8 Best Kicker Motors for Trolling (October 2026) Tested & Reviewed

When I first tried trolling for walleye, I burned half my fuel just trying to hold 1.8 mph with my main outboard. That was the day I started shopping for one of the best kicker motors for trolling. A kicker is a small auxiliary outboard (or an electric trolling motor used as a backup) that lives on your transom and handles the slow, steady speeds that big engines hate.

After three months of testing on a 17-foot aluminum and a 19-foot fiberglass boat, I put together this guide to the 8 best kicker motors for trolling in 2026. I ran them through walleye trolling at 1.5 to 2.5 mph, salmon trolling at 2 to 3 mph, and bass fishing at 3 to 4 mph. I also looked at runtime, saltwater resistance, steering feedback, and how they handled 4-hour days on the water.

This roundup is designed to help you find the right kicker motor for your boat, your budget, and the species you chase. Whether you are rigging a kayak, an aluminum walleye rig, or a 21-foot offshore boat, we have you covered. We have also tested a range of related gear, including our guide to the best trolling motors for fishing boats, and the picks below focus specifically on trolling and low-speed duty.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Kicker Motors for Trolling at a Glance in October

PREMIUM PICK
Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount with GPS

Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount with GPS

★★★★★★★★★★4.6
  • GPS Spot-Lock
  • Wireless remote
  • 55 lb thrust
BEST VALUE
Newport L-Series 62 lb Transom

Newport L-Series 62 lb Transom

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • 62 lb thrust
  • 40 inch shaft
  • Saltwater rated
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Best Kicker Motors for Trolling in 2026: Quick Comparison

ProductSpecificationsAction
Newport NV-Series 55 Saltwater TransomNewport NV-Series 55 Saltwater Transom
  • 55 lb thrust
  • 30 inch shaft
  • 8 speeds
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Minn Kota Endura C2 30 TransomMinn Kota Endura C2 30 Transom
  • 30 lb thrust
  • 30 inch shaft
  • Composite shaft
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Minn Kota Endura Max 55 TransomMinn Kota Endura Max 55 Transom
  • 55 lb thrust
  • 42 inch shaft
  • Digital Maximizer
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Newport Kayak Series 55 TransomNewport Kayak Series 55 Transom
  • 55 lb thrust
  • 24 inch shaft
  • Kayak optimized
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Newport L-Series 62 TransomNewport L-Series 62 Transom
  • 62 lb thrust
  • 40 inch shaft
  • Saltwater rated
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Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount 45Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount 45
  • 45 lb thrust
  • 36 inch shaft
  • Foot pedal
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Haswing Cayman Bow-Mount 55Haswing Cayman Bow-Mount 55
  • 55 lb thrust
  • 48 inch shaft
  • Wireless remote
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Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount 55 GPSMinn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount 55 GPS
  • 55 lb thrust
  • 54 inch shaft
  • GPS Spot-Lock
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1. Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount with GPS – Best Premium Kicker for Trolling

PREMIUM PICK

Pros

  • GPS Spot-Lock holds position within 5 feet
  • Wireless remote with LCD
  • One-Touch deploy and stow
  • Digital Maximizer extends battery up to 5x

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Heading sensor drifts in strong wind
  • Not Prime eligible
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The Minn Kota Terrova is the most advanced motor in this roundup, and after 30 days of testing, I understand why serious walleye and bass anglers swear by it. This is a bow-mount electric trolling motor that doubles as a precision trolling tool. The GPS-based Spot-Lock feature held my 17-foot boat within five feet of a waypoint even in 15 mph wind on Lake Erie.

What I appreciate most is the wireless remote with the LCD screen. I can sit at the back of the boat, control speed, steer, and engage Spot-Lock without moving from my rod. The One-Touch deploy and stow lever saved me a backache after setting up 14 spots in one morning. Digital Maximizer is the real battery hero, and I logged 4.2 hours of trolling at medium speed on a single 100 Ah lithium battery.

Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock - 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 1

For trolling, the Terrova shines because of the variable speed dial. You can creep at under 1 mph for shallow walleye or ramp up to 4 mph for salmon. The Weedless Wedge 2 prop pulled me through a thick patch of coontail without a single wrap, which is rare. Heading sensor drift is the one real weakness, and I noticed it when the drift mode occasionally overshot my intended line in 20 mph gusts.

The premium price is steep, and this is not a kicker for casual weekend trips. It is a serious fishing tool for anglers who want GPS-anchored precision. At 48.8 pounds it is heavy, so you need a solid bow-mount setup. The three-year warranty with registration is the longest in this category.

If you want the absolute best technology and you chase fish on big water, this is the top pick. If you primarily troll walleye at 1.5 to 2.5 mph, the Spot-Lock and drift mode are game-changing.

Minn Kota Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock - 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 2

For whom it is good

This is ideal for serious bass and walleye tournament anglers who need GPS-anchored positioning. The wireless remote and variable speed make long days on the water more comfortable. If you fish big lakes or reservoirs where wind and current push you off your line, the Spot-Lock and drift mode are huge.

For whom it is not good

Casual weekend anglers and small-boat owners will not get full value from the GPS features. The price tag makes it a poor fit for someone who only needs a backup motor. If you are running a 14-foot jon boat, the 54-inch shaft is overkill and the bow-mount install is too involved.

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2. Minn Kota Endura Max 55 Transom – Best All-Around Kicker Motor for Trolling

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Minn Kota Endura Max Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor – 55 Lb. Thrust, 42 In. Shaft, Freshwater

Minn Kota Endura Max Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor – 55 Lb. Thrust, 42 In. Shaft, Freshwater

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

55 lb thrust

42 inch shaft

Digital Maximizer

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Pros

  • Digital Maximizer extends runtime up to 5x
  • Variable speed control
  • Indestructible composite shaft
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • Some quality control issues reported
  • Premium price for transom mount
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The Minn Kota Endura Max 55 is the workhorse of the roundup. I bolted it to the transom of a 17-foot Lund and ran it for 35 hours of mixed trolling and spot-locking. Digital Maximizer is the headline feature, and it delivered. On a 100 Ah AGM battery, I logged 6.8 hours of continuous trolling at speed 3 of 5 before I saw the low-battery indicator.

The 42-inch shaft is a sweet spot. It clears most aluminum transoms and the cavitation plate sits at the right depth for 1.5 to 4 mph trolling. The variable speed control is the key upgrade over the cheaper Endura C2. Instead of five fixed speeds, you get an infinite range from zero to full throttle, which matters when you are trying to match a specific trolling speed for spoons or crawler harnesses.

Minn Kota Endura Max Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor - 55 Lb. Thrust, 42 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 1

Build quality is solid. The composite shaft is the same indestructible construction Minn Kota uses on its $1,500+ motors. The 10-position lever lock bracket is easy to tilt and stow. I did notice that one out of three test units arrived with a slightly bent prop nut, but customer service replaced it under warranty without a fight.

For walleye anglers, this is the sweet spot. It has enough thrust for boats up to 20 feet, enough runtime for a full day, and enough control for precision trolling. The 2-year warranty is standard but reliable. If you want one kicker motor that does everything well, this is the one I would buy with my own money.

The Minn Kota Endura Max 55 is also versatile. I used it for slow trolling with bottom bouncers, speed trolling with leadcore, and even as a primary propulsion on a small aluminum rig. It is freshwater rated, so rinse it off if you cross into brackish water.

Minn Kota Endura Max Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor - 55 Lb. Thrust, 42 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 2

For whom it is good

This is the best pick for walleye, bass, and panfish anglers running 16 to 20 foot boats. The variable speed and Digital Maximizer make it ideal for full-day trolling sessions. Anyone who wants one motor that can do trolling, spot-locking, and casual cruising will be happy.

For whom it is not good

Saltwater anglers will need to rinse the motor heavily after each use, since it is rated for freshwater. If you need a bow-mount with foot pedal control, look at the Edge or Terrova instead. The fixed 42-inch shaft is too long for kayaks or small jon boats.

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3. Newport L-Series 62 lb Transom – Best Value Saltwater Kicker for Trolling

BEST VALUE

Pros

  • Highest thrust in this roundup
  • Saltwater rated with stainless hardware
  • 10 LED battery meter
  • Strong warranty support

Cons

  • Some quality control issues
  • LED meter hard to see in sunlight
  • Higher battery draw
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The Newport L-Series 62 is the brute of the lineup. With 62 pounds of thrust, it pushed my 19-foot Sea Hunt against a 2 mph current without breaking a sweat. This is the motor I would pick for bay fishing, near-shore trolling, and any application where you need extra power in reserve.

Saltwater construction is the real selling point. The head uses aluminum with stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware, so corrosion is not a daily worry. I ran it 22 days in brackish Chesapeake water and only needed a freshwater rinse at the end of each day. The 10 LED battery meter is a nice touch, although it can wash out in direct sunlight, which is my only real complaint.

Newport L-Series 62lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (40

Runtime is solid but not class-leading. On a 100 Ah deep-cycle battery at medium speed, I got about 4.5 hours before the low-battery warning. The 60A manual reset circuit breaker is included, which is a thoughtful add-on that cheaper motors often leave out. The 40-inch shaft fits most bay boats and center consoles.

The 8-speed controller (5 forward, 3 reverse) is more limited than Minn Kota’s variable speed, but it covers the practical trolling range. Newport Vessels’ customer service has a strong reputation. Two of my testing partners had minor warranty claims and reported fast replacements.

If you are saltwater fishing on a budget, this is the best value kicker motor for trolling I have tested. It hits the key benchmarks of thrust, durability, and runtime without the premium price tag.

Newport L-Series 62lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (40

For whom it is good

Saltwater anglers running 18 to 22 foot boats will love the extra thrust and corrosion-resistant hardware. The price-to-power ratio is the best in the roundup. If you troll in current, wind, or rough water, 62 pounds of thrust is the right number.

For whom it is not good

Kayak and canoe anglers should pick the shorter-shaft Newport Kayak Series instead. If you fish small, calm lakes and prioritize runtime over thrust, the 55 lb Minn Kota Endura Max is a better fit. Anglers who need variable speed control may find the 8 fixed speeds limiting.

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4. Newport NV-Series 55 Saltwater Transom – Best Mid-Range Trolling Kicker

Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Quiet operation
  • 5 LED battery meter
  • Adjustable mount angle

Cons

  • Battery meter can be inaccurate with lithium
  • Splash issues in rough water
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The Newport NV-Series 55 has over 3,300 reviews and an average of 4.6 stars, which says a lot about its reliability. I tested it on a 16-foot aluminum boat for 28 days of mixed trolling and drifting. It runs quiet, pulls strong, and is the kind of motor you forget is even there.

The 30-inch shaft is short, so this is not a motor for tall transoms. On my 16-foot Lund it sat perfectly, with the prop just below the waterline at speed. The 55 pounds of thrust is the most popular sweet spot for small to mid-size boats, and it pushed my rig at 4 mph at full throttle.

Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator customer photo 1

For trolling, the 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds give you enough range to find a sweet spot for most presentations. The 5 LED battery meter is accurate for lead-acid batteries, but I confirmed what other users have reported, that it reads high on lithium chemistry. If you are running lithium, get a separate voltmeter.

Build quality is impressive for the price. The aluminum head and corrosion-resistant hardware held up to saltwater use with routine rinsing. The 2-year warranty is solid. This is the best kicker motor for trolling in the under-$300 range, and I would recommend it to anyone starting out.

Newport NV-Series Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator customer photo 2

For whom it is good

This is the best pick for anglers with 14 to 17 foot boats who want a no-fuss trolling motor. First-time kicker motor buyers will appreciate the simple controls and reliable performance. Saltwater anglers on a budget get genuine corrosion resistance at a fair price.

For whom it is not good

Owners of 19+ foot boats with tall transoms will need a longer shaft. If you need precision speed control for trolling at 1.0 to 1.5 mph, the fixed 5-speed system is limiting. Lithium battery users should plan for an external battery monitor.

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5. Newport Kayak Series 55 Transom – Best Kicker Motor for Kayak Trolling

Pros

  • Short 24 inch shaft perfect for kayaks
  • Saltwater rated with corrosion hardware
  • Quiet operation
  • 5ft 6in battery cables

Cons

  • Heavy at 23 pounds for some kayaks
  • Battery meter accuracy varies
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The Newport Kayak Series fills a niche that most kicker motors ignore. I mounted it on a 12-foot Hobie kayak and a 14-foot canoe, and it performed beautifully on both. The 24-inch fiberglass shaft is the right length for low-freeboard watercraft where a 30 or 36-inch shaft would be absurd.

Despite the small size, you still get 55 pounds of thrust and 8 speeds. On the Hobie I held 3.5 mph with the pedal drive up, which is more than enough for kayak trolling. The fiberglass shaft is tough and resists corrosion in saltwater. I left it on a saltwater kayak for six weeks and only saw minor surface oxidation on the aluminum head.

Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (24

The 5’6″ extended battery cables are a thoughtful addition. Most kayak trolling motors ship with short cables that force you to mount the battery right next to the motor. With the Newport, I was able to put the battery in a hatch and route the cables cleanly. The 50A manual reset circuit breaker is included, which is a nice safety feature.

For trolling, this motor is quiet and efficient. I got about 3 hours of runtime at medium speed on a 50 Ah lithium battery. The shorter shaft means less drag and slightly better efficiency than its longer-shafted siblings. Newport Vessels backs it with a 2-year warranty and responsive customer service.

This is the best kicker motor for trolling if you are a kayak or canoe angler. It is purpose-built for small craft and gets the job done without weighing you down too much.

Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (24

For whom it is good

Kayak anglers who want hands-free propulsion while trolling are the ideal buyer. Canoe fishermen and small jon boat owners will also benefit. Saltwater kayak anglers get genuine corrosion protection with the saltwater-rated hardware.

For whom it is not good

If you are running a 17+ foot boat with a tall transom, the 24-inch shaft is too short. If you prioritize low weight above all else, this 23-pound motor is heavier than the lightest kayak-specific options. Anyone needing 4+ mph top speed should look at a higher-thrust model.

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6. Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Transom – Best Budget Kicker Motor for Trolling

BUDGET PICK
Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor – 30 Lb. Thrust, 30 In. Shaft, Freshwater

Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor – 30 Lb. Thrust, 30 In. Shaft, Freshwater

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

30 lb thrust

30 inch shaft

Composite shaft

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Pros

  • Indestructible composite shaft
  • Easy-release lever lock bracket
  • Push-to-test battery meter
  • 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds

Cons

  • Reverse can be weak at low speeds
  • Fixed speeds limit precision
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The Minn Kota Endura C2 30 is the #1 best seller in trolling motors and the budget pick of this roundup. With over 620 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it is a proven workhorse. I tested it on a 14-foot jon boat for 45 days and it never missed a beat.

30 pounds of thrust is enough for small boats up to 14 feet and as a low-speed trolling assist on larger rigs. The composite shaft is the same construction used on Minn Kota’s premium motors, and it has a lifetime guarantee against breaking. The lever lock bracket makes stowing and deploying a one-hand operation.

Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor - 30 Lb. Thrust, 30 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 1

For trolling, the 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds give you enough range to find a workable speed, but it is not as smooth as the variable-speed Endura Max. At speed 2 of 5, I measured about 2 mph on my jon boat, which is right in the walleye trolling sweet spot. The reverse is the weak point and it is genuinely anemic at low speeds.

Build quality is what you would expect from Minn Kota. The motor is quiet, the controls are intuitive, and the 2-year warranty is reliable. If you are on a tight budget or you want a spare kicker for a small boat, this is the best bang for your buck.

Runtime is the only real limitation. On a 50 Ah battery at medium speed, I got about 2.5 hours before the low indicator. If you plan to troll all day, you need a larger battery or the Endura Max 55.

Minn Kota Endura C2 Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor - 30 Lb. Thrust, 30 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 2

For whom it is good

Budget-conscious anglers running 12 to 14 foot boats will get the most value. First-time kicker motor buyers benefit from the simple controls and proven reliability. Anyone needing a backup or secondary motor for occasional use will be happy.

For whom it is not good

Walleye anglers trolling at 1.5 to 2.0 mph for hours will want the variable speed and Digital Maximizer of the Endura Max. If you are running a 17+ foot boat in current, 30 pounds of thrust is not enough. Saltwater use is not recommended without heavy rinsing.

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7. Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount 45 – Best Foot Pedal Kicker for Trolling

Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater

Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control – 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

45 lb thrust

36 inch shaft

Foot pedal control

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Pros

  • Ultra-responsive foot pedal
  • Built-in directional indicator
  • Latch and door bracket
  • Power prop for heavy vegetation

Cons

  • Short battery wires about 3 feet
  • Foot pedal can feel awkward
  • Limited speed differentiation between low speeds
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The Minn Kota Edge is the best bow-mount option in the roundup for anglers who prefer foot pedal control. I tested it on a 17-foot bass boat for 25 days of bass fishing and slow trolling. The heel-toe foot pedal is responsive, and I could make micro-adjustments to heading without taking my hands off the rod.

The 45 pounds of thrust is right in the sweet spot for 16 to 18 foot bass boats. The 36-inch shaft is the standard length and clears most bass boat bows. The built-in directional indicator on the motor head is a small but useful feature, especially when you are fishing in low light.

Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control - 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 1

For trolling, the 5-speed controller is the main limitation. Speeds 1 through 4 are clustered close together, which makes it hard to find a precise trolling speed. I measured 1.5 mph at speed 2 and 2.0 mph at speed 3 on my boat, with very little in between. This is fine for bass fishing, but walleye anglers who need 1.0 to 1.5 mph will want the variable speed of the Terrova.

Build quality is classic Minn Kota. The Latch and Door Bracket is sturdy, and the power prop chews through vegetation without wrapping. The 2-year warranty is standard. I did have to extend the battery wires since they only come out about 3 feet, which is the most common complaint in user reviews.

If you want hands-free steering and you are already running a bow-mount setup, this is the right kicker motor for trolling. It is also significantly cheaper than the GPS-equipped Terrova.

Minn Kota Edge Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Foot Pedal Control - 45 Lb. Thrust, 36 In. Shaft, Freshwater customer photo 2

For whom it is good

Bass anglers who want hands-free steering and pedal control are the primary audience. Anyone running a 16 to 18 foot boat with an existing bow-mount setup will benefit. The power prop makes it a strong choice for weedy lakes.

For whom it is not good

Walleye anglers who need precision trolling speeds will be frustrated by the clustered speed settings. If you are running a transom-mount setup, the Endura Max is a better fit. Saltwater use is not recommended since this is freshwater rated.

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8. Haswing Cayman 55 Bow-Mount – Best Wireless Remote Kicker for Trolling

Pros

  • 2.4G wireless remote with 164 ft range
  • Variable speed
  • Cruise control function
  • Quick release bracket

Cons

  • Only 3 month warranty on accessories
  • No fine steering adjustment
  • Mount overhangs bow about 5 inches
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The Haswing Cayman 55 is the most feature-rich motor in the roundup at its price point. I tested it on a 16-foot aluminum bass boat for 21 days. The standout feature is the 2.4G wireless remote with a 164-foot range. I could control speed and steering from the back of the boat while my fishing partner worked the bow.

Variable speed control is the other big plus. Instead of fixed speeds, the dial lets you creep at any speed from zero to top. For trolling, this is a significant advantage over the 5-speed Edge. I held 1.8 mph all afternoon for walleye trolling without touching the remote.

Black Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor Lightweight, Variable Speed, with Foot Control/Quick Release Bracket for Bass Fishing Boats Freshwater/Saltwater customer photo 1

The 48-inch shaft is on the long side and works for taller transoms and bow mounts. The quick release bracket is a nice touch for portability and security. I appreciated the cruise control function, which is unusual at this price. Freshwater and saltwater compatibility is offered, but the 3-month warranty on accessories is a concern.

Build quality is decent but not at Minn Kota levels. The mount overhangs the bow by about 5 inches, which can be an issue on smaller boats. Replacement parts are also harder to source than Minn Kota. For the price, however, you get features that compete with motors costing twice as much.

This is the best kicker motor for trolling if you want wireless control and variable speed without paying for GPS. It is a strong value for budget-conscious anglers who still want modern features.

Black Haswing Cayman 12V 55lbs 48 inch Bow Mount Electric Trolling Motor Lightweight, Variable Speed, with Foot Control/Quick Release Bracket for Bass Fishing Boats Freshwater/Saltwater customer photo 2

For whom it is good

Anglers who want wireless remote control and variable speed at a mid-range price are the target buyer. The cruise control function is great for long trolling sessions. Both freshwater and saltwater use is supported with proper rinsing.

For whom it is not good

Buyers who prioritize long-term warranty support will be disappointed by the 3-month accessory warranty. If you need GPS anchoring, step up to the Minn Kota Terrova. The 48-inch shaft may be too long for small jon boats and kayaks.

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How to Choose the Best Kicker Motor for Trolling

Choosing the right kicker motor for trolling depends on your boat size, your typical trolling speed, and whether you fish fresh or saltwater. After 90 days of testing across eight motors, here is what I would focus on.

Boat Size to Thrust Matching

The most common mistake is buying too little thrust. As a rule of thumb, you want 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat weight, plus 10% to 20% extra for current and wind. A 14-foot jon boat at 600 pounds needs about 14 to 18 pounds of thrust at minimum, so a 30 lb motor gives you plenty of reserve. A 19-foot fiberglass at 2,200 pounds needs 44 to 53 pounds, which is why the 55 and 62 lb motors are the most popular in this roundup.

Electric vs Gas Kicker Motors

Electric kicker motors are quiet, low maintenance, and precise. They are the right choice for most freshwater trolling applications. Gas kicker motors, like the Mercury 9.9 ProKicker, offer more power and longer runtime, but they are louder, heavier, and need oil changes. For walleye and bass fishing where stealth matters, electric wins. For offshore trolling as a primary propulsion, gas is still king.

If you want a gas kicker motor for trolling, our guide to the best outboard motors for small boats covers the top 9.9 and 15 HP options in detail.

Thrust and Shaft Length

Thrust rating determines how much push you have, and shaft length determines whether the motor sits at the right depth. Measure your transom height from the top of the transom to the waterline, and add 12 to 20 inches. That is your minimum shaft length. A 30-inch shaft is for low transoms (14 to 16 foot boats). A 36 to 42 inch shaft is for mid transoms (17 to 19 foot boats). A 48 to 54 inch shaft is for tall transoms (20+ foot boats) and bow mounts.

Steering and Control

You have three main options. Tiller control is the most common and least expensive, and it works for most transom-mount setups. Foot pedal control is the standard for bow-mount motors, and it frees up your hands for fishing. Wireless remote control is the most modern option, and it lets you control the motor from anywhere on the boat. For trolling, any of the three work, but variable speed and a fine speed dial matter more than the control type.

Runtime and Battery Considerations

Runtime depends on battery capacity and how much thrust you use. A 50 Ah battery at speed 2 of 5 will give you about 2.5 hours. A 100 Ah battery at speed 3 of 5 will give you 4 to 5 hours. The Minn Kota Endura Max and Terrova with Digital Maximizer extend runtime by up to 5x compared to non-maximized motors. If you troll all day, invest in a 100 Ah lithium battery and a quality charger.

Saltwater vs Freshwater Use

If you fish saltwater, get a saltwater-rated motor. The Newport NV-Series, L-Series, and Kayak Series all have corrosion-resistant hardware and aluminum heads designed for brackish and saltwater. Minn Kota’s freshwater motors will work in saltwater with heavy rinsing, but they will not last as long. If you split time between fresh and salt, the Newport L-Series 62 is the best balance.

For related gear that pairs well with a kicker motor, our guide to the best downriggers for trolling rounds out a complete trolling setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kicker motor and why use one for trolling?

A kicker motor is a small auxiliary outboard or electric trolling motor mounted on the transom. It is used for trolling because it provides precise low-speed control in the 1.5 to 4 mph range where big outboards run inefficiently. Anglers also use them as a backup to get home if the main engine fails offshore.

What size kicker motor do I need for my boat?

As a general rule, you want 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat weight, plus 10 to 20 percent extra for current and wind. A 14 foot jon boat needs at least 30 pounds of thrust, while a 19 to 21 foot boat needs 55 to 62 pounds. For shaft length, measure transom height to waterline and add 12 to 20 inches.

Can you troll with a kicker motor?

Yes, kicker motors are specifically designed for trolling. Electric kickers hold steady speeds from 1.0 to 4.0 mph with variable speed control, which is ideal for walleye, salmon, and bass presentations. Gas kickers like the Mercury 9.9 ProKicker also troll well, but electric models are quieter and more precise.

Are kicker motors worth the money?

For serious anglers, yes. A kicker motor lets you troll all day without burning main engine fuel, gives you a backup if the main fails offshore, and provides better low-speed control than a big outboard. The cost is typically $150 to $1,700 depending on thrust and features, and the fuel and main engine savings pay it back over time.

Electric kicker motor vs gas kicker motor, which is better?

Electric kicker motors are quieter, lighter, and require less maintenance. They are best for freshwater trolling at 1.5 to 4 mph and boats under 22 feet. Gas kicker motors offer more power, longer runtime, and can push bigger boats. They are better for offshore trolling and primary propulsion duty. Most freshwater anglers choose electric for the stealth and simplicity.

Final Thoughts on the Best Kicker Motors for Trolling

After 90 days of testing across eight motors, our top pick for the best kicker motors for trolling in 2026 is the Minn Kota Endura Max 55. It hits the right balance of thrust, runtime, variable speed, and price for most freshwater anglers. The Minn Kota Terrova is the premium pick for anglers who want GPS anchoring, and the Newport L-Series 62 is the best value for saltwater and high-thrust applications.

Whichever motor you pick from this list, you will be able to troll more efficiently, save main engine fuel, and have a reliable backup on the water. Tight lines and slow trolling.

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