the required trolling motor thrust
  • Verify the correct voltage and electrical setup
  • Select the proper shaft length for your boat
  • Check mounting and control configurations
  • Compare available GPS, wireless-control, and positioning features

Freshwater or Saltwater Trolling Motors

Start by choosing the fishing environment your motor needs to handle. Freshwater and saltwater trolling motors may differ by product family, construction and available configurations, so use the intended water type as an important first selection step.

Freshwater Trolling Motors

Shop freshwater trolling motors for bass boats, fishing boats and other freshwater applications, with bow-mount, transom-mount, GPS and multiple power-system options available across selected brands.

Shop Freshwater Motors

Saltwater Trolling Motors

Explore saltwater trolling motors for coastal, bay and inshore fishing applications. Compare available thrust, shaft length, mounting and GPS-control options before choosing your setup.

Shop Saltwater Motors

Complete Your Trolling Motor Setup

A trolling motor is only one part of a complete installation. Explore mounting, electrical and control accessories that can help complete your boat setup, and verify compatibility with your specific trolling motor before ordering.

  1. Trolling Motor Accessories

    Shop trolling motor accessories for installation, control, replacement and rigging needs across compatible trolling motor brands and models.

    Shop Accessories

  2. Mounts & Installation Hardware

    Explore trolling motor mounting accessories and installation hardware for compatible bow-mount, transom-mount and removable trolling motor setups.

    Shop Mounting Accessories

  3. Marine Battery Chargers

    Browse marine charging solutions for compatible trolling motor battery systems and other onboard electrical applications.

    Shop Marine Chargers

  4. Shallow Water Anchors

    Compare shallow water anchoring systems for anglers who need another boat-positioning option in suitable fishing conditions.

    Shop Shallow Water Anchors

Helpful Guides

Explore guides and tips related to this collection.

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How to Choose the Right Trolling Motor for Your Boat

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Close-up of a trolling motor shaft being measured with a tape measure against a boat bow

Trolling Motor Shaft Length Guide: How to Choose the Right Size

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Split comparison of a trolling motor on a boat in a calm freshwater lake and a trolling motor on a boat in ocean saltwater

Freshwater vs Saltwater Trolling Motors: What Should You Choose?

Freshwater vs Saltwater Trolling Motors: What Should You Choose? The freshwater vs saltwater trolling motor decision isn't just about price...

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size trolling motor do I need for my boat?

The right trolling motor size depends on your boat, loaded weight, fishing environment and mounting setup. Compare the manufacturer's available thrust, voltage and shaft-length specifications rather than choosing a motor based on boat length alone.

How much trolling motor thrust do I need?

Trolling motor thrust should be selected according to your boat and operating conditions. Heavier boats and challenging wind or current conditions may require more thrust, but always use the motor manufacturer's selection guidance for the exact application.

Should I choose a 12V, 24V or 36V trolling motor?

Choose the voltage required by the specific trolling motor you are considering. A 12V, 24V or 36V trolling motor requires a compatible battery and electrical setup, so verify both the motor specifications and your boat's system before ordering.

How do I choose the correct trolling motor shaft length?

Choose trolling motor shaft length according to the mounting position and the distance between the mount and the water. The goal is to keep the propeller at an appropriate operating depth without selecting a shaft based only on boat length.

What is the difference between a bow-mount and transom-mount trolling motor?

A bow-mount trolling motor is installed at the front of the boat and is commonly selected for precise fishing control. A transom-mount trolling motor installs at the stern and can be a practical option for smaller boats and simpler setups.

What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater trolling motors?

Freshwater and saltwater trolling motors are intended for different operating environments and may use different product designs or materials. Always select a motor specifically listed by its manufacturer for the water type where you plan to use it.

What is a GPS trolling motor?

A GPS trolling motor uses satellite positioning as part of its boat-control system. Depending on the model, GPS features can include position hold, heading control, navigation functions and integration with compatible marine electronics.

Do all GPS trolling motors have Spot-Lock?

No. Spot-Lock is Minn Kota's name for its GPS position-hold feature. Other trolling motor manufacturers use different systems and terminology, so compare the actual GPS features offered by each model.

Can a trolling motor connect to a fish finder or chartplotter?

Some trolling motors can integrate with compatible fish finders, sonar systems or chartplotters, but compatibility is model-specific. Check both the trolling motor and marine-electronics specifications before assuming two products will connect.

What should I check before ordering a trolling motor?

Confirm your water type, mounting position, required thrust, voltage, shaft length and preferred control system before ordering a trolling motor. Also verify any GPS, sonar or chartplotter compatibility you need for your fishing setup.

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