13 Trolling Motor Accessories You May Need

If you’re serious about getting the most out of your time on the water, having the right trolling motor accessories can improve your fishing experience. From secure mounting brackets to propellers that give you the control you need, each piece of gear plays a part in ensuring a successful fishing trip.

Explore 13 must-have trolling motor accessories that can help fine-tune your setup and keep your focus where it should be—on reeling in the catch.

Battery and Charger

Your power source is at the core of your trolling motor setup, and you need a reliable deep cycle marine battery for long days on the water. But simply having a good battery isn’t enough—you’ve got to keep it adequately charged, or you risk cutting your trip short.

A smart charger is a good investment for keeping your battery running strong. These chargers don’t just feed power—they monitor charge levels, adjusting as needed to avoid overcharging, which can lead to sulfation or reduced capacity. Designed to handle saltwater corrosion and rough conditions, these chargers can handle everything the marine environment throws at you.

The Battery Tender weather-resistant battery charger works with 12V and 24V systems, making it versatile for different trolling motor rigs. Its weather-resistant design means you can leave it connected even in wet conditions, and the built-in safety features protect against reverse polarity and short circuits.

Propeller Upgrades

The propeller on your trolling motor ensures you move through the water efficiently. When it comes to upgrading, two types of propellers are worth considering: high-thrust and weedless.

A high-thrust prop, like the Minn Kota Power Prop GEN II, is built to give you more power without draining your battery as fast. Its 3-blade design pushes more water per rotation, giving you the extra muscle you need when dealing with strong currents or wind. It’s ideal for fishing in open water when you need more push to stay on course.

Weedless propellers like the Minn Kota Weedless Wedge 2 are a lifesaver in vegetation-rich waters. Its swept-back blades are designed to cut through vegetation without getting tangled, saving you the hassle of constantly clearing weeds off your prop. If you’ve ever spent time fighting with weeds instead of catching fish, you’ll see how much smoother your day goes with this upgrade.

Mounting Hardware

Securing your trolling motor properly is as important as choosing the right one. You risk reduced performance and increased wear over time without the correct mount. You'll want to consider two types of mounting hardware: quick-release brackets and transom mounts.

Quick-release brackets, like the MotorGuide Universal, make it easy to remove your trolling motor when needed, whether for transport or storage. This protects your gear and helps deter theft by making it harder for someone to walk off with your motor. The MotorGuide bracket is a versatile option compatible with most bow-mount trolling motors, making it a reliable choice for various setups.

A transom mount like the Garmin GT8HW-TM Transom Mount is invaluable for smaller boats or kayaks. It provides a stable platform for your trolling motor at the stern of your boat and is adjustable, allowing you to tweak the motor’s angle for optimal performance.

Always use marine-grade stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion when installing any mount. Also, remember to check and tighten all bolts regularly—vibration can loosen them over time.

Extension Handles and Steering Devices

Having control over your trolling motor is essential when you’re out on the water; extension handles and foot pedals can help with this.

Adjustable extension handles, like the Minn Kota MKA-44 Telescopic Extension Handle, give you the extra reach you need when positioned farther back in the boat. Extending from 24" to 40" lets you steer comfortably, whether fishing solo or working with a larger group. This added flexibility means you can control your motor without constantly repositioning yourself, making it a solid choice for any angler.

For hands-free operation, nothing beats a foot pedal. The Garmin Force Trolling Motor Foot Pedal offers precise control over speed and direction, leaving your hands free for casting and reeling. Its low-profile design means it won’t get in your way when not in use, and the durable construction can withstand frequent fishing trips.

Practice using your extension handle or foot pedal in calm waters for better control before heading out for a big fishing day. Knowing your controls makes maneuvering in tight spots around structures or challenging conditions easier.

Trolling Motor Stabilizers

A steady trolling motor means better control and less noise—two things that can impact your fishing success. Adding stabilizers to your rig improves your stealth and can be the difference between a great catch and going home empty-handed.

Vibration dampeners like the T-H Marine G-Force are simple but effective accessories. This pad absorbs vibrations from your trolling motor, reducing noise that could spook fish and minimizing fatigue on your motor’s components. It’s an easy upgrade that can improve your trolling motor’s performance and longevity.

A stabilizer kit like the Minn Kota MKA-29 Bow Mount Stabilizer Kit can provide extra support for bow-mounted motors. This kit helps prevent your trolling motor from bouncing or shifting during use, especially in choppy conditions. It’s beneficial for larger boats or fishing in areas with heavy boat traffic.

GPS and Fish Finders

GPS and fish finders help you navigate to your go-to spots, track your trolling paths, and zero in on fish that might otherwise stay hidden.

The Humminbird HELIX 10 is a prime example of how far this technology has come. This unit combines GPS navigation with high-definition side imaging sonar, allowing you to see structures and fish with incredible clarity. The large 10" screen is easy to read even in bright sunlight, and the built-in GPS lets you easily mark productive locations.

When integrating a GPS or fish finder with your trolling motor, choose units that sync with your motor’s system. Features like spot-lock, which holds your position in place, or automated trolling patterns can make your fishing techniques much more efficient. Having these tools working together means staying on course, covering more ground, and focusing more on your line rather than constantly adjusting your motor.

Prop Covers

One accessory that doesn’t get nearly enough attention is the prop cover. It protects your prop and yourself from damage or injury when the motor’s not in use.

The Taylor Made Trolling Motor Propeller Cover is designed to fit 2-blade propellers up to 12" in diameter. This durable cover protects your prop from damage during transport and storage. More importantly, it protects you and others from accidental contact with the propeller’s sharp edges.

A prop cover is critical if you transport your boat on busy highways, where road debris could damage an exposed propeller. It’s also a good safety practice if you have children or pets around your boat when stored away in the off-season. 

Transducer Mounts

If you’re running a fish finder, getting the transducer mounted correctly is critical to getting clear and accurate readings. A stable mount ensures that your sonar picks up the right signals, giving you a better view of what’s happening below the water’s surface.

The Lowrance Kayak Scupper Transducer Mount is an excellent option for kayak anglers. It allows you to mount your transducer through a scupper hole, keeping it secure and out of the way while still providing outstanding performance.

If you’re using Garmin’s advanced Livescope system, the Summit Fishing Garmin Livescope Transducer Pole is worth considering. This 32-80" adjustable pole allows you to position your Livescope transducer for optimal performance in various conditions. The quick disconnect feature makes it easy to remove and store when not in use.

Cable Management Systems

Keeping your boat clutter-free is essential, especially when managing your trolling motor wires and transducer cables. Tangled cables can be a real pain and even damage gear.

The Summit Fishing Transducer Pole Cable Clip offers an easy fix. These clips attach to your trolling motor shaft or transducer pole, keeping your cables neatly secured. This keeps everything organized and prevents cables from snagging or wearing out while on the water.

When organizing your cables, try routing them away from high-foot-traffic areas and securing them at regular intervals. This will minimize the risk of tripping and protect the cables from wear and tear.

Remote Controls

A remote control can simplify managing your trolling motor, especially when fishing alone or working with a larger vessel.

The Garmin Reactor Autopilot Remote Control is a compact, waterproof remote that allows you to control your compatible Garmin autopilot system anywhere on your boat. This can be incredibly useful when maintaining a specific trolling pattern or quickly adjusting while fighting a fish.

For Minn Kota users, the i-Pilot Link System Remote allows you to control speed and steering and even engage features like spot-lock or record and playback trolling paths.

Battery Monitors

Keeping tabs on your battery’s charge level helps avoid unexpected power loss during a fishing trip. A battery monitor can provide this vital information at a glance.

The Xantrex LinkPro Battery Monitor provides detailed information about your battery’s status. It displays voltage, current, consumed amp-hours, and remaining battery capacity. These details allow you to manage your power usage more effectively, ensuring you don’t run out of juice at a critical moment.

When installing a battery monitor, position the display where it’s easily visible from your primary fishing position. This allows you to monitor your power levels without interrupting your fishing.

Emergency Cut-Off Switches

Safety should always be a priority on the water, and an emergency cut-off switch is an important safety device for your trolling motor.

The Cole Hersee Marine Cut-Off Switch is designed to disconnect power to your trolling motor in an emergency. The lanyard attaches to the operator, so if you fall overboard, the switch is activated, stopping the motor immediately. This can prevent dangerous situations where an unmanned boat continues to move under power.

Make it a habit to always connect the lanyard when operating your trolling motor. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in an emergency.

Extra Prop Pins and Shear Pins

Keep some spare prop pins or shear pins on board. These small components are designed to break if your propeller hits a hard object, protecting the more expensive parts of your motor from damage.

The Minn Kota Trolling Motor Stainless Steel Shear Prop Pins are corrosion-resistant and designed to fit a wide range of Minn Kota motors. Having spares on hand means you can quickly replace a broken pin and get back to fishing instead of ending your day early.

Store your spare pins in a small, waterproof container in your tackle box or boat compartment. Keep a pair of needle-nose pliers with your spares to make replacement easier.

Upgrade Your Setup with FISH307’s Trolling Motor Gear

The right trolling motor accessories can make a difference to your day on the water. FISH307 offers a wide selection of dependable trolling motor parts and gear to meet every angler's needs. Whether you’re after a new prop, durable mounting hardware, or a GPS unit to enhance your fishing experience, we have what you’re looking for.

Why risk trolling motor hassles on your next trip? Upgrade your setup with gear you can trust to make your next day on the water go as smoothly as possible. Check out our full selection of trolling motor accessories and take your fishing experience to the next level.