By Mike Frisch
As a professional angler my job involves filming TV shows, hosting fishing guide trips, and competing in an occasional fishing tournament. Regardless the task, being able to control my boat effectively and efficiently is very important. In the past, accomplishing that outcome has been a bit challenging. Recent equipment improvements have, however, made boat control much more effective. Here’s what I mean.
Three things are very important to me regarding boat control. First, I need a trolling motor with a steering system that is very responsive so that when I need to make a quick turn the motor reacts instantaneously. Some of my past motors were a bit slow in turning so I always felt like I was playing “catch up” while not being able to stay on the exact path I wanted. Many of today’s motors are much more responsive. Along those lines, because I cast a great deal whether fishing walleyes, bass, or panfish, I also prefer a wireless foot pedal keeping my hands free and allowing me to fish from various spots in the boat depending on the situation.
Responsive trolling motor control is essential in my fishing world. The second very important consideration is having adequate power. Trolling motor power is vital for me, meaning I can maintain adequate power when battling big winds to “stay on” the fish. Plus, I often troll crankbaits at speeds up to 2.5 mph and having a trolling motor with the power to reach and maintain those speeds enables me to troll without the need for a gas-powered “kicker” motor. Today’s brushless trolling motors are more powerful than traditional motors allowing me to accomplish the tasks just detailed.
The third important boat control consideration for me is maintaining adequate battery power for a long day of fishing. Again, the modern-day brushless motors are more efficient meaning longer battery life as well. Plus, pairing a brushless motor with modern day lithium-ion batteries makes for even more efficiency.
Last year I fished with my first brushless trolling motor on my “walleye” boat. I purchased a new Recon motor and have been impressed. The motor offers all the necessities mentioned above and, in addition to a wireless foot pedal, it also has a handheld remote with a joystick control that I love for trolling crankbaits. Plus, the motor is lightweight and deploys and stows very easily and is affordable in comparison to some other new motors.
I am pairing my trolling motor with lithium batteries for the first time this year. These batteries extend the trolling motor’s power for a full day of fishing, are much lighter than traditional lead-acid batteries, and have much longer cycle life than traditional batteries. I rigged with MillerTech batteries, and my initial impressions are quite positive. We fished a full day on the Rainy River in early April battling wind and current and my batteries had over 80% charge left at the end of the fishing day.
Additionally, my batteries are paired with a free Bluetooth-enabled app which lets me easily monitor the status of the batteries from my phone while fishing. And, in the past, I worried about whether my battery charger was functioning properly the night before an important fishing trip. With the app I can easily check the charging status for peace of mind. Finally, I like that that the batteries come with a 10-year warranty.
More responsive boat control and the adequate and long-lasting power offered by “modern day” trolling motors and batteries make my days on the water more successful and enjoyable and can offer other anglers the same advantages.
Good luck on the water this season and, as always, remember to include a youngster in your next outdoors adventure!
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series. Visit www.fishingthemidwest.com to learn more.
PHOTO – Fishing ace Riley Arndt caught this fat Rainy River walleye on a recent TV filming excursion. Effective boat control helped Riley and the guys stay on the fish throughout the day!
