If you fish from a boat, a trolling motor will get you close to your favorite spot without making much noise. It is also a great backup when your arms get tired from paddling. However, without a good dependable battery… your trolling motor is basically useless.
A trolling motor is an unexciting, yet necessary piece of fishing equipment. It not only powers your boat, but also maximizes your fishing success. Since the average angler would rather spend his time catching fish than researching batteries, we decided to handle the hard work for you, so we’ve researched available products and talked to experienced anglers to find what we consider the best trolling motor batteries on the market today. After careful research, we think the Wilderness Tarpon 100.
The Best Battery for your Kayak Trolling Motor
Our Top Pick: The Mighty Max 12V 35AH SLA Wilderness Tarpon 100 Electric Trolling Motor Battery
The Mighty Max 12V 35AH SLA Wilderness Tarpon 100 is built specifically with kayakers in mind. It is relatively lightweight, and its small size make it convenient to use in even compact kayaks. Since it is spill proof, it can be tucked in any compartment, corner, or nook of your kayak without worry.
But this battery isn’t only convenient, it’s affordable. Don’t be fooled by the cheap price tag, this gem hold its own even when compared to more expensive trolling motor batteries. With the perfect balance of value, reliability, and performance, the Wilderness Tarpon 100 is the perfect kayak trolling motor battery no matter your budget.
Who Needs a Trolling Motor Battery?
The obvious answer is: Anyone with a trolling motor. Even the fanciest trolling motor won’t run itself. If you have a trolling motor, it needs a power source.
Many kayakers depend on their trolling motors for more than fishing. As an emergency or backup means of propulsion, your trolling motor needs a reliable battery. If you ever find yourself out on the water with a storm brewing and a trolling motor that won’t start, you’ll understand just how important it is to have a dependable trolling motor battery.
What Type of Battery Do I Need?
Not all batteries are created equal. Some trolling motor batteries are dependable, but bulky and heavy. When searching for a battery to power your kayak trolling motor, size and weight are important factors. Even the largest kayaks have limited space, so you’ll want to choose a compact and lightweight battery.
There are three basic battery types to choose from.
Wet-cell. Wet-cell batteries are the original rechargeable batteries. This type of battery contains a liquid electrolyte like sulfuric acid, so special care is necessary for disposal. Basic deep cycle marine batteries fall into this category. They are relatively affordable and durable enough to withstand repeated power drains without losing performance.
AGM. An acronym that stands for Absorbed Glass Mat, AGM batteries are constructed of a thin ultra-fine fiberglass mat sandwiched between plates that are saturated with battery acid. Because the plates and mats are packed tightly, they are almost immune to vibration, making them a logical choice for trolling motors.
AGM batteries have a longer life than their wet-cell counterparts, but they also come with a more expensive price tag.
Lithium-ion. Commonly used to power electronics like smartphones, laptops, and iPods, lithium-ion batteries can also be used to power your trolling motor. These batteries have an extremely long life, lasting up to a decade or longer, but be prepared to make a big upfront investment.
The Mighty Max 12V 35AH SLA Wilderness Tarpon 100 Electric Trolling Motor Battery
This 12-volt AGM, rechargeable, maintenance free battery is easy to install at any angle, and its compact size allows you to easily tuck it into a compartment, nook, or out-of-the-way cranny in your kayak. If this one happens to rock around a bit in your kayak, you won’t need to worry. It
It weighs in at a meager 20 pounds, so it won’t add a lot of unnecessary weight, either.
Its spill-proof, valve-regulated design make it safe to use. It also provides a fast, powerful, and reliable start every time. The sound design and dependability of this quality trolling motor battery means you can focus on finding the fish and reeling them in without having to worry about your motor getting you where you need to go.
When used with a 30-pound thrust trolling motor on a kayak, you can spend 2 hours on the water and it will still have more than half its power. It is also lightweight, needs no regular maintenance or special charging equipment, and it is incredibly reliable.
Recharging does take some time, and it may not be the best option for week-long trips. However, for short afternoon fishing trips, you really can’t beat this battery’s performance.
Runner-up: Optima 8016-103 D34M Marine Battery
Optima is one of the popular and well-known names in trolling motor batteries, and this model is one of their best sellers. While it is designed for trolling motors, it can also be used RVs and other boating equipment. With a 55Ah rating, this battery will keep your equipment running for a long time.
Measuring only 10” by 7” by 8”, it is a bit on the large side, so finding a convenient place in your kayak to store it could be challenging. This AGM battery is spillproof, maintenance-free, and offers 750 cold-cranking amps.
You can even use its own Optima charger to prevent damaging overcharging. Also, make sure you carefully follow the included charging instructions to optimize the life of the battery.
Worth Mentioning: Interstate Lead Acid (AGM) 12V 35 AH Battery
This battery is designed to be compact since it is also commonly used in medical equipment and electric wheelchairs. It measures only 7.7 by 5.2 by 6.3 inches, and it only weighs 23.8 pounds, making it the perfect size for use on a small kayak.
Don’t expect to use this battery for the whole day of kayak fishing. It does have enough power in its compact design to provide up to 6 hours of use in a small kayak. But it does take some time to recharge, so plan ahead.