Best Trolling Motors for Bass Fishing in 2025 — Tested & Ranked
We spent 80+ hours on the water testing 12 trolling motors so you don’t have to. Here are the ones worth your money.
Choosing the wrong trolling motor is an expensive mistake — and on a bass boat, it can cost you the tournament. After putting 12 motors through real-world testing in bass-heavy lakes across the South and Midwest, we’ve narrowed it down to the motors that actually deliver the thrust, precision, and battery efficiency serious anglers need.
Whether you’re chasing largemouth in shallow flats or finessing smallmouth in open water, this guide covers the best options at every price point — from budget picks to the GPS-guided giants that professional bass anglers swear by.
🏆 Our Top Picks at a Glance
- 🥇 Best Overall Minn Kota Ultrex 112 — GPS + Spot-Lock precision
- ⚡ Best Performance MotorGuide Xi5 105 — Wireless remote + smooth power
- 💰 Best Value Minn Kota Terrova 80 — Top features, lower price
- 🏅 Budget Pick Newport Vessels NV-Series 55 — Best under $300
Quick Comparison Table
| Motor | Thrust | Voltage | GPS | Shaft | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minn Kota Ultrex 112 | 112 lbs | 36V | ✅ i-Pilot Link | 45″–60″ | ~$1,800 |
| MotorGuide Xi5 105 | 105 lbs | 36V | ✅ Pinpoint GPS | 45″–60″ | ~$1,400 |
| Minn Kota Terrova 80 | 80 lbs | 24V | ✅ i-Pilot | 45″–60″ | ~$1,100 |
| Newport Vessels NV-55 | 55 lbs | 12V | ❌ Manual | 36″ | ~$230 |
Minn Kota Ultrex 112 with i-Pilot Link
The Ultrex 112 is the trolling motor that tournament pros keep coming back to — and after testing it ourselves, it’s not hard to see why. The i-Pilot Link GPS system locks onto a spot with remarkable accuracy, holding position even in moderate wind and current while you work a structure. The 112 lbs of thrust on a 36V system means you’re never underpowered, even on larger bass boats in the 20+ foot range.
What sets the Ultrex apart from every other motor on this list is the integrated trolling and bow mount in one unit — the motor deploys and stows with a single foot-kick, hands-free. For tournaments where seconds matter, that’s a real advantage.
✅ PROS
- Best GPS accuracy we tested
- Hands-free deploy & stow
- Integrates with Humminbird units
- Extremely quiet motor
- 5-year warranty
❌ CONS
- Premium price tag
- Requires 3 batteries (36V)
- Heavy (fits larger boats best)
MotorGuide Xi5 105 lb Wireless Trolling Motor
The MotorGuide Xi5 is the closest competitor to the Ultrex, and in some ways it outperforms it. The wireless foot pedal gives you freedom of movement on the deck that you just don’t get with a corded setup, and the Pinpoint GPS held position impressively well during our testing in choppy water.
Bass tournament anglers who’ve switched to the Xi5 praise the extremely smooth power delivery — there’s no jolt when you go from low to high speed, which matters when you’re trying not to spook fish. The digital maximizer also extends your battery life significantly compared to older analog motors.
✅ PROS
- Wireless foot pedal (freedom on deck)
- Silky smooth power delivery
- Excellent battery efficiency
- Garmin compatible
- Best-in-class noise level
❌ CONS
- GPS slightly less precise than Ultrex
- Wireless pedal needs charging
- Pricey for non-tournament anglers
Minn Kota Terrova 80 with i-Pilot
If you want Minn Kota’s legendary i-Pilot GPS system without paying Ultrex prices, the Terrova 80 is the sweet spot. It delivers 80 lbs of thrust on a 24V system — enough for most bass boats up to 18 feet — and the i-Pilot app integration lets you control the motor from your phone or remote.
We tested this extensively on a 17-foot Ranger and found it more than capable for a full day of bass fishing. The Spot-Lock feature held position within 2–3 feet even with moderate wind, and the Auto Pilot mode let us cover long stretches of shoreline hands-free.
✅ PROS
- i-Pilot GPS at lower price
- Only needs 2 batteries (24V)
- Lighter and easier to handle
- Great for boats under 18 ft
❌ CONS
- Less thrust than Ultrex/Xi5
- Corded pedal only
- Not ideal for heavy/large boats
Newport Vessels NV-Series 55 lb Trolling Motor
Not everyone needs a $1,500+ GPS motor — and for kayak anglers, jon boat fishermen, or beginners just getting into bass fishing, the Newport Vessels NV-55 is the best bang for your buck under $300. It’s a simple, reliable, no-frills motor that does exactly what it says on the box.
We mounted it on a 12-foot jon boat and fished a full weekend without a single issue. Eight variable speed settings give you decent control, and the build quality felt solid for the price. Don’t expect GPS or wireless features — but if you’re fishing small lakes and ponds, you don’t need them.
✅ PROS
- Excellent value under $300
- Easy to install
- Lightweight (only 17 lbs)
- Works with a single 12V battery
❌ CONS
- No GPS or wireless features
- Not for large bass boats
- Manual steering only
🧭 Trolling Motor Buying Guide — What to Look For
Before buying, there are five key factors every bass angler should consider:
1. Thrust (lbs) — Match Your Boat Size
The general rule: 2 lbs of thrust per 100 lbs of boat weight (including gear and passengers). A 1,800 lb bass boat needs at least 36 lbs of thrust — but for fighting wind and current, buy 50% more than the minimum.
- Under 12 ft / kayak: 30–40 lbs thrust
- 12–16 ft jon boat: 40–55 lbs thrust
- 16–20 ft bass boat: 70–80 lbs thrust
- 20+ ft boat: 101–112 lbs thrust
2. Voltage (12V / 24V / 36V)
Higher voltage = more power and better battery efficiency. 36V motors like the Ultrex and Xi5 require 3 batteries connected in series, but they run longer and stronger. 12V motors are simpler — one battery, easy setup, great for small boats.
3. Shaft Length
Measure from the mount point to the waterline, then add 20 inches. Most bass boats work well with a 45″ or 52″ shaft. If your bow sits high, go longer — a shaft that’s too short will cavitate in rough water.
4. GPS Features — Worth It for Bass Fishing
GPS-enabled motors (i-Pilot, Pinpoint GPS) are a game-changer for bass fishing. Spot-Lock holds your position hands-free while you work a structure. Auto Pilot follows a shoreline automatically. If your budget allows, always choose GPS — it genuinely improves your catch rate.
5. Freshwater vs. Saltwater
Most trolling motors on this list are freshwater only. If you fish in brackish or saltwater, look specifically for saltwater-rated models — the corrosion protection is completely different.
Frequently Asked Questions
🏆 Our Final Verdict
For most serious bass anglers, the Minn Kota Ultrex 112 is the best investment you can make in your fishing setup. The GPS precision, quiet operation, and hands-free deploy system are worth every penny on the tournament circuit.
On a tighter budget? The Minn Kota Terrova 80 gives you 90% of the features at 60% of the price — it’s the smart buy for weekend anglers who want GPS without the premium.
🥇 See Ultrex 112 on Amazon 💰 See Terrova 80 on Amazon📖 Related guides on AngerGearLab: Best Trolling Motor Batteries 2025 · Best Fish Finders for Bass Fishing · Minn Kota vs MotorGuide: Full Comparison