When you're ready to head out on the water, you will need to know how to operate your boat's trolling motor. This motor is used to maneuver your fishing boat throughout the water. You might also find a trolling motor on a flatboat or another type of boat.

Trolling motors are powered by electricity and controlled by a foot pedal, manually, or with a hand control. Before you start out on your day of fishing or fun on the water, use these three tips to better operate your trolling motor.

1. Know the Type of Trolling Motor Mount You Have

There are two common types of trolling motor mounts: Transom Mount and Bow Mount. They will operate a bit differently with transom mounts will allow you to control the trolling motor by hand and typically don't offer foot pedal controls.

You will gain an effective and easy way to steer your boat with a transom mount for the trolling motor. However, a bow mount tends to offer more steering controls and more options. With a bow mount, you will likely have foot pedal controls for hand-free operation, as well.

2. Get Familiar with the Steering Mechanism

When you get ready to take out your boat, make sure you're familiar with the steering mechanisms. Whether you will be steering by hand or foot control, you want to understand how the mechanism works, so you can maneuver your boat throughout the water seamlessly.

With a foot pedal, you keep your hands free, which works best when using the trolling motor to fight wind or to cover more water for casting during fishing. However, there are benefits to a manually controlled trolling motor or one controlled by hand, too.

Regardless, you should be aware of how the trolling motor works and how you will be maneuvering throughout the water.

3. Practice

If you don't feel like you have a good handle on the controls, practice. While you're out on the water, before you start fishing, practice using the trolling motor to get an idea of how it works and to become more comfortable.

As you get more comfortable, it will become much easier to navigate near suspended weed lines and into the areas you want to fish. With good trolling motor skills, you can move quietly and easily into the best fishing areas without scaring away the fish.

There are many things you should know when it comes to operating your boat's trolling motor. If you want to make sure you get the best experience out on the water, especially when fishing, make sure you use these three tips to help.

Practicing with your trolling motor will only make you better at using it. You'll become more comfortable and you'll be able to guide your boat into the right places for better fishing. Take the time to get used to your trolling motor operations and understand how it works before you head out on the water for a long day of fishing this year.