Technology has a way of making life both better and more complicated at the same time. Fishing gear is no exception. Every season brings new updates, new software, and new innovations; some exciting, some overwhelming. For decades, trolling motors were the rare corner of fishing tech that remained steady. They worked, they were reliable, and change came slowly, if at all.
That era is gone. The trolling-motor category has been in full sprint for the last few years. The proof is in Garmin’s latest trolling motor, the Force Pro.
The Shift
Around ICAST 2018/2019, everything changed. New models from Lowrance, Garmin, and Power-Pole hit the water, and the established players — Motorguide and Minn Kota — stepped up with their own upgrades. What used to be a sleepy category suddenly turned into one of the most competitive in fishing.
Brushless motors became the norm. Lithium batteries dropped weight and added endurance. Anchor lock systems grew more precise, and foot pedals finally became comfortable enough for all-day use. It’s been an impressive run of innovation—and Garmin’s latest entry pushes that momentum even further.
My Background
I’ve run just about every trolling motor imaginable over the years. Shakespeare hand-steer models. Motorguide Brutes. Enough Minn Kotas to outfit a small fleet. But Garmin was the one brand I hadn’t tried. I’d heard plenty from friends and fellow anglers — most of it glowing — and eventually decided it was time to see what the hype was about.
First Impressions
The new Garmin Force Pro made an immediate impression. It didn’t feel like a dressed-up version of something older; it felt truly engineered from the ground up. The steering was tight, the mount was solid, and the entire motor had a refined, purpose-built feel.
It runs on 24 or 36 volts and delivers a full 100 pounds of brushless thrust (when powered by 36 volts), which you can feel the first time you hit the pedal. The lift assist makes deployment effortless, and the 20-step speed control offers a level of precision you instantly appreciate.
The foot pedal is thoughtfully designed, with the option to hard-wire it or power it with AA batteries, which last an impressively long time. Garmin includes a remote that’s actually useful, especially if you guide or routinely fish from the back deck. The built-in GT56UHD transducer integrates cleanly, and the new multi-band GPS system tightens up anchor lock accuracy in a noticeable way.
What really caught my attention, though, was the reverse thrust capability. It adds a level of maneuverability that feels natural the moment you use it, whether you’re easing off offshore structure or backing into tight dock openings. Add in a dependable shaft lock and a high-efficiency prop, and the whole system starts to feel like a complete package rather than a collection of features.
Garmin’s aviation heritage is obvious; there’s a sense of precision in every movement.
Key Features
- 24V or 36V brushless motor
- 100 lbs of thrust with excellent efficiency
- Lift assist and a three-year shaft warranty
- 20-step speed control
- Deck stabilizer included
- Adjustable foot pedal (hard-wire or AA battery; up to 43 weeks of life)
- Full-function remote for guiding, fishing from the back deck, and software updates
- Built-in GT56UHD transducer
- New multi-band GPS for more precise anchor lock
- Reverse thrust, an impressive new feature
- Shaft-locking system to keep the head from sliding in shallow water
- High-efficiency prop that moves the boat fast and holds tight in wind
Why I Bought It
I wasn’t eager to spend money on another trolling motor, but my job requires staying current with new gear. When several anglers I trust told me the Force Pro was the most dialed-in motor they’d run, I decided to take the plunge.
On the Water
Once I put the Force Pro to work, the decision made even more sense. It’s incredibly easy to deploy, and the first thing you notice is the quiet. In a stiff wind, I found myself glancing down to confirm it was running because I simply couldn’t hear it. The power, however, is unmistakable.
The motor handles vegetation and wind with confidence. Steering is smooth and predictable, and the cable management is clean enough that I barely notice the LV34 transducer mounted on the shaft. While most of my fishing this spring has been shallow, friends who spend more time offshore have nothing but praise for the anchor lock — especially in deep water. In calm conditions, where some motors tend to wander, the Force Pro stays impressively locked in place.
The shaft lock and upgraded prop both add subtle but meaningful improvements to everyday use. And yes, the motor looks sharp on the bow, but it’s the performance that makes it stand out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a new trolling motor and the Garmin Force Pro fits your budget, it deserves serious attention. It’s powerful, precise, remarkably quiet, and designed with the kind of craftsmanship that becomes obvious the longer you use it. I plan to keep putting it through its paces, but based on what I’ve seen so far, Garmin has set a new benchmark.
