Experiencing nature is one of life’s many pleasures. The open water is a popular favorite of outdoors advocates, and for good reason. Nothing compares to sitting in the silence of the water on your kayak, waiting to reel in a fish for dinner. A kayak trolling motor is a necessity when it comes to immersing yourself in this experience. The struggle comes with choosing the best kayak trolling motor for you.
Trolling is seen as one of the best forms of fishing by many. You have the versatility of moving from one place to the next You also have precise depth and total control of your speed. This gives you the best chance of scoring your dream catch.
Whether you just started trolling, or you are an experienced pro, it’s nice to understand what to look for in a trolling motor. Especially with the constantly evolving features and technology entering the market.
Choosing the best trolling motor can become tedious. With so many features for sale, it’s hard to know which kayak trolling motor will send you sailing away or sinking. A good kayak trolling motor will equip you to move quickly and allow you to cover more water than paddling alone. Below we have compiled the best 5 kayak trolling motors to take the guesswork out of your outdoor hobby.
5 Best Kayak Trolling Motors
#1 Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor
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The Minn Kota Endura trolling motor is will make fishing from your kayak comfortable and easy. This motor is incredibly quiet, ensuring that you won’t spook the fish around you. The Endura will provide a smooth ride and keep you rested enough to fish the day away.
This trolling motor will get you from one side of the lake to the other with no strain or hassle from constant paddling. The 3 reverse speeds and 5 forward speeds provide the versatility you need.
Along with this, the efficient battery life will keep you on the water for as long as you desire. The Minn Kota Endura is an affordable and durable way to explore your tolling hobby.
FEATURES
- 30-pound thrust
- 6-inch Telescoping Handle
- Cool, quiet power for efficient battery life
- 3 reverse speeds and 5 forward speeds
- Doesn’t spook fish
- Great steering control
- Strong enough to push through thick vegetation
- Wiring isn’t sealed
- Weaker propeller than some models
- Short wires
#2 Newport Vessels NV-Series Trolling Motor
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The Newport Vessels NV-Series trolling motor has a powerful 55-pound thrust to move your kayak through the thickest vegetation. There are 5 forward speeds and three reverse speeds to meet your acceleration needs on the water.
The LED battery meter is a convenient indication of your power levels. Another handy feature is the thirty-inch shaft. This will ensure you have proper depth placement for a stressfree fishing experience.
The NV-Series is very quiet, despite its power, and it provides one of the smoothest rides available. This trolling motor is compatible with both freshwater and saltwater. It comes with anti-corrosive materials to keep the motor thriving for years to come.
FEATURES
- 55-pound thrust
- 8 Speeds
- LED battery meter
- 30-inch shaft
- Very quiet
- A large variety of speeds
- Smooth ride
- Saltwater compatible
- Weak transom mount
- Highest speed heats up the wiring
- Shorter lifespan than some models
#3 Watersnake ASP Trolling Motor
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The Watersnake ASP made it on the list of the 5 best trolling motors because it is one of the most lightweight motors on the list. It has a 24-pound thrust and an incredibly long battery life. This trolling motor comes with a high and low speed to match your preferred pace.
This trolling motor is compatible with freshwater and saltwater. It comes with anti-corrosive paint and hardware to ensure the saltwater will not rust the motor.
It does tend to vibrate, but it’s very quiet and smooth in the water. The Watersnake ASP even comes with a one year warranty. This trolling motor is perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
FEATURES
- 24-pound thrust
- Lightweight
- Saltwater compatible
- Erosion resistant paint and hardware
- Compatible with all water types
- Long battery life
- Two speeds
- Steering handle shorter than some
- Heavy vibration when in use
#4 Outsunny 12V Trolling Motor
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The Outsunny 12V trolling motor is one of the most versatile on the list of best trolling motors. It comes with a lever lock bracket with ten different positions to choose from.
The 50-pound thrust is powerful enough for the largest kayaks and the padded handle will keep you comfortable on the water. This trolling motor is great for both freshwater and saltwater, and it is built to last.
You can adjust this trolling motor based on your needs and grab the best catch every time. Even though this model is louder than some, it provides a comparably smooth ride.
FEATURES
- 50-pound thrust
- 8 speeds in total
- Durable composite shaft
- 10 positions for lever lock bracket
- Comfortable steering
- Saltwater compatible
- Mounting versatility
- Very sturdy
- Motor requires some lubrication after extended use
- Battery life shorter than some models
- Louder than some models
#5 Newport Vessels X-Series Trolling Motor
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The Newport Vessels X-Series comes in two thrust options. You can choose between a forty-pound thrust of a fifty-five-pound thrust. There is even a camo option. Either choice will provide you with a powerful motor.
This motor was designed for saltwater and has anti-corrosive hardware and paint, but can also be used in freshwater. The LED battery indicator lets you know how long you have before recharge.
The 5 forward speeds and three reverse speeds allow you to choose between a fast-paced day or a relaxing afternoon. This trolling motor is one of the most durable on the list. It has the potential to outlast other options.
FEATURES
- Two thrust options
- 30-degree adjustable control head
- LED battery meter
- 36-inch Composite Fiberglass Shaft
- Durable materials
- Smooth ride with 8 speeds
- Long lifetime
- Motorhead and handle are not waterproof
- Battery not included
- Can be difficult to turn off
What to Consider When Buying a Kayak Motor?
There are some things to consider when purchasing the best kayak trolling motors on the market.
Size of kayak
First, you want to consider the size of your kayak or boat.
- The length of your boat will determine the voltage of your motor
- The weight of your boat will determine the thrust of your motor
- The size of your boat will also determine the amount of available battery space
Make sure you have a clear idea of the dimensions of your kayak before purchasing a trolling motor.
Thrust
When searching for a good trolling motor, the more trust, the better. 40 pounds of thrust is a good average for small to medium-sized kayaks. The amount of thrust needed also depends on the conditions you will be boating in. Kayaking in swift current is going to require more thrust than kayaking in a calm pond or lake.
Motor voltage and battery power
Keep in mind the amount of power you will need for your motor. Most kayak trolling motors are 12 or 24 volts. The higher the voltage on your motor, the faster your battery will drain. If you do not require a high voltage motor, you may want to opt for a more efficient and less power consuming motor to conserve battery life.
Type of water
Next, you want to determine the type of water you prefer to troll in. Some motors are made for freshwater only. Others are compatible with both fresh and saltwater. Make sure any saltwater compatible trolling motors are equipped with anti-corrosive materials.
Mounting position
There are two options when it comes to mounting your trolling motor on a kayak: bow mounting and transom mounting. A bow mount is usually installed on the front of the kayak and provides better movement and control for larger boats. A bow mount may also be favorable for a fisherman looking for better maneuverability. A transom mount is usually installed on the back end of the boat and is also the most common mount position. Most small boats, including kayaks, will be well off with a transom mount.
Style
Finally, the last thing to consider is the type of kayak you own and your kayaking style. Everyone is different, and there are different trolling motors on the market to fit your needs and lifestyle. As always, remember to buy equipment made with quality materials and maintain that equipment for the longest lifespan.
Frequently asked Questions
Do Trolling motors make Kayaks better for fishing?
Kayak fishing with a trolling motor has many advantages. It allows you to reach remote areas in lakes and ponds where anglers fishing from the shore won’t be able to reach. It also allows you to get right on top of where the fish are and move around without the disturbing noise of a large boat motor. With a trolling motor, you can also enjoy the benefit of having your hands free to use. You can spend a lot more time casting and reeling in fish when you don’t have to paddle constantly.
How much thrust do I need for a canoe trolling motor?
Thrust is arguably the most important spec to look for and consider when purchasing a trolling motor. Thrust is the measure of power of a motor, generally measured in pounds. Not to be confused with speed, a motor’s thrust is comparable to torque in a car. The bigger your kayak, the more thrust you will need. If you are unsure if you need a higher thrust motor, it’s better to have power to spare than too little.
Do you have to register a boat with a trolling motor?
Boat registration rules vary by state, but generally, any boat with a motor will need to be registered. That includes kayaks, rowboats, canoes, rubber rafts, and punts regardless of length that are motorized in any way. You can find more information on rules in your state and how to register your motorized watercraft here: Register A Boat
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