need advice on trolling motor pls..

[kenmac33]

hey guys, wondering if I could get a little advice or input on trolling motors. I don't fish tournaments, but i'm out on dvl with my 4 yr old at least 8-10 times a month and we have a little skeeter 18 ft bass boat. My son and I both love our time on the water and haven't been doing too bad with the fish either.. lol.... but... with a 4 yr old and just me, it's hard to stay on the pedal and watch him at the same time. I am thinking about upgrading our motorguide to another unit , maybe a wirelesss, or something to make it a bit easier for us both to fish with. any advice would be greatly appreciated. pro's, con's, suggestions, . thanks very much in advance. ken

[Jim PAyne]

What is it really? Are you wanting a new motor or are you afraid of teaching him how to use the one you have because he might be better at it then Dad...lol but he is four right and if he has enough power to push the pedal down then he can probably operate it. I have seen very small guys on the water running trolling motors. Good luck Dad

[Ron T.]

I'm a Minn Kota fan but that's beside the point . Keep the little guy fishing . I started taking mine at 4 and he still counts the days until he goes again . He started with the split shot dragging and now he is chucking Hudds , BBZ's and Tripple trouts at 10 years old . That little **** now kicks my butt with a Jig . When he is watching the BASS on the Tv., he always roots for K.V.D. and literally gets pissed when he doesn't do well . I created a monster and love it . Keep it fun for him and you will have a partner winning tournaments before you know it . At least thats the plan . Har .

[Guy G]

I have 2 1/2 year old twins . Frankly, I don't see your dilemma !

Actually, I can relate and I've been wondering about those wireless units myself.......

Hey guys, how about some input. So far, although very encouraging, nobody has actually addressed the issue.

Guy

[Ray L.]

I taught both my kids at around 5 or 6 how to run the motor. It is not that hard for them. Besides it gives them something to learn when they start to get bored.

[Jim PAyne]

I know these kids are really smart and pick up things faster and easier then old farts like myself. Go get em junior

[jsoregon]

I was out last year with a guy who has a wireless and it's very hard to control in the wind. The boat was spinning around like a top. Grant it that this guy didn't know much about bass fishing either so I didn't surprise me.

I'm not sure how easy they really are to use but I didn't like the control I had when I was playing around with it and trying to fish.

Good luck bud!

[Kevin]

Guy, I hope your twins don't turn out like Brian and I.

[mark poulson]

I fished with a guy who had the wireless Motorguide, and it worked great. He set the depth he wanted it to follow, the direction it would turn, and the speed, and had a remote on his belt, so, even though he was on the bow, he could come back and retie without the boat messing up.

[big_gorilla]

I know Minn Kota makes a good wireless trolling motor although I have never used one. You should call the trolling motor doctor to see about some help with this issue. I've heard alot of good things about them.

Where's John Barron when you need him? If he sees this he will post their website for you.

Good luck and have fun with the kid on the water.

[tunaman]

http://www.trollingmotordoctor.com/

[John Barron]

I sent him a pm with the 800 number so he could talk with Nick and ask the questions almost face to face.
jb

[kenmac33]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the help in the right motor decision. I just spoke to nick at trolling motor rx and he was very helpful. seems there's lots of pro's as well as cons to each of the types available , still not sure as to which one to pick. although, the ptsv (think that's the term for it, the one that does the tracking), sounded like a great setup. just wanted to say thanks to all for your help. ken

[John Barron]

For what its worth I ran Motorguide for three years and each year I had issues with them. A common theme was the cables but each year seem to be something different. It may not have been that often but it sure felt like I was replacing micro switches about every 3 months or so. I do use my trolling motor a lot but what better test? My last four boats have had Minn Kota on them and I have not had one issue. I'm not sponsored by Minn Kota I just believe that it's a quality product.
jb

[Guy G]

Kevin,
Im thinking I don't have to worry about them turning out like you and your twin. One of mine is a girl.................................... (comments generated by this statement should prove interesting).