10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

The Minn Kota 1363786 Riptide Terrova is a robust trolling motor designed for serious anglers looking for reliability and advanced features. With an 80 lb. thrust and a 60-inch shaft, this motor is ideal for heavier boats. Its 24-volt electric engine ensures strong performance and efficiency.

One standout feature is the advanced GPS trolling system, which offers precise navigation, speed control, and the ability to hold your position with Spot-Lock. This is perfect for maintaining your position over productive fishing spots without constant manual adjustments. The Drift Mode is a handy addition, allowing automatic speed and course control, which is great in variable water conditions. The Digital Maximizer is another highlight, extending battery life significantly by providing only the necessary power, ensuring you can fish all day long without worrying about running out of battery.

The indestructible composite shaft, guaranteed for life, adds to the motor's durability, making it a long-term investment. However, it does come with a few drawbacks. The 24-volt system might require dual battery setups, which can be more cumbersome and expensive than a single 12-volt system. At 23.59 kilograms, it's relatively heavy, which may be a consideration for some users when mounting or transporting the motor. Additionally, while loaded with features, the Riptide Terrova is positioned at a higher price point, which might be a barrier for some budget-conscious buyers.

In summary, the Minn Kota 1363786 Riptide Terrova is a feature-rich, durable trolling motor suited for advanced anglers who value top-notch navigation and extended battery life but may require a larger budget and dual battery setup.

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.

One of the standout features is the FreeSteer joystick remote with a color LCD, allowing easy and intuitive steering. Additionally, the wireless foot pedal offers flexible, hands-free control, which is great for multitasking while fishing. The HDI nosecone helps with improved positioning accuracy, thanks to built-in GPS technology, making it easier to hold your boat steady or follow precise routes. The motor weighs about 74 pounds, so it may be a bit heavy for those who want a very lightweight setup or need to frequently remove the motor. The carbon-fiber infused composite materials make it durable yet not overly bulky.

This motor is designed for serious freshwater fishermen who value power, precision, and versatile control options, though it might be more than casual or budget-conscious users require.

The Garmin Force Kraken is a strong choice if you want one of the most powerful trolling motors available, delivering 100 lbs of thrust. This makes it great for larger boats or tough water conditions where extra power is needed. It runs on 36 volts, which is typical for high-performance electric motors, ensuring smooth and steady operation. The shaft length is 90 inches, which is quite long and should fit many boat sizes and deck setups, especially if you have a taller bow or need extra clearance.

Control-wise, it stands out by offering wireless Bluetooth connectivity and integrates seamlessly with Garmin chartplotters. This means you can easily create routes and have the motor follow them automatically, a real plus if you want precision and convenience on the water. Its anchor lock feature uses GPS to hold your boat exactly where you want it, which is very useful for fishing or positioning without drifting.

The mounting is designed for the bow of your boat, and the pivot-style mount helps with installation in tighter spaces, which can be a benefit if your boat has limited room at the front. Weighing 55 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, so consider this if you plan to move or store the motor often. Also, it does not come with a transducer, so you might need to purchase one separately if you want fish-finding capabilities. The Garmin Force Kraken is well suited for anglers and boaters who want powerful thrust, advanced GPS positioning, and wireless control, particularly for saltwater use. It may be less ideal if you have a smaller boat or prefer a simpler, lighter motor.