Using electric trolling motors offshore

Along the way, they've evolved from being novelties that were sure to attract inquisitive looks and puzzled questions at the boat ramp to “must-have” accessories for the most serious estuary and freshwater fishers — especially those who prefer lure and fly fishing.

But the widespread use of these nifty devices on our offshore waters is still in its relative infancy.

Bow-mounted electrics are incredibly useful at sea. Those fitted with position-holding “spot lock” or “anchor” functions can be employed to quickly and accurately hold a vessel in place over a particular seabed feature or a show of fish marked on the sounder — doing the job faster, more precisely and with much less effort than a traditional anchor.

This means multiple shifts of location can be achieved with minimal time and stress, allowing a bunch of likely spots to be tested in less time than it previously took to anchor up just once.

Other uses for electric motors at sea include (but are certainly not limited to) sneaking up with great stealth on surface-feeding pelagics, slow trolling live baits, safely positioning in a “wash zone” while casting into the aerated shallows, and holding against the drift or wind when deploying or recovering deep-drop baits, jigs, cray pots and the like.

Innovative boaters are constantly coming up with new offshore applications for these wonderfully useful tools.

However, not every electric motor seen on the bow of an estuary or freshwater rig is necessarily ideal for serious blue water use.

The demands made on these units while offshore are considerably greater than those thrown at them on gentler, more enclosed waters.

For this reason, there are a couple of very serious points to be considered when choosing a bow-mounted electric motor for ocean-going use. The five most important factors are as follows:

For offshore work with a bow-mounted electric motor, always choose the longest shaft length available that will readily fit, stow and deploy on your vessel.

This helps to ensure that the propeller stays in the water, even in reasonably sloppy conditions or some swell.

Within reason, the more powerful the electric motor, the better, especially offshore.

A powerful 24-, 36- or even 48-volt unit with 70 pounds or more of thrust running at a lower percentage of its maximum output will greatly extend battery life, reduce wear and tear, and also allow for better spot-holding in wind and current.

Choose one of the well-established big-name brands with a solid reputation, reliable warranty program, proven aftersales service and dependable spare parts back-up.

It’s worth doing your homework, shopping around and paying a little extra for this peace of mind.

Units with inbuilt GPS capabilities and/or the ability to interface with your existing on-board electronics are absolutely invaluable offshore.

Choose an electric motor with a fast, accurate spot lock or anchor function, and ideally one that can also save, store and repeat several marks, tracks or trails.

Electric motors demand a fair degree of TLC if they’re to have a long and productive life in the briny.

Wash them thoroughly with fresh water immediately after use, consider using a salt-busting additive in the washdown process, clean or replace sacrificial anodes annually, and regularly remove the prop to check for fishing line wrapped around the shaft that could damage vital seals.

Finally, consider removing the unit from the vessel when trailering long distances over rough roads, or towing behind a mothership.

If you’ve only ever thought of bow-mounted electrics as bay, estuary and freshwater fishing tools, it’s time to think again — they can be genuine game-changers at sea.

Steve ‘Starlo’ Starling is one of Australia’s best known and most respected fishing communicators.

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