Don't know if Ive seen anyone trolling with a transom mounted motor but have seen trolling with most every other kind of motor from hand controlled to foot controlled and from co-pilots to I-pilots. I can tell ya that IMO some wways are better than others but the crappie will bite just as good as long as you can present the baits WHERE they want them and at the speeds they want 'em. I honestly cannot tell you the last time I bought a minnow. I fish jigs EXCLUSIVELY.