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10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,117
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.
#2
9.7 score

Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Micro Remote – 70 Lb. Thrust, 54 in. Shaft, Saltwater

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.

Rating
9.7
Thrust
Control Type
Battery Life

Most important from
65 reviews

Thrust
The 70 lb thrust effortlessly holds an 18ft boat steady in wind and current.
Control Type
The remote control feature is a game-changer, making navigation and control seamless.
Battery Life
After 6 hours of fishing, the battery meter still shows full, thanks to efficient power management.
#3
8.8 score

Lowrance Ghost - Freshwater Trolling Motor, 47" Shaft, Bow Mount, 97/120 lbs Thrust with Configurable Foot Pedal, HDI Sonar

The Lowrance Ghost freshwater trolling motor offers a strong thrust of 97 to 120 pounds, powered by a 36-volt electric system, making it suitable for a variety of freshwater boats. Its 47-inch shaft length fits well for typical bow mounting, providing good control and maneuverability in most water conditions. The motor’s standout feature is its ultra-quiet, brushless design, which allows smooth movement without scaring away fish—a significant advantage for anglers.

Rating
8.8
Voltage

Most important from
70 reviews

Voltage
The option to run on 24V or 36V adds flexibility to power configurations, enhancing user convenience.

Top 10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor 90”, White, Without Transducer

Thrust: 100 lbs
Voltage: 36 Volts
Shaft Length: 90 inches
Control Type: Wireless Bluetooth
Mounting Location: Bow Mount
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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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