On highly pressured lakes I think it definitely does. A few years back while fishing Monticello during the early spring I not only experienced it but saw it with my own eyeballs. Couldn't catch a thing with any boats within 60 yards of me (I was in kayak).. Fish would turn right back on when boat trolled by or I paddled further away. That same weekend I watched from campsite 10 feet above shore line as boat approached and several 3 and 4 lb bass slowly moved out of the reeds as boat approached and promptly returned as boat passed. I couldn't believe how far the boat was when they all started moving away and only returned when the boat was about the same distance and moving away.. 60 yards. Since that day I rarely fish any closer to another boat.

I�ve tried -2,-1,0,+1,+2. They all net the same result. I�m lost.

But, my Ultrex was one of the first made and it�s heading to the shop for repairs, again. Maybe they�ll swap some part that�s causing the thing to over correct continually.

I only had that problem when I put a 36v on a smaller boat, It wanted to over correct itself and it would throw you from the boat if you weren't careful. The best thing I found to correct it (other than replacing it with a 24v which fixed it) was to use the N. heading and turn the speed low enough to keep me in one spot. The only thing that I could recommend to you is to try the heading sensor on the back of the boat. I believe it was Slade that I saw in a video stating that it was more accurate back there but people on here say it doesn't matter.

Bass seem to be quite curious creatures so I wonder if sometimes when they hear it the sound makes them want to check it out. I've grinded up Lilly pads and then flipped 5 feet away and caught fish before. Good question though. Be interesting to prove one way or the other.

I think in open water, it spooks them a little more than when they are under cover. I know I have had one of my
Best days punching grass mats in 3ft of water with my boat directly next to the mats. The boat was literally 2-3 feet from the fish. I�d drop a 1-1/2oz straight off the side of the boat a yank em.

Other days, in the same very clear lake, I could seem em swimming for their lives 20ft out in front of the boat as I trolled in on them.

So....the answer to the original posts question. Definitely maybe.

I think it depends if the fish are presured or if they feel they are safe..However who knows when that would be...I er on the side of quiet...I dont think fish know you are there, they just know something is different..To think all the fish are conditioned to stop eating when a trolling motor is on, is probly a reach, but the better ones maybe...I always shut down early and creep in..Stealthy like..lolol