Modern fishing is a very different experience from twenty years ago, and if the noise of the water from the oars or the hum of the gasoline engine was an inevitable companion of the fisherman, today technology allows you to go unnoticed even in open water. Electric motor fishing It opens up opportunities for the fisherman, which previously could only be dreamed of: absolute silence, the absence of exhaust gases and the ability to maneuver in the thickets of reeds without scaring the fish.
The shift to electric propulsion is not just about replacing one energy source with another, it's about changing the paradigm of behavior on a body of water, and you stop being an observer who's afraid to make unnecessary movement, and you become an active participant in the process, controlling every meter of the water area. trolling at low speeds, accurate anchorage At the point and silent movement between holes in winter or thickets in summer become the norm.
However, to make fishing with an electric motor yield the desired results, rather than disappointment from a dead battery, you need to understand the principles of the equipment and the specifics of the reservoir. In this article, we will examine all the nuances from the choice of traction battery to tactical fishing techniques that are only available when using electric traction. Get ready to find out why experienced anglers consider the electric motor the main tool in the arsenal, and not just a toy for the lazy.
Advantages of electric traction over gasoline analogues
The main advantage of the electric motor is its quietnessSound waves travel much better in water than in air, and any sharp sound can scare a cautious fish, such as a pike or a pike. The electric motor operates almost silently, allowing you to sneak up on fish flocks and fish in shallow water, where the gasoline unit would immediately scare all the fish.
And also, you can't forget about the environment and the ease of maintenance, and the absence of the need to mix gasoline with oil, change candles, filters and worry about leaks makes the process of preparing for fishing much more enjoyable. Electrical traction It does not require complex winter storage with carburettor preservation, which is especially important for those who do not have a heated garage.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the absence of exhaust fumes, remember that lead-acid batteries can emit harmful fumes when not properly charged. Always charge the batteries in a well-ventilated room, away from an open fire.
The economic component also plays a role: the cost of a kilometer of the way on electricity is several times lower than on gasoline, especially given the current prices for fuel. Resource A high-quality electric motor is estimated in thousands of hours, and the only thing that requires regular replacement is brushes, and even then not in all models.
Criteria for the selection of traction battery
The heart of any electric system is the battery, and it's the specifications that determine how long you can fish and how much power you can overcome the resistance of water and wind. The conventional starter batteries that are designed to start the car engine are not suitable for long-term work under load. tractionwhich have thick lead plates and are designed for cyclic discharge.
When choosing battery capacity, you should follow a simple rule: the more amp hours (Ah), the longer you will be on the water, but do not chase the maximum performance at the expense of weight. Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries are becoming the de facto standard today due to their ease and ability to give off almost full capacity without losing voltage, unlike lead-acid counterparts.
It is also important to consider the temperature of operation: lead batteries in extreme cold can lose up to 50% of their capacity, while lithium batteries require special heating system or heat connectors when charging in the cold. Tension. The system (12, 24 or 36 Volts) also affects the efficiency of the engine: on large boats and with powerful engines, the transition to 24V or 36V allows you to reduce currents in wires and reduce energy loss.
☑️ Battery check before season
Tactics of silent approach and anchoring
The electric motor dictates its own rules of behavior on the water. The basic tactic is based on the principle of minimal disturbance of the aquatic environment, and the approach to the fishing point should be carried out at the lowest possible speed, so as not to create drills and vibrations. trolling Electrical bait allows you to drive at the speed of a pedestrian, which is often the key to success in catching passive fish.
Special attention should be paid to maneuvering in windy weather. foot-controlThey allow you to instantly adjust the course, compensating for the demolition of the boat, which is indispensable for fishing for wobblears or jigs, where you need to follow the terrain accurately.
| Type of manoeuvre | Recommended speed | Features of technology |
|---|---|---|
| Approaching the point | 1-2 km/h | Movement against wind or current for silence |
| Rollover catches | 2-3 km/h | Zigzag movement on the brow |
| Search for fish by sonar | 4-6 km/h | Direction movement for a clear picture |
| Rescuing | 0 km/h (stop) | Use of boat or anchor inertia |
To fix the boat at the point, many use the function Spot-Lock (if available in your model), which automatically keeps the boat at the specified GPS coordinates, offsetting the wind and current with the engine, frees the angler's hands and allows you to fully focus on wiring the bait.
The secret of Spot-Lock's work
Spot-Lock is a constant micro-adjustment function, and the motor doesn't keep the boat dead, but constantly steers to return to the center of a virtual circle with a radius of about 2-3 meters. On a strong wave, the boat can sway a little, but the coordinates will remain the same.
Setting up sonar and navigation
The electric motor and the sonar are the inseparable bundle of the modern angler, and without precise navigation, the use of electric traction loses half its meaning. relief-mapping In real time, passing the water area on an electric motor.
When setting the sounder, it is important to choose the sensitivity and frequency of the emitter correctly. At low speeds typical of electric fishing, higher frequencies can be used to detail the picture, since the signal speed is not distorted by turbulence under the transom. Side scanning. Side Imaging is becoming a particularly effective tool for finding single snags or sunken trees.
⚠️ Attention: The sonar and electric motor power cables can interfere with each other, and try to run them at a distance from each other and use ferrite rings to filter out high-precision noises if you notice ripples on the screen.
Using GPS tracks, you can go back to catch points with a meter accuracy, so you can create a library of verified locations and next time you just turn on the autopilot so that the motor can get you to the right eyebrow. Routing It is especially useful when fishing in twilight or on an unfamiliar body of water.
Seasonal Features: Summer and Winter
Summer fishing on an electric motor is primarily a fight against vegetation. Long algae can be wound on the screw, putting stress on the engine and draining the battery. grass-cutter (Dadewood cutting filament systems) or the use of screws with increased pitch and number of blades becomes critical.
Winter fishing has its own, even more stringent requirements, and the cold dramatically reduces the efficiency of chemical current sources. Lithium batteries They're much better than lead, still working at -20°C, albeit with some drop in capacity, and it's also important to protect the engine from snow and ice getting into the machinery.
In winter fishing, point-to-point movements between the holes are often used, and the electric motor allows you to quickly and effortlessly move a heavy boat with all the equipment to a new place, which is impossible to do with oars, especially if the ice is already up or carrying it.
For winter fishing, keep the battery warm until the last moment. A cold battery packed into a warm boat can become condensated, which is dangerously short circuit. Let it warm up in the package.
Maintenance and care
Despite its simplicity, the electric motor requires regular attention, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water, you must thoroughly wash the lower unit with fresh water. Corrosion The main enemy of metal parts, and ignoring washing can lead to the failure of expensive components in one season.
Check the condition of the lower unit pipe regularly for cracks and dents. Even a slight deformation can disrupt the screw's balance and lead to vibrations that not only make noise, but also destroy bearings.
The battery also requires maintenance. The lead batteries cannot be left empty, otherwise the process of sulfation of the strata will begin, irreversibly reducing capacity. Chargers The battery must be of the type and have a desulphation or recovery mode.
Regular prevention and proper charging of the battery prolong the life of the whole system by 2-3 times, saving significant money on the purchase of new equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to calculate the time of the motor on one charge?
For an approximate calculation, divide the battery capacity (in Amp-hours) by the motor consumption current at the selected speed (in Amps). For example, a 100-Ah battery and a 10-A consumption will give about 10 hours of operation. However, note that at maximum power consumption can increase to 50-60 A, and the operating time will be reduced to 1.5-2 hours.
Can I use an electric motor as the main one on a large boat?
It depends on the conditions. For large rivers with strong currents or large reservoirs with frequent winds, the electric motor may not be able to cope as a single engine due to limited range, but for calm lakes, overgrown river backwaters or as an additional shunting engine, this is ideal even for boats 4-5 meters long.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Since most electric motors have a capacity of up to 2-3 kW, they usually do not require registration, but the rules may change, so it is worth checking the current information in the local offices of the GIMS.
What to do if the engine loses power?
First, check the battery charge under load. If the voltage drops below 10.5V (for 12V systems), the battery is dead. The second common reason is fouling the screw with grass or debris. Also check the terminal contacts: oxidation or poor contact creates resistance that eats up power.