Is a Virtual Anchor Better Than a Real One?

GPS-enhanced electric trolling motors with virtual anchors are one of the most significant innovations in the fishing world. But are they better than the real thing?

- Alan Jones

The short answer is yes. But don't toss your Danforth overboard with no rode attached just yet. There are still scenarios when the real deal is the better option.

Once, trolling motors were only used on small freshwater boats for silent, low-speed maneuvering. Then small saltwater boats got into the act. But in 2009, Minn Kota unveiled its iPilot series of trolling motors, which had a feature called Spot-Lock that would eventually change the way mainstream anglers fish.

With the recent innovation of saltwater-grade long-shaft trolling motors that now stretch to 96 inches in length and have features similar to Spot-Lock, saltwater boats in excess of 30 feet long can just say no to metal anchors most of the time. Brands that offer saltwater-grade bow-mount trolling motors with virtual anchors include MotorGuide, Rhodan, Garmin, Power-Pole and Minn Kota.