Celebrating over 70 years of product excellence

The Minn Kota electric trolling motor began its life in 1934 in Fargo, North Dakota.  Mr. O. G. Schmidt, inventor of the trolling motor, was known to be a man of many diverse ideas.  Prior to the trolling motor, Mr. Schmidt invented, produced and sold a copper soldering torch from his home in Wheatland, North Dakota.  Due to its success, manufacturing operations were then moved to Fargo.  Because of its proximity to the MINNesota – North DaKOTA border, Mr. Schmidt named the business The Minn Kota Manufacturing Company.

Minn Kota is the oldest manufacturer of electric fishing motors in the world with nearly 70 years of hard-earned experience in the lab and on the water.  Throughout their history, Minn Kota has led the way in product innovation and cutting-edge technology.  Their list of Minn Kota “firsts” supports this commitment to trolling motor development and the fishing community.

1934	First electric gear-driven motor
1935	First electric flexible cable motor
1965	First electric motor with reverse switch
1968	First remote control adaptable to other brand motors
1985	First electronic speed control, sold as an accessory (Maximizer™)
1986	First built-in electronic/variable speed control
1987	First electric steer in commercial quantities
1987	First low-profile foot pedal in cable steer
1987	First compact bow-mount, built-in electronic speed control with first automatic electronic battery gauge
1991	First computer-controlled motor, first self-steering unit (AutoPilot™)
1991	First composite, energy-absorbing motor tube
1992	First completely weedless propeller (Weedless Wedge™)
1995	First all-direction breakaway mounting system (Bowguard 360°™)
1999	First fully automatic trolling motor (Genesis™)
2001	First trolling motor with built-in sonar transducer compatible with all major fishfinders (Universal Sonar)
2002	First wireless remote that allows trolling motor control from fishing rod, wrist or belt (CoPilot™)
2004	First trolling motor 3:1 ratio articulated steering system (3X™ Steering)
2005	First trolling motor with gas-charged, spring-assisted stow and deploy (Lift-Assist on Maxxum Pro) “Copyright 2008 Johnson Outdoors Inc.”