Transom or Bow Mount for Trolling Motor??

[Guest]

I just bought a new 14' Tracker boat w/ 25hp Merc, flat floor (raised front platform) and pedestal seats. I will be casting almost 100% of the time for muskies and pike on local waters (some w/ trolling motor only restrictions).

My question, should I go with a bow or transom mount for the trolling motor?
Here are some other questions:

-what pound thrust (I am thinking 55 lb)?
-are foot controls for a bow easy to use?
-can I run everything off of one battery?
-any other information?

Thanks in advance...

Don

[wayner]

If you're gonna stand and cast mostly, I think you should get a bow mount. 40 to 45 # thrust. foot control. for that boat you should only need a shorter shaft. and a good dedicated deep cycle battery.

[Guest]

Jawz,

Like the Wayner said, for the fishing that you will be doing I would go with a bowmount, as that is where you will spend the majority of your time. If you were going to be mainly fishing walleye then I would say go with the transom mount. Also get more motor than you think that you will need. You can always turn it down, but you can never turn it up when it's maxed out. 55 lbs should do just fine.
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Paul
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 06-13-2002).]

[GEO]

I have both and use both. As mentioned before, bow mount works best for casting. Also, I use my bow mount for walleye fishing if I'm fishing a flat. I use a transom mount for walleyes when I'm working an erratic, sharp breaking contour - much easier with a transom mount because the wind wants to take the front of your boat, so with backtrolling you are letting the wind take the front of your boat so you can focus strictly on following the contour. Actually, you'll have more precise control backtrolling even if there is no wind.

[Polar Bear]

Don't even think of using just one battery for both your trolling motor and your starter. Spend the money for a good deep-cycle battery and you won't ever be stranded with no juice. (I've been there )
Polar Bear

[huskminn]

Jawz,

If you decide to go with the bow mount troller, you might want to think about get a detachable mounting plate. I know you're going to store your boat away from your residence, and depending on where that is, a trolling motor is a nice thing to steal. 3 minutes with a ratchet and it's gone....I've been there.

This detachable mount has two plates. One attaches to the motor and one attaches to the bow. Slide the motor on, lock it down and your ready to roll. When you put the boat away, just slide the motor off and take it with you.

It's especially handy when the boat is hitched to your car and sitting on the street the night before you're going fishing.

It also allows you to use a standard boat tarp.

I'm not saying you have to have it, just giving you an FYI.