Gone are the days of rowboats and traditional fishing methods. Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s anglers have access to a range of high-tech tools that make fishing more efficient and enjoyable. One such tool is the trolling motor fish finder combo, a powerful combination that allows anglers to focus on fishing rather than steering their boat. But what makes the best trolling motor fish finder combo?
Benefits of Pairing a Trolling Motor with a Fish Finder
The most obvious advantage of combining a trolling motor with a fish finder is the hands-free capabilities it provides. Imagine being able to spend more time casting, jigging, and changing lures, without having to constantly think about steering and controlling your boat’s speed. With a trolling motor fish finder combo, you can do just that.
Furthermore, a combo that seamlessly connects the trolling motor and fish finder can offer a wealth of additional features and convenience. Say goodbye to messy wiring and tangled cables. By adding a transducer to the bottom of your motor, you can eliminate the need for cumbersome wiring, allowing you to focus on the excitement of fishing.
And let’s not forget about the power of GPS technology. With a GPS-enabled fish finder and trolling motor combo, you can chart routes, set waypoints, and program your trolling motor to follow depth contours and shorelines. This means you can concentrate on fishing while your trolling motor navigates the waters for you. Plus, you can save your favorite fishing spots and return to them with ease.
Leading Manufacturers of Trolling Motor Fish Finder Combos
When it comes to the best trolling motor fish finder combos, there are several reputable manufacturers to choose from. These industry giants include Minn Kota, Humminbird, Garmin, Lowrance, and Motorguide. While each brand offers its own unique features, they all share a commitment to quality and reliability.
Minn Kota, for example, has partnered with Humminbird to create a powerful combination that seamlessly integrates their respective technologies. Garmin and Lowrance, on the other hand, manufacture both trolling motors and fish finders, ensuring perfect compatibility between their products. Whichever brand you choose, you can trust that you’re investing in top-of-the-line equipment.
Recommended Combo Options for 2020
With so many trolling motor fish finder combos on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect match for your needs. To simplify your search, we have researched and identified three top combo recommendations for 2020. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
1. Minn Kota Terrova RT 80 72″ + Humminbird HELIX 9 CHIRP GPS G4N
The Minn Kota Terrova RT 80 is a robust trolling motor that boasts a 72-inch shaft and 80lbs of thrust, making it suitable for any fishing boat. With features like autopilot, GPS spot lock, and the i-Pilot Link Integrated GPS Trolling System, this motor pairs seamlessly with the Humminbird HELIX 9 fish finder. The HELIX 9 offers dual spectrum CHIRP sonar and built-in internal GPS, allowing you to download premium charts and customize your fishing experience.
2. Garmin Force Trolling Motor – 57″ + Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv
For those seeking cutting-edge technology, the Garmin Force Trolling Motor is a game-changer. This powerful 57-inch motor runs efficiently on 24-volts and comes with its built-in sonar. Paired with the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, which features a 9-inch touch screen and preloaded inland water maps, this combo will revolutionize your fishing experience. Simply link the two devices using Garmin Connect, and enjoy route planning, waypoint tracking, and more.
3. Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor + Lowrance Elite-9 Ti² Active Imaging 3-in-1
Quiet, efficient, and reliable, the Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor is a top choice for serious anglers. This motor comes with CHIRP sonar and SideScan/DownScan imaging, providing clear images of fish and structure below your boat. Coupled with the Lowrance Elite-9 Ti² Active Imaging 3-in-1 fish finder, which offers real-time map updates and a high-resolution color display, this combo is a dream come true. Link the C-MAP and Navionics systems to the Lowrance Ghost trolling motor for additional features and precise route planning.
Remember, these are just a few of the many trolling motor fish finder combos available. Each combo has its own unique set of advantages, so choose one that aligns with your fishing style and preferences.
Powering Your Fish Finder
To ensure your fish finder operates smoothly, it’s essential to power it correctly. Many anglers opt to use a separate battery to avoid draining their main motor battery. Additionally, dashboard solar panels are a great investment for recharging your battery during fishing trips. For more information on selecting the right fish finder battery, check out our article on the topic.
Conclusion: Customize Your Fishing Experience
In conclusion, the best trolling motor fish finder combo is the one that suits your specific needs and preferences. While each combo has its pros and cons, the key is ensuring that the trolling motor and fish finder are designed to work together seamlessly. Brands like Minn Kota, Humminbird, Garmin, and Lowrance offer combo options specifically tailored to enhance your fishing experience.
So, whether you choose to explore the depths with the Minn Kota Terrova RT 80 and Humminbird HELIX 9, conquer new waters with the Garmin Force Trolling Motor and ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, or enjoy the quiet power of the Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor with the Elite-9 Ti² Active Imaging 3-in-1, you can’t go wrong. The choice is yours—free up your time, focus on fishing, and let technology take care of the rest.
FAQ
Can different brands of equipment work together?
Typically, equipment from different brands cannot work together seamlessly. While some devices may use the NMEA 2000 communication system, it does not guarantee compatibility. However, basic model transducers can often be made compatible using conversion cables. Motorguide makes a concerted effort to produce connectors and adapters for other manufacturers’ equipment.
What brand of fishfinder or chart plotter will work best with my Minn Kota trolling motor?
Humminbird fish finders and chart plotters have a strong partnership with Minn Kota, ensuring seamless compatibility with any Minn Kota trolling motor that features i-Pilot technology.
Is the GPS built into my trolling motor also used, or is it only the GPS in the fish finder used?
When you pair a GPS-enabled trolling motor with a fish finder, both GPS systems are utilized and communicate with each other. The fish finder GPS relays coordinates and route information to the trolling motor GPS, which then steers the motor accordingly, completing the route or reaching a designated waypoint.
Is it better to purchase a trolling motor fish finder combo manufactured by the same company?
While it is not necessary to buy a combo if the trolling motor and fish finder were designed to interact, purchasing from the same brand can provide peace of mind and ease of use. Minn Kota and Humminbird, for example, are designed to work seamlessly with each other.
Can I upload lake maps to my fish finder trolling motor combo?
Yes, most chart plotters and fish finders can wirelessly connect to laptops or mobile devices, allowing you to download and upload premium lake maps. Garmin, for instance, offers thousands of preloaded maps and real-time updates based on sonar data. Experience the convenience of accurate, up-to-date maps for a more successful fishing trip.
