YES!!!! They're called Kayaks!!!!! Just kidding, but seriously I've tried all different types of trolling motors and fished with alot of old salt fishin buddies of mine and they all say the same thing: The Big Ones (panfish) turn off immediately with any sound of a trolling motor!!! I've fished long enough to take their words as Gospel...Seen it many times as I've fished on my own!!! Smaller fish don't seem to mind the sounds of motors--or anything else for that matter but the ones over a Pound or more seem to be much more timid and very careful (guess they didn't get that big by biting when trolling motors are going--while their family and friends ended up in Fryin pans!!!!)
I have found that bass boat types, with trolling motor on bow are worse in the fish spooking department than a boat with its electric motor transom mounted. Its the boats length farther away, behind the bow your leading with I guess. Also smaller, lighter boats move more easily on lower speed settings, even quieter. As far as which motors, brand-wise are quieter ? Don't know. A prop that moves more water, needing less RPM, maybe quieter, just a thought at this time. steve b
This is funny, I vertical jig right over the fish with a front mount MK and still get them, I'm talkin 6 to 8' under the boat. I dont think the make of the moter make's a difference.
In back of latest in-fish mag is an ad for electric motor silencer. Bands with "fingers" similar to those used on bow strings, go around the motor to dampen vibration. Gimic ? Hmmnnn.. steve b