Thread: Trolling Motor/Depth Finder Combination

Originally Posted by quackattacker

I know this question is open to opinions and there are many...but here goes.

What trolling motor and depth finder combination would ya’ll recommend? There are so many and so many variations that I’m confused as to what to purchase.

1. I will be fishing Sardis and Eagle Lake for crappie mostly
2. I will be jigging and spider rigging
3. I don’t fish tournaments


18’ Ranger
150 Black Max

what are looking for as far as what you want in depthfinder ??? side imaging , down imaging or both , or just plain sonar ??? trolling motor do you want a cabled foot controlled TM , or do you want a copilot or ipilot TM !!! most important what's your price range ??? these are all factors when deciding on what to purchase !!!!

Well for spider rigging nothing beats an i-Pilot. I use an ulterra. I went with ulterra since I replaced a fortrex. Didn’t want to drill new holes. Probably your case too. I have a 17 ranger 188c. For depth finders I use lowrance. I have a TI-7 and a HDS-7 on the front. I use HDS-7 in console. Depth finders don’t matter. What ever you prefer. IMO I-Pilot is necessary.


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Oops. I use a ultrex.


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I would prefer both DI and SI. I would rather have an foot control with no cable but I have heard bad reviews on those. I have two HB Helix 5 Gen 2 DI CHIRP but I have read that they will not sync to a iPilot. This technology stuff is getting me confused (which isn’t hard to do!)

The MK ipilot link motors paired with HB G2N or G3N units are an incredible setup. The link opens up a world of features that come in pretty handy pushing, pulling, and staying put over your favorite structure. The new MK motors have the option of getting the Mega DI xdcr built into the motor which is very nice. You can spend thousands on this stuff, just ask my wife! You are right, there are many many ways to go and I spent hours reading and researching before setting my boat up. and just when you think you got it figured out, something new comes out!

My current setup is: Helix 9 mega DI G2N on the bow, Helix 9 Mega SI G2N on the console, transom mount 360 transducer, and terrova ipilot link. All of these are networked together through a HB network switch. Oh and a Garmin 93sv with panoptic livescope transducer on the bow also.

I can only comment of what I have used an I personally love the Birds and MK paired up. I have no issues with my terrova because I almost never use the foot control and the cable on the Ultrex used to get in my way while spider rigging, but my buddies love the Ultrex. So most of the decisions seem to be personal prefrence.

Good luck figuring out what you want, and just to help you spend some more money I have to say the the Livescope is probably the most incredible thing I have ever used in my life and the 360 is awesome finding structure and coutours in all directions. Definately worth taking a look at!

Originally Posted by quackattacker

I would prefer both DI and SI. I would rather have an foot control with no cable but I have heard bad reviews on those. I have two HB Helix 5 Gen 2 DI CHIRP but I have read that they will not sync to a iPilot. This technology stuff is getting me confused (which isn’t hard to do!)

As far as I understand, you can’t use side imagining on a trolling motor. The transducer is constantly moving. Also, just my opinion, an electric steer troll motor is almost useless when using the foot pedal. I have a Terrova and almost never use the foot pedal. Go big or go home....Ultrex all the way.


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I run a terrova and helix 7 si


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Originally Posted by Erin Brewer

I run a terrova and helix 7 si


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Terrova and helix series

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