Sometimes a timeless, well proven, undisputedly popular technique is so effective that it's as if there could be no improvements ever made to it that would even matter. Backtrolling for walleyes is definitely one technique that falls into this category. If you live anywhere close to the state of Minnesota, backtrolling is as second nature to the fishing population as eating, bragging, or human procreation. Because all anglers know how to do these things and no one can tell them how to do anything better (just ask their spouses), we realize that it would be impossible to suggest that there is a better way to backtroll. In fact, it would be wise to just stop this article now for fear that we may be scorned for violating such protected values. Problem is, we're just men, and we can't help ourselves, so we'll just have to tell you anyway!

    The new, news in the world of backtrolling has to do with equipment. There have been no real innovations for years. Oh sure, electric motors have gotten more powerful and brackets a bit stronger, but nothing earth shattering and certainly nothing even remotely resembling futuristic; until now. Remember, that you heard about Minn Kota's new Vantage transom-mount electric motor here. This motor does change the game and defy tradition. First of all, it has electric power stow and deploy! Automatic up and down with the touch of a button. No more wrestling with your electric when you're trying to fish! Vantage has a 4-to-1 steering ratio, in that it steers the motor 360 degrees with only 90 degree tiller movement; true fingertip boat control. It has 31 telescoping inches of tiller handle, built-in! The nicest thing about this motor is the ease of going between front-trolling and backtrolling… just pull up the directional indicator and rotate 180 degrees. Takes about 5 seconds. Since this motor is destined to change the nature of electric tiller use, it's only natural that it comes with exceptional thrust levels- 50 lb. on 12 volts and 74 lb. on 24 volts.

So backtrolling boys, get your heads out of those fishfinders for a minute and smell the future, or at least make life a little easier. Take ad-Vantage of the new technology to make your walleye world rock!