I get the whole trolling motor thing, but is one really needed?

How hard is it to fish without one?

VERY hard! 95% of my fishing is done with the trolling motor down!

Jeff

Depends on what you are fishing out of. Kyak or canoe, no worries. Jon boat or bigger, you may want to rethink that idea.

VERY hard! 95% of my fishing is done with the trolling motor down!

Jeff

I agree. A trolling motor is something you need.

In your case, buying a boat, and on a budget, you could always buy used, or even a transom mount trolling motor.

What kind of boat? How big of water? Lake or river/stream? How much surface veggies. Do you usually beat the bank or work deeper structure?

Depending on the water, you might be able to paddle/row or use your main engine to get you to a place, then anchor and work the water. Or, maybe you can drift and cover some water. Maybe you're poling through a lot of junk and couldn't use a TM anyway. BUT, a trolling motor is certainly a great aid and well worth the bucks in the versatility it gives you for moving around.

I have a TM on my canoe and wouldn't want to live without it...

Get a boat with oar locks, and you have a man powered trolling motor.

The only time the trolling motor is not running is when I'm moving from spot to spot or bed fishing. If you were fishing for panfish, probably not as important.

Advice taken and appreciated.