The design and manufacture of the modern electric trolling motors that are available on the market today using the latest electronic technology and quality materials have made these motors highly reliable, rugged and affordable.

There are many to choose from, but as with most products, some are better than others. On average, reading customer reviews, about five out of ten buyers will give the same item a four to five star rating (which gives me confidence), then another two or three buyers will give three or two stars (these guys seem to have legitimate reasons to complain so it’s still not a squashed train), but then there are at least one or two people who absolutely throw it away (lowering my faith in the product).

However, when I read between the lines, I wonder if these trashcans have actually bought or even seen the item, but maybe they have their own agenda where they are promoting something similar.

From experience and what I have learned from speaking with professional anglers and other boaters using these engines that are built to withstand great abuse, you can be sure they will give you years of trouble-free sailing pleasure. I had a saltwater trolling motor that was stored in an old leaky shed in my yard for many years without any attention; however, every time I used it, it responded flawlessly, as did my trusty dog, a Jack Russel named Salty, that I loved to go fishing.

Here are 5 positive reasons get involved with trolling motors

1) Because they are very quiet, easy to use and environmentally friendly, they create minimal disturbance to other boaters, local fauna and flora, and those lucky enough to live on the banks of waterways .

2) They are lightweight and easy to install or remove. Transom mount motors are available for smaller boats and kayaks, and if you want absolute maneuverability or have a larger boat, a bow mount motor is required.

3) They are available with different thrust levels, battery power, and shaft lengths for all the different vessels and environmental situations that may be encountered.

4) Great to use on your boat for stealth fishing, they quietly take you to those normally impossible to reach fishing hotspots without scaring off the fish you are trying to catch. Whether you’re fishing in shallow water, deep water, or heavily overgrown spots, these motors won’t let you down.

5) To control your boat, you can choose between manual steering, walking steering, or electronic automatic steering, that is, co-pilot, autopilot, or iPilot GPS. These features will take care of your boat to allow you to seriously focus on your fishing. The latest iPilot with GPS takes trolling motor fishing to a whole new and exciting level.

Some negative reasons

1) The biggest drawback is the fact that unless you are set up so that you can charge the batteries in your boat, you will have to remove them for recharging and for safety reasons if your boat is left strapped or chained to a tree. Charging them in the car after every trip, especially if there are two or three, can be a bit of a hassle. If you are using a single 12 volt battery then it is a no-brainer.

2) If you’re looking for enough power to tow kids at high speed behind the boat on a tube or ski, forget about getting one because you’re not going anywhere.

3) If you want higher thrust engines, you will need to carry the additional weight of two or three heavy marine batteries. Make sure you have room for them and if your boat is small the weight will not affect its performance.

4) Good batteries are expensive, but if taken care of, they should last four to five years. Since you are not spending money on gas, this cost is negated a bit.

It is important to use a manufacturer recommended circuit breaker installed in line with the trolling motor wiring to the battery. Don’t skimp on getting a cheap inferior brand.

I have no doubt that once you have had your first experience with one of these engines then, just like the fish you are hunting, it will be hooked.