Why Do Most Pro Fisherman Use Cable Driven Trolling Motors Over Electric? 2024
tcbass reply :
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there are 2 types of trolling motors, cable driven and electric. The benefits of cable are more durable and quicker response and the benefits of the electric are a lower profile foot pedal and more ability to move the foot pedal around the boat? I know that many bass boats have a cut out for the high profile cable driven foot pedals. I actually don't like that since I like to move the foot pedal of my Minn Kota Terrova on whichever side of the boat I'm fishing from. But if I did have a cable driven I would want a cut out for the foot pedal I think the pedal is hard to use because it is so high. The Minn Kota Terrova is awesome. I love how you can use it to anchor and follow a route or autopilot. I'm sure the anchor feature isn't as necessary for pros because they have anchors like Power Poles.
So, why do most pro fisherman still use cable driven trolling motors over electric?
MikeinFresno reply :
Ive been told its due to the quicker turns...but it may also be what they are given from sponsers too
Wayne P. reply :
They (pro bass fishermen) like to operate their motor by feel so they can concentrate on fishing instead of looking at the motor to see what directlon it is pointed.
Same here.
Open water fishermen (pro walleye) like to use the electric steer types.
tcbass reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 4:56 AM, Wayne P. said:They (pro bass fishermen) like to operate their motor by feel so they can concentrate on fishing instead of looking at the motor to see what directlon it is pointed.
Same here.
Open water fishermen (pro walleye) like to use the electric steer types.
Can't you do that with electric style electric trolling motors?
Wayne P. reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 5:54 AM, tcbass said:Can't you that with electric electric trolling motors?
Can you?
tbone1993 reply :
My friend has the electronic steering and I feel like it doesnt have as much control as the cable steer. I feel like I can turn a cable steer much faster. Also less to go wrong with a mechanical steering system than an electronic one.
wordfactories reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 6:05 AM, tbone1993 said:My friend has the electronic steering and I feel like it doesnt have as much control as the cable steer. I feel like I can turn a cable steer much faster. Also less to go wrong with a mechanical steering system than an electronic one.
Videos of that new Motorguide xi5 show that thing turning way faster than the Minn Kota electric steer models I've used. Probably still not as fast as a cable steer, but impressive either way.
tcbass reply :
Why don't electrics steer as fast as cables?
Long Mike reply :
For those who have been using cable steer for years, the foot pedal is almost an extension of their bodies. Without looking, they know exactly which way the motor is pointed. When I got back into bass fishing after a twenty-year hiatus, I found that I simply could not adapt to unconscious use of the cable steer. Every time I was distracted by having to re-tie or whatever, I found myself going in circles or running into the bank. I finally gave up on the cable steer and bought the Terrova with the iPilot. It's the best move I ever made. Now, if I have to retie, I can set the TM to run a specific course while I'm busy, or I can select the Spot-Lock mode, which essentially anchors me. As for cable-steer responding faster? Probably, but that has never been an issue for me. I can easily navigate my way through a forest of stick-ups. Having a motor that turns faster would be only a marginal improvement under those circumstances.
TorqueConverter reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 4:12 AM, tcbass said:Correct me if I'm wrong, but there are 2 types of trolling motors, cable driven and electric. The benefits of cable are more durable and quicker response and the benefits of the electric are a lower profile foot pedal and more ability to move the foot pedal around the boat? I know that many bass boats have a cut out for the high profile cable driven foot pedals. I actually don't like that since I like to move the foot pedal of my Minn Kota Terrova on whichever side of the boat I'm fishing from. But if I did have a cable driven I would want a cut out for the foot pedal I think the pedal is hard to use because it is so high. The Minn Kota Terrova is awesome. I love how you can use it to anchor and follow a route or autopilot. I'm sure the anchor feature isn't as necessary for pros because they have anchors like Power Poles.
So, why do most pro fisherman still use cable driven trolling motors over electric?
I'm thinking about going the Terrova route but I'm unsure how the foot petal feels in comparison to my current cable operated Evinrude badged Minn Kota. When I tested out the petal in the store, it felt really stiff and would always return to center when pressure was released. I really like the idea of the GPS spot lock. I fish is strong winds on a regular basis and anchoring is a nightmare. Power poles are nice but are useless outside of anchoring in shallow water.
slonezp reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 8:55 AM, TorqueConverter said:I'm thinking about going the Terrova route but I'm unsure how the foot petal feels in comparison to my current cable operated Evinrude badged Minn Kota. When I tested out the petal in the store, it felt really stiff and would always return to center when pressure was released. I really like the idea of the GPS spot lock. I fish is strong winds on a regular basis and anchoring is a nightmare. Power poles are nice but are useless outside of anchoring in shallow water.
I have a Terrova and a shallow water anchor. Both have their uses. If you think spot lock is the end all be all, you will be disappointed BUT the cruise control IS the end all be all. Spot lock has it's purpose for open water anchoring in light to no wind. The cruise control can keep you on spot in medium to heavy winds. It gives you the ability to set a direction and speed and will hold you at that as long as you're pointed into the wind.
tcbass reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 8:55 AM, TorqueConverter said:I'm thinking about going the Terrova route but I'm unsure how the foot petal feels in comparison to my current cable operated Evinrude badged Minn Kota. When I tested out the petal in the store, it felt really stiff and would always return to center when pressure was released. I really like the idea of the GPS spot lock. I fish is strong winds on a regular basis and anchoring is a nightmare. Power poles are nice but are useless outside of anchoring in shallow water.
I love my Terrova, best fishing thing I've ever bought besides my boat. What's nice about the anchor too is when you catch a fish or are tying a lure on, just hit anchor and you stay in place (relatively).
The Terrova will really change your life, it's awesome. I'd get one if I were you. You won't be disappointed.
Long Mike reply :
slonezp, I agrree that the Spot-Lock is not perfect. As with all GPS devices, it needs open sky to do its job, but I've not had a serious problem with it maintaining position in both wind and current, but the TM is working its butt off trying to keep me "anchored" when the wind is up. Best I can tell, under those conditions, it keeps me within a 20' radius. I suppose it all depends on the ratio between TM thrust and boat weight, vs a given set of wind/current conditions. Wow! Try to do the math on that one!
tcbass reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 10:14 AM, Long Mike said:slonezp, I agrree that the Spot-Lock is not perfect. As with all GPS devices, it needs open sky to do its job, but I've not had a serious problem with it maintaining position in both wind and current, but the TM is working its butt off trying to keep me "anchored" when the wind is up. Best I can tell, under those conditions, it keeps me within a 20' radius. I suppose it all depends on the ratio between TM thrust and boat weight, vs a given set of wind/current conditions. Wow! Try to do the math on that one!
I believe that GPS coordinates can only be within 5-10 meters of accuracy anyway. So that's why I think you move around a bit on spot-lock also.
slonezp reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 10:14 AM, Long Mike said:slonezp, I agrree that the Spot-Lock is not perfect. As with all GPS devices, it needs open sky to do its job, but I've not had a serious problem with it maintaining position in both wind and current, but the TM is working its butt off trying to keep me "anchored" when the wind is up. Best I can tell, under those conditions, it keeps me within a 20' radius. I suppose it all depends on the ratio between TM thrust and boat weight, vs a given set of wind/current conditions. Wow! Try to do the math on that one!
Try using the cruise control in heavier winds. there is a lot less "correction" happening. Again, this all depends on how I'm fishing. If I'm fan casting a point, spot lock is just fine. If I'm fishing vertically above a brush pile, unless it's dead calm, I would rather use cruise control to hold my position.
Koofy Smacker reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 10:25 AM, tcbass said:I believe that GPS coordinates can only be within 5-10 meters of accuracy anyway. So that's why I think you move around a bit on spot-lock also.
GPS coordinates can get you down to a foot or two. That being said, it needs several more than 3 satellites to do so
tomustang reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 8:55 AM, TorqueConverter said:I'm thinking about going the Terrova route but I'm unsure how the foot petal feels in comparison to my current cable operated Evinrude badged Minn Kota. When I tested out the petal in the store, it felt really stiff and would always return to center when pressure was released. I really like the idea of the GPS spot lock. I fish is strong winds on a regular basis and anchoring is a nightmare. Power poles are nice but are useless outside of anchoring in shallow water.
Don't use the foot pedal. Mine stays in the locker and I use the ipilot remote.
cadman reply :
I have a Terrova, and it's like everything else. I never liked the cable steer, however they do respond faster. I also was never a big fan of the high pedals on the cable steer. But that is not an issue if you have them recessed. On my old boat, I had a Minn Kota power drive, and yes the turn time was slow. I love my Terrova, for what I use it and I wouldn't get a cable steer. Just my personal opinion. Depends on what you like and what you are used to.
WIGuide reply :
Pro's use cable driven trolling motors because it gives them total control over what they're doing. There is no turning lag and adjustments are instantaneous. They don't need to look down and see what they are doing, they just move their foot and it's done. It doesn't distract them from fishing in the least and they can devote their full focus to the fishing. Another perk of the cable driven motors, is they stow and deploy quicker and easier than most electric steer motors. Lastly, cable steer tm's provide easier maneuverability in very shallow water and very weedy water. You can temporarily lift them part of the way up to get over obstacles, or very shallow water and then set it back down and all of this can be done with one hand. Also, in grass, if the tm gets too clogged with grass you can lift the head out of the water and usually spin most of it off. Lastly, there are less things to go wrong with a cable steer. They are simple enough that if something does go wrong with the steering on the water, it can usually be fixed within a few minutes on the water.
Some of the more recent electric steer motors like the Terrova are getting closer to closing that gap between the two, as well as offering new abilities we could only dream of in the past. However, I think it will be a long while before we see the pro's using electric steers.
Gotfishyfingers? reply :
I've always understood it was a noise issue. Cables don't make as much noise when turning like electric does. Problem with the cable version is they brake all the time.
MikeinFresno reply :
never thot of the not having to look down to see where it is pointed as a benefit of a cable steer. It is obvious once pointed out to you..duh
Dwight Hottle reply :
I use a terrova auto pilot with a remote control from the back of the boat. I have never used the foot control. For open water fishing it works great.
Brian Needham reply :
more and more with the move offshore in today's fishing I too am surprised we dont see more terrovas out there.... especially with the known offshore guys.
I simply couldnt fish without my terrova, retying, culling, holding the boat on a point, sweet spot, ect.
K_Mac reply :
I am not a pro, but the times I have fished from an electric steer boat have only reinforced my decision to buy a cable steer unit. I would agree that there are times when fishing off shore a Terrova might be handy, but the negatives outweigh the advantages IMO. Give me a Fortrex every time.
Crookedneck reply :
I've fished both. There is a time and place for both. Open water Terrova all the way. But rivers, shallow water, slop cable steer every time.
Fishing in current around rocks & obstacles only way to go is cable. That remote is a disaster waiting to happen in my experience.
Captain Shane Procell reply :
I have used the Minn Kota 112 Thrust Terrova with I-Pilot for a couple of months now. As a guide I wanted to give the clients the entire front deck. I now have the ability to sit in the back of the boat and control the boat with the wireless. It is phenominal.
But to address the original question of the cable steer vs. the wireless. I have used the cable steer for years. I never had any problems with the cables and yes it was instantaneous foot control. Since switching to the wireless I find the boat to be roomier since there is no foot pedal to walk around and I have more stamina since I am not on one leg all day. Both are good but only one gives you freedom...the wireless electric steer 
PS...Minn Kota sells the retractable adapter plates as an accessory. I strongly believe it should be included with the unit since launching and loading without the adapter plate can cause a lot of damage to your TM as it will hang on your bow roller.
Wayne P. reply :
On 5/15/2014 at 6:47 AM, Captain Shane Procell said:I have used the Minn Kota 112 Thrust Terrova with I-Pilot for a couple of months now. As a guide I wanted to give the clients the entire front deck. I now have the ability to sit in the back of the boat and control the boat with the wireless. It is phenominal.
But to address the original question of the cable steer vs. the wireless. I have used the cable steer for years. I never had any problems with the cables and yes it was instantaneous foot control. Since switching to the wireless I find the boat to be roomier since there is no foot pedal to walk around and I have more stamina since I am not on one leg all day. Both are good but only one gives you freedom...the wireless electric steer
PS...Minn Kota sells the retractable adapter plates as an accessory. I strongly believe it should be included with the unit since launching and loading without the adapter plate can cause a lot of damage to your TM as it will hang on your bow roller.
The recessed foot pedal tray solves the one foot deal for cable steers.
There is also that little deal at a recent tournament that the adaptor plate lock failed on a couple of boats and the motors went overboard. The more "tricks" you add the more you can get tricked.
paangler13 reply :
I would tend to think most pros grew up using cable steer. Might not mean much, but if cable is what you know....
I own a cable steer. (MK edge)
I have a friend with a terrova, and it is sweet. The GPS stuff is amazing, and it makes "drifting" flats for perch almost unfair. My only complaint is the noise. I just cringe every time it turns.
For how and where I fish the cable is great. Plus I know how to fix it on the water. A trolling motor is just a tool. Just pick the right tool for what YOU need/want!
Jim
skunked_again reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 4:56 AM, Wayne P. said:They (pro bass fishermen) like to operate their motor by feel so they can concentrate on fishing instead of looking at the motor to see what directlon it is pointed.
Same here.
Open water fishermen (pro walleye) like to use the electric steer types.
This. Impossible to do with electric.
Long Mike reply :
On 5/17/2014 at 1:54 AM, skunked_again said:This. Impossible to do with electric.
I'm afraid I have to disagree. I seldom look at my Terrova unless I'm navigating through tight situations. Normally, I do what the cable steer guys do. i.e. I fish, and use the remote to correct the heading of the boat as necessary, without looking at which way the motor is pointing. Further, I no longer have to look at the remote to correct my heading. Like the cable steer guys, I now make heading corrections without conscious thought. If I set the motor to run a GPS heading, I can easily run for as long as five minutes without touching the remote. I'm not talking about offshore fishing here. I'm talking about fishing along the bank.
BeckieC reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 8:39 PM, WIGuide said:Another perk of the cable driven motors, is they stow and deploy quicker and easier than most electric steer motors.
I have to disagree, we upgraded to an Xi5 this season, I find it MUCH easier to deploy & stow. It seems lighter and the foot release is easier than pulling the cable, at least for me.
I always over corrected any time I ran the cable drive, now with the remote I can control it without thinking and I don't have to watch the motor head to stay on course.
WIGuide reply :
On 5/17/2014 at 11:19 AM, BeckieC said:I have to disagree, we upgraded to an Xi5 this season, I find it MUCH easier to deploy & stow. It seems lighter and the foot release is easier than pulling the cable, at least for me.
I always over corrected any time I ran the cable drive, now with the remote I can control it without thinking and I don't have to watch the motor head to stay on course.
I can see where it'd be easier to deploy, but unless they changed it, to stow it you have to wrestle it up into the boat by the head. To me it's much easier to lift the rope, pull it up, and it lays right down. How long did you have your cable steer and how long did you run it? Once you get over the very sleight learning curve you never have to look at the head. On Ft. Gibson down there the electric steers will work great with the limited amount of underwater obstructions that are there.
In the end though it's just about finding what works for us as individuals. Personally I'd rather toss an electric steer in the scrap heap than have it on my boat, but I'm sure there are some who feel the exact opposite.
midgastumpjumper reply :
i had a 500 dollar minn kota electric steer and sold it and went back to the cable. That thing is so loud when you turn it you spook everything for 3 square miles. the cable gives me more steal i think plus you use less battery because you arent using the battery every time you want to go from right to left. Plus it takes forever to go from turning left to turning right. its useless in the river with current when you need to make quick adjustments.
BassnChris reply :
On 5/19/2014 at 10:23 AM, WIGuide said:I can see where it'd be easier to deploy, but unless they changed it, to stow it you have to wrestle it up into the boat by the head. To me it's much easier to lift the rope, pull it up, and it lays right down. How long did you have your cable steer and how long did you run it? Once you get over the very sleight learning curve you never have to look at the head. On Ft. Gibson down there the electric steers will work great with the limited amount of underwater obstructions that are there.
In the end though it's just about finding what works for us as individuals. Personally I'd rather toss an electric steer in the scrap heap than have it on my boat, but I'm sure there are some who feel the exact opposite.
I put an ATV hand grip on the shaft of our Xi5 and a ram mount for travel support. Using either of these did make it a lot easier to stow and deploy.
As far as not many obstacles in Ft Gibson......it has ALOT of obstacles.......not as many as Lake Fork maybe but more than enough.
The GPS course lock and the electronic anchor make it more desirable for me.
But that is why they make both kinds and we all get to choose the one we want to use.
Happy fishing
BassnChris reply :
On 5/13/2014 at 7:26 AM, wordfactories said:Videos of that new Motorguide xi5 show that thing turning way faster than the Minn Kota electric steer models I've used. Probably still not as fast as a cable steer, but impressive either way.
My motorguide Xi5 turns very fast......easily at least as fast as my motorguide TR82L FB.
wordfactories reply :
On 5/22/2014 at 8:08 AM, BassnChris said:motorguide TR82L FB.
Is that just the old wireless model?
WIGuide reply :
On 5/22/2014 at 8:05 AM, BassnChris said:I put an ATV hand grip on the shaft of our Xi5 and a ram mount for travel support. Using either of these did make it a lot easier to stow and deploy.
As far as not many obstacles in Ft Gibson......it has ALOT of obstacles.......not as many as Lake Fork maybe but more than enough.
The GPS course lock and the electronic anchor make it more desirable for me.
But that is why they make both kinds and we all get to choose the one we want to use.
Happy fishing
I'm sure it's got it's places, but aside from docks, which you can see well in advance we found very few when we were down there. Fork obviously has a lot more of them. Most of the lakes I fish up here have less than Fork does but a whole lot more than Ft. Gibson does or at least what I saw of it. I see the Xi5 turns pretty fast but given that a cable drive is only limited by how fast you move your foot, I find it hard to believe that it moves just as fast.
On 5/22/2014 at 10:28 AM, wordfactories said:Is that just the old wireless model?
The TR82L FB is one in the Tour Edition series. Motorguide's top of the line cable steer model.
wordfactories reply :
On 5/22/2014 at 8:22 PM, WIGuide said:The TR82L FB is one in the Tour Edition series. Motorguide's top of the line cable steer model.
Impressive speed claim then.. Motorguide would do well to publish a video timing the 360° rotation time (I saw one for the Terrova, it was like 5 something seconds).
With a cable steer isn't just how fast you can muscle the pedal? I'd be curious how fast the weight of an average guy could turn a Tour.
WIGuide reply :
On 5/22/2014 at 8:57 PM, wordfactories said:Impressive speed claim then.. Motorguide would do well to publish a video timing the 360° rotation time (I saw one for the Terrova, it was like 5 something seconds).
With a cable steer isn't just how fast you can muscle the pedal? I'd be curious how fast the weight of an average guy could turn a Tour.
I looked up a few videos of it on youtube and it is pretty fast, but there is also a slight lag from when you press the button to when the motor starts to turn. Cable steer is still faster though because as you say it's just how fast you can move the pedal. There isn't a whole lot of resistance either so you can turn them very quick.
related Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
most viewed Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.