10 Best Trolling Motors 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Freshwater
The Minn Kota 1358350 Terrova trolling motor is designed for serious anglers looking for advanced functionality and ease of use. With a thrust of 55 lbs and a 54" shaft, it’s suitable for larger boats and can handle various water conditions, including saltwater use. One of its standout features is the Advanced GPS Trolling System, which allows you to set Spot-Lock to keep your boat stationary over prime fishing spots, and the Drift Mode that helps navigate in challenging weather. The wireless remote adds convenience, enabling control from a distance, which is great for those who prefer not to be right at the motor.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,194
Control Type
Mounting Location
Most important from
118 reviews
#2
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 60-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16174-001
The Lowrance Recon Freshwater 60" trolling motor is a solid choice for anglers looking for reliable power and precise control. It runs on a 24V electric motor that combines quiet, near-silent operation with strong thrust ideal for freshwater fishing. Its 60-inch shaft length makes it well-suited for a variety of boat sizes, especially for those fishing in shallow to moderate depths. The motor is mounted on the transom, which is a common and convenient setup.
Rating
8.8
Thrust
Control Type
Most important from
7 reviews
#3
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 72-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16175-001
The Lowrance Recon Freshwater 72” Trolling Motor is a solid choice for anglers looking for powerful and precise control on freshwater boats. Its brushless motor offers excellent thrust and runs quietly on 24V or 36V, which means you get strong, smooth performance without disturbing the water too much. The 72-inch shaft length is good for medium to larger boats, providing plenty of clearance in various water conditions.
Rating
8.2
Thrust
Control Type
Most important from
7 reviews
Top 10 Best Trolling Motors 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Freshwater
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Freshwater
Thrust: 55 lbs
Voltage: 24 Volts
Shaft Length: 54"
Control Type: Wireless remote
Mounting Location: Bow Mount
Battery Life: up to 5 times longer
Chosen by 1194 this week
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 60-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16174-001
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 60-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16174-001
Voltage: 24 Volts DC
Shaft Length: 60 inches
Control Type: FreeSteer joystick, wireless foot pedal
Mounting Location: Transom
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 72-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16175-001
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 72-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16175-001
Thrust: brushless motor with excellent thrust
Voltage: 24V or 36V
Shaft Length: 72-inch
Control Type: FreeSteer joystick, color LCD, wireless pedal
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Saltwater
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Saltwater
Thrust: 80 lb.
Voltage: 24 Volts (DC)
Shaft Length: 60 inches
Control Type: GPS trolling system, Digital Maximizer
Mounting Location: Bow Mount
Battery Life: Extended
Garmin Force Kraken White 110 Trolling Motor [010-02574-40]
Garmin Force Kraken White 110 Trolling Motor [010-02574-40]
Thrust: 100 pounds
Control Type: wireless with Garmin chartplotters
Mounting Location: Bow Mount
Related Products
Garmin Force Kraken Black trolling Motor 75" Shaft with GT56UHD-TR Transducer
Garmin Force Kraken Black trolling Motor 75" Shaft with GT56UHD-TR Transducer
Thrust: strong
Voltage: 36 Volts
Shaft Length: 75-inch
Control Type: remote
Mounting Location: Bow Mount
Garmin® Force® Current Kayak Trolling Motor with Power Steer Foot Pedals, Simple Installation, Wireless Integration
Garmin® Force® Current Kayak Trolling Motor with Power Steer Foot Pedals, Simple Installation, Wireless Integration
Control Type: wireless foot pedals, handheld remote
Mounting Location: Transom Mount
Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor 75”, White, Without Transducer
Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor 75”, White, Without Transducer
Thrust: 100 lbs
Shaft Length: 75-inch
Control Type: Remote
Mounting Location: Bow
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock, Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Freshwater
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock, Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 in. Shaft, Freshwater
Thrust: 80 lb.
Voltage: 24 Volts DC
Shaft Length: 60-inch
Control Type: Wireless remote
Mounting Location: Bow Mount
#10
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 54-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16173-001
Lowrance Recon Freshwater 54-inch Trolling Motor with FreeSteer Joystick Remote, Wireless Foot Pedal, HDI Nosecone, 000-16173-001
Voltage: 24 Volts (DC)
Shaft Length: 54-inch
Control Type: FreeSteer joystick and foot pedal
Mounting Location: Transom 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.