Boating Electronics

When cruising on your pontoon or fishing boat, there are a few must-have gadgets for your boat to amp up your experience. Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Canada intend to provide you with the latest boating technology. From advanced GPS, to high-resolution sonar fishfinders, to trolling motors, we have it all.

Transom Mount
Trolling Motors

These are mounted to the back of the boat with a clamp-on bracket and a feature hand/tiller control. Transom Mount Trolling Motors are portable, easy to install and cost-effective.

You can use them for fishing or to power your small boat (canoe or a dinghy) without having to paddle. They are great for standard trolling and general positioning.

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Bow Mount
Trolling Motors

A Bow Mount Trolling Motor should be your first choice if you're seeking convenience and advanced technology in a trolling motor. These bow-mount trolling motors have features like hands-free, autopilot, and remote control that can make your fishing trip much more fun.

Additionally, a Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor comes with quick-response boat control and positioning which helps you precisely steer the bow of your boat.

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How to choose a trolling motor?

There are four main things to consider when shopping for a trolling motor. Use the slider below to help you discover the perfect trolling motor.

Thrust


This refers to the amount of power needed to push your boat at the right speed. The heavier the boat, the stronger the thrust. It is measured in pounds and gives you a fair idea of the motor’s performance.

General Rule: You need at least 2 lbs of thrust for every 100 lbs. of a fully loaded boat including people and gear. If wind or current are major factors when you fish or cruise, you would need extra thrust.

Volts

This indicates how much battery power your trolling motor requires. Higher volts mean more thrust/power for your boat.

General Rule:
1. 55lbs of thrust or less = 12 volts (one battery)
2. 68–80lbs of thrust = 24 volts (two batteries)
3. 101–112lbs of thrust = 36 volts (three batteries)

It is advisable to consider the battery storage space in your bilge for the trolling system. For instance, if you require 80 lbs of thrust, you will need space for 2 batteries.

Shaft Size

Investing in the right shaft length for your trolling motor is crucial to avoid fish-spooking noise and cavitation. When compared to bow mounts, the selection with transom mounts is easy and Minn Kota’s standard transom shaft should be adequate. However, with bow mounts, there is much greater variation when it comes to shaft length requirements.

General Rule: Have the top of the motor’s lower unit covered by a minimum of 12" to 16" of water.

Technology

Trolling motors are effective fishing tools with advanced technology. Trolling motors use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sonar integration, and precise GPS anchoring to lock into the fishing spots.

Additionally, they come with options to retrace and record your paths and are equipped with Spot-Lock options to keep your boat in position while you fish.

Find your Fish

How to find the right Fishfinder?
Fishfinders are like real-life video games. They use underwater sound waves that scan the depth of water, detect fish, and produce high-resolution images. They help you keep your guesswork to a minimum as you know where to drop your lure. From Humminbird to Garmin, at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Canada, we will outfit you with the right one.

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8 Tips for Auto Charting
Your Maps

Learn how to create rich detailed maps of your fishing spots in real-time using AutoChart feature in Humminbird Helix series. Get insights on bottom hardness, vegetation, and depth contours to locate the best fish-holding sections.

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The Game Changer – Downrigger

Downriggers are essential tools for anglers who want to catch fish that swim in deeper depths. They allow you to troll with precision by setting the depth of your lure to the exact location where the fish are hiding. Downriggers are particularly useful for catching species such as salmon and trout.

Line counters display the amount of line that has been released, making it easier to replicate successful steps. Additionally, high-quality downriggers are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and provide reliable performance. A Scotty Downrigger is an important tool for any angler who wishes to improve their trolling skills and catch more fish. Downriggers can increase your chances of success and enjoy a more rewarding fishing experience.

Network Your Finders

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Download the complete buyer’s guide

Got more questions on Fish Finders or Trolling Motors? Visit the nearest Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Canada store and our expert staff will help you.

Learn from the Pros

Taylor Wright

Lisa Roper

Gord Pyzer

Shauna Lowe