I know better

Don' forget a few basic tools. Can be just as important as checking the drain plug.

The other day I was fishing. It was an absolutely wonderful day. Temp was right. Sky was blue. No wind until around 0900. Plenty of wildlife. And I was fortunate to have a decent day catching crappie.

Then the trolling motor started struggling. Initially, I thought it was because the wind picked up, and I would just bump the speed up a notch. Then I realized something was not right. I pulled up the trolling motor and quickly noticed fishing line caught between the prop and housing. Usually no big deal. Just grab it and pull, and most of the time it will pull right out. Not this time. I pulled as much as I could. Then I used my finger nail clippers attached to my life jacket to clip more. Still nothing doing.

This was a 'remove the prop' job. Then I realized I brought no tools. All I had was a pair of fishing needle nose pliers. Thankfully, they were enough to hold the retaining nut to loosen/remove the prop. Once I removed the prop, I found the "mother-load of mono, braid, hooks, and splitshot tightly wound around the shaft. After a few minutes of using the fingernail clippers, I was able to remove the mother-load. Put the prop back on with the needle nose pliers and continued fishing.

My lesson: I normally bring a few tools. And, on my bigger boat I bring jumper cables. Always a good idea to check your list twice to make sure you bring what you may need. I know better.

So true I always keep jumper cables and basic tools. Sometimes your just not going to have what you need.

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Always keep jumper cables, pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, wire & wire ties, e-tape & duct tape.

No matter what I bring, I always need something I don't have

Tools are good everywhere, can't have too many.

Great reminder! Thanks.

Great reminder.

Your situation is also the reason to make sure you always install a fuse or breaker for the trolling motor as close to the battery as you can and if it is a regular fuse, keep spares on board.

I'm like they say "loaded for bear" when I go. Better to have it if you need it. I did however forget my key once. I also ever so often take my trolling motor prop off and clean it. A lot of easier dong it standing in front of the boat then on the water.

I went to harbor freight and got a cheap set of sockets and screw drivers that stay in the boat all the time for just such things. Great reminder Spaceman, thanks.

Scout-j-m: Thanks for the fuse comment. I definitely have a fuse in the wiring harness...and all should.