10 Best Trolling Motors 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Force Kraken Black trolling motor is a top-tier choice for anglers who want strong performance and advanced technology. It delivers a powerful 100 pounds of thrust, which is excellent for moving larger boats or handling tough water conditions. The motor runs on 36 volts, providing ample power for longer trips and challenging environments. With a 63-inch shaft made from sturdy composite material, it resists damage well, making it suitable for freshwater, brackish, and saltwater use.

One standout feature is the anchor lock combined with multi-band GPS and integrated heading sensors, allowing you to keep your boat precisely in place without constant steering. The motor also connects wirelessly to Garmin chartplotters, enabling you to set routes and patterns for automatic movement while fishing, which is a big help if you prefer hands-free control. The pivot-style mount is designed for easy installation, especially if your boat's bow space is limited.

This trolling motor is ideal for serious fishing enthusiasts who want advanced GPS positioning, strong thrust, and wireless control. If you have a medium to large boat and value precise, easy handling with tech integration, the Garmin Force Kraken is a smart pick. However, if you need something simpler or more budget-friendly, you might want to explore less complex models.

The Minn Kota 1363585 Riptide PowerDrive is a robust trolling motor designed for saltwater fishing, offering a significant 70 lb. thrust and a 54-inch shaft, making it suitable for larger boats. One of its standout features is the Advanced GPS Trolling System, allowing for precise navigation, speed, and steering control via a simple micro remote. This is particularly beneficial for anglers who require consistent boat positioning.

The Deploy-Assist Lever simplifies getting in and out of the water, while the Advanced Corrosion Protection ensures the motor's durability in harsh saltwater conditions. Additionally, the Digital Maximizer technology helps extend battery life by providing only the necessary amount of power, making it possible to fish for extended periods without frequent battery changes. The Push-to-Test Battery Meter is a handy feature for quickly checking the battery's charge status.

On the downside, this motor requires a 24-volt battery system, which means additional investment if you don't already have one. Weighing around 20.87 kilograms, it might be on the heavier side for some users, making installation and handling a bit cumbersome. The product is backed by a two-year warranty, providing some peace of mind. It's a solid choice for serious anglers who need a reliable and feature-rich trolling motor for saltwater use.

The Lowrance Ghost freshwater trolling motor offers a strong thrust of 97 to 120 pounds, powered by a 36-volt electric system, making it suitable for a variety of freshwater boats. Its 47-inch shaft length fits well for typical bow mounting, providing good control and maneuverability in most water conditions. The motor’s standout feature is its ultra-quiet, brushless design, which allows smooth movement without scaring away fish—a significant advantage for anglers.

A convenient aspect is the configurable foot pedal with shortcut buttons, which allows easy access to functions like anchor mode and waypoint marking, enhancing hands-free control on the water. Additionally, the motor includes a built-in HDI sonar for fish detection, which integrates seamlessly with Lowrance fish finders and delivers clear underwater imaging without interference.

Weighing about 38.5 kg (around 85 pounds), the motor is on the heavier side, potentially making installation and removal more challenging for some users. Since it operates on a 36V system, it requires compatible batteries, which may add extra cost and considerations regarding battery life for longer trips. Designed exclusively for freshwater use, it is not intended for saltwater environments. The motor also comes with a 3-year warranty, providing confidence in its durability. This makes the Lowrance Ghost a quiet, powerful, and tech-friendly trolling motor ideal for freshwater anglers seeking precise control and sonar integration.