Electric Motor Backtrolling Clackamas

[Wet_Willy]

I'm sort of looking for specific info on any of you that may have tried using their electric trolling motor on the back of your drift boat. I've got a 16' aluminum and am wondering if I could use a 55# thrust trolling motor to backtroll or if it isn't enough juice to do it? I don't like using my outboard too much (although it works for this) and I don't really want to consider a larger trolling unit as you have to move to 24volt with two batteries.

So, anybody out there have experience with a 55# or even less electric motor on a river like the Clackamas. I haven't purchased one yet and am looking for your input. All the guides I see running this setup in S. Oregon have 101# thrust motors and 24 or even 36 volt setups. I'm not too interested in that.

WW

[FishinMission]

Well..I don't know how much "thrust" a 3 hp. electric motor has...but I used to have one...and I used to use it on the Clack with no probs.

I think I'd rather go with a gas kicker tho...never could get used to the backward throttle on the electric motor...almost went swimming a couple of times!!

My .02 cents worth.

Mark

[GoFish]

I've used an older MinnKota 65 on a 16' Willie and it worked just fine. Biggest hangup is having a fat enough battery to handle a full day of backtrolling. It was great in the fall on silvers, drift down the center throwing spinners to the sides and then putt back up for a second whack. I would think that if your in heavier flows the battery drain would be the problem.

[Paranoid]

I also have used a 12V electric to backtroll. I have had no problems. I use it mostly to help row against the wind and/or tide in frog water. It has also made the difference in being able to move back upriver to take another shot at a promising drift. Try it. You'll like it.