This past spring I got a GREAT idea when I was sitting in one of the chairs of the Lowe.This idea sprung to my mind while I was trying to reach for the trolling motor controls with my foot and keep an eye on the action of my lure. Dad usually likes to pass on working the technology so I always inherit the title of “Captain Trolling Motor“. Its not that I mind this but I find it hard to pilot the motor and/or in combination with:
- change a lure
- or tie on a swivel,
- bring in a fish
- net someone else’s fish
- dealing with a snag
It was while executing some or all of the above that I got this idea. I snapped a photo of my hand holding my rod and reel to help illustrate (click on above photo). What if the trolling motor controls could be incorporated into the rod right where your thumb rests? Then you could slide your thumb left or right depending on the direction of travel that you needed to go. I would even suggest to manufactures to include a fast ejection seat button for the guy/girl sitting beside you who botched the net job on the lunker fish you just lost. We could call them ‘Smart Rods’ and then I would be rich beyond my wildest dreams. Brilliant!
Then, I saw the following Minn Kota product. It hooks on to your rod to control your trolling motor. I was shocked that somebody stole my idea before I even blogged about it. But look at it…it is big and clunky. My design is more ergonomic, and low profile. I think I may still be on to something.
Has anyone seen a product like this with the fast ejection seat component yet?
Bill Anderson
Muskoka Outdoors
