Trolling for Crappie

[cspen]

I'm trying to learn to troll for crappie.I'm fishing out of a old procraft fish and ski[pretty heavy boat].I'm using the existing 3 speed trolling motor w/ one good batt.I have a 9.9 hp that I could mount for a kicker but the transom is very chopped up as far as angles,so this will be very hard.The other option is replace the trolling motor with a variable speed.This is the most simple way but more costly.Which way is better?
Thanks Chris

[Barnacle Bill]

Definitely a var speed TM.

[drill instructor]

Few things are a must for trolling.
1. Minn-kota autopilot
2. rod racks
3. Bnm crappie rods
The rest is learning and reading.

[cspen]

Thanks for the quick responce.Ok next question how much trolling can be done on one batt or is one enough?

[btillman]

That really depends on the wind and what you are trolling with.

If you are pulling jigs then one might last....if you are pulling something heavier then you will need two. I always take 2 batteries with me and very seldom have to use the second one but it is there if i need it.

Also if you can buy a 24v variable speed trolling motor that will solve your battery problem

[skiptomylu]

Thanks for the quick responce.Ok next question how much trolling can be done on one batt or is one enough?

Depends on the wind as someone else said, but also how strong your trolling motor is (thrust) and how much it take to pull your boat. A Minn Kota Maxxum will be best at saving battery, but with a large boat you would be best served with a 24V TM and somewhere about 70 pounds of thrust if not more. It's is best if you can get by using your TM at about 30% for trolling with Jigs. Variable speed is a must IMHO!

With my boat which is not heavy at all I am able to get by with a Maxxum with 55 pounds of thrust and it does have variable speed. I paid extra to have the TM that came on the boat which was not a variable speed removed and replaced with the one I have.

[cspen]

Hey guy's thanks for all the help.I was thinking of a 55lb thrust,but from what you have told me maybe I should bump that up alittle.

[skiptomylu]

Hey guy's thanks for all the help.I was thinking of a 55lb thrust,but from what you have told me maybe I should bump that up alittle.

Remember you will never regret having more power than you need, but if you don't have enough you will be cussing it until it's gone!