Trolling plate vs electric motor

[Redbeard]

So here's my question. I have a 16' v hull with a 50 hp 4 cycle engine. I want to start trolling this year and need to decide between a trolling plate and electric motor. I'm leaning towards an electric with 50 lbs of thrust but not sure how it will hold up with two or three people especially on a windy day. Just don't know which
 way to go.

[KFhunter]

electric motor on the bow, I hate trolling with an electric motor on the back so much easier to drag a boat through the wind than push it.


trolling plates are a PIA too

[castie2504]

I prefer the electric motor, no noise. I like nice quiet trolling. However, on those nasty, windy days the plate would be better. If it were me and I could afford it, I’d get both and use accordingly to the conditions.

[lokidog]

I have a trolling plate I would let go cheaply, you could even borrow it first.

[Ridgeratt]

With a 4 stroke you should be able to idle it right down to a crawl.

[RockChuck]

On the Columbia I like to run my gas kicker to power up river  and bow mount to steer with

[Blacklab]

Bow mount works wonders. Minnkota reccomends 2 pounds of thrust for every 100lbs. I have a smokercraft/sylvan 15’. The ipilot Terrove 55 is perfect for me. A little spendy worth it in my opinon. Especially when fishing alone 😉🥃

[Redbeard]

I do have a bow mount motor. Never thought about running that one with a second electric in the back if needed. Think I found the answer to my question. 


Thanks All