A foot pedal trolling motor lets you steer and control speed with your foot, keeping both hands free to cast and fight fish from the front deck. A remote-controlled trolling motor is steered with a handheld or wrist remote, so you can control the boat from anywhere on board, and on GPS models it can hold position or follow a course automatically. Many current bow mounts offer both, and the choice is mostly about where you fish from and how you like to control the boat.
Foot pedal vs remote
| Foot pedal | Remote | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you stand | At the pedal on the front deck | Anywhere in the boat |
| Hands | Free for casting | One hand or a wrist remote |
| Feel | Direct, especially cable-steer pedals | Push-button control |
| GPS features | Available on some models | Common: position hold, routes; see what is Spot-Lock? |
Cable-steer vs electric-steer pedals
Cable-steer pedals, such as on the Fortrex, mechanically turn the motor for a direct feel and work without electronics. Electric-steer motors such as the PowerDrive and Terrova turn the motor with a steering motor, which allows remotes and GPS features. The Ultrex uses power-assisted cable steering for a direct pedal feel with GPS features; see Terrova vs Ultrex vs Ulterra.
Pedal placement and comfort
A foot pedal ties you to one spot on the deck, which suits anglers who fish from the bow all day but tires some people on long sessions. Remote control frees you to sit, move to the stern or let a partner run the boat. Wrist and handheld remotes also let you make small corrections while fighting a fish.
Reliability
Cable-steer pedals have few electronics and keep working if a steering motor or remote fails. Electric-steer systems add convenience and features but more parts that need power and good connections.
Which is right for you?
- Bass fishing from the front deck all day: a foot pedal, often cable or power-assisted cable steer.
- Moving around the boat, fishing with others, GPS anchoring: a remote-capable motor.
- Want both: choose a model that includes or supports both controls; check each listing.
Examples from our range
Foot pedal models include the Riptide Fortrex 80 at $1,599.99 and the Ultrex 80 at $2,499.99; remote-capable models include the Terrova 55 at $1,649.99. Browse foot pedal trolling motors and remote control trolling motors.
Related
See Maxxum vs PowerDrive, Fortrex vs Maxxum, bow mount vs transom mount and how to install a trolling motor.
More guides: Fortrex vs Terrova · trolling motors for bass boats.
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