I don't have a boat or anything, but I'm always watching fishing stuff on YouTube when I'm not fishing. I noticed that sometimes when they are bringing in the fish they are working their trolling motor too. Being ignorant of the workings of a trolling motor, is it not dangerous for the fish to work it while bringing them in? I know why they use it and I know it goes at a slower speed than the boat motor, but are the blades not an issue?

Dangerous? No. I have yet to chop a fish into chum but I have, on accasion, got my lure/line wrapped around the blade. Never with a fish on though.

I don't have a boat or anything, but I'm always watching fishing stuff on YouTube when I'm not fishing. I noticed that sometimes when they are bringing in the fish they are working their trolling motor too. Being ignorant of the workings of a trolling motor, is it not dangerous for the fish to work it while bringing them in? I know why they use it and I know it goes at a slower speed than the boat motor, but are the blades not an issue?

Fish working trolling motors... That provides a great picture in my mind

There are many times that it's absolutely necessary keep control of the boat while fighting a fish and especially to stay off of the fish holding structure or to keep the boat moving away from the fish so that a fish doesn't gain the upper hand or control of the fight. Can't allow the fish to find heavy cover to hang up in... Another time is when a fish is in heavy brush on the hook set, it's important to keep maximum pressure on the fish from the start and up until they exit the obstruction. Can't do this effectively unless the boat stays where it is or moves away from the fish slightly... Hope that helps

Thank you both. Like I said, I understood the reason for it, but couldn't see how the occasional fish chopping wouldn't ensue. I take it that the blades don't turn all that fast and really aren't all that sharp. One of these days I will have me a boat and be able to fish a different lake. Anyhoo, thanks again.