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Instead of paddling through the water when trolling for fish, most fishing enthusiasts choose to use a trolling motor, and why not? They are smaller and quieter than an outboard motor and much easier than paddling for long periods of time. They also help you cover more distance and therefore catch more fish. If you’ve always wanted to buy a trolling motor for your canoe, but aren’t sure how to start, you’ve come to the right place.
There are many different types of trolling motors in all different price ranges, so you are all but guaranteed to find one that is just right for your needs. Below are some of the best trolling motors for canoes on the market today.
But, before we get started make sure you know the trolling motor rules and laws in your area. Most boats need to be licensed and registered once you put a trolling motor on your vessel.
Best Overall Trolling Motor for your Canoe: Minn Kota Endura C2 55
Minn Kota is known for making motors that are quiet yet very powerful, and this one is no different. Because of its composite shaft, the motor is basically indestructible. One of the reasons for its quality is that it was made to flex on impact, not break. The shaft is so well-made that Minn Kota has given it a lifetime guarantee, and it is available in three different lengths – 30-inch, 36-inch, and 42-inch. The 12-volt motor has five forward speeds and three reverse speeds and can be operated in all types of freshwater environments.
In addition, the Endura C2 55 trolling motor has a quick-release lever lock bracket that will mount easily and quickly to any transom. It also won’t warp, flex, or become damaged due to the UV rays of the sun. It has a six-inch telescoping tiller that tilts and extends, making it super-easy to use whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fishing enthusiast. Finally, the motor comes with a two-year warranty, giving all users the peace of mind they deserve.
Best Budget Trolling Motor: Newport Vessels NV-Series 36lb
According to a lot of happy customers, this is the best budget trolling motor around, providing you with a great balance of efficiency, power, and affordability. This one is identical to the Newport Vessels NV-Series 55-lb motor, only it has a 36-lb thrust motor and a price of only around $150, which is roughly $100 cheaper than the 55-lb one. You get a small but very reliable motor that is super-quiet and therefore allows you to approach your fish without scaring them away.
Some of its many features include an eight-speed motor with five forward speeds and three reverse speeds, corrosion-resistant materials, a two-year warranty, and the ability to use in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The two-blade propeller is compact and offers great power conservation, and you even get a five-point LED battery meter. It is lightweight at around 19 pounds and gives you a very smooth ride. It is also ergonomically designed for extra comfort and comes with an extendable handle.
Best Saltwater Trolling Motor: Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb
When you’re researching the best trolling motor for a canoe, you’ll find the Newport Vessels name quite often, but owning even one of them will prove to you why this is so. The 55-lb NV-Series trolling motor can accommodate both freshwater and saltwater environments and is ultra-quiet. The hardware is made out of zinc, stainless steel, and magnesium that is corrosion-resistant, which means you can fish in salt water all day long and not worry about the condition of your motor.
With this motor, you get a 30-inch fiberglass composite shaft that is fully adjustable, which in practical terms means you can get great depth placement regardless of the circumstance. It is super-easy to mount the motor to either a canoe or a kayak, especially because of its easy tilt-adjustable mounting bracket. The five-point LED battery meter means you get a clear reading every time, so you always know exactly how much power is left in your battery. Finally, it comes with a two-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Best Foot-Controlled Trolling Motor: MotorGuide X3 Bow Mount Foot-Controlled Trolling Motor
Sometimes, fishing enthusiasts want a better way to control and operate their trolling motor, and this foot-controlled motor keeps your hands free so you can concentrate on other things. The motor has an aircraft-grade aluminum mount and stainless-steel bearings and bushings, allowing the motor to be secure and to last for many years to come. You even get an ergonomic heel/toe design that is both super-comfortable and allows you to get exact control over the boat.
This trolling motor is available in 45-, 55-, and 70-lb. thrust motors, which means you can even mount it on a bigger canoe if you like. The variable-ratio steering system means that even in windy or choppy conditions, you can position your boat accurately every time. It is also a very quiet trolling motor that improves the responsiveness of your steering and comes at the reasonable price of around $420. If your idea of a convenient trolling motor is one that is foot-controlled, this is it.
Another Great Overall Trolling Motor: Watersnake ASP 18 Trolling Motor
Some people are used to a trolling motor that is heavy, but the Watersnake ASP 18 trolling motor is both small and very lightweight, making it super-easy to carry around with you, to install, and of course, to use. It is also so versatile that you can use it for your canoe, kayak, small dinghy, and floating boat. It is both rust- and corrosion-resistant, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater environments, and while it doesn’t offer several speeds, it does have a handy speed control feature that allows you to switch from low speed to high speed with ease.
You also get a forward and reverse switch, an extendable handle that makes steering very easy, weedless two-blade propeller, an optional bracket in case you need more mounting options, and an anti-impact clip system in the mount. It is very affordable at around $130 and can even be used in saltwater environments thanks to the way it’s made. If you need both a high-quality, long-lasting trolling motor that won’t break the bank, this one is worth considering.