Top 5 Trolling Motors for Bass Boats in 2021

A trolling motor is a vital tool for anglers who are on the water often. A trolling motor is made up of a motor, propellor and controls and is typically mounted to the bow of a boat. It allows fishermen to move slowly and steadily from one area to the next in search of their targeted fish species without using their main engine.

There are many aspects that anglers should take into consideration before choosing a trolling motor for their vessel. Type of boat, size of the boat, and type of water the motor with be most used in, either fresh or salt. There are several different kinds of trolling motors made for different situations. In this article, I’ll talk about some of the best trolling motors an angler can use on a bass boat.

A typical bass boat is anywhere 16-21 feet in length and is made of either fiberglass or aluminum. Depending on the length and type of bass boat, it may require a more powerful trolling motor to move it efficiently. I’ve fished out of a numerous bass boats and used multiple trolling motors, both high and low quality. All of the motors on this list are very high quality and can be counted on by the anglers that use them.

1. Minn Kota Ultrex

From my personal experience, the number one bass boat trolling motor on the market is the Minn Kota Ultrex. It Is extremely powerful and efficient and will typically run all day on the water without any problems.

This motor has I-pilot, spot lock and a built in transduce that can connect directly to an angler’s depth finder. It can connect directly to Hummingbird electronics and comes with both handheld and foot controls. The Ultrex comes in a variety of models, including a 24 volt, 80 pound thrust model, as well as 36 volt, 112 pound thrust model. Some large bass boats may require the more powerful motor, however, I use the 80 pound thrust model on my boat.

The downside to the Minn Kota Ultrex is that it is on the expensive side, but it is a very reliable trolling motor for your bass boat and well worth the investment.

2. Minn Kota Riptide  

Another good bass boat trolling motor is the Minn Kota Riptide. This motor is a little more affordable than the more expensive Ultrex, but is still very reliable and powerful.

It also still comes with the same great I-pilot and spot lock features as the Ultrex and has both handheld and foot control options. It comes in a 12 volt, 55 pound thrust model, as well as a 24 volt, 70 pound thrust model.

The downside to the Riptide is that is does not have a built-in transducer that will connect to a depth finder. However, this is an awesome trolling motor for your bass boat if you’re looking for something durable that will last a long day on the water. 

3. Minn Kota Terrova  

The Minn Kota Terrova is another trolling motor I have a lot of experience with. It is similar to the Ultrex in that it has spot lock, I-pilot, and a built-in transducer. It is offered in 12, 24, and 36 volt models and 55, 80, and 112 pound thrust models. And it isn’t as expensive as the Ultrex.

The difference is that the Terrova doesn’t come with as many fancy gadgets as the Ultrex. The Terrova also doesn’t connect to Hummingbird electronics and doesn’t automatically stow itself.

However, if you’re an angler who can do without these additions, but are still looking for a super reliable motor that will help you locate fish, the Minn Kota Terrova is for you.

4. Motor Guide Tour Pro + HD Sonar

The MotorGuide Tour Pro trolling motor is another excellent choice and is one of the toughest on the market. It is extremely durable and powerful, cutting through grass ad other vegetation with ease. This motor comes in both 24- and 36-volt models and has a built-in transducer that connects to most sonars. The MotorGuide Tour Pro is around the same price as the Minn Kota Ultrex but is a dependable motor that is well worth the cost.

5. Lowrance Ghost

The Lowrance Ghost trolling motor is powerful and the quietest motor in its class. It has the most thrust and a longer run time than any other trolling motor on the market. You don’t have to worry about running out of power with this motor on your boat. In addition, it connects perfectly with all Lowrance sonar units. As the name implies, the Lowrance Ghost is most widely known for being a near silent motor that allows anglers to stay concealed longer.

The Ghost is the most expensive motor on the list, however, if you’re looking for a super high quality motor that is quiet, powerful, easy to use, the Lowrance Ghost could be the motor for you. This is especially true if your boat is equipped with Lowrance electronics.