Modern fishing has ceased to be just waiting for a catch off the coast, becoming an active search for fish using advanced technology. One of the most effective methods of catching trophies today is trolling with an electric motor that allows you to quietly and accurately control the speed of bait wiring. Unlike gasoline counterparts, electric motors do not create vibrations and noise, which is critical when catching cautious predators such as a pike or a pike.
Use of use electric motor It also provides a range of opportunities that are not available to the angler with traditional modes of travel, and you can move at a minimum speed, which is often the key to success when the fish is passive, and the absence of exhaust gas and the smell of gasoline makes the fishing process comfortable and environmentally friendly, allowing you to focus solely on tactics and the choice of wiring horizon.
In this article, we will take a look at the nuances of boat equipment, traction choices, and tactics that will turn your fishing into a successful hunt. Understanding the physics of water movement and the behavior of baits at different speeds will allow you to significantly increase your catchability. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of high-tech fishing, where every gram of traction and every turn of the screw matter.
Advantages of an electric motor over a gasoline unit for trolling
The main advantage of electric power is its quietnessThe water conducts sound very well, and the noise of an internal combustion engine, even the quietest, can scare fish away at long distances. The electric motor works almost silently, allowing you to sneak up on predators' parking lots and catch difficult areas without risking spooking prey ahead of time.
The second important aspect is the ability to adjust the speed accurately. Gasoline engines They often have a minimum speed threshold, where the boat moves too fast for efficient fishing. Electric motors, especially digitally controlled models, allow you to set speeds to within tenths of a kilometer per hour, which is ideal for a flaccid stick.
⚠️ Attention: Despite being environmentally friendly, lithium batteries require strict storage rules, and do not leave the battery empty in the cold, as this can irreversibly reduce its capacity.
Also worth noting is the ease of maintenance. You don't have to change the oil, filters or spark plugs. Electrical traction It only requires periodic checks of contacts and battery life, freeing up time to prepare gear and explore the pond, making fishing more relaxing and less technical in terms of maintenance.
Calculation of traction and choice of electric motor power
The right power choices are the foundation of successful trolling, and if the motor is too weak, it can't pull the boat against the wind or current at the right speed, and excessive power will lead to excess weight and battery consumption. tractionIt is measured in pounds (lbs) rather than horsepower as in gasoline.
There is a rule of thumb for calculating the required thrust: for every 45-50 kg of total boat weight (including equipment, engine, battery and crew), 1 pound of thrust is required. However, for trolling, where stability is important, not maximum speed, this margin can be reduced slightly, but not at the expense of reliability. It is always better to have a power reserve of about 20-30%.
It is important to consider the length of the lower unit (motor legs). For PVC inflatable boats, standard options are often suitable, but if you use a high-transcent metal boat, you will need a model with an elongated lower unit.
When choosing a motor, pay attention to the presence of the Anchor Mode function, which automatically keeps the boat in place during gusts of wind, allowing you to focus on catching fish.
Below is a table that helps to orient in the power selection depending on the displacement of the boat:
| Type of boat / Weight with cargo | Recommended traction (lbs) | Maximum speed (km/h) | Optimum voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC boat (up to 250 kg) | 30-34 lbs | 5-6 km/h | 12 volts. |
| Metal boat (up to 500 kg) | 40-55 lbs | 6-7 km/h | 12-24 volts. |
| Boat with a trolling plate (up to 800 kg) | 70-80 lbs | 7-8 km/h | 24-36 volts. |
| Heavy boat (over 1000 kg) | 100+ lbs | 8-9 km/h | 36 volts. |
Remember, the manufacturer's stated thrust is often peak. traction It can be lower, especially as the battery drains, so always round the calculations upwards when buying, so you can be confident in all conditions on the water.
Installation schemes and motor mounting on the transom
The quality of the mounting directly affects the sounder and the stability of the wiring of the baits. The motor must be installed rigidly, without backlashes that can create parasitic vibrations. cross-plateThey distribute the load and prevent damage to the balloon.
When you install it, it's important to get the lower unit upright, and if you swamp the motor back or forward, you change the angle of attack of the propeller, which will lead to loss of speed and increase energy consumption, and you adjust the angle of inclination with special washers or mechanisms on the motor itself.
Pay special attention to the fixation of the rods. Even if the motor is equipped with a quick removable system, make sure that all the clamps are tightened to the end before starting the movement. Losing the engine on the move is not only a financial loss, but also the risk of damaging the screw or leg to the bottom.
☑️ Checking the engine installation
Metal boats with high sides sometimes require the manufacture of an additional bracket. In this case, use corrosion-resistant materials such as: stainless steel Or anodized aluminum. Any savings on fasteners can cause them to break down at the wrong time.
Trolling tactics: speed, horizons and wiring
The secret to trolling success lies in the ability to match the wiring speed to the activity of fish. Often fishermen make the mistake of moving too fast. For most freshwater predators, the optimal speed is between 1.5 and 3.5 km / h. Electric motor It makes it easy to experiment with this parameter without fear of stalling.
It's important to vary not only the speed, but also the wiring horizon, and using downriggers or outriggers, you can capture different depths at the same time, for example, one spinning can go down the bottom, another spinning can go into the halves, and a third spinning at the surface, which helps you quickly determine where the fish are today.
⚠️ Attention: When passing shallow areas or a bait, always raise the baits. A full-thrust hook on an electric motor can cause the rod form to break or the loss of an expensive wobbler.
A sudden change in course or speed (called stop-and-go) often provokes a predator to attack. Digital motors Zigzags can automate this process, making wiring more natural and attractive to fish.
Why don't fish bite on trolling?
Often the reason lies in too even movement. Try to take small pauses or change the speed within 0.5 km / h. Also check if the cord on the coil is twisted, which changes the game of bait.
Use GPS tracking to repeat successful routes. If you catch a fish in a certain area, save the track and try to walk it again at the same speed and with the same lures. Consistency of parameters - key to stable catches.
Choosing baits for electric traction
The best way to troll with an electric motor is to play with your own active game, because the speed is low and stable, the bait has to work even with minimal water flow. Minnow and Shad with a depth of 3-5 meters.
It's important to consider the balancing of the tackle. Light lures can not reach the bottom at great depths, so use a shipment or heavier models. The color of the wobbler is chosen depending on the transparency of the water: in murky water, bright, "acid" colors work, and in transparent water, natural tones.
And don't ignore the silicone baits on the jig head mounted on a retractable leash. When you wiring slowly, they create seductive vibrations that irresistible for the pike and the berch, the main thing is to choose the right weight so that it doesn't brake the boat unnecessarily.
The ideal bait for electrotrolling is a wobler with a wide amplitude of oscillations, which starts immediately after the start of movement.
Check the line and fasteners regularly. Constant movement of water and the load on the spinning can quickly wear out the cord. A cliff on a trolling is a loss of not only the bait, but also the time to replace it.
Energy efficiency and battery life extension
The time on the water depends on the capacity of your batteryTo maximize fishing time, try not to use the motor at maximum power unnecessarily. Movement with 70-80% of maximum thrust often gives 90% of speed, but saves up to 30% of energy.
The ambient temperature also affects battery capacity. In cold weather, the chemical process slows down and the charge is used faster. Try to keep the battery warm until you get on the water and insulate the compartment if possible.
Use additional energy sources, such as solar panels, if you plan multi-day forays. Even a small panel on the roof of the awning will help compensate for the self-discharge and power of onboard electronics ( sonar, navigator).
⚠️ Attention: Never discharge a traction battery below 20%. Deep discharge significantly shortens battery life, especially if it is AGM or GEL technology.
Watch the terminals and wires. Oxidation of the contacts causes voltage drops and heating of the connections, which is a direct loss of useful energy. Regular cleaning and lubrication of contacts with special compounds is a mandatory procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What speed to develop for catching a pike?
The optimal speed for a perch varies from 2.0 to 3.0 km/h. However, in heat or high pressure, the fish can only react to very slow wiring of about 1.5 km/h.
Can I use an electric motor on the current?
Yes, you can, but you need to calculate the thrust correctly. In strong currents (over 1.5 m/s), a weak motor may not be able to keep its course against the flow. In such cases, it is recommended to use motors with a capacity of 50 lbs and above.
How long does the motor last from a single charge?
The battery life depends on the battery capacity and load. On average, a 100-Ah battery with a thrust of 30-40% (about 10-15 Amps) will provide 5-7 hours of continuous running. At full load, the time will be reduced to 2-3 hours.
Do I need to lubricate the electric motor?
Lubricants only require moving mechanical parts, such as the rotary mechanism and rods, and that is rare. The electric motor itself is sealed and does not require lubrication for the entire life of the screw should be cleaned of coiled grass after each fishing.
Which battery is better to choose for trolling?
Deep Cycle is the best choice for trolling, with Li-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) leading the way in weight and cycle number, but AGM and GEL batteries remain popular due to their availability and reliability.