Trolling motors are great for helping you to maneuver your fishing vessel around without spooking the fish. They also are terrific for helping you to catch more fishing while trolling. They even can help you out of a jam if your fishing boat’s primary motor runs out of gas or otherwise stops working. Like all mechanical things, trolling motors require maintenance to make them work their best and last for as long as possible. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your trolling motor.
Inspect the Prop and Prop Drive Pin
It is very easy to damage the prop and prop pin while you are using your trolling motor. You might strike a submerged tree or hit a sunken rock. Whatever the cause might be, you could damage the prop or the prop pin that holds it in place. You should closely inspect to prop for signs of small cracks or other damage that might cause it to fail. You also should remove the prop pin and inspect it for damage. You can use genuine Minn Kota parts to replace a bent or otherwise damaged prop pin.
Remove Fishing Line and Weeds
While you have the prop off, you should check for fishing line or weeds that might have wrapped around the prop housing. If you find any, you certainly should remove it. Weeds are easy enough to remove, but some of the strongest fishing lines could prove to be more difficult and might interfere with prop speed while you are trolling. You might need some sharp scissors or a razor knife to cut away and line entanglements.
Lubricate the Prop Shaft
The prop shaft does a lot of the work when the trolling motor is moving you through the water. The easier the prop shaft can rotate, the more freely the prop will turn and propel you through the water faster. The proper shaft could accumulate water and minor corrosion that impairs its ability to rotate without minor friction. You could use a simple spray lubricant, like WD40, to lubricate the prop shaft and help your trolling motor to do its job more easily.
Check the Battery and Connections
A trolling motor is useless without electrical power. You should make sure to use the best trolling motor battery and make sure it takes a full charge so that you can get the most use from your trolling motor. You also should check the connections and lines and clean them to ensure the best connection between the battery and the trolling motor. Exposure to open water and elements could cause the connections and battery posts to become corroded and not make solid contact. Cleaning them will help to ensure the best possible connection.
Once you have your trolling motor, battery, and connections, you can enjoy targeting more fish and have more fun while fishing.