Wireless trolling motor for Largemouth Fishing

I’m considering a wireless trolling motor to replace my foot controlled model. I see a lot of good input from folks that seem to be open water fishing. I fish for largemouth bass and was wondering if anyone has opinions on using these motors in stumpy situations such as Lake Fork. I would like to sit back and read your experiences.

They work just fine for fishing shallow and running timber. you just wont be racing through as fast as the Ultrex fellows. I have a Terrova and even when I had an old MK power drive it never stopped me. IF you do tournament fishing get the Ultrex, If speed isn't an issue get the Terrova or Ulterra.

Have used one to fish Fork for the last several years. Never had a problem. I'm not sure about the Ulterra yet, I just started running one so not sure how it holds up. I have been using a Terrova and it is as durable as any other trolling motor. I go into places that a boat maybe should not go. If it hits a stump under water it flexes a little and bounces off like it is suppose to do. Will YOU like it? Only you will be able to tell. Some people just can't make the switch from a cable steer to electric. It is second nature to me now and I control it better than I can a cable steer. As far as durability though, you won't have any problems unless you try to turn it on high and fly. Then you might break it just like any other trolling motor.

I always hated foot controlled TM’s...that said, I never really liked the hand controlled either, always trade offs...so my first foray into the wireless arena, was fantastic. Bought another boat and bought another Terronova...now I am in the process of figuring out how to add a 360 to the Terranova, but it seems it is an aftermarket affair, as no factory brackets exist.

They take some getting used to but are great once you do. Helps to save my back as well.

As for the issues with mounting these electric steer trolling motors or those of you that are concerned with how much the electric steer trolling motors protrude out from the boat, I created the LiftSaver TM Mount for the MG Xi5 but wanted to throw out that it also works for the MK Terrova, Ulterra, PD V2 and Riptide. It helps solve a lot of the mounting issues with these electric steer motors. Take a few minutes to look at the website and PM if I can answer any questions or help you out in any way.

www.liftsavertmmount.com

I am very appreciative of each of your input. This will certainly help with my decision this weekend. God Bless!!

I have the Motorguide Xi5, which has a wireless remote and wireless foot pedal. I rarely use the foot pedal out of preference but hand held definitely limits your fishing when in hand. I sync the Xi5 to my chart and use waypoints for the most part which take a lot of the need for controls out of it, except for minor corrections. Honestly the biggest pain in the a$$ is having to pull the unit in and out of the water, they could have made a better design IMO. I've hit more things than I'm proud to admit and it has held up well.

I've had the same Terrova mounted on two different boats since Minn Kota introduced them on the market. I routinely fish Lake Fork as well as many of the other stump filled lakes in East Texas and have never had an issue. I really want a new Ulterra, but my Terrova just keeps on going.

I too hated foot controlled TM's and don't even have my Terrova foot control on deck. I keep it in the box in case of an emergency, but haven't ever needed it. I probably use auto-pilot more than spot lock, but no matter the function, it makes fishing in the wind much more pleasurable.

Thanks fellows, this is making me much more comfortable about the decision.

Hey, upgrading from cable to wireless, is similar to going from a flip phone to an IPhone...once the learning curve is finished, you will wonder why it took you so long to change...

You will love it.

Go look at some of the YouTube training videos that are available...if you bass fish...once they show you how to lay down a track, then hit a Control button and then the TM will automatically rerun the track again, while you fish, you will be excited...as a crappie fisherman that has applications. Oh yea, every had trouble holding on a windy point while fishing for bass...anchor lock has you covered...fishing contour depth lines, no problem...it is a hit the button and just fish affair...what’s not to like...Plus, the minn Kotas are really easy to lift and store, relative to other units, I’ve used.