Saturday Sep 17, 2022
S6E1 - Its Electrifying
In the first episode of season six Jeff and Jason cover our summer fishing, and take a deep dive into the electrifying world of bow mount trolling motors.
Beers
Jeff - Indeed brewing - Day Tripper https://bit.ly/3BpqnHg
This beer had dank hops, and we discuss this in detail. It was very tasty but would not make my top 10.
Jason
There might be a little dust on the bottle, its a home brew. Made by Jason's dad.
Fishing Report
Jason went fishing this summer in the BWCA. Fish were snapping on worms and lindy rigs. Caught a few but then switched to a Berkley flicker shad in pearl white. Here is the link to it in amazon https://amzn.to/3eWEpZz Wore the paint off of it so many small mouth, walleye and pike were caught. Bugs were bad, worse ever but had to wear a head net, hat, long sleeves and pants. You don't have to worry about bugs in ice fishing.
Fishing depth was twelve feet. This goes against common knowledge. In August everyone says fish deep but they were in 12 feet. Speed fishing out of a canoe is slower than you would do in a boat.
Jeff talked about fishing on the flats on Mille Lacs with Bobbers and leeches in August. Trolling for pike at 3 MPH, pulling Mepps Syclops https://amzn.to/3BNMUza caught a walleye fishing for pike. Jason says he has more pike tactics to play with.
Jason caught crappies on a flat with a small hole using a yellow jig head and a black tail.
Gear Update
- My Frabill Magnum Bail Cooler broke its latches last year. It took a while but Frabill sent out some new ones and now its all fixed. https://amzn.to/3xrQMTK
- Jason uses a rock to sink his minnows in the lake to keep them on the bottom and make sure the don't die. Tell us if you use this pro tip.
- Jeff wishes for a snow dog this year, but its probably no in the cards
Topic - Bow Mount Trolling Motors
Jason's Motor
Jason got a used Minnkota Terrova 24 volt 80 pound thrust https://amzn.to/3BnEVav . Got two group 27 deep cycle batteries from the Menards. He has it on a Alumacraft Lunker. Fished all day. Did not use a anchor all week. It was awesome.
Jeff's Motor
12 volt 55 pound Minnkota https://amzn.to/3dk7Jsx on a 16 foot Lund rebel. Works well but will not last as long as Jason's due to the 12 volt system. Does have the link feature to hook to a helix head unit and use follow the contour on the lake. It makes fishing so nice and relaxing.
Mount
We both use this mount for our boat. Its a quick release to get it off easy https://amzn.to/3eWFqkl
New vs Used
You can save money but there is some risk. Maybe check for parts. make sure they are available. Jason had good luck with his used unit and saved some money in the process.
12 vs 24 Volt System
The foot pounds does not matter as much. Its about how long that the trolling motor can last. A 24 volt will outperform a 12. Cost is a factor 24 costs more and you also need two batteries instead of one for a 24 volt motor
Charger
Jason got something on Ebay to charge at 24 volts. Back feeds and charges the batteries. 35 dollars vs Minnkota dual bank charger for like $100. I have a normal battery charger and trickle charger hooked to mine so its always ready to go. This is the battery charger I use https://amzn.to/3eQf3MJ It works well to keep it topped off but need something with more charging power if you fish back to back days and need to charge in between. I got that charger at Menards but any normal 12 volt battery charger will work.
Wiring
Jason used jumper cables to rig the boat. Big gage wires are expensive. Note we are not electricians. Don't do what we do.
Link
This is really nice but adds a lot of cost, with the link you get to follow the contour in the lake. Jason said he does not always follow the contour, he zig zags. So think about how you fish before you spend the extra money.
Spot Lock
You wont use your anchor, but for some reason Jason is still using a throw buoy. hmm jeff disagrees. Buoy or not to buoy that is the question. Jeff says no Jason says yes.
Shaft length
I think mine is a 54 and Jason has a 60 but you really should get a long one. My motor comes out of the water when it gets really rough. That means your boat is not moving. I would get a 60 inch if I was going to do it over again.
Mods
Jason build a custom mount so when you go across the lake and it does not break. Custom made from parts in his garage. It was 150 dollars for the official part. Jason said it can deploy when you are running across the lake. I don't have one on my boat, maybe I need one?
Auto Deploy
Minnkota Ulterra https://amzn.to/3RTpuhc has auto deploy is pretty cool and safety item. Neither one of us spent that kind of money on the motor.
Boat Cover
Make sure the boat cover fits with your trolling motor unless you are going to take it off each time.
Legend - No Room at the Inn
On the way to his summer fishing trip Jason's cabin got double booked. Blue Water Resort at Webb Lake https://bit.ly/3LkPsYu took care of Jason and got them a cabin for the week. Saving his vacation. It can be hard in June finding a cabin for 8 people the same day.
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