both motors trolling
thescottith
Posted 3/27/2017 8:06 AM (#855053)
Subject: both motors trolling




Posts: 444


I have my helix 7 with DI up front on the bow of my esox mag.
I cast 90% of the time so thats probably the best spot until I get a second unit for the back.
I'm looking into doing some early season open water trolling and saw some videos of guys using the trolling motor on the bow and the big motor.
Anyone ever do this here? What speeds do you run the front trolling motor at?
Do you steer with just the front motor then?
For me one advantage would be using the Down Imaging on the bow mount trolling motor, what other advantages does doing this bring?
Any insight or info would be great!

thanks
scott
Chain Gang
Posted 3/27/2017 8:16 AM (#855056 - in reply to #855053)
Subject: Re: both motors trolling




Posts: 489


The thing I like about doing this is when fighting a fish you can put your gas motor in neutral and keep the boat and other lures moving so lines don't get tangled. This allows you to steer with the pedal or I pilot remote from where you are fighting the fish. I do not like using the trolling motor to steer while the big motor is running bc I feel the trolling motor ends up fighting the big motor a little but that's just me. So I always have the troller deployed and ready to turn on when a fish hits.
14ledo81
Posted 3/27/2017 8:53 AM (#855064 - in reply to #855053)
Subject: Re: both motors trolling





Posts: 4269


Location: Ashland WI
I troll a bit for salmon/trout in the spring. When going with the wind, I will usually shut the big motor off and just use the bow mount. When going into the wind, I use the big motor, and then lower the speed setting on the bow mount to a point where I can just steer with it.

Like Chain Gang said, it is great when a fish is on. Especially if you have GPS on the bow mount. It keeps the boat moving straight.
Fishysam
Posted 3/27/2017 10:00 AM (#855072 - in reply to #855053)
Subject: Re: both motors trolling




Posts: 1209


People will drop the troller in to get the readings 20' sooner to make an adjustment not that the prop is on till they hook up then they can spot lock rather than control the boat or drift into shore. Some may steer but I'd guess the motor can steer some without using prop then add speed of you need more
Muskie Gal
Posted 3/27/2017 11:22 AM (#855077 - in reply to #855072)
Subject: Re: both motors trolling




Posts: 199


Watch for any obstruction. 3+ mph with big motor will snap your trolling motor shaft.
Muskiemetal
Posted 3/28/2017 9:42 AM (#855188 - in reply to #855053)
Subject: Re: both motors trolling





Posts: 676


Location: Wisconsin
I do this all season (walleye and muskie). I have the trolling motor running enough to make corrections (you will have to make sure it's running at a speed to make turns) and I have the main motor running straight and at a set speed. The trolling motor makes the adjustments for speed as well. For walleye I have a drift sock out to slow down the system. It works great, keeps the boat on course and is great when I am solo because I can fight fish and keep the boat straight. Fighting a muskie, I shut the main motor to neutral but leave the trolling motor running to keep boards on track to avoid tangles. Good luck!
thescottith
Posted 3/28/2017 11:43 AM (#855197 - in reply to #855053)
Subject: Re: both motors trolling




Posts: 444


Thanks all for the tips, going to give it a try this year. Hopefully it results in a pic I can share.
Jerry Newman
Posted 3/28/2017 1:11 PM (#855202 - in reply to #855197)
Subject: Re: both motors trolling




Location: 31
There's certainly some advantages, but there's also some disadvantages too... a few years back I watched as of the local guides must have gotten distracted or had a malfunction with his bow mount while trolling because his boat suddenly flipped around a couple times with about 9 lines out.

He spent the better part of an hour untangling what must have been a monumental mess of lures, inline boards, and fishing line wrapped around both motors. Wish I would have taken a pic...

Edited by Jerry Newman 3/28/2017 1:13 PM