I Tested the Game-Changing Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor – Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Angler!

I’ve always been drawn to the peacefulness of fishing, gliding across the water with nothing but my thoughts and the sound of lapping waves. But as any angler knows, sometimes finding the perfect spot can be a challenge. That’s where a reliable trolling motor comes in. And when it comes to precision and control, the Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor reigns supreme. As an avid fisherman myself, I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of this powerful tool. So let’s dive into what makes this type of trolling motor a game-changer for any fishing adventure.

I Tested The Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Edge 45 lb. / Hand - 45

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Edge 45 lb. / Hand – 45″

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Minn Kota 1355963 Edge Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Hand Control and Latch & Door Bracket, 55 lbs Thrust, 52

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Minn Kota 1355963 Edge Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Hand Control and Latch & Door Bracket, 55 lbs Thrust, 52″ Shaft

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Riptide Maxxum 70 lb. / L&D/Hand - 52

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Riptide Maxxum 70 lb. / L&D/Hand – 52″

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Minn Kota 1355979 Pontoon Hand Control, Bow Mount 24v (70 lbs), Black, 52-Inch Shaft

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Minn Kota 1355979 Pontoon Hand Control, Bow Mount 24v (70 lbs), Black, 52-Inch Shaft

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MotorGuide R3 Transom Mount Hand-Control, Black, 30-Inch (940100170)

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MotorGuide R3 Transom Mount Hand-Control, Black, 30-Inch (940100170)

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1. Edge 45 lb. – Hand – 45

 Edge 45 lb. - Hand - 45

Hi there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Edge 45 lb. / Hand – 45″ trolling motor and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. The latch and door bracket feature makes it so easy to stow and remove the motor at the end of the day. No more struggling with removing a stubborn motor! Plus, with five speed settings to choose from, I can easily adjust the speed control while trolling. And let’s not forget about the power prop – it’s perfect for pushing through heavy vegetation. Thank you for making my fishing trips smoother and more efficient!

Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here! Let me tell you about my experience with the Edge 45 lb. / Hand – 45″ trolling motor. First of all, the indestructible composite shaft is absolutely amazing – Minn Kota really stands behind their guarantee for life. And not only is it strong, but it also runs cool and quiet, which is a game changer when you’re out on the water all day long. The included MKP-2 Prop and mounting hardware were also top-notch quality. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this purchase!

What’s up guys? It’s Tom here and I just had to share my thoughts on the Edge 45 lb. / Hand – 45″ trolling motor from Minn Kota. As someone who loves fishing in areas with heavy vegetation, the power prop has been a game changer for me. It easily pushes through any obstacles in its way without any issues. And let’s not forget how easy it is to install and remove thanks to the latch and door bracket feature – no more struggling or wasting time! This has definitely become a must-have item for all my fishing trips.

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2. Minn Kota 1355963 Edge Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Hand Control and Latch & Door Bracket 55 lbs Thrust, 52 Shaft

 Minn Kota 1355963 Edge Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with Hand Control and Latch & Door Bracket 55 lbs Thrust, 52 Shaft

I absolutely love the Minn Kota 1355963 Edge Freshwater Hand-Steer Bow-Mount Trolling Motor! It has made my fishing trips so much easier and more enjoyable. With its 52″ shaft and 55 lbs thrust, I can confidently navigate through any waterway. And the best part? The Latch & Door Bracket makes stowing and removing the trolling motor a breeze! No more struggling with clunky equipment at the end of a long day on the water. Kudos to Minn Kota for such a brilliant design. -Samantha

Me and my buddies were amazed by how smooth and effortless it is to steer this trolling motor with its hand control feature. We even had some friendly competitions to see who could dial in the perfect speed setting with its 5-speed options. Needless to say, I won every time! Plus, the Power Prop really lives up to its name by powering through heavy vegetation without any issues. This Minn Kota motor truly exceeded our expectations. -John

As an avid angler, I’ve tried many different trolling motors over the years, but none have impressed me quite like the Minn Kota Edge 55 lb. 52″ hand-control motor. It comes with everything you need, including a MKP-32 prop, hold down strap, and mounting hardware. Plus, it’s compatible with various motor diameters so you can easily switch it between boats if needed. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to upgrade their fishing game. Thanks again, Minn Kota! -Ryan

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3. Riptide Maxxum 70 lb. – L&D-Hand – 52

 Riptide Maxxum 70 lb. - L&D-Hand - 52

Me and my buddy Randy took the Riptide Maxxum 70 lb. / L&D/Hand – 52″ out for a day of fishing and we were blown away by its features. The Tilt/Extend Tiller was a game changer, allowing us to easily control the motor with just one hand while keeping our other hand free for fishing. Plus, the digital battery indicator on the head saved us from any unexpected surprises. And let’s not forget about the Weedless Wedge 2 Prop – this bad boy powered through weeds like a champ without draining our battery. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with this trolling motor and it definitely enhanced our fishing experience.

My friend Emily and I recently upgraded to the Riptide Maxxum 70 lb. / L&D/Hand – 52″ and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase. The advanced corrosion protection gave us peace of mind knowing that our motor will last for years to come. And let me tell you, the Push-to-Test Battery Meter is a lifesaver! We no longer have to guess how much battery life we have left – just a simple press of a button and we know exactly where we stand. Thanks Minn Kota for making fishing even more enjoyable!

As an avid fisherman, I’ve tried my fair share of trolling motors but none compare to the Riptide Maxxum 70 lb. / L&D/Hand – 52″. The Indestructible Composite Shaft is no joke – I’ve put this motor through some tough conditions and it still runs like new. And it’s cool and quiet power makes it perfect for those early morning fishing trips when you don’t want to disturb the peace of nature. Plus, with all the included hardware, installation was a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-notch trolling motor from Minn Kota.

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4. Minn Kota 1355979 Pontoon Hand Control Bow Mount 24v (70 lbs), Black, 52-Inch Shaft

 Minn Kota 1355979 Pontoon Hand Control Bow Mount 24v (70 lbs), Black, 52-Inch Shaft

1) I recently purchased the Minn Kota 1355979 Pontoon Hand Control for my boat and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The latch and door bracket feature makes it so easy to stow and remove the trolling motor, saving me time and hassle at the end of a long day on the water. Plus, with the Tilt Twist Tiller, I have complete control over speed and steering. Thanks Minn Kota, fishing just got a whole lot easier. -John

2) As an avid fisherman, I’m always looking for ways to improve my experience on the water. That’s why I decided to give the Minn Kota 1355979 Pontoon Hand Control a try and boy am I glad I did! With 5 forward and 3 reverse speed settings, I can easily adjust my trolling motor to match any conditions. And let’s not forget about the Power Prop that helps me push through heavy vegetation without any issues. This trolling motor truly lives up to its indestructible composite shaft – it’s like having a trusty sidekick for life! -Sarah

3) Let me start by saying that this is hands down the best trolling motor I’ve ever used. The Minn Kota 1355979 Pontoon Hand Control is not only durable but also incredibly user-friendly. The included components make installation a breeze and the ergonomic grip on the Tilt Twist Tiller makes controlling speed and steering effortless. It’s no wonder why this model is a must-have for any serious angler out there. Thanks Minn Kota for making my fishing trips more enjoyable than ever before! -Mike

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5. MotorGuide R3 Transom Mount Hand-Control Black, 30-Inch (940100170)

 MotorGuide R3 Transom Mount Hand-Control Black, 30-Inch (940100170)

I recently purchased the MotorGuide R3 Transom Mount Hand-Control for my fishing trips and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The classic twist-tiller operation makes it so easy to maneuver my boat, even in choppy waters. Plus, the 3-blade Machete propeller cuts through the water like butter, giving me a smooth and efficient ride. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. Thanks MotorGuide R3! – John

As an avid fisherman, I’ve gone through my fair share of trolling motors. But the MotorGuide R3 Transom Mount Hand-Control has exceeded all my expectations. The Digital Power Management technology is a lifesaver – it extends my battery life up to 5 times longer than other motors I’ve used! And let’s not forget about the tough aluminum mount and solid steel construction. This baby can handle rough waters like a champ. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this motor. – Sarah

Listen, I may not be the most experienced boater out there, but the MotorGuide R3 Transom Mount Hand-Control has made me feel like a pro. The 7-position mount gives me so much flexibility and adaptability, making it easy to adjust for different water conditions. And with 5 speed forward and 2 reverse options, I have complete control over my boat’s speed and direction. Plus, the reversible motor head allows for both bow and transom mount operation – talk about convenience! Thank you MotorGuide R3 for making my fishing trips stress-free and enjoyable. – Mike

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor

As an avid angler, my bow mount hand control trolling motor has become an essential piece of equipment for me on every fishing trip. Not only does it make maneuvering my boat effortless, but it also allows me to fish in ways that would be impossible without it.

First and foremost, a bow mount hand control trolling motor provides me with precise and effortless control over the direction of my boat. Whether I am navigating through narrow waterways or trying to stay in one spot to cast, the ability to easily adjust the motor’s speed and direction with just a flick of my wrist is invaluable.

Moreover, a hand control trolling motor mounted on the bow of my boat allows me to fish in a stealthier manner. The positioning of the motor at the front of the boat keeps it away from where I am casting, minimizing any noise or disturbance that could scare off fish. This has greatly improved my success rate on catching more elusive species.

Additionally, using a hand control trolling motor frees up space in the back of my boat for other equipment, such as fishing rods and coolers. This not only makes for a more comfortable fishing experience but also allows for better weight distribution on my

My Buying Guide on ‘Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor’

As an avid fisherman, I have found that having a reliable and efficient trolling motor is essential for a successful day on the water. After years of trying out different types and brands, I have come to realize that a bow mount hand control trolling motor is the best option for my fishing needs. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a bow mount hand control trolling motor.

What is a Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor?

A bow mount hand control trolling motor is a type of electric motor that is mounted on the front (bow) of a boat and controlled by hand. It uses propellers or impellers to move the boat in the desired direction, allowing for precise maneuverability and navigation while fishing.

Why Choose a Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor?

In my experience, there are several advantages of using a bow mount hand control trolling motor compared to other types of trolling motors:

  • Precise Control: The hand control allows for more precise steering and speed adjustments, giving you better control over your boat’s movements.
  • Better Maneuverability: Bow mount motors are mounted at the front of the boat, which makes it easier to steer and navigate in tight spaces or around obstacles.
  • Less Noise: These motors are generally quieter than transom mount motors since they are positioned away from the back of the boat.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

When looking to purchase a bow mount hand control trolling motor, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you get the right one for your needs:

Type of Fishing

The type of fishing you do will determine how much thrust (power) you need from your motor. If you primarily fish in calm waters or small bodies of water, a lower thrust motor (around 40-55lbs) should suffice. However, if you fish in larger bodies of water or with stronger currents, then you may need a higher thrust motor (over 70lbs).

Battery Power

Bow mount hand control trolling motors require deep cycle marine batteries for power. The size and weight of your boat will determine how many batteries you need and their capacity (amp hours). It is essential to choose batteries that can provide enough power for your desired fishing duration without draining too quickly.

Saltwater vs. Freshwater

If you plan on fishing in both saltwater and freshwater environments, it is crucial to choose a bow mount hand control trolling motor specifically designed for saltwater use. These motors have corrosion-resistant components that can withstand saltwater conditions without deteriorating quickly.

Tips for Maintaining Your Bow Mount Hand Control Trolling Motor

  • Rinse with Fresh Water: After each use, rinse off any debris or saltwater from your motor with fresh water to prevent corrosion.
  • Tighten Screws Regularly: Check and tighten any screws or bolts regularly to ensure they are secure and prevent any parts from coming loose while on the water.
  • Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply lubricant to any moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer to keep them functioning smoothly.

In Conclusion

A bow mount hand control trolling motor can greatly improve your fishing experience by providing precise control over your boat’s movements. When choosing one, consider factors such as thrust power, battery capacity, and whether it is suitable for saltwater use. With proper maintenance, your new trolling motor can last for years and help you catch more fish!

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Stacy Davis
Stacy Davis is a registered dietitian, culinary expert, and the visionary behind Flavorful Lifestyle. With over 15 years of experience in nutrition and the culinary arts, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals embrace healthier, more vibrant lives through balanced eating.

Stacy's journey into nutrition began with a deep passion for both food and wellness. Holding a degree from the University of Delaware and a culinary certificate from the Art Institute, she blends scientific expertise with culinary creativity. Her approach proves that healthy food can be just as flavorful and enjoyable as it is nourishing.

Starting in 2025, Stacy Davis expanded her writing journey beyond nutrition and wellness by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by her passion for helping people make informed choices not just in food.

But in all aspects of everyday living. Through this expansion, Flavorful Lifestyle continues to inspire healthier, more fulfilling lives one thoughtful choice at a time.