To get a Pro Kicker tiller or not?

[whitebassman]

Just wondering those of you with a kicker, is it really worth it?

Last season, found times when I would use the bow trolling motor to troll, but would need to go about 4-5/10 on the speed to get a trolling speed. The 115hp main motor cant troll that low, and in reverse is about 3mph, which sometimes is just a tad fast. So I'm thinking a pro kicker would fit the spot. Yet it looks like 4k to add one.

Is there any alternative to a kicker that would fit the bill? Maybe add a transom trolling motor?

[MuleShack]

I have a yammy T8 linked up to my main motor so it steers with the drive wheel and its nice.

If it is calm, i still prefer to use the bow mount, but fall trolling is nice with the kicker as well as back trolling in the chop.

in '07 i thought they only were asking $2800 for one. It definately has its places if it fits your budget.

[gregg52]

i use to run a tiller it was a17 ft glass boat

i had i believe a 45lb trust on the back it worked great

when it got to ruff i went to the big motor

you can get like 1-2 hp eletric motors now thats the way i would go

i have a kicker on my boat now buts its a wheel boat

i use it mostly if i'm rulling cranks it will run bout 2.5

i have a bow mount to cuz i pull spinners alot that is 80lb terrova which works real good for me

one reason i have a kicker to is JUST IN CASE...lol

[PerchJerker]

I have a Pro Kicker and love it, I use it a lot but I troll a lot. I sometimes use it for live bait fishing too, it depends on the conditions and how I'm fishing. You get very precise control with a tiller kicker.

If you don't want to spend the money on a kicker, look at options to get your 115 to troll slower. Is the idle set right. Is running a lower pitch prop an option. Put your electric motor in the water and turn it sideways to create more drag. Get some drift socks, they not very expensive and they are very effective.

Hope that helps and good luck.

[Northlander]

I have a 9.9 4 stroke Yamaha and love it. Awesome for them windy days or just to troll with the boards out on Lake Superior. Plus they are a great safety tool in case your big motor should ever die on ya.

[GRH]

I have a pro-kicker and love it. I use it all the time, trolling, live-bait rigging. Plus its great to have in case something happens to the main motor. Especially on big water and in canada.

[whitebassman]

what about using minnkota's electric motors? they're about 1-2 hp and can attain 5mph pushing a pontoon (so it says). Just worried about battery life. though i do like the idea of having a backup motor in a kicker also. maybe next next year!

[walleyemaniac]

Drift socks, they're less expensive and multi-use. I put one off the back alot to slow my big motor down. I'm going to make or buy that harness you can hook off the front on both sides to keep the sock centered under the boat and out of the way. Just can't think of the name of that harness now, have seen it posted on here before.

[Northlander]

A used 6 horse may also work depending how big your boat is. Look for a used 8-9.9 4 stroke 1st though. Worth every cent. Dont go electric because in a emergency they likely will run out of juice where a kicker will go as long as you have gas.