The average boat buyer, when purchasing a new bass or pan-fish rig, directs very little attention to the factory installed trolling motor.

The majority of packaged fishing boats in the 15- to 16-feet range come standard from the boat manufacture with either a 12-volt MinnKota AT-44 or a MotorGuide FW46FB. The numbers designate pounds of thrust.

Both are foot operated entry line units and work great for the not-so-serious angler who’d rather hide in a protected cove when the wind kicks up.

Upgrade your trolling motor to at least one grade above the standard unit. You can save money by upgrading before you make the boat purchase rather than trading in your new but used trolling motor.

The MinnKota AT-55 and MotorGuide FW56FB are the highest pound thrust 12-volt trolling motors available.

If your boat has room for three batteries and you are serious fishermen, go with the 24-volt trolling motor on the smaller boats.

The 12-volt motors have a much higher amperage draw than a 24-volt motor. The 24-volt system gives you more power to hold in the wind and you’ll have plenty of reserve power at the end of a windy day because the 24-volt system draws fewer amps.

The larger 17- to 22-foot fishing rigs usually come standard with the lowest-pound thrust 24-volt motors.

The factory standard is a MinnKota AT-65 or the MotorGuide FW60FB. Both units feature five forward speeds, none of which seem to be the best for the conditions you’re fishing.

Usually the No. 1 speed setting is too slow and the No. 2 setting is too fast.

Upgrade to a MinnKota 74 MAX or a MotorGuide FW71FB. These units feature infinite variable speed control.

Just like the volume control knob on your radio, you can dial the variable speed motors in from ultra slow to wide open and anywhere in between. The variable speed motors receive power from the batteries in pulses instead of direct current thus prolonging your running time.

Trolling motors are available in shaft lengths from 36 to 62 inches. A 42-inch shaft will work fine on most boats but consider purchasing at least a 46- or 52-inch model on the larger bass rigs. If you fish big waters, go with a 50- or 52-inch shaft.

MotorGuide offers a 36-volt 109-pound thrust unit and MinnKota has a 101-pound thrust motor. Both are excellent and allow you to fish open areas during high winds on big lakes like Toledo Bend where four-foot swells are common.

Another big plus for high thrust trolling motors is maneuverability. Plus, you’ll spend more time with a lure in water.

Trolling motors are the most used piece of equipment on a serious fishing boat, yet they receive far less service than other equipment. The trolling mount requires lubrication at the pivot points or the mount will wear out, prematurely. Keep all bolts and screws tight. Periodically remove the prop and check for monofilament around the prop shaft.

When purchasing your next boat, don’t get to caught-up in the colors, the outboard and the electronics. Pay attention to the trolling motor. If you skimp in this department, the wind will eventually ruin that long planned fishing trip.

Eddie Roberts writes a weekly fishing column for The Natchez Democrat. Reach him at

fishingwitheddie@highstream.net.