No Trolling Motor

[jbsoonerfan]

So, my buddies TM took a dump last weekend while we were fishing. Thought maybe a battery, No. Thought a switch in the pedal, No. Still haven't got it going. Not looking for fixes. We still plan to fish tomorrow. Gonna stay more local though in case we get frustrated. Any suggestions? He has an anchor so I told him we could go float the banks and anchor on points. I guess what I worry about is getting hung up. I like to throw a jerkbait and a lipless and I am not afraid to throw it near cover. If I get hung up we can't just troll over and get it. Should I avoid any technique where I may get hung up. Just stick with a spinnerbait, t-rig, drop shot etc.? Not sure how to attack this.

[Bluebasser86]

You can still go get them with the big motor if you really want to. Or throw some cheaper baits that won't hurt to lose. 

[WRB]

Check the circuit breakers and clean all the terminal connections if the batteries are good. Replacing motor brushes isn't a quick fix if you don't know anything about electric motors.

I would take a anchor and anchor rope to fish specific areas and only use the big engine to get you from A to B.

Tom

[jbsoonerfan]

Thanks guys. There is a lot of standing timber in this lake, tying off is an option as well.

[Catt]

[Oregon Native]

4 hours ago, Catt said:

Been there......done that!!

What Catt says....but if I may add....get a lonnnnng handled one and take a couple Tylonal first!!

[frogflogger]

Years ago fished Grand Lake with a 5hp and a paddle - took turns sculling - caught tons of bass - 

[scaleface]

My latest boat came with electric steering and that thing was a pain  . I would get it working in the garage just to have it quit again on the water . I have the cable steer now and am much happier .

[J.Vincent]

In this situation I would keep an eye on predicted wind direction and plot out a few areas that will fish well based on wind direction. Specifically look on a map for areas where bottom composition changes and also identify productive break lines that are parallel with wind direction .....this way you can comfortably drift the break line and use the wind to your favor. If the boat is off drift, turn on the main motor and realign the drift. In a situation where wind is heavy, or if you want to slow your drift, consider an inexpensive drift sock. This is actually a very common technique on the Great Lakes and St Clair. For times when you want to dissect an area or point that proved productive on a drift, just drop down the anchor and get more precise. Hope this helps !

[Glaucus]

I would throw baits you a don't mind losing. Use leaders so you can break off.

[roadwarrior]

Just stay a bit further off the bank, you will be fine.

 

[newriverfisherman1953]

Fished for years without one, though it is much more enjoyable with one. Good luck. 

[DropShotHotShot]

Take apart every connection and clean it, this fixes most issues 

[WRB]

The op has already gone fishing today.

Tom

[jbsoonerfan]

Well, it was a tough day. We fished a local lake that you have to have a permit to fish. There was no one to be found at the lake so we had to drive 30 min to the closest Wal-Mart to get one. You can only guess how that went. We finally got on the water about 1:15. We couldn't get the anchor to hold good on the main lake points because of the wind. Hit some secondary points and caught a few. We fished till about 4:30 and called it a day. Only ended up catching 4, but when you can land one like this it is all worth it. Caught her at about 2:10 in about 5 FOW on a Greenfish HD spinnerbait in sungill. She weighed 8 lb 2 oz which ties my PB and is my PB from a lake. I am still kicking myself for not getting her length and girth as I now think I would like to have a replica. I was just trying to get her weighed, get pics, and get her back in the water. Oh well, maybe I can get a good idea if I decide to do one since I do know what she weighed. Tried to take some good pics of the fish and not make her look bigger than she is.