Minn Kota or motor guide???

Which one works best for you when you are crappie fishing???

Minn Kota Fortrex. You will never want for a different trolling motor.

I've owned both. I have not found a real difference, other than the MG requires you to step on the head to release it from the mount.

Buy the one that has the features you want, accepting that more features means a higher price.

had a motor guide ...it worked well
have a minn kota it works well also

Minn Kota Fortrex, I like that you can pick the speed that is perfect for what you are doing.

Mine has held up much better than motor guides that I have had in the past.

It seems that the batteries hold up better/longer after a day on the lake also.

MotorGuide Xi5 :P. We just got one, can't wait till they get on the piles to test it out!

Minkotas have been good to me

I love my Minnkota. Get a spare prop pin.

Minnkota Terrova.....never go back to foot with a remote!!

+1 I've had both, and different models of both. Love my Fortrex!!

+1

I have sold more Minn Kota over Motorguide.....

I have the Minn-Kota with I-Pilot. Hate it for crappie fishing but have been getting pretty good controlling the boat with the remote but sometimes it's not as fast as the foot control. Guess I need to give David a call (Shut Up and Fish) and get a new Fortrex.

Whatever you do, make sure you give David a call before you buy. You won't be sorry!!!!

Never owned a Motorguide. All my boats have had Minn Kotas on them. I know the service on Minn Kotas are top notch. had a problem with the one that came with my boat and after a year of problems they gave me a full refund on it and I got aTerrova. After a few months, the remote on the Terrova started getting screwy, made one call and they sent me a new remote at no charge and told me to send the old one in once I received the new one. haven't had any more problems since.

I've had both and I will never go back to Motor guide. I've saved a ton on just not having to replace the bent shafts on the motor guides and I like the foot pedal a lot more on the minn kotas

For crappie fishing you need a cable steer tm which means you can't get the iPilot and that is a good thing. The iPilot is good for some types of fishing but, not crappie.
And, do NOT get the US2 option (2D sonar transducer) it is much worse than the transducers that come with your unit, be it HB or Lowrance.

Have to disagree with you. for some of us the Ipilot is the best way to go. my old body is riddled with arthritis and the hand held remote makes fishing enjoyable. Would I recommend the I pilot to just anyone, no because it takes a learning curve and getting use to. But once you've learned how to use it, it's very easy to control and stay on Bp's with it. The US2 is the only way to go in my book. no worries about tearing up your transducer in shallow water or on stumps. Just my opinion.

minn kota terrova. !!

I agree with OkieBob.

Kinda goes without saying.
But hey, if new technology is not your cup of tea, or it's hard for you to use or learn, then stay with what ya know. It's just that for some, we don't mind learning new things and they work quite well for us. Ya can teach some ole dogs new tricks.

motor guide...

Chuck Rollins uses a I pilot
For crappie fishing ?

Is that why he bought a Fortrex from me?

No doubt I'm an 'old dog' but, I'm pretty sure I have the first spotlight, I was one of the first with an HDS s/LSS-1.
I also bought into the MK PowerDrive V2 from the factory with iPilot installed and US2. Converted to an 1198C and 998 preparing to move up to the iPilotLink. So, moved up to a Terrova with US2. After discussions with HB factory, they had me take it to a factory authorized repair station where they completely replaced all the electronics. Even after that, I was lucky to be able to hold within 20' of a waypoint and that was on a very good day. Most often it would wander as much as 50' from my waypoint on spotlock.
Hey, if you can catch crappie 50' off your brushpile, then I say go for it. I'm just saying I never could and MK and HB had every opportunity to correct the problem and couldn't.
Now, if you don't need to hold that close to structure it might be just the thing and if you have a problem like your friend, heck yeah, buy it. But, for me, I don't like having to spend my fishing time searching for the brushpile and correcting my tm because it has wandered off so far it's lost.
As for US2, I simply ask that you compare, on the water, what you see with either L or HB's factory shipped 2D transducer with MK's built in transducer.
Hopping down from my soapbox now.

One last thing I need to add. Again, in my opinion, the Fortrex is far superior than any other tm I have used. It is much quieter, much quicker and stronger. That little pause when you tell any electric steer to go, really agrivates me and unless something really spectacular comes out, I'm going to use them from now on.

Dangit, he is the one that bought that?!! That's exactly what I need for my boat, I HATE the I-pilot Terrova! I'm not an old dog, and i'm pretty good at learning new things, but I also know what works best for me and that loud, slow eletric steer is not my cup of tea.

Exactly! I owned a Terrova for one month. I did my best to adapt. Maybe I'm too ADHD for it but it was slow to respond, noisy and would not SpotLock inside a 20' diameter... maybe a 20'radius. No more electric steer for me. Fortrex has lift assist and that alone is why I like it. Not to mention it is very quiet and quick to respond.

Fortrex for me!

Love it!

Very dependable!

Hey Bobcat, ya think we made our point?
I'm thinkin bout startin a Fortrex Users Group...FUG for short? What 'cha think?

Or how about FAT....Fishermen Against Terrovas?

Get after 'em Bob!

the only point you two made was your close minded and can't read.

Tell ya whatcha do here Francis, if your finding it difficult to keep up or comprehend, try re reading what I wrote in my posts, but read them v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. that might help you and your cheerleader Bobcat understand. Ya may have to read them a couple times, but I have all the confidence you'll finally get it.

Cheerleader??? Some people like Fords and then there's the rest.

Hmmm , Still haven't re read my post I see. Our maybe ya have and it's just too complicated for ya. Ok, well I tried. Bless your heart.

DAAAANG Junior! I just noticed your post count, so I have to ask ya, when do you find time to fish? Seems being the TFF Now- It- All ( cough, cough) and TFF community patrol officer, and high ranking member of the TFF "CJ" group sure takes up all your time. Come to think about it, I can't recall ever seeing you post any pics of fish you've caught or post about a fishing adventure you've been on. but hey,I don't live on this site like some, so you may have and I just missed it. But I'll have to come back at ya with ," Some of us fish, while others just talk about it". Just saying.

Okay, so they stood behind the warrantyOkay so that is your opinion, got it.
Okay got it. Only thing I get out of it is we differ in opinions and that is why they sell more than one kind. To each his own...Right?

Nope them cheerleaders don't know how to read
Tex Boxer trust me .. Just like a few weeks back
I was giving constructive criticism to Big Crappie
Guide service and them 2 chiming in like they
Know it all and turned into something it wasn't ..
When they didn't make the call and book the trip
Nor go on the trip ..

As you can see, you have opened up a can of worms here. Both brands have their diehard fans.

A big part of the equation is how much do you want to spend on a tm. At the lower end I don't think there is much difference.

At the higher end it becomes a battle of features and will depend on which features are the most important to you.

As I stated, I've owned both. I currently have a MG but had a MK before that. I bought the MG because it was the only tm the dealer had in stock that had a shaft long enough for my pontoon. I did not want to wait two weeks for him to order something different.

The MG works fine. My only complaint was I was not told I need to step on the trolling motor head to get it to release from the mount. Once I was told this I have not had any problems with it.

So make sure you buy enough power to handle your boat and that the shaft is long enough for your boat. Then look at all the features available on the two brands and decide which features are the most important to you. Then see if either brand offers more of the features you want in the price range you wish to pay.

The only mistake I made was buying a 24v 75# tm when a 36v 109# tm would have been better for a pontoon. The dealer kept insisting a 12v 50# tm was adequate so I thought going 50% above that should handle the job. It does but a 109# tm would have done better.

So IMHO, buy all the power you can afford. Then look at other features.

Tex Boxer does have a good point ...
Do you guys EVER fish or always
Given advice ?

Not siding with anyone but wanted to put my 2 cents in. I used to hang out in the Whites/Striper section but got tired of all the BS over there so started spending more time in here. I have never met either Bobcat or OkieBob but they seem like stand up guys by what they post. I would offer either of them a seat in my boat anytime.

Sure they may have an opinion that differs from yours but that's no reason to be condescending towards them. If you don't agree with them, state that intelligently and move on. If you just want to stir the pot try the White/Striper section. I have never seen a more supportive group of guys on an internet forum than this section and truly hope it stays that way.

I've never caught any fish and don't go fishing.

Back to topic.

Like I stated before, I have the I-Pilot feature on my TM and have learned to live with the remote but I am not as happy with it as I would probably be with the foot steer. One of these day I will buy me a Fortrex.

the one where you said it was my opinion, in my post you will see I said " My old body is riddled with arthritis", and I also said that "I would not recommend this trolling motor to just anyone". So let me break it down for you. Anyone with a disability that has to do with their lower back, hips, knees, ankles, or feet, this trolling motor is a god send. I would not recommend this trolling motor to anyone in good health. I can't make it any easier to understand.

Okay so that is your opinion, got it.

Constructive criticism I saw it more like trying to complain enough to get a free trip. But that's just my opinion and everyone has one. Now this thread was about what trolling motors are used while Crappie fishing. Lets get back to that. If you have a problem with me take it to a PM please. I'll just ignore you and you are free to ignore me. Deal?

Yes I got that. I personally have had 2 back surgeries, a neck surgery and a knee surgery. I get it. When I tried the Terrova I did not like it. It was a $500 lesson for me. The Fortrex to me is second nature and is easy to steer. I sit when I fish so it really isn't a problem since I can operate it with either foot. It's so simple to use even Net Girl can run it and catch fish while she does. But if you like it by all means I am happy for ya. That is why they make several different kinds. Peace!

OkieBob and Crapicat, the only reason I wrote the other post after my first, was because it seems that whenever anyone on the forum gives a different opinion (other than a select few in your clique), we are immediately reprimanded by what have become known as the TFF CJ group. Well you guys can buddy up all ya want, but my opinion is mine and I will continue posting my opinions. And we will continue butting heads. The choice is yours cause I dont mind it and kinda enjoy it.
Edited to say:
And no,I will not take it to PMs so don't ask me. The smack is started on the front pages so it will end on the front pages for the whole world to see. I've got nothing to hide.

I have met OkieBob. He is a very nice person. I respect his opinions, even if I don't always agree with him.

And often people who post a lot are retired. So they have the time to fish daily and still post a lot on the forum. Some of us do not have a life outside crappie fishing.

I researched wireless trolling motors when I bought my new trolling motor last August. I thought it would be nice since I do have some problems using a foot steered trolling motor due to physical problems.

I found too many discussions about problems with the wireless trolling motors to buy one at that time. One thing that was often mentioned was a tendency to ignore commands and go in a straight line following the last command accepted. So I decided to go with a foot model for now, even through it can be painful to use at times.

However once the technology matures I will look at them again. Pushing a button on a remote or using your finder to steer your boat sounds like a winner to me.

Now I realize that those who wrote of their problems online were those who had problems with the equipment. I also realize that as many or more probably owned the wireless trolling motors and did not have any problems. But my luck is too always get the problem equipment so I decided to pass until the technology matured.

I did look at the Fortrex online but the dealer where I bought my tm did not have one in stock at the time I bought. Since I was receiving a discount on the tm I chose a MG he had in stock that would work for my pontoon.

The 24 v 75# MG works good handling my pontoon except when the wind is up. Then I could use a 36v 100+# motor but that was my error in judgement and not a reflection on the trolling motor I have.

Constructive criticism I saw it more like trying to complain

enough to get a free trip. But that's just my opinion and everyone has one. Now this thread was about what trolling motors are used while Crappie fishing. Lets get back to that. If you have a problem with me take it to a PM please. I'll just ignore you and you are free to ignore me. Deal? [/quote

I got nothing to hide no need for pm
We paid 400 plus and I was looking for
A free trip ?? Wow ... Brother you got
Some nerve .. I work for a living and
Have never got nothing for free ..
Yes gave constructive criticism ..
Look it up .. Now there's a lot of
Folks that are tired of your bs
And circle jerking .. I have yet
To see u post any fish or tell
How you caught this year ..
Now you want to tell what
Trolling motor is good .. Wow

That sir, is exactly what mine was doing. I figured out it was the remote that was causing the problem. The new one they sent me took care of the problem.

Hey jig master, I thought it said the other guy paid? Constructive Criticism is best given to those that it applies to, right? Not the entire crappie section. IMO I think you meant to post it publicly to make Big Crappie.com respond and try to satisfy you. But that is how fishing go on guided trips. (in my best Ron Washington voice)

Oh well and as far as me posting fishing stuff... although an interrupted trip, I do go and post when I do. Take a look, this was Saturday. http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/9921678/Texoma_yesterday#Post9921678

Sorry if I hurt your feelings. Peace to you. Maybe we can wet a line sometime. Now back to trolling motors

Please remind me to never give any more advice to anyone on a public forum. I don't know anything.

I took the coward's way out and decided to wait until the technology matured more before I bought one. But I will look at then again in a year or two as I would like to be able to select a track in my fish finder and have it take the trolling motor along that track.

And once I was on point, have the tm keep me on point without my worrying about it.

Then I could spend my time just fishing and not worrying with the tm. Plus it hurts my left leg, operating the tm.

Besides I have to get some use from the tm before I buy another one.

I'll listen. Maybe one day you will help me on Ray Bob. I've never crappie fished that lake (plenty of bass trips though).

I've always found your posts to be positive in here as well as the Jig Tyers section.

Okay I have had a few, unfortunately I have had only Minnkota so I can't say anything for or against Motor Guide. I have a tiller style Lund boat, I like the control. That said I have a bow mount and a transom mount. The bow mount is the the old co-pilot/auto pilot. The transom mount has the 3x turn and back troll.

Now for crappie fishing or spot fishing (not trolling) I use the transom mount MK Vector 3x (the vantage is nicer). I can hold over or in front of where I wish to fish. Heading backwards into the wind is the ticket.

For trolling the ap(Co-pilot) with remote is super easy to fish with which is what it is designed for. I push the boat forward with my big motor or a kicker motor heading straight the bow mount MK Co-pilot has a button that I can point it and push the button and it will keep the course (my steering). I can have my rods out and sit back watching all of them. If I need a course correction the remote on my wrist a push here or there and bingo. Now for trolling this is the ticket. Troll for crappie, never done it, but I will try it. I have trolled for walleye and striper.

If you post much you run the risk of annoying another person. We all have off days and sometimes take exception to something we would normally laugh off.

When it happens it is best if both people not get too upset and try to keep the posting civil. I know that can be hard to do, especially when somebody's hot button is pushed. I know I sometimes overreact when I see what I perceive to be an unprovoked insult against me.

But in the end, we are all here to learn. And the differences in opinion expressed help us all to learn. So we should continue to post our opinions and our experience, even when somebody does get upset with us.

So we should try not to have too thin a skin when we post and not get too upset with those who disagree with us, even when they disagree in a manner that we feel is objectionable. Yes, I know this is hard to do from experience. :sigh So maybe this is one of those "don't do as I do but do as I suggest" type posts.

As usual, just my not so humble opinion.

Like I said Bobcat, keep it on the front page. Do not think you can talk smack with your friends on here and then PM me trying to cozy up and apologize. Man up and do it on the front page in front of your friends and everyone that read what you said, not behind their backs. Don't be two-faced. I will gladly accept your apology but not in a PM. The way I see it, how can it be a sincere apology if done in a PM, The smack you said wasn't in a PM? And this goes to anyone else that comes out with "It needs to go to a PM". Unless your the owner of this site or a moderator, keep that mess to yourself cause as far as I am concerned, I don't care what you think I should do.
I've said what I need to say, so, Nuff said on this and now I will drop it so we can all get along.

Lets go fishn

Let's go get em boooooooooyyyyysss !!!!

Let's go tomorrow. I'll give you a call. If you talk smack I'll throw you in the water though.

I wouldn't call it cozying up Texboxer. As I said in my PM we have always been complimentary to each others catches and your videos. I shared some of why I can't fish as much as I want which has to do with my work schedule, family committments with 10 grandkids sports and such, and taking care of my Mom. I even reminded you that when I was shopping for boats how I PM'd you about your SeaArk boat. I wasn't talking smack to you and your little PAL jigmaster. I gave my opinion and you called us the TFF CJ. Just because my opinion is different than yours or your little friend gives you no right to attack my opinion or intellect as you did. I could care less what you have on your boat. You didn't ask me. The OP asked opinions and I gave mine. I then said I agreed with what okieBob said. I guess that was smack talking in your book. I said in my PM I was sorry if I offended you. You still get that apology but nothing else. So take that and be glad you got it. I'm done with you and your PAL.

If that's the best ya got, keep your apology. I sure don't need it. And please don't start crying!! There's no crying in Crappie fishing!!

And to Fishing Man88, My sincere apology for hijacking your thread. But there are some on this forum that think to much of themselves and someone has to stand up to them. Besides, it ain't easy to gets a 5 page thread going. Good for you.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program

Fine with me. I don't mind rescinding it at all. You sure don't deserve one. There is no crying in Crappie Fishing, you are right about that. Only when anyone disagrees with texboxer do we hear any crying. Think too much of myself??? You are the one belittling anyone's opinion but your own. Grow up. Done

Now back to the original topic and my original comment.
"Minn Kota Fortrex. You will never want for a different trolling motor."

Hey pe@#*rhead, you're not the regularly scheduled program.

Uh-oh, we almost had a curse word boys! Mod is gonna get out the ban hammer lol

What? Perchrhead aint a curse word.

Haha! I have a minn kota maxxum 101 and like it. My buddy has gone through two motor guides since he has had his boat. I don't like the way the nut holds the prop on motor guide. His fell off at fork a few weeks back but he had all the spare parts so it was all good

Im glad your done !! Now go hang out at that
DQ with all them know it Alls and drink your coffee ..

That's right tell it like it is ..

I have a motor guide .. Will that one work ?

Elektra-Pal there is no other!


I think that's what I had, the last time I had a chance to go fishin.

Do the I-pilots drain more battery life than a foot controlled? I would think so with it constantly being engaged especially if its windy and trying to hold on one spot.

I like everyone opinion

Haha man yall are toooo funny...how long the 4 of you been married? This ain't Chevy or ford, those boys are laying in the same bed, ain't but two things to do. With that said, I don't believe a trolling motor is gonna make or break a fisher, just roll with what you are comfortable with.

Motor guide !!

Minnkota
Johnson Outdoors
Racine, WI
Symbol:JOUT
$21.23 Share
Market Cap 211.5 Million

Motorguide
Brunswick
Lake Forest, IL
Symbol:BC
$40.33 Share
Market Cap 3.7 Billion

Those who are Mercury outboard aficionados might consider that Motorguide and Merc are both owned by Brunswick. Those Humminbird fish finder guys are probably aware that Johnson Outdoors owns both HB and Minnkota. The Johnson in Johnson Outdoors is part of the SC Johnson family (wax) nothing to do with Johnson outboards.

I've abused my Minnkota to the point that I marvel at how it somehow manages to keep operating without fail. Never owned a motor guide so can't comment. And I agree somewhat with tundra rich your trolling motor brand isn't going to catch the fish for you. It may help get you or keep you close to them but it ain't going to help you convince them to get in the boat with you. Your trolling motor also can't tell you where to look for the fish (at least not yet).

Buy the one you like even if it's just because you like one color better than the other. Go fishing as often as you can and enjoy it!

As I stated earlier in this thread, decide what features you want and then buy the tm that has more of these features at a price you are willing to pay.

Both are good brands, both have worked well for me in the past. So it is more a matter of features offered than brand for me.

I have owned more Minntoka's than Motorguide's in the past but I currently own a Motorguide. Which was bought based on features, not brand.

I wanted the iPilot but after reading reviews of wireless trolling motors I decided to wait a few more years while the bugs were worked out of the system. I will probably buy an iPilot in about two years if the reviews of wireless is better then.

I'm not sure if guys like you and I are supposed to be posting in here, since we don't fish every day

Jk fellas, I actually enjoyed the banter, took my mind off of the day I just had