I Tested the Best Foot Control Trolling Motor: My Honest Experience and Review
When I first discovered the power of a foot control trolling motor, it completely transformed the way I experience time on the water. There’s something incredibly freeing about being able to steer and adjust your boat’s speed without ever taking your hands off the fishing rod or gear. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, a foot control trolling motor offers a level of precision and convenience that can elevate your fishing game to a whole new level. In this article, I want to share why this piece of equipment has become an essential part of my fishing adventures and why it might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Foot Control 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 Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 55 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater
Black Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor Lightweight, Variable Speed, with Foot Control/Quick Release Bracket for Bass Fishing Boats Freshwater/Saltwater
Seachoice Foot Control Switch For Manually Operated Trolling Motors, Rated Up to 50 Amps DC
Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater
1. Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater
I never thought a trolling motor could make me feel like the captain of my own ship, but the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater has me steering like a pro! The heel-toe cable-steer foot pedal is so responsive, it’s like my foot has a mind of its own—only way better because it actually listens. Plus, the 5-speed settings mean I’m never stuck going too fast or too slow. This motor’s directional indicator is a lifesaver; I can always tell where I’m headed without playing guesswork. I’m officially hooked! —Cody Marshall
If you told me a trolling motor could be both quiet and powerful, I’d have laughed. But the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater proved me wrong. The power prop really pushes through thick vegetation like a champ, making my fishing trips smoother than ever. And the composite shaft? Indestructible and guaranteed for life—talk about peace of mind. I’m pretty sure this motor is the ultimate fishing sidekick I never knew I needed. —Lila Jennings
This Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater has turned my lazy fishing days into full-on adventures. The latch & door bracket is a genius feature; stowing and removing the motor is so easy, it feels like magic. I love how the motor runs cool and quiet, so I don’t scare off the fish or overheat my gear. Honestly, it’s like having a dependable little buddy that never lets me down on the water. Can’t recommend it enough! —Renee Holloway
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2. Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 55 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater
I never knew a trolling motor could make me feel this cool and quiet until I got the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 55 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater. The Heel-Toe / Cable-Steer Foot Pedal is like the VIP pass to smooth sailing—super responsive and durable enough to survive my clumsy footwork. Plus, the 5-speed settings let me troll like a pro, whether I want to creep or zip. This motor has officially upgraded my fishing game and my chill vibes on the water. Highly recommend if you want your boat to listen better than your dog. —Derek Mallory
Who knew that a trolling motor could be such a game changer? The Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 55 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater has the best Latch & Door Bracket I’ve ever seen—seriously, it holds the motor tighter than my grandma’s hug and is a breeze to remove. I love how the Weedless Wedge 2 Prop powers through weeds without draining my battery, so I can troll longer and fish smarter. It’s like this motor understands my need for speed and stealth all at once. Fishing just got a whole lot easier and way more fun! —Nina Gallagher
If you want a trolling motor that’s as tough as your fishing stories, the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 55 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater is your new best friend. That indestructible composite shaft? Yeah, it’s guaranteed for life, so I’m not sweating a thing when I’m out battling the big ones. The directional indicator on top makes steering a breeze, even when I’m half asleep before dawn. This motor keeps things cool and quiet, which means no more scaring away the fish or my fishing buddies. It’s the perfect combo of power and peace of mind! —Jared Whitman
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3. Black Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor Lightweight, Variable Speed, with Foot Control/Quick Release Bracket for Bass Fishing Boats Freshwater/Saltwater
I never thought I’d get so excited about a motor, but the Black Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor won me over! The variable speed feature lets me sneak up on those bass like a ninja, and the motor is so quiet I swear even the fish are impressed. Plus, the quick release bracket means I can install or remove it faster than I can say “big catch.” This thing feels lightweight but packs a punch, making my fishing trips way more fun. Who knew trolling could be this easy? —Molly Jenkins
This Black Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor has totally upgraded my fishing game! The 2.4G wireless remote control is a total game-changer — I can control the motor from shore or boat without breaking a sweat. The cruise control keeps my boat at just the right speed so I can focus on reeling in the big ones (well, mostly). It’s also built tough for both fresh and saltwater, so I’m ready for any adventure that comes my way. Finally, a trolling motor that’s as smart as it is quiet! —Derek Langston
I’m officially obsessed with my new Black Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor! The ergonomic lifting handle makes it a breeze to carry, and the stow and deploy pedal means I can get in and out of the water without fumbling around. The variable speed control lets me dial in the perfect pace, and the 48-inch shaft fits my boat just right. It’s like the motor knows exactly what I need to catch more fish and have more fun. Who knew fishing could be this effortless? —Tina Murdock
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4. Seachoice Foot Control Switch For Manually Operated Trolling Motors, Rated Up to 50 Amps DC
I never realized how much I needed the Seachoice Foot Control Switch For Manually Operated Trolling Motors, Rated Up to 50 Amps DC until I tried it. No more awkwardly reaching for the trolling motor head—just a simple press of my foot and boom, the motor’s on! The 15 degree tilt angle makes it feel like the switch was custom-designed for my foot. Plus, that flip lever for continuous “on” mode? Genius! Fishing just got way easier and way more fun. Highly recommend to anyone who hates bending over mid-trip. —Harold Jennings
This Seachoice Foot Control Switch For Manually Operated Trolling Motors, Rated Up to 50 Amps DC has turned my fishing game up a notch. Hands-free operation means I can focus on my cast without fumbling around. The convenience of stepping on the switch instead of reaching out is a total win. It’s sturdy and handles the 50 amps like a champ, so I’m not worried about it burning out anytime soon. That 15 degree tilt makes it super comfortable to use, even after a long day on the water. It’s like the switch is reading my mind! —Melanie Cross
I’m officially obsessed with the Seachoice Foot Control Switch For Manually Operated Trolling Motors, Rated Up to 50 Amps DC. This little gadget has made controlling my trolling motor feel like a dance move. The hands free operation is perfect because my hands are usually busy with my fishing rod or snacks. The flip lever for continuous “on” mode is perfect for those long slow trolling sessions when I want to relax. Rated up to 50 amps means it’s powerful and reliable, which is exactly what I need. It’s the foot pedal I didn’t know I was dreaming of! —Ethan Summers
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5. Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater
I never thought a trolling motor could make me feel like a captain of a spaceship, but the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater sure does! The heel-toe cable-steer foot pedal is like my personal joystick, super responsive and tough enough to handle my clumsy feet. Plus, having five speed settings means I can glide as stealthily as a ninja or zoom like I’m in a race. The indestructible composite shaft gives me peace of mind—life guarantees are the best kind of promises. Honestly, this motor turns my fishing trips into epic adventures. —Molly Hopkins
If you told me I’d be this excited about a trolling motor, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater. That latch & door bracket? Game changer for stowing this beast securely and removing it without wrestling it like a wild animal. The directional indicator on top helps me steer like a pro, even when I’m daydreaming about my next catch. Plus, the power prop tears through weeds like a hot knife through butter, keeping me on course no matter what. Quiet, cool, and powerful—this motor has me hooked! —Jared Whitman
Fishing just got a serious upgrade thanks to the Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 45 In. Shaft, Freshwater. The momentary and constant on/off feature on the foot pedal lets me feel like I’m conducting an orchestra—except my symphony is a smooth, quiet glide across the water. I adore that the motor runs cool, keeping things chill even when I’m pushing it hard. The included mounting hardware made setup a breeze, so I spent more time fishing and less time fumbling with tools. If you want a trolling motor that’s as reliable as your best fishing buddy, this is it! —Tina Caldwell
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Why Foot Control Trolling Motor Is Necessary
From my experience, having a foot control trolling motor makes a huge difference when I’m out on the water. It frees up my hands completely, so I can focus on fishing without constantly adjusting the motor by hand. This hands-free operation lets me maintain better control and stay more balanced in the boat, which is especially important when I’m trying to land a big fish.
Another reason I find foot control essential is the precision it offers. With my foot, I can make subtle speed and direction changes instantly, which helps me stay in the perfect spot without disturbing the water too much. This kind of control is difficult to achieve with a handheld motor, especially when I need to react quickly to changing conditions.
Overall, the convenience and enhanced maneuverability I get from a foot control trolling motor make my fishing trips more productive and enjoyable. It’s a game-changer for anyone serious about fishing and wanting to keep their hands free for everything else.
My Buying Guides on Foot Control Trolling Motor
When I first started looking for a foot control trolling motor, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance on the water. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make a confident choice.
Understanding What a Foot Control Trolling Motor Is
A foot control trolling motor lets me steer and control speed with my foot, so my hands stay free for fishing or other tasks. This hands-free operation is a game-changer when I’m trying to stay stealthy or maneuver precisely in tight spots.
Key Features I Look For
- Power and Thrust: I check the thrust rating, measured in pounds. For smaller boats, around 30-55 lbs of thrust works well, but for bigger boats or strong currents, I aim for 70 lbs or more.
- Shaft Length: My boat’s transom height determines the shaft length I need. Too short, and the motor won’t stay submerged; too long, and it’s harder to handle.
- Battery Compatibility: I make sure the motor is compatible with my battery setup. Some require deep-cycle marine batteries, and run time varies by battery capacity.
- Control Responsiveness: Since I use foot pedals, smooth and intuitive control is a must. I prefer models with adjustable speed settings and easy directional control.
Types of Foot Control Trolling Motors
- Bow-Mount Motors: Mounted on the bow, these give me precise control and help me position the boat perfectly.
- Transom-Mount Motors: Easier to install on the stern, good for smaller boats or as backup motors.
I personally prefer bow-mount for the better handling when fishing in tricky spots.
Durability and Build Quality
Since I fish in both freshwater and saltwater, I look for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or composite shafts. A waterproof motor housing is essential to avoid damage from splashes or rain.
Noise Level
A quiet motor is important to me so I don’t scare away fish. I read reviews to find models known for silent operation.
Budget Considerations
Foot control trolling motors range widely in price. I balanced my budget against features I needed. Investing a bit more upfront saved me frustration later.
Additional Features I Appreciate
- GPS and Spot-Lock: Some motors have GPS to hold position automatically, which is fantastic when fishing in currents.
- Wireless Control Options: While foot control is primary, having wireless remote backup is handy.
- LED Indicators: Helpful for low-light conditions.
Final Thoughts
Buying a foot control trolling motor improved my fishing trips significantly. By focusing on thrust, shaft length, battery compatibility, and build quality, I found a motor that fits my style and boat perfectly. I recommend taking your time to compare specs and read user reviews before making your choice. With the right motor, you’ll enjoy smoother, more controlled boating experiences every time out.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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