Question about using a bow trolling motor

[Jim Mac]

First off, I've never used one(with a foot pedal). It seems like everyone that uses one uses a stand up seat. Is that a necessity? Is it too uncomfortable using a foot pedal while seated in a normal height seat?

 

Thanks.   

[Russ E]

you can run the pedal just fine from a normal fishing chair. Walleye and crappie anglers do it all of the time.

most bass fisherman prefer the standup seat. 

[Log Catcher]

I don't know what size or how your boat is set up. I have a bass tracker 175 and I use my trolling motor while using a standard sit down seat without any problems. That is probably just other peoples preferred way and style of fishing.

[tander]

No problem, use mine sitting down every now and then.

 

[slonezp]

Minn Kota Terrova or Ultrex. Hand or foot controlled

[Scott F]

I have a bad back and standing for more than a few minutes becomes uncomfortable. I sit and use my foot pedal most of the time. I don't like the stupidly tall foot pedals that come with cable steer trolling motors so I use a Minn Kota Terrova that has a very low profile pedal that is more comfortable to use while standing or sitting.

[haggard]

Quote

I've never used one(with a foot pedal). It seems like everyone that uses one uses a stand up seat. Is that a necessity? Is it too uncomfortable using a foot pedal while seated in a normal height seat?

 

Foot pedal is perfectly doable from seated position - The key is to have the pedal control securely bolted to the deck. Mine was not, so I used a grippy mat under the pedal control which helped. Not ideal but it got by and I adapted to it. Without the pedal being securely mounted (non moveable) you lose some leverage - it works but takes a little more effort. No slip grip or bolted down will really help. Recessed pedal tray probably even better. I think the seated position always gives you a slight disadvantage over standing, because the pedal is set out in front of you instead of more or less directly under you - you lose leverage - but weigh that against the comfort of sitting vs standing. Everything's a tradeoff. I'll take sitting all day...

 

[Scott F]

1 minute ago, haggard said:

Foot pedal is perfectly doable from seated position - The key is to have the pedal control securely bolted to the deck. Mine was not, so I used a grippy mat under the pedal control which helped. Not ideal but it got by and I adapted to it. Without the pedal being securely mounted (non moveable) you lose some leverage - it works but takes a little more effort. No slip grip or bolted down will really help. Recessed pedal tray probably even better.

I've been using a foot controlled trolling motor for 30 years and I've never had a pedal secured to the floor. I like to be able to position them depending on what direction I'm facing. I find it awkward to fish being restricted into one position. With my electric steer, I can operate it from anywhere on the boat. Handy if I put someone else up front who isn't comfortable operating the trolling motor so I can do it from the back if I want.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks guys. I have a bad back also, so I always alternate between standing and sitting. 

[Joseph B.]

I just bought a cable steer motor with the higher profile foot control. Can't put my foot flat on control. My seat is too low and not much room to front of bow so thinking about getting a higher seat and some kind of rubber grip mat so foot control doesn't slide all over the floor. I'm too old to stand long time so prefer sitting, especially when waves rock the boat.

[WRB]

No problem, watch Bill Dance.

Most bass anglers like to stand and cast from the raised flat plateform, a stand up seat gives you something to lean on to help keep your balance standing with most of your weight on 1 leg. Sitting is easier to control the boat.

Tom

[Revere]

Do any of you sit and have a foot control recessed tray? If so, is it comfortable/easy to operate setting down? 

[Revere]

Thanks 

[Jig Man]

You have good info here.  One thing I would add is learn to run it with either foot so you won’t have to be a contortionist while fishing.

[Bird]

Most are recessed today and aids in comfort and control.

[gim]

I prefer the immediate response of a cable steer pedal.  I also have no use for a remote, as I need both hands to cast.

 

Prior to the current bow mount I have now, we had one of the flatter, electric steer versions.  I hated it.  It was slow response and made a lot of noise when I turned.  Hopefully they've fixed those issues.

[airshot]

Mine has both a pedal and a remote, not a bass fisherman so I find the remote is awesome !!  After first use, never used the pedal again. 

[WRB]

Older thread stated 6 years ago.

Since then Spot Lock has become standard, brushless motors are very quite 

and prices are up up up!

The older motors required more force to steer compared to today’s. 
What is your budget?

Tom

[Choporoz]

11 hours ago, Revere said:

Do any of you sit and have a foot control recessed tray? If so, is it comfortable/easy to operate setting down? 

Yes. Extremely easy...and comfortable 

[Johnbt]

If you find your seat too close to the pedal for comfort because you can't extend your leg and there's no room to move the pedal away from you a few more inches, consider getting a bent seat pole for $40 or $50. 

 

I know jon boat owners who won't fish without one and two people who can't adapt to the way the seat can swing from side to side. But hey, it makes the jon boat 5" wider on each side. I carry 2 and 2 straight posts on my 1648. (And an 11" straight post for my 5'4" wife.)

 

"Offset Seat Post measures 13" high and is offset 5". "

 

 

[Revere]

Thanks guys! I already have the offset pedestal and it’s great! 
I’ve been watching YouTubes on how to install a tray, seems easy enough, but no one mentioned using sitting down. I contacted the dealer where I purchased my tracker Pro 170, they a tray they use in them as you can’t go too wide because of the braces. They will supply the tray and install for $350. Seems high, from what I gathered from the videos, it takes around a hour or less if you have everything you need ready. I don’t need a fancy tray and I’ve found several trays, aluminum, for under $100 that seem like they would work. 
Im a DIY person, but cutting a new boat deck just makes me little nervous especially since I can’t tell where the support braces are located. 
Thanks again for the info, I reckon I’ll go for it! 
 

 

[Jig Man]

You better check schematics to be sure what’s under that deck.  I paid for one and they cut all of my boat wiring.

[gim]

3 hours ago, Revere said:

Im a DIY person, but cutting a new boat deck just makes me little nervous especially since I can’t tell where the support braces are located. 

 

Yes, be very careful before cutting or drilling holes.  Once you start doing that, you can't take them back.

[Woody B]

I fish standing, sitting and leaning.  If I stay in 1 position too long I get stiff.  (60 year old auto mechanic)  I have a recessed pedal tray.  I consider a recessed tray necessary when standing.  When sitting or leaning the right height seat is important.   I have a fairly short seat pole, with a couple different easy to change extensions.  I use a taller one for leaning, and one that's a little bit shorter when sitting.   

[gim]

2 minutes ago, Woody B said:

If I stay in 1 position too long I get stiff. 

 

I could see that given you're sitting on a pedestal without a seat.  Stiff would be an understatement.  😂