Trolling motors have changed small-boat fishing. Where paddles and push poles once limited where you could go and how long you could stay, a quality trolling motor lets you hold position on a windy flat, work a grass line slowly without disturbing fish, and make precise adjustments during a fight — hands-free. For southern duck hunters using layout boats, bass fishermen working grass edges, and inshore anglers on jon boats and skiffs, here are the best trolling motors for small boats.
What to Look For
- Thrust — A general rule: you need 2 lbs of thrust per 100 lbs of fully loaded boat weight. A 16-foot jon boat with two anglers and gear (~1,500 lbs) needs at least 30 lbs of thrust. Go bigger if you fish in current or wind.
- Shaft length — The motor head needs to stay submerged when the bow pitches in chop. Measure from the mount point to the waterline and add 12-20 inches. Most small boats use 36-42 inch shafts.
- Transom vs. bow mount — Transom mounts are simpler and work for smaller boats; bow mounts give far better boat control and are standard for serious fishing.
- Battery type — Standard lead-acid batteries are inexpensive but heavy. Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) are lighter and hold charge longer but cost significantly more. For most small boat applications, a good Group 31 AGM battery is the right call.
Best Overall: Minn Kota Endura C2 30
The Minn Kota Endura C2 is the go-to transom-mount trolling motor for small boats — canoes, jon boats, small aluminum fishing boats, and duck boats. The 30 lb thrust model handles boats up to 14-16 feet in moderate conditions, and the 5-speed push-button controls are simple and reliable. The composite shaft is corrosion-resistant, and the indestructible motor housing has proven itself in southern saltwater and freshwater for decades.
For hunters who want to quietly reposition a duck boat or kayak between decoy sets, the Endura C2 is hard to beat for simplicity and value.
Best Bow-Mount: Minn Kota Terrova
For bass fishermen and inshore anglers who want precise boat control while casting and fishing, a bow-mount trolling motor is the standard. The Minn Kota Terrova with i-Pilot GPS is the most capable bow-mount motor in its price range — it locks onto GPS coordinates and holds your position automatically in wind and current, freeing both hands to fish.
The Spot-Lock feature (essentially GPS anchor) is a game changer for fishing specific structure, working a grass line at a specific distance, or holding position on a tidal flat. Available in 55, 80, and 112 lb thrust to match your boat size.
Best Budget: Newport Vessels NV-Series 55 lb
For anglers on a tight budget who need a functional transom-mount motor, the Newport Vessels NV-Series delivers solid performance at a fraction of the price of Minn Kota or MotorGuide. The 55 lb thrust model handles larger jon boats and small skiffs, comes with a 5-speed control, and has proven to be reliable for general use. It won’t have the precision or durability of premium brands, but for occasional use it’s a capable option.
Battery Setup Tip
A trolling motor is only as good as the battery powering it. For a full day of serious use, use a dedicated Group 31 deep-cycle marine battery — never share a trolling motor battery with your starting battery. A dual-battery setup with a battery isolator is the right call for any boat used regularly. Charge after every trip and store batteries fully charged — lead-acid batteries that sit discharged suffer permanent capacity loss.
Building out your small boat setup? Read our guides on the best fish finders under $300 and the best fishing kayaks for southern bays and lakes.