For the next member that doesn't have a trolling motor for the Jon boats:

1) Get 45lbs or better, not the baby one. Otherwise the wind will make it slow going. I bought the Newport instead of the Minn Kota. 

2) The motor comes with an inline breaker, or you can get a battery box that has one and a battery tester. I got the Minn Kota battery box, I liked having the tester in it. 

3) Box will fit a size 24 or 27 battery. I got the 27, it seems like a little bit of overkill for these lakes though - I've fished two full days and I'm still at 50%. Might still overdo it if I had to do it again though, it's probably not that much heavier. 

4) Spin the motor 180 degrees so you can mount it on the bow. Mount it where you can reach seated from the front seat, but otherwise as far forward as you can so it tracks better.

5) This is important - I tried without it (just using some shims) and was ... less than pleasant to be around. Procontroll makes a product called an EZmount. It was $45.00. It worked perfectly and I wish I had it the first time out. 

5) No advice on the charger, I got one but haven't tested it yet. 

6) Get a life jacket for each passenger. a) if you are on the water by yourself, seriously consider wearing it. b) At a minimum, something to sit on. c) The big orange one will probably aggravate you, get a vest-style. 

7) Here's what I did for an anchor, and it has worked great - 10lb Kettlebell. I used some bank line because I had it, and it doesn't absorb water. It is a little thin - remember that when you pull up the anchor you'll be dragging weeds or unsticking it from clay. Anchor is at least as important as the trolling motor.

8) You'll need to take some paddles too - useful to have at least one to push off with. I had some laying around. 

I would add to that a weedless prop makes a world of difference on club lakes. It just churns thru the weeds and saves you the effort of having  to clean it off.  Still collect some around shaft but the prop keeps on turning.

Good points.  Another one that works for me: I clip a short leash from the trolling motor shaft to the boat handle (or similar point) to hopefully prevent a lost motor if vibration works the clamps loose from a less than perfect transom.

Thank you for the intel! What size shaft is recommended?

I would recommend purchasing a model with a 36" shaft if you are going to use it on the stern of the club Jon boats. 

Bob

@Sunny - thanks for your post. Very helpful.  Is there a strong reason you went with the Newport vs. the Minn kota?

Originally Posted by Robert Lundin

I would add to that a weedless prop makes a world of difference on club lakes. It just churns thru the weeds and saves you the effort of having  to clean it off.  Still collect some around shaft but the prop keeps on turning.

Bob, thanks for your advice in my other post asking about weedless props. You're right - the Weedless Wedge 2 by Minn Kota is great. Put it on my new Minn Kota Endura Max 55. Love this setup - just what I wanted.

Guys thanks for the weedless prop recommendation!

Bob

Thanks for all of the good tips.