Powering your trolling motor with the right battery is the single most important decision for a successful day on the water. A quality deep-cycle battery ensures reliable thrust, extended runtime, and the peace of mind to focus on fishing, not on your power levels. With options ranging from traditional AGM to advanced lithium technology, selecting the perfect battery can seem complex.
This 2025 review simplifies your search by highlighting nine of the best batteries for trolling motors. We have evaluated key factors like capacity, weight, durability, and technology to help you find the ideal power source for your vessel and fishing style, whether you’re in a small jon boat or a large bass boat.
Our Top Battery Picks for Trolling Motors
- Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
- Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Trolling Motor
- Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
- TCBWORTH 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
- Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
- Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries
- CHINS LiFePO4 Battery 12V 200AH Lithium Battery
- Interstate Batteries 12V 110 AH SLA/AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
For anglers who prioritize easy handling, the Newport 12V50Ah battery is a standout option. Its lightweight design, at just 32 pounds, makes transportation and installation a simple task, reducing the physical strain of setting up your boat. This is a significant advantage for smaller vessels where every pound counts.
Built with sealed AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, this battery is both durable and reliable. The leak-proof construction provides peace of mind, preventing acid spills and allowing for safe mounting in various positions. It is specifically engineered to deliver the consistent power required by trolling motors, ensuring dependable performance throughout your fishing trip.
Newport NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Trolling Motor
While not a battery itself, the Newport NV-Series trolling motor is a crucial part of the power system and includes a valuable feature for battery management. This 36-pound thrust motor is built for saltwater use, offering efficient and quiet operation that won’t disturb fish. Its robust construction is designed to resist corrosion and run all day without overheating.
This motor comes equipped with a convenient 5-LED battery meter integrated into the head. This allows you to monitor your battery’s charge level at a glance, helping you manage power usage effectively and avoid being stranded with a dead battery. With 8 speed settings and a fully adjustable mount, it provides excellent control for precise boat positioning.
Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
The Weize 100Ah AGM battery is a high-capacity workhorse perfect for anglers who need extended runtime. Its substantial 100Ah capacity provides ample power for long days on the water, supporting not only your trolling motor but also accessories like fish finders and live wells. As a maintenance-free AGM battery, it eliminates the need for adding water, saving you time and effort.
This battery is engineered for a long service life, featuring a very low self-discharge rate. This means it can sit for longer periods between uses without losing a significant amount of charge. Its sealed construction ensures safe operation and prevents leaks, making it a reliable and set-and-forget power source for your marine adventures.
TCBWORTH 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
The TCBWORTH LiFePO4 battery represents a modern upgrade from traditional lead-acid chemistry. Weighing only 20.7 pounds, it offers a remarkable combination of light weight and high power, making boat handling much easier. Its compact Group 31 size ensures it will fit in most standard battery boxes, providing a straightforward replacement for older AGM batteries.
This lithium iron phosphate battery is built for longevity, capable of thousands of charge cycles. It includes a robust 100A Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits. A key feature for cold-weather anglers is the low-temperature cut-off, which prevents charging in freezing conditions to safeguard the battery’s health.
Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
For users of small watercraft like kayaks, canoes, or inflatable boats, the Dakota Lithium 12V 10Ah battery is an ideal power source. Its compact size and minimal weight are perfect for situations where space is limited and portability is paramount. Despite its small stature, it delivers the consistent power required for smaller trolling motors.
Dakota Lithium backs this battery with an impressive 11-year warranty, a strong testament to its build quality and durability. The integrated Battery Management System (BMS) ensures safe operation and long life, supporting over 2,000 cycles. This makes it a cost-effective choice over time, significantly outlasting typical lead-acid batteries.
Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries
This two-battery package from VMAX is the solution for anglers who require massive power reserves for multi-day trips or large boats. Each battery offers a high 125Ah capacity, and when used together, they can be wired in parallel for 250Ah of total power, or in series for 24V systems. This provides exceptional runtime for the most demanding trolling motor applications.
VMAX SLR125 batteries are built for a long float service life of 8 to 10 years, representing a significant long-term investment. As sealed AGM batteries, they are completely maintenance-free and can be installed in any orientation without risk of leakage. This set is particularly well-suited for offshore anglers and those who spend entire weekends on the water.
CHINS LiFePO4 Battery 12V 200AH Lithium Battery
The CHINS 12V 200Ah battery is a premium lithium option for those who need maximum capacity without the extreme weight of traditional batteries. It offers a massive 200Ah of power, effectively doubling the usable capacity of a similar lead-acid battery while being significantly lighter. This is an excellent choice for powering 24V or 36V trolling motor systems when multiple batteries are used.
With a lifespan of 2,000 to 5,000 cycles, this battery is designed to last for many years of regular use. It features a built-in 100A BMS with high-temperature cut-off for comprehensive protection. Furthermore, it supports capacity expansion, allowing you to connect up to four batteries in parallel for a colossal 800Ah system to meet any power requirement.
Interstate Batteries 12V 110 AH SLA/AGM Deep Cycle Battery
From a trusted name in the industry, the Interstate Batteries DCM0100 is a professional-grade AGM battery built for heavy-demand applications. Its 110Ah capacity provides reliable and sustained power, making it a dependable choice for serious anglers. It is specifically rated as a top performer for deep-cycle use, ensuring it can handle repeated discharging and recharging.
This maintenance-free and spill-proof battery utilizes AGM and VRLA technology for safe and worry-free operation. Its universal Group 29 size ensures compatibility with a wide range of boats and battery boxes. Known for being “Outrageously Dependable,” this battery is a solid, proven option for those who prefer a well-known brand with a strong reputation.
Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Ampere Time offers a competitive LiFePO4 battery that brings advanced lithium technology within reach for many boaters. This 100Ah battery provides a full 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD), meaning you can use nearly all of its stored energy, unlike lead-acid batteries which are often limited to 50% DOD. This effectively gives you the usable capacity of a 200Ah lead-acid battery at a fraction of the weight.
Equipped with a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), it offers protection against common issues like overcurrent and short circuits. The lightweight and compact design simplifies installation and improves boat performance. It’s a versatile power source that can also be used for RV camping or solar setups, providing excellent value for its performance category.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Batteries for Trolling Motors
Choosing the right battery for your trolling motor isn’t just about picking the one with the biggest number. It’s about matching the battery’s capabilities to your specific fishing style and needs. Having tested numerous options for our 9 best batteries for trolling motors: a 2025 review, I can tell you that a little knowledge goes a long way in preventing a dead battery in the middle of your favorite spot. Let’s break down the key factors.
First, you need to understand battery chemistry. For years, lead-acid was the standard, but now Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is the top choice for serious anglers. LiFePO4 batteries are significantly lighter, last much longer (both in daily runtime and overall lifespan), and can be discharged almost completely without damage. While the initial cost is higher, the performance and longevity often make them a better value over time. If you’re on a tight budget, an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery is a sealed lead-acid option that’s maintenance-free and a solid performer, though heavier and with less usable capacity.
Next, focus on Amp-hours (Ah). This is your fuel tank. It tells you how much energy the battery can store. A higher Ah rating means longer runtime. For a full day of serious trolling, especially in wind or current, I generally recommend looking for a 100Ah battery as a starting point. If you have a 24V or 36V system, you’ll need two or three of these batteries, respectively, so weight becomes an even bigger consideration.
Don’t ignore the maximum discharge current, measured in amps. This is crucial for high-thrust trolling motors. Your battery needs to be able to supply the massive burst of power your motor demands on its highest settings. Check your trolling motor’s specs for its maximum amp draw and ensure your battery’s maximum continuous discharge rating exceeds it. A good LiFePO4 battery will often have a BMS (Battery Management System) that can handle 100A or more, which is sufficient for most motors.
Finally, think about physical features. Weight is a major factor for loading and unloading, as well as boat balance. LiFePO4 batteries can be less than half the weight of a comparable lead-acid battery. Also, look for a quality built-in battery meter, sturdy handles, and a robust casing. A good warranty, often 3+ years for LiFePO4, is a strong indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. By considering these points, you can make an informed choice that will keep you on the water longer.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of a LiFePO4 battery over a traditional lead-acid one?
The advantages are substantial. The biggest one for me is weight; a LiFePO4 battery is dramatically lighter, making it easier to handle and improving your boat’s performance. Secondly, you can use almost the entire rated capacity without harming the battery. A 100Ah LiFePO4 gives you about 100Ah of usable power, whereas with a lead-acid, you should only use about half of that to avoid shortening its life. They also charge much faster and have a far longer overall lifespan, often lasting for thousands of cycles.
How long will a 100Ah battery last with my trolling motor?
This is the “how long is a piece of string” question, but we can estimate. You need to know your motor’s approximate amp draw at your typical speed. For example, if you’re running at a setting that pulls 10 amps, a 100Ah battery would theoretically last 10 hours. In reality, with a LiFePO4, you can plan on that. With a lead-acid, you’d only get about 5 hours to avoid deep discharge. Wind, current, and boat load all affect this, so it’s always smart to have more capacity than you think you’ll need.
Can I use a regular car battery for my trolling motor?
I strongly advise against it. Car batteries are designed for short, high-power bursts to start an engine, not for the long, steady drain a trolling motor requires. Using one will lead to very poor performance and will kill the battery very quickly. You need a deep cycle battery, which is built to be discharged and recharged repeatedly. Investing in the right tool for the job, like the models featured in our 9 best batteries for trolling motors: a 2025 review, is essential for reliability on the water.
Do I need a special charger for a LiFePO4 battery?
Yes, you do. While some modern multi-mode chargers can handle different battery types, it’s best to use a charger specifically designed for LiFePO4 chemistry. These chargers use the correct voltage profile to charge the battery efficiently and safely, which helps maximize its lifespan. Using an old lead-acid charger can potentially damage your expensive lithium battery and will likely void the warranty.
Is it worth the extra money to buy a lithium battery?
From my experience, if you fish frequently, the answer is almost always yes. While the initial price tag is higher, you’re paying for a dramatically better experience: less weight, more usable power, no maintenance, and a battery that will last for many more years. When you factor in the cost per cycle over its lifetime, a quality LiFePO4 battery often becomes the more economical choice, not to mention the performance benefits.