Need an extra hand? iPilot to the rescue

Minn Kota’s new i-Pilot control allows anglers to retrace trolling runs or stay locked on one location through the use of a remote control.

Advancements in technology continue to make fishing easier for anglers willing to give the latest technology a try. One of the many applications designed into the new wireless GPS trolling system for Minn Kota trolling motors is a feature called “Spot Lock.” This feature allows the angler to set the trolling motor to lock on to the current position and maintain that position regardless of wind or current. It’s the ideal anchoring system without the anchor.

Unlike its earlier predecessors, the iPilot does not rely on an internal compass board to establish boat position. The new system integrates GPS technology directly into the controls of the trolling motor without having to tie into any external electronics.

“It will hold up to three trolling tracks in its memory at one time,” said guide Brad Taylor. “First you record the trolling track, and if you end up catching fish on that track, you can hit ‘start,’ and it will run you back through that same track again.”

The iPilot remote is larger than Minn Kota’s “Co-Pilot” control which was about the size of a wristwatch; however, there are a number of display features that are present on the iPilot remote, which is about the size of a small TV remote, that were not possible with the Co-Pilot.

“You can read your GPS speed down in increments of 1/10 m.p.h, and also tell when the unit is on and what speed the trolling motor is set on,” said Taylor. “I’m also a big fan of the spot lock. Set it when you find a brushpile, and the trolling motor will keep the boat right on top of it while you catch fish.”

For more information on the iPilot, visit www.minnkotamotors.com.

Editor’s note: This article is part of the Cold Crankin’ feature in the November issue of Mississippi Sportsman. Digital editions can be downloaded right to your computer or smartphone.

About Phillip Gentry 404 Articles
Phillip Gentry is a freelance outdoor writer and photographer who says that if it swims, walks, hops, flies or crawls he’s usually not too far behind.

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