Trolling with outboard vs trolling motor . . . ???

[wareaglecamo]

I have decided to give trolling a try in 2016.  I have done very little trolling in the past . . . actually, next to nothing.  I also want to be able to get down to very slow trolling speeds  (0.5 to 1.0 mph at times).  My main concern is the sound of a gas outboard running at idle speed vs the hum of a trolling motor.  Will the sound of a gas motor (Honda 5hp) reduce the number of bites as compared to the trolling motor? . . . let's say bottom-bouncing at a depth of 30 fow, 45 degree line angle to the water surface and 75-100 ft of line out . . . if I "strike out" while trolling, I'd like to at least know that it was due to technique and not noise . . . as aiways, thanks for your input . . . happy new year to everyone out there in the OAF world?

[Quillback]

I used to troll with an 8HP Suzuki 2 stroke on my 17 foot Whaler when I lived in Washington State, 90% of time it was for salmon in the saltwater and it sure didn't bother them, but it was deep trolling with downriggers.

A couple of times a year I would troll for trout and kokanee in freshwater, sometimes with a downrigger, but shallow, 15 feet or so, or just long lining the lure.  Caught plenty of fish, but would run the iures about 100 feet behind the boat.

Walleye trolled a couple of times and also had success.

If you ever watch any of the walleye shows where they are trolling, they almost always use gas motors.  If I was to get back into serious trolling, I'd have a gas kicker.

[wareaglecamo]

Qb . . . great info . . . thanks so much

[nomolites]

I have a 9.9 4-stroke for trolling crank baits but I use my electric with GPS for low speed(1mph or less) bottom bouncing.  They can both do either and there are pluses and minuses to both - this is what works best for me.

Mike

[rps]

8 hours ago, wareaglecamo said:

I have decided to give trolling a try in 2016.  I have done very little trolling in the past . . . actually, next to nothing.  I also want to be able to get down to very slow trolling speeds  (0.5 to 1.0 mph at times).  My main concern is the sound of a gas outboard running at idle speed vs the hum of a trolling motor.  Will the sound of a gas motor (Honda 5hp) reduce the number of bites as compared to the trolling motor? . . . let's say bottom-bouncing at a depth of 30 fow, 45 degree line angle to the water surface and 75-100 ft of line out . . . if I "strike out" while trolling, I'd like to at least know that it was due to technique and not noise . . . as aiways, thanks for your input . . . happy new year to everyone out there in the OAF world?

Once you invest the time to learn how to troll, you will love it.

To troll cranks at 2 to 3 mph, I use my large motor (75 HP Etec tiller) and drop it in and out of gear to control the speed. For bottom bounce, I use my bow mount trolling motor with its electronic fob control.

Feel free to message with any questions.

[wareaglecamo]

thanks rps and nomo . . . I'm relieved with the positive feedback related to gas outboards . . . gas outboard is the way I am leaning and I'm not hearing anyone say they feel it hurts their chances as compared to a trolling motor . . . I'm anxious to get into trolling and have been wanting to give it an honest try for years . . . it's just been hard for me to break old habits . . . just ordered 2 Okuma Convector line-counter reels model CV-20DLX (left-handed) for $61.64 each from Amazon . . . best price I could find anywhere . . . 33 "rave" reviews on the Fish USA website averaging nearly 5 stars convinced me that it would be a great reel without breaking the bank

[ten_scoach]

I am not sure there is much difference between a gas or electric engine in terms of the number of hits you will get.  My experience has been with a Minnkota iPilot and I love it.  With the remote control, speed control, and autopilot I am free to work around the boat while the troller does the work.  I run a 24volt 80lb unit on a 19 foot ranger and can troll up to 8 hours.  I would recommend a 26 volt system for bigger boats or longers days.  The upside to electric - Autopilot, no registration or maintenance, no gas or oil.  Down side - replacing batteries once every 2 years.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

1 hour ago, ten_scoach said:

I am not sure there is much difference between a gas or electric engine in terms of the number of hits you will get.  My experience has been with a Minnkota iPilot and I love it.  With the remote control, speed control, and autopilot I am free to work around the boat while the troller does the work.  I run a 24volt 80lb unit on a 19 foot ranger and can troll up to 8 hours.  I would recommend a 26 volt system for bigger boats or longers days.  The upside to electric - Autopilot, no registration or maintenance, no gas or oil.  Down side - replacing batteries once every 2 years.

Im with you on that TEN.    I used to troll with a 60 4 stroke and then i got a Motorguide Xi5 last year, i personally think i get more bites, might be that since i dont have to drive with the steering wheel i can get an extra rod out now. But it definitely isnt necessary for success, just a tool to make things a little easier

 

[Fish24/7]

 war,some fish will react negatively to motor noise, and some won't. If you get skunked... it's probably not because of your motor's sound. A 5hp Honda is a quiet engine. I use a 4hp Yamaha. I like a stealthy approach. Small boat /small quiet motors. 

 

 

[Jim Elam]

On January 1, 2016 at 6:39 PM, aarchdale@coresleep.com said:

Im with you on that TEN.    I used to troll with a 60 4 stroke and then i got a Motorguide Xi5 last year, i personally think i get more bites, might be that since i dont have to drive with the steering wheel i can get an extra rod out now. But it definitely isnt necessary for success, just a tool to make things a little easier

 

Agree.  Xi5 is a great tool for trolling etc.  Very accurate speed and directional control, battery life, ease of use.

 

Jim