Trolling motor and shallow-water anchoring to help find the fish
Your shallow-water fishing may improve with special equipment including methods of sneaking quietly into the flats and staying on location. Don’t want to scare the fish!
A jackplate is an electrohydraulic plate that will elevate your outboard motor within the water for shallow-water operation. The jackplate may prevent the prop from touching bottom, stirring up the sea floor. Splashing an anchor and rattling its chain will loudly announce your presence. A shallow-water anchoring system, such as a Power-Pole extended down to the bottom, can prevent you from drifting in the wind or current.
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A Smart Trolling Motor System
Electric trolling motors are bigger, stronger, and smarter than ever before. The chartplotter can program a route for the trolling motor to follow. Think of silently sliding along the drop-off near the shoreline. This smart system allows you to ease quietly into position while also keeping you on location, using GPS coordinates. You can hold your position using an autopilot function such as anchor lock by simply pressing a button. The anchor lock feature and the trolling motor will maintain your position in the wind or current.
Trolling motors are usually installed with 12-, 24-, or 36-volt independent electrical systems. The trolling motor may require one to three batteries connected in a series providing the necessary power. Not only is this a lot of batteries, but they are usually installed in the bow near the trolling motor itself. The additional weight in the bow is a consideration as well as the bouncing while running in rough water or along the highway on a trailer.
How to Troubleshoot the System While Shallow Water Fishing
Most battery systems will have a dedicated battery charger with each battery secured inside an approved battery box. Battery cables should be connected using proper hex nuts, not wing nuts that may easily loosen. The cables supplying power to the trolling motor should have a fuse or circuit breaker in-line.
If your trolling motor is not working, then check the entire electrical system. Are the batteries charged with secure cables, snugly connected to the batteries? Be certain that the fuse is good or the circuit breaker is on. Determine if the wiring connections to the trolling motor may have rattled loose. Check hardwired connections to a helm-mounted GPS chartplotter if your system does not operate using wireless connectivity. The handheld remote is synced to the trolling motor and should have fresh batteries as well.
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Troubleshoot the Jackplate and Power-Pole Accessories
A typical outboard boat will use a 12-volt battery system in the stern to start the engine and operate navigation electronics. Since the jackplate and Power-Pole accessories are used in conjunction with starting and stopping, they usually share the same battery as
the outboard motor. If neither are responding, check the usual suspects: electrical connections, fuses, or circuit breakers.
If the jackplate issue cannot be resolved, you can still motor home by trimming the motor as needed. But if the Power-Pole will not retract, then look to see if there is a hydraulic pressure release acorn nut. To loosen the hydraulic hose, use a catch pan to collect the hydraulic fluid that will leak when the pressure is released.
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Shallow Water Fishing - Know Before You Go
Your best practice is to be prepared before you head out to find the fish. Get down on your knees and explore the boat’s systems. Check the connections and discover where the fuses or circuit breakers are located. For systems that rely on fuses, be sure to carry spares in your toolbox. If equipped with hydraulic systems, search for the pressure release acorn nuts and have the proper wrench at hand.
Learn what normal looks like aboard your fishing boat so you can quietly sneak up on the prize catch of the day.
By Chris Caldwell
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