Kicker set-up....tiller or console w/controls? Which is best?

[GMO2025]

How do you have your kicker set up? Do you run it tiller style or is it linked to your console? I can see pros and cons to both but I cant decide which way would be best. I welcome your comments.

Thanks

[perchjerker]

Neither LOL

I have a Panther Steer Electric remote control steering and a Trollmaster electronic throttle control.

[unlogged Rod Holder]

My kicker is a tiller model but I do have a link and can steer with the steering wheel, should I want to. I did do this while trolling for coho salmon back in Mar/Apr. However, for most of the summer while fishing for walleye, I use a combination. I deploy my autopilot electric motor in the front and run the kicker in back but just aimed straight. I match speeds on the two, troller and kicker, then use the elect. motor footpad to set my direction. Doing this works very well and the autopilot will keep you going in the correct direction. I can do .9 mph or faster doing this. I would like to get a Trollmaster, just haven't done it. Spent a chunk of money doing other upgrades so probably the Trollmaster will be part of next year's upgrade expenditures. One thing about the kicker being a tiller, it does provide the flexibility, should one want to, for backtrolling. I tend to be a forward troller so in my case it hasn't mattered but used in combination with the elect. motor I can make a quicker turn when needed than if the kicker is linked to the big motor.

[Unlogged T-Mac]

Purely personal preference.
I personally like a tiller, but we sell 20 about remote kicker set-ups for each tiller .....on T-8s anyway.
It has been that way for years for us.

[Toolman]

I like the tiller-and I troll (foward) alot. The Trollmaster make speed control pretty easy while I'm parked on my butt! My last boat had a steering link to the main, which was nice at times. I think someone that used the kicker to backtroll with alot would lean even more towards the kicker. Maybe with an autopilot system would be nice, though...hmm...

Tim

[Rippin_Eyes]

Tiller all the way! It seems most that I have talked to with the dual controls dont get a mid range speed. I am in the process of rigging up a bar to connect the big motor to the kicker just so I can set the speed and steer with the wheel if I want too.

[MrWalleye73]

I've had both. The previous was the remote setup. Not bad, but speed control was not a precise as my current tiller. I too did the steering bar setup to the main. I find this nice for Salmon trolling and those long shoreline walleye trolls (during certain times of the year). I may still go the TrollMaster route, but I'm liking the tiller a bit more, plus these 4 strokes run smoother and quieter too. Did I mention less gas too?

Chris

[Starfish]

I run my T8 as a tiller, mostly because I do a lot of (Northwest style) backtrolling for salmon in rivers and need to be on top of both the speed and direction constantly. When I'm fishing slack water or trolling for walleyes I'll often just lock the kicker straight ahead and use the Minn Kota with Copilot to steer. Works great!

[ETT]

I think your style fishing and your region of the country have alot to do with what you'll like best. I've had both and for open water Erie trolling the remote is more convenient, but for working contours or currents the tillers are better, no doubt. Good luck. And you can set a boat up to go either way.

[Marble Eyes]

I think the next one I get will be the tiller style. I have the remote at the console and it is nice sometimes.

However when trolling in traffic, rough weather or other obsticals and you are trying to work lines, reel in fish or deal with fish in the livewell it is a pain in the back side to have to constantly go from the transom to the console to steer.

[lobo1]

tiller style with a quick disconnect bar to your main motor. This way you can steer at the wheel if you want or disconnect if you need more movement/control. A trollmaster would be nice and a TR-1 Gold VERY nice.

lobo1

[lobo1]

tiller style with a quick disconnect bar to your main motor. This way you can steer at the wheel if you want or disconnect if you need more movement/control. A trollmaster would be nice and a TR-1 Gold VERY nice.

lobo1