Are there any videos available that can coach a bass fishing newbie on developing skills to effectively use a foot control trolling motor? I seem to spend more time maneuvering and less time fishing.

Here are some videos. It takes a lot of practice to get better at it.

Thx. I'll check them out.

J Bab, I appreciate your reply, but with the exception of the video on controlled drifting, the videos were primarily promos and how to's on the new MinnKota technology. That being said, your comment on practicing is probably the better way to learn it anyway.

 

Don't know of any really. 

But there's nothing wrong with just getting out there and figuring it out on you're own.

Believe it or not - before "Videos" that's how we did it - wasn't always pretty  . . . . . .

A-Jay

easiest way is to learn by doing

spend a full day on the water trolling and youll have no problem

15 hours ago, Wannabe bass angler said:

Are there any videos available that can coach a bass fishing newbie on developing skills to effectively use a foot control trolling motor? I seem to spend more time maneuvering and less time fishing.

Are you using a cable drive or an electric steer foot controlled? 

Electric steer foot. In my "practice session" yesterday, I found my biggest struggle comes with setting the foot control on momentary, and then trying to activate and steer at the same time. Perhaps I need to keep setting on continuous.

Electric steer is your problem. You couldn't give me one.

Are you standing on one leg balancing against the front pedestal seat and trying to control the boat in wind and waves? This takes a lot of practice and some anglers never get good at it! Learn setting down like Bill Dance using a lower front seat so your balance issues go away.

Tom

1 hour ago, clh121787 said:

Electric steer is your problem. You couldn't give me one.

Really? If anyone try's to give you one, let me know, I'll take it. I'm just the opposite, I'd never again have a cable steer with those tall foot pedals that you have stand with one foot up high and try to hold your balance while being rocked by boat wakes. Or, you have to cut a hole in your deck to bring it to a reasonable level. I just use my toe and my foot on the floor to operate the foot pedal on my Terrova. I can do it standing or sitting, I can move the pedal anywhere in the boat, or operate the motor via remote control from the helm. I can point the motor in one direction, put it on constant run, the the motor will hold the course without me touching it, or hold me in place if I want.  It's all what you get used to. To the original poster, keep fishing and keep at it, you'll get better the more you use whichever type you have.

Turn the power down to 2 or 3.  It's much easier to control at lower speeds.  And also make sure your motor is all the way down into the locked position.

I'm, also not a fan of electric steer pedals.  I'm used to steering "by feel".  I tell by the position of my foot, which way I'm going.  With electric, you have no choice but take your eyes off of fishing, and look at your arrow every time you change direction.  Very distracting.

I know some people just love them.  Great for them.  It's just not for me.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I appreciate all the input.

I do stand corrected. I do have the cable steering, not electric. I thought the foot operated was electric steering . I've never had either. I have always had a tiller motor mounted on the transom. I'm sure practice will make me more proficient. 

With all that said, is it better to keep motor on constant or momentary?

8 minutes ago, Wannabe bass angler said:

With all that said, is it better to keep motor on constant or momentary?

I have never used the "continuous" setting on my cable-steer electric motor.  

I think it took me about two fishing days before I was completely comfortable with my trolling motor.  Just get out and fish, have fun, and running the trolling motor will become second nature before you know it.

Tight lines,

Bob

Thanks, Bob.

It took me a good 5 or so outings until I got the pedal down so I'm not over correcting everywhere. I have a Minn Kota with ipilot, way too many things it can do so it'll take a long time to master the remote control.

I got one of the Terrova pedals as well, I don't really worry about continuous vs momentary because it's so easy to turn it off and on

i never use the continuous setting. put it on a low setting and goo. easier for me to pick apart laydowns when i can control when the boat moves. 

the first couple times youll probably do more trolling than fishing. but itll be second nature before you know it

Are you sitting or standing while using the trolling motor?  What brand is the trolling motor?

I sit mostly.

Minn Kota Edge 45

It just takes practice, practice, and more practice.  Which is good since it means more fishing time !!

 I also prefer cable steer since i know by the angle on my foot about what direction its pointing. It has taken me many trips to get used to my new fortrex coming from an old omc motor. Biggest change was from buttom is now on left side with fortrex and used omc one with a right side button for literally 20 years before. 

On 5/22/2016 at 5:45 PM, WRB said:

Learn setting down like Bill Dance using a lower front seat so your balance issues go away.

That's what I do.  Being an old geezer, it's a lot easier.  But even w/ complete balance and control, learning how to handle the wind, wakes and current still takes experience.  Trying to work a bank in the wind is tough.  Period.  At least for me. 

 

When I use my 75lb Motorguide, it seems like I have to keep the speed all the way down or there's too much power to control. Using lower speeds seem to be the key.