I have an old school 5 forward 3 reverse type trolling motor. How do I make sure my speed is down to 0.4 or 0.5 mph?

Gps

I have 10 speed options on mine and usually run at either 2 or 3 depending on the current and/or if I have a head wind. So on a 5 speed, I would say either 1 or 2. Without a gps, you can use a shore reference to determine if you need to adjust your speed. You could also download a free gps app to your phone.

Just start at a lower speed and troll. If you don’t catch fish then adjust the speed. The second speed level would be a good place to start.

Thanks, fellas. I have two trolling bags I use off the back on my jon boat. I guess two bags plus speed 1 or 2 should that speed down.

My trolling motor has 5 speeds. Speed 1 is about .5mph on a still day. If there’s much breeze, it will take me to .7 following the breeze or .2 going into it. In a wind, I just use the trolling motor intermittently for boat position going with the wind or speed 2 to maintain .3mph going into it. It really depends on the wind load and resistance of your boat. In the wind, if I keep my boat turned broadside to it, that slows me down about .3mph following the wind.