Like / Dislike Bow Mount Troller?

[Blind Bobber]

To those who have a bow mount electric trolling motor do you like or dislike having it up front? Does it steer better into the wind? Any drawbacks?
Merry CHRISTmas:idea:
BLIND BOBBER

[Starfish]

I really like having a bow mount electric. It lets you pull the front of the boat around if you're trying to position on structure without moving fast. It's perfect for slow trolling bobbers in slackwater above the dams for steelhead, and for positioning the boat while vertical jigging or blade baiting walleyes. Also works great for working a shoreline for bass.

I find that in heavy current or really windy conditions I won't rely on the bow mount alone-- I'll use the kicker to keep from having to run the electric full speed. Also, if drifting a fast short stretch I won't bother with it because it's a pain having to go to the front of the boat repeatedly to raise and lower the electric motor.

If you get a bow mount motor, I recommend getting either an autopilot or wireless copilot, or both. If I had to choose I'd pick the copilot, best $149 I've spent.

If I had to choose between a gas kicker on the rear and a bow mount electric, I'd pick the kicker with no question. But once you have the kicker, the electric is a great addition and I'd much rather have it in the bow than on the stern (since you already have stern propulsion with the kicker).

[rob allen]

if you plan to use it in the columbia, particularly in the Gorge get the most powerful one you can afford. I have a 12/24 volt Minn Kota rates for 74lbs and at times would love more power... one more suggestion would be, if you are handy with tools i would without question install a flush mount foot control tray such as a comfort troll or a flat foot, these are simply trays that you can install in the floor of your boat so that you can stand flat footed with a foot on the controller saves major back pain but it does require the cutting of a hold in the floor of your boat.. Also don't go cheap on your trolling batteries get trogans!!!