ChriS bUrGAN
file the Prop
Martin’s first bit of advice renders back to trolling motor prop principles.
“I carry a file with me in the boat,” he says. “When I get a slight burr or nick in
my trolling motor prop, I immediately file it out.”
With 112 pounds of thrust, Martin’s Minn Kota Ultrex offers plenty of power, but
a smooth prop is still a must. According to our expert, any slight abrasions are the
first to adhere to grass when a trolling motor prop begins to bind up. By having an
ultra-smooth prop edge, Martin avoids such clogs more readily, and can maneuver
through weeds at a slower, quieter speed.
“Some guys need to run their motors on high speed to get through the grass, and
that makes a lot of noise. I like to ease through it and sneak around,” he adds.
THE EXPERT
SCott MArtiN
every fan of bass fishing knows
scott Martin. Growing up in florida,
the former forrest Wood cup cham-
pion is renowned for his prowess on
grass-choked fisheries. in fact, it was
his father, the legendary Roland
Martin, who designed one of the
first weedless trolling motor props.
Mining grass is in the bloodline.
tape it up
Martin seeks to correct a basic prob-
lem at its source: weeds collecting on the
trolling motor shaft. Some time ago, he
noticed that a complete stoppage of for-
ward momentum is often caused by
grass on the shaft, which builds into a
massive, floating island that must be
dragged by the boat. To combat the clog,
Martin rigs any cords or cables – such as
that of a HydroWave – behind the trolling
motor shaft, substituting a full sheath of
electrical tape for cable ties.
Charge to the max
Keep the prop’s edge smooth to
avoid hanging up in the grass.
january 2017 i flWfishing.Com
A trolling motor is only as good as its
batteries, so don’t cheap out. Today,
Martin relies on Lithium Pros batteries,
meticulously maintained with a Minn
Kota Precision charger. Recent charger
advancements have been incredible, as
new models are digitally controlled to
maintain the best state of charge regard-
less of battery type, power surges, tem-
perature fluctuations or humidity.
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