Anyone have any suggestions for selecting a trolling motor for a canoe to fish inshore?
I’m not looking to spend a ton of cash on it, but I do want something that will last in the saltwater. I’m sure the smaller motors out there (50lb thrust) will be quite sufficient.
Thanks!
Matt
What size and type canoe and what type water are you fishing?
David H.
It’s only a 12 footer of a brand I’m not sure. The canoe is in good shape and appears to be a Coleman. It was given to me by a friend when I lived in Raleigh.
We fish mostly inshore at places like Bushy Park, but would like to fish places that are a little less accessible by paddle.
Occasionally we put it in protected areas in the lakes for bass/bluegill/catfish.
Matt,
I’m from Chapel Hill now living in Charleston and fish with a canoe and yak. Just sold my canoe. Never, ever felt I needed to use a trolling motor inshore. Just work the tide and wind to your advantage. Save your money, sell the canoe, and buy a yak.
This canoe doesn’t paddle quite as easily as some others do, although it is quite light and easy to put on my car.
And I’ve definitely thought about selling the canoe and getting something a little different. Ideally though I’d get a 16’ Old Town Discovery. I do the occasional night fishing for catfish and a kayak just won’t work (nowhere for a bunch of catfish to go lol).
The main reason I want the trolling motor is to extend my range. There are several places I’ve wanted to go try that were “just a little farther out that way”.
I have a smaller trolling motor I can sell you for real cheap
172 Sea Hunt Triton
1500 key west sportsman
Matt, a 50 lb hand steered Minn Kota should do you fine. Wash it off real good and it’ll last you.
Just keep in mind, if my memory serves me right you have to put numbers on the canoe if you put a TM on it, just like a boat.
quote:
Originally posted by pitcherMatt, a 50 lb hand steered Minn Kota should do you fine. Wash it off real good and it’ll last you.
Just keep in mind, if my memory serves me right you have to put numbers on the canoe if you put a TM on it, just like a boat.
As soon as the TM goes on ALL powerboat rules apply.
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
Thanks guys! Cam, PM sent.
Pitcher and Too Busy are right, I would have to put numbers on it and get it registered but I don’t think that’s too big of a deal. I got the canoe from a friend who can verify the origin of the boat for me.
i just put a 50lb thrust minn kota on a 14ft old town and it easily pushes to hull speed. i dont know if 50lb is overkill or not but you definitely dont need anymore than that. i dont think a trolling motor will make a canoe plane (or if you’d even want it to), so hull speed is pretty much your limiting factor. general consensus on the internet is that a 30lb is sufficient, but i hate paddling so i wanted something that would do me right in a stiff current. regardless i can tell you i’m happy with 50lb’er.
check the pawn shops. i picked up the last good one at the james island money man for $60, though i heard the savannah highway one had a few more.
I am very spoiled with my Malibu Stealth and Bass Yak System
A little $++ but works like a charm
Capt Dave
Don’t forget that if you use it after dark with power then Red/Green nav lights are required. You’ll also need a distress light or 3 (minimum) flares. Don’t forget that flares have to be within expiration date… It’s an expensive ticket
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
quote:
Originally posted by Too BusyDon’t forget that if you use it after dark with power then Red/Green nav lights are required. You’ll also need a distress light or 3 (minimum) flares. Don’t forget that flares have to be within expiration date… It’s an expensive ticket
Good reminder. Thanks! Fortunately, trolling motors are easy to leave at home for the few night fishing trips I’d take. I would rarely take a canoe far from the dock at night. In fact there are very few places I’d take it at night anyhow, and all of them are paddling distance.