Just as a trusty compass guides sailors through uncharted waters, a quality trolling motor steers bass anglers toward fishing success. We’ve tested dozens of motors to find the five best options that combine power, control, and durability for your bass boat. Whether you’re battling choppy waters or quietly approaching a honey hole, the right motor makes all the difference. Let’s explore which models deserve a spot on your boat’s bow—your perfect catch might depend on it.
Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control
- Latch & Door Bracket: This bracket gives you a rock-solid hold while stowing your trolling motor and makes for easy removal at the end of the day.
- Heel-Toe / Cable-Steer Foot Pedal: Get heel/toe control of your motor with this ultra-responsive foot pedal that includes speed control, and momentary and constant on/off. Made with a high-impact composite material for unparalleled durability.
- 5-Speed Settings: Choose from five speed settings to dial in the right speed control when you're trolling.
- Directional Indicator: Easy-to-read directional indicator is built into the top of the trolling motor head on Edge foot control models.
- Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: For 3-5/8" motor diameters. With swept-back flared blades to power through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking, the Weedless Wedge 2 is one of the most trusted props in fishing.
For serious bass anglers who need precise boat control, the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor stands out as a top performer. With 70 pounds of thrust and a 45-inch shaft, it’s perfectly designed for freshwater fishing adventures.
We love the heel-toe foot pedal that gives you responsive control while keeping your hands free for fishing. The 5-speed settings let you dial in exactly how fast you want to move, and the weedless prop design helps you power through vegetation without getting stuck. Built to last with its aluminum mount and composite shaft, this motor’s earned its 4.3-star rating from other anglers. It’s a solid investment that’ll serve you well on the water.
Best For: Dedicated freshwater bass anglers who need precise boat positioning and hands-free operation while fishing from medium to larger vessels.
Pros:
- Powerful 70-pound thrust capacity provides excellent control in various water conditions
- Durable construction with guaranteed lifetime composite shaft and aluminum mount for long-term reliability
- Intuitive heel-toe foot pedal control system with 5 speed settings allows for hands-free operation
Cons:
- At 20 kilograms (44 pounds), it’s relatively heavy and may be challenging to install or remove
- Some users report wiring issues when used in coastal environments
- The latch and door unlocking mechanism can be difficult to operate for some users
Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Control
- Haswing Cayman 48 INCH Shaft Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before. It's so quiet that the fish will never hear you coming. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 2750LBS
- The 2.4G wireless remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard. Conveniently control the motor on the boat or shoreside with the farthest 164 ft distance, meanwhile the remote can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary. Quick release bracket can help you to install/remove the motor easily.
- Cruise control (NOT Spot lock) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- Haswing Cayman 55lbs bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it’s designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components. The 48-inch aluminum shaft makes it easy for different types boat, meantime please hold on the motor shaft before adjust motor depth to avoid slide.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time. And the stow and deploy pedal can be depressed with a single hand or foot and makes transitioning between in the water and on the boat quickly, so you can save more strength to reel in the big ones. The easy-to-use depth collar lets you change depths quickly, simply, securely. When you find depth, locks in tight to keep your motor right where you want it
The Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor stands out for bass boat owners who need reliable performance without breaking the bank. We’re impressed by its quiet operation and variable speed control that conserves battery power during long fishing days.
What we really love is the wireless remote with 164-foot range, letting you control the motor from anywhere on your bass boat. The 48-inch aluminum shaft works in various water depths, and the quick-release bracket makes installation a breeze.
While some users mention occasional customer service delays, most anglers report excellent value for money. It handles boats up to 2750 lbs and performs well in both fresh and saltwater environments.
Best For: Bass boat owners seeking an affordable, feature-rich trolling motor with wireless control capabilities for boats up to 2750 pounds in both fresh and saltwater environments.
Pros:
- Wireless remote control with 164-foot range offers convenient operation from anywhere on the boat
- Variable speed control extends battery life and provides smooth adjustments during fishing
- Quick-release bracket and ergonomic lifting handle make installation and transport straightforward
Cons:
- Customer service can be slow to respond when issues arise
- Replacement parts availability may be limited or delayed
- Some users report needing frequent adjustments while trolling, affecting the fishing experience
AQUOS Haswing Bow Mount Trolling Motor with Remote Control
- Haswing CaymanB 12V 55LBS 48inch Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before. With variable speed will let you dial in your desired speed and provide more precise, smoother adjustments plus improved control. Moreover the variable speed is the lower power consumption of the motor, it can increase battery life quite a bit at any speed. Also the trolling motor suitable for boats weighing up to 2750LBS.
- The remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck or belt with a lanyard. You can conveniently control the motor on the boat or shoreside with the farthest 164 feet distance, at the same time the remote control can be recharged with a USB cable on power bank when necessary.
- Cruise control (not spot lock) keeps your boat at the desired speed by using remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need. And if you turn the motor 180 degrees of rotation and it will push the boat in reverse direction.
- Haswing Cayman 55LBS 48inch Shaft bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it’s designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components. The 48-inch aluminum alloy shaft makes it easy for different types boat, meantime please hold on the motor shaft before adjust motor depth to avoid slide.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time. And the stow and deploy pedal can be depressed with a single hand or foot and makes transitioning between in the water and on the boat quickly, so you can save more strength to reel in the big ones. The easy-to-use depth collar lets you change depths quickly, simply, securely. When you find depth, locks in tight to keep your motor right where you want it.
Bass fishing enthusiasts seeking reliable power with convenient remote operation will appreciate the AQUOS Haswing Bow Mount Trolling Motor. We’ve found this 12V 55LBS model offers impressive capabilities for boats up to 2,750 pounds, including bass boats, inflatables, and aluminum vessels.
The palm-sized 2.4G remote control (with 164-foot range) lets you make precise speed adjustments while you’re fishing. We love the cruise control feature that maintains your desired speed even in challenging conditions. With its 48-inch corrosion-resistant shaft and 180-degree rotation capability, this motor performs well in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Best For: Anglers seeking a powerful, versatile bow mount trolling motor for boats under 2,750 pounds who value remote operation and precise speed control in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Pros:
- Palm-sized remote control with 164-foot range and USB rechargeability offers convenient operation from anywhere on the boat
- Cruise control feature maintains consistent speed despite wind or currents, improving fishing efficiency
- Corrosion-resistant 48-inch aluminum shaft with 180-degree rotation works effectively in both freshwater and saltwater
Cons:
- At 44 pounds, the motor is relatively heavy compared to some competing models
- Manual direction correction may be needed when using cruise control in strong winds or currents
- Higher price point within the trolling motor category (ranked #137 in Trolling Boat Motors)
Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS (55 lb Thrust)
- Deploy-Assist Lever: Get in and out of the water easily. Just depress the lever to deploy your trolling motor and when it's time to move, it stows easily and securely.
- Advanced GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted navigation system in fishing. Powerdrive uses GPS to control your trolling motor with unrivaled features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, control speed and steering, and more. Minn Kota makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from Powerdrive's simple and straight-forward micro remote. (Not Compatible with Foot Pedal)
- Push-to-Test Battery Meter: Press a button to get an instant "stage of charge" reading.
- Digital Maximizer: Provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing.
- Power Prop: Delivers extra power to push through any fishing scenario and excels in open water.
Serious anglers seeking precision control will find the Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor a game-changing addition to their bass fishing arsenal. With 55 pounds of thrust and GPS capabilities, it’s designed for anglers who don’t want to compromise.
We love the Deploy-Assist Lever that makes launching and stowing a breeze. The Advanced GPS Trolling System with spot-lock is what sets this motor apart—simply use the included micro remote to maintain your position over productive fishing spots. The Digital Maximizer extends battery life up to five times longer, meaning more time fishing and less time charging.
Its indestructible composite shaft is guaranteed for life, and the quiet operation won’t scare away nearby fish.
Best For: Dedicated freshwater anglers who prioritize precision positioning, extended battery life, and remote-controlled operation for hands-free fishing on medium-sized boats.
Pros:
- Advanced GPS system with spot-lock technology allows maintaining exact position over fishing hotspots
- Digital Maximizer technology extends battery life up to 5 times longer than standard trolling motors
- Deploy-Assist Lever makes deployment and stowage quick and effortless
Cons:
- Not compatible with foot pedal control, limiting control options for some users
- Some customers report issues with the battery gauge when using lithium-ion batteries
- At 44 pounds with a 68-inch package, it may be cumbersome to transport and install
Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor
- Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage.
- Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller.
- 5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
- Power Prop: This prop delivers extra power to push through heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
- Indestructible Composite Shaft — Guaranteed for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructible composite shaft. It's a Minn Kota exclusive, and we guarantee it for life.
Anglers seeking a reliable workhorse for their bass boat will find the Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor an excellent power-partner. With 30 pounds of thrust and a 30-inch shaft designed for freshwater use, this black aluminum motor delivers impressive performance for its compact size.
We love the telescoping tiller that offers 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, giving you precise control on the water. The lever-lock bracket’s 10-position quick-release system makes adjustments a breeze. Battery life is quite respectable too – even at high settings, you’ll get over an hour of operation with a 50Ah battery, or extend to 2+ hours at medium speeds.
Best For: Small boat owners, kayakers, and anglers looking for an affordable, reliable electric trolling motor for freshwater fishing with easy mounting and operation.
Pros:
- Versatile 10-position mounting bracket and telescoping tiller provide excellent adaptability and control for different watercraft
- Impressive battery efficiency with 1+ hour runtime at highest setting and 2+ hours at medium speeds with a 50Ah battery
- Durable construction featuring an indestructible composite shaft with lifetime guarantee and a specialized Power Prop for navigating vegetation
Cons:
- Limited to freshwater use only, not suitable for saltwater environments
- 30 lb. thrust capacity may be insufficient for larger or heavier watercraft
- Some users might need to purchase additional accessories like battery adapters for optimal performance
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trolling Motor for Bass Boat
We’ll now look at the key factors that’ll guide your trolling motor choice for your bass boat. When shopping, you need to evaluate thrust requirements based on your boat size, mounting options (bow, transom, or engine), and whether you prefer hand, foot, or remote controls. You’ll also want to match your shaft length to your boat’s height and decide between freshwater and saltwater models depending on where you fish most often.
Thrust Requirements
The right amount of thrust can make or break your bass fishing experience. We recommend a minimum of 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of fully loaded boat weight as your starting calculation.
For most bass boats under 2,000 pounds in calm waters, 40-70 pounds of thrust will serve you well. Heavier boats typically need 70-100 pounds to maintain proper control. If you’re fishing in windy or choppy conditions, add 10-20 pounds beyond your baseline calculation to stay on course.
Boat length matters too. Shorter bass boats under 16 feet often perform fine with 40-55 pounds of thrust, while boats 18-20 feet long need at least 70 pounds. Remember that higher thrust settings drain batteries faster, so choosing the appropriate motor helps optimize your time on the water.
Mounting Type Options
With thrust requirements clear, let’s look at how your motor attaches to your boat—a choice that impacts everything from maneuverability to overall fishing success.
For bass boats, you’ll typically choose between bow and transom mounts. Bow mounts attach to the front, giving you superior control for precise positioning—perfect when you’re working those productive fishing spots. They often come with quick-release brackets, making removal and storage a breeze when you’re trailering your boat.
Transom mounts, on the other hand, secure to the stern with simpler installation and fewer tools needed. They’re lighter, more compact, and ideal for smaller bass boats or when front deck space is limited.
The mounting location affects your boat’s balance too—bow mounts distribute weight forward for better trolling stability, while transom mounts keep weight at the back.
Control System Preferences
Beyond thrust and mounting decisions, your control system directly impacts your fishing experience on the water. We’ve found that foot pedals are excellent for hands-free operation, letting you steer precisely with intuitive heel-toe movements while keeping your hands free for fishing.
Wireless remotes offer fantastic flexibility, allowing control from up to 164 feet away as you move around your boat. If you prefer a more direct approach, tiller handles with adjustable lengths provide comfortable manual steering.
Don’t overlook speed options – the best motors offer multiple forward and reverse settings to adapt to changing conditions. We’re also big fans of cruise control features, which maintain consistent speeds automatically. This not only reduces constant adjustments but helps conserve your battery during those long days trolling for bass.
Shaft Length Selection
Selecting an appropriate shaft length stands as one of the most critical yet overlooked factors when choosing a trolling motor for your bass boat. We’ve seen many anglers focus on power and features while missing this essential element.
For bass boats, we recommend measuring from your mounting point to the waterline, then adding 12-20 inches to guarantee proper submersion. Most bass boats work well with shafts between 45-60 inches, but your specific vessel may differ. Remember, an undersized shaft will lift out of water during operation, causing performance issues and potential damage.
The ideal setup keeps your propeller 12-18 inches below water, even when waves get choppy. Don’t guess—measure carefully and choose a length that accommodates your boat’s height and typical fishing conditions for consistent, efficient performance.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater
Where will you be fishing most often? This question is essential because saltwater and freshwater environments demand different trolling motor specifications.
Saltwater motors need special protection against corrosion with aluminum alloys, protective coatings, and sacrificial anodes that combat electrolysis. These features aren’t typically found on freshwater models, which are lighter and often less expensive.
Remember, you can’t simply use a freshwater motor in salt water—it’ll quickly deteriorate due to increased salinity. Additionally, saltwater’s higher density creates more drag on your bass boat, potentially requiring motors with greater thrust.
If you’ll be fishing in salt water, you’ll also need to prepare for more frequent maintenance as marine growth accumulates faster on motor components. The higher mineral content and different pH levels in salt water simply demand more attention to keep your motor running smoothly.