I'm relatively new to the fishing world and looking to buy a trolling motor. I've heard Minn Kota is a good brand but was hoping to understand why you have chosen this brand over others. What do you like about it? What should I know before committing to one? Any feedback or advice is extremely welcome!

I've always had Minn Kota and had good success with them so I stick with them. Twice I've tried Motor Guide (albeit lower end models), 1 broke almost immediately. The other, I still have on my johnboat but the directional arrow broke the day I bought it and there is no real difference between speeds 1-4, then a huge difference between 4 and 5 and I really feel like the ideal speed is somewhere between the 2. Still, it's kind of a Ford vs Chevy thing. They all have their positives and negatives. 

The "basic" models of all trolling motor brands are garbage.

There are some newcomers to the electric motor market that are probably worth looking at now.  Specifically the Lowrance Ghost and the Garmin Force.

In order to get the most out of today’s trolling motors and electronics they need to be compatible.  So if you are going above the basic models you need to research both trolling motors and sonar/gps units.

 

I used to run Motor Guide and Lowrance.  They worked well together.  I now run Minn Kota and Humminbirds.  They also work well together.

First TM was a little MK tiller that lasted 24 years. Second was a MK 40 PD that pulled my boat around while bowfishing 2 - 3 nights a week for 6 - 10 hours a trip for 15 years. I sold that motor working as good as new and upgraded to my MK Terrova 80 and will likely never buy a different brand. I've seen multiple folks go from MK to MG to only comeback to MK.

Probably the best one I ever owned was an Evinrude TM. That thing was quiet and virtually indestructible. They haven’t been made in years. 
Ran motor guides after that but eventually went to minn Kota.

MK are quieter than the MG.

I went with the MK Ultrex and Humminbird Helix combo when I got my boat a couple years ago. Most newer trolling motors will have "spot lock" (which is a must have IMO), but the Ultrex took it up one notch in combination with the Helixs', such as iTracks (recording a trolling route and using the Ultrex to follow that same track later), Spot Lock Jog (moving from one spot lock location N, W, S, E in 5ft increments), and following a pre-defined map contour (similar to iTracks). The other brands may have those features now too. The Garmin Force and Lowrance Ghost are brushless motors, so they may run a bit longer and are more efficient than the Ultrex, so that's one consideration.

I’ve run MInn Kota for many years and have yet to have one fail. I currently run a 36V Ultrex and it does everything I need. Can’t speak for other brands I haven’t had a reason to try one.

Again as mentioned if have already have electronics make sure the TM you pick is compatible.

If you’re into high end electronics or think you might be in the future then you need to make sure your trolling motor talks to your electronics.  As far as brands,  MinnKota is the best brand I have used but it’s the only brand I have used.?

Don’t forget Power Pole! Supposed to have been out about 4 years ago and should be out soon. At this rate you can expect it out in 2040. ?

Ran MK for over 20 years. Been about 97% trouble free and their customer service is fantastic.

I bought my first bow mount foot control trolling motor in the seventies.   The only motor to have back then was a Motor Guide.  They were good motors, but the mount was weak and it broke often.   They improved the mount and I was a loyal Motor Guide user until about twenty years ago.   Something happened to Motor Guide when they started putting more electronics in their products. They broke down regularly and parts were ridiculously expensive.  I finally jumped ship and went to MinnKota and never went back.  I have never had a problem with one.  Their 24 volt models cut though hydrilla like butter.  The Spot Lock feature is worth it's weight in gold.   As long as they continue to perform, I'll keep buying.