Trolling motors.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Got some questions regarding trolling motors. Bought a boat this past fall and need to upgrade the trolling motor. Right now Im mainly looking at the Minnkota edge and powerdrive models. Im comfortable with the electric steer but am a complete rookie when it comes to cable.

My biggest question is, both have the ability to run continuous without standing on the throttle but will a cable driven motor stay pointed where you desire without your foot on the foot control as the electric steer models would?

Has anyone gone from an electric to cable? how was the transition, which do you prefer? What are the pros and cons of each?

[Esox_Magnum]

Cable will run without your foot on the pedal for awhile but will gradualy start veering off and your stuck to the bow of the boat. I have owned them bot and won;t buy a cable one again, it will be sold this spring to make room for the Terrova.

[PerchJerker]

I've used both and like the electric steer --- smaller foot pedal, and easier to run without your foot on the pedal. And easier to make course and speed correction with just a quick touch or two of the foot pedal. The cable steer motors have much larger foot pedals and work great if you have your foot on the pedal all the time --- or if you're moving slow ---- but it seems like I spend more time paying attention to them than I do with the electric steer motors. Hope that helps.

[castmaster]

I like the direct feedback of a heel/toe steering set up like you'll have with a cable drive or something like the MotorGuide Digital Steering series (not sure if they are making them anymore). With the heel/toe pedal set up I know where my motor is pointed without having to look at it. Electric steer, you have to watch the motor to see how far its turned when making anything but minor adjustments to your course.

Mostly just a preference thing for each individual. Most switching from a electric to cable will have a learning curve adjusting to the new pedal style, but after getting the hang of it many like it for the reason I mentioned.

Its also worth noting that using a cable steer can be a little more fatiguing through a long day as there is some tension on those cables you pulling on with the foot pedal.

[CAMAN]

Depends on the type of fishing you're doing. If you're doing more open water walleye fishing then I prefer a electric steer. But if you go back into the slop or move in and out along a weedline where you need quick changes in direction then cable is the way to go.

[delmuts]

+ 1 to what CAMAN said! Think about what type of fishinng you do the most of; then decide!

[kg2]

I modified a couple quick release plates so I can switch between a Fortrex (cable remote) and a Terrova with i-Pilot (electric steer). I'll be using this this year and really looking forward to spotlock on rocks!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

+ 1 to what CAMAN said! Think about what type of fishinng you do the most of; then decide!

Thats the thing, I am mainly a bass or muskie guy with a little bit of river walleye in the mix.

Thanks for the replies it all just kind of solidified what I was thinking, electric steer. Im am quite good with electric and am down right awful with cable drive. I also really dont like the fact that I have to have my foot on the pedal nonstop. I like being able to angle the motor into the wind or current and let her run steady sometimes.

Anyone know if you can put a terrova pedal on the new PD v2 motors? they both have rounds plugs, I believe.

[Esox_Magnum]

No cant swap pedals, bite the bullet and go up to a Terrova, we use one and for muskies along weedlines or if you raise a tanker the motor does all the work while you work the fish. nothing like fishing into a gusty wind or heavy boat wakes and having the Terrova set on cruise control and never having to adjust the speed.

[delcecchi]

If i was buying a trolling motor I would go for a terrova with that gps thing (ipilot?). and US2. It looks like if you buy it with the trolling motor it is not very much more but if you have to retrofit like I would it is pretty expensive.

[huntercj]

I looking at purchasing a new troling motor i am wondering about the i piolt and how well it works.

[Esox_Magnum]

Truly amazing....

[PerchJerker]

Truly amazing....

+1

[jwmiller33]

+2