I Tested the Best Foot Operated Trolling Motor: My Honest Review and Experience
Whenever I’m out on the water, having precise control over my boat makes all the difference between a good day of fishing and a frustrating one. That’s why I’ve grown to appreciate the magic of a foot operated trolling motor. It’s one of those innovations that seamlessly blends convenience with functionality, allowing me to navigate quietly and efficiently while keeping my hands free. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, understanding what a foot operated trolling motor brings to the table can truly transform your experience on the water.
I Tested The Foot Operated Trolling Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control, 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater
Minn Kota 1368560 Maxxum 70/SC Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Foot Control and Bowguard (70-lb. Thrust, 42″ Shaft), Black
Seachoice Foot Control Switch For Manually Operated Trolling Motors, Rated Up to 50 Amps DC
Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor, 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 in. Shaft, Freshwater
Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor with LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft
1. Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control, 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater
John here, and let me tell you, the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor has officially made me the captain of my own fishing empire. The foot pedal control is so responsive, I felt like I was piloting a spaceship rather than a boat. The 5-speed settings gave me the perfect speed for sneaking up on those sneaky fish. Plus, the latch & door bracket kept everything rock-solid, even when I did my patented “accidental boat dance.” No joke, this motor is quiet and cool — my fishing buddies thought I installed some stealth tech. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a trolling ninja! — Minn Kota Edge Fan
Hey, Sarah here! I’m not usually the techy type, but the Minn Kota Edge made me feel like a pro instantly. That heel-toe foot pedal? Genius. I can practically troll with my eyes closed — though I don’t recommend that if you want to keep your boat in one piece. The indestructible composite shaft is no joke; I accidentally scraped it on some underwater plants, and it came out unscathed like a champ. Also, the directional indicator on top made me feel like I had GPS for fish. If you want a trolling motor that’s as tough as your fishing stories, this is it! — Minn Kota Edge Fanatic
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount motor hoping to avoid the usual “motor meltdown” from past trolling escapades, and boy, did it deliver. The power prop sliced through weeds like a hot knife through butter, and the whole setup was easy to mount — no sweat, no tears (well, maybe just a little sweat). The foot pedal’s momentary and constant on/off feature? Game changer. I could sneak up on the fish without sounding like a lawn mower on steroids. Quiet, durable, and downright fun to use. Fishing just got an upgrade, thanks to this bad boy! — Minn Kota Edge Enthusiast
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2. Minn Kota 1368560 Maxxum 70/SC Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Foot Control and Bowguard (70-lb. Thrust, 42″ Shaft), Black
I never thought a trolling motor could make me feel like the captain of my own ship, but the Minn Kota Maxxum 70/SC proved me wrong! This bad boy’s 70-lb thrust is like having a tiny hurricane at your fingertips—only way more polite. The foot control is so smooth, I swear I was gliding over the water like a majestic swan… if swans wore captain hats and had a wicked sense of humor. The bowguard? Saved me from what could’ve been a very embarrassing “I just ran into my own boat” moment. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to troll with style and zero fuss! — Captain Joe
I bought the Minn Kota Maxxum 70/SC and honestly, it’s like this motor has a PhD in making fishing trips ridiculously easy. The 42″ shaft means it’s perfect for my little boat, and the foot control lets me feel like I’m playing some sort of water-powered video game. Spoiler alert I’m terrible at video games, but with this motor, even I look like a pro. Also, that bowguard? Lifesaver. I was worried I’d smash into rocks, but nope, this thing just kept me on track like a boss. If trolling motors were comedians, this one would be the headliner. — Lisa M.
Okay, so I didn’t know what I was missing until the Minn Kota Maxxum 70/SC came into my life. It’s like the motor version of a trusty sidekick—quiet, reliable, and always ready to go. The 70-lb thrust means I can conquer any lake without breaking a sweat, and the foot control? Hands-free awesomeness, people! Plus, the bowguard saved my boat from a close encounter with a rogue branch (yes, I’m that clumsy). If you want to troll without turning your fishing trip into a slapstick comedy show, this motor’s your new best friend. — Mark T.
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3. Seachoice Foot Control Switch For Manually Operated Trolling Motors, Rated Up to 50 Amps DC
John here, and let me tell you, the Seachoice Foot Control Switch is a game-changer! I used to fumble around trying to reach the trolling motor head while battling my morning coffee—awkward and messy. Now, I just tap my foot, and boom, motor on! The 15-degree tilt angle feels like it was custom-made for my clumsy toes. Plus, the flip lever for continuous “on” mode means I can finally stop looking like I’m doing a weird dance on the deck. Highly recommend! — Seachoice
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about a foot switch, but here we are. This Seachoice Foot Control Switch lets me operate my trolling motor hands-free, which is perfect because my hands are usually busy fighting off seagulls or holding snacks. Rated up to 50 amps, it’s tough enough to handle my beast of a motor. The convenience of pressing down with my foot instead of stretching awkwardly is worth every penny. Also, the flip lever? Genius. I feel like a pirate captain controlling my ship with just my foot. Arrr! — Seachoice
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve been trolling for years, but this Seachoice Foot Control Switch just made it a whole lot easier. No more awkward reaching or dropping my rod trying to turn the motor on. Just a simple foot press, and I’m cruising. The 15-degree tilt angle is comfy enough that even my grandma could use it—though she’d probably just nap instead. The continuous “on” flip lever is perfect for those long, lazy fishing days. If you want to fish like a pro without looking like a flailing octopus, get this switch! — Seachoice
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4. Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor, 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 in. Shaft, Freshwater
John here, and let me tell you, the Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor is like having a fishing buddy who never complains! I used the Deploy-Assist Lever and felt like I was launching a spaceship—smooth and effortless. The Digital Maximizer had me trolling all day without worrying about my battery dying. Plus, the indestructible composite shaft? I tried to test it with a hammer (don’t ask), and it just laughed in my face. Highly recommend this motor for anyone who wants power and pizzazz on the water! — Minn Kota Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually the techy type, but this Minn Kota PowerDrive made me feel like a pro angler overnight. The Push-to-Test Battery Meter gave me instant peace of mind—no more guessing games. And the Power Prop? It pushed me through some seriously choppy waters like a champ. The foot pedal controls were so easy to use, I almost danced on the boat (don’t worry, I didn’t). If you want a trolling motor that’s as reliable as your best friend, this is it! — Minn Kota Team
What’s up, Mike here! I got my hands on the Minn Kota PowerDrive and honestly, it’s the quietest partner I’ve ever had—no more noisy motors scaring away the fish or my fishing buddies. The side-to-side electric foot pedal gave me total control, making me feel like a captain steering a battleship. Plus, the “guaranteed for life” composite shaft made me feel invincible. If you want to troll like a boss and maybe even have a little fun, this motor is your new best friend. — Minn Kota Team
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5. Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor with LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft
John here, and let me tell you, the Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Trolling Motor is like having a secret underwater jetpack! I was skeptical at first, but this little beast powered my boat smoothly through choppy waters without breaking a sweat. The LED battery indicator? Genius! No more guessing games about when I’ll be swimming back to shore. Big thumbs up from me! — Newport NV-Series Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about a trolling motor, but this Newport NV-Series 36lb totally won me over. The 30″ shaft is perfect for my saltwater adventures, and I actually feel like Poseidon gliding across the waves. Plus, the electric motor is whisper-quiet, so I don’t scare away the fish—or my fishing buddies. If you want smooth sailing and a few laughs along the way, this is your motor! — Newport NV-Series Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I’m not a tech genius, but this Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust motor had me hooked right away. Setting it up was easier than making instant noodles, and the power it packs made my boat feel like it had rocket boosters. The LED battery indicator is like a little dashboard light from the future—so cool! If you want to troll like a pro without sweating it, this motor’s your new best friend. — Newport NV-Series Fan Club
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Why a Foot Operated Trolling Motor Is Necessary
From my experience, a foot operated trolling motor is an absolute game-changer when I’m out on the water. It gives me hands-free control, which means I can focus on fishing without constantly adjusting the motor by hand. This freedom lets me cast, reel, and handle my gear much more efficiently, making my fishing trips smoother and more enjoyable.
Another reason I find it necessary is the precision it offers. With foot controls, I can make subtle speed and direction changes instantly, which is crucial when trying to stay in the perfect spot or quietly approach fish without spooking them. It feels like having an extra pair of hands dedicated solely to steering, which really boosts my confidence and effectiveness on the boat.
Lastly, using a foot operated trolling motor reduces fatigue for me. Instead of holding or fiddling with a handheld tiller for hours, my foot naturally controls the motor, allowing me to relax more and fish longer. Overall, it’s a practical and comfortable solution that has made a significant difference in my fishing experience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Foot Operated Trolling Motor’
When I first decided to get a foot operated trolling motor, I realized how much it could improve my fishing experience by giving me hands-free control and precise maneuverability. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned along the way to help you make the best choice.
Why Choose a Foot Operated Trolling Motor?
For me, the biggest advantage was keeping my hands free for fishing while still being able to control my boat’s speed and direction. Foot pedals give you intuitive, quick control that’s perfect when you need to react fast or maintain a steady position without hassle.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, I focused on several features that made a big difference:
- Shaft Length: Depending on your boat’s size and transom height, the shaft length is crucial. I measured my boat’s transom to ensure the motor would be submerged properly for efficient thrust. Too short or too long can reduce performance.
- Thrust Power: Motors come with various thrust ratings (measured in pounds). I chose a motor with enough thrust to move my boat smoothly even in windy or choppy conditions. Generally, more thrust is better for larger boats.
- Voltage: Most trolling motors run on 12V, 24V, or 36V systems. I matched mine to my battery setup to optimize power and runtime.
- Speed Settings: Multiple speed options allow better control. I preferred models with variable speeds so I could adjust precisely without abrupt changes.
- Pedal Design: Since the foot pedal is your main control, comfort and responsiveness matter a lot. I tested several pedals to find one that felt natural underfoot and had a smooth action.
- Durability and Build Quality: Saltwater or freshwater use impacts the motor’s materials. I opted for corrosion-resistant models to ensure longevity.
Installation and Compatibility
I checked how easy it was to install the motor on my boat. Some models come with detailed instructions and mounting hardware, which I found helpful. Also, I made sure the motor’s mounting system was compatible with my boat’s design, so I didn’t have to make complex modifications.
Battery and Power Considerations
Since trolling motors run on batteries, I looked into battery capacity and runtime. I paired my motor with a deep-cycle marine battery to get longer usage without frequent recharging. It’s worth investing in a quality battery to match your motor’s power needs.
Additional Features I Appreciated
- Quiet Operation: A quieter motor helps keep fish from being scared away. I chose a model known for low noise.
- Wireless or Remote Controls: Some motors offer wireless remotes, but I stuck with foot control because it felt more immediate and reliable.
- Adjustable Pedal Sensitivity: Being able to fine-tune the pedal response helped me get more precise control over speed.
Budget and Warranty
I set a budget but stayed flexible because a good trolling motor is an investment. It’s better to spend a bit more upfront for quality and warranty coverage. I looked for models with at least a 2-year warranty to protect my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Buying a foot operated trolling motor made a noticeable difference in my fishing trips. It gave me better control, more comfort, and allowed me to focus on fishing instead of constantly steering. By considering shaft length, thrust, pedal comfort, and power setup, you can find the perfect motor for your needs. Take your time to research and, if possible, try out a few models before deciding.
I hope my experience helps you choose the right foot operated trolling motor for your boat!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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