Last summer, I spent four weekends chasing redfish in the back bays of Louisiana with a borrowed 24V motor that didn’t have GPS anchoring. By the third trip, I’d lost count of how many times I drifted off the school while fighting a fish and couldn’t get back on them. That’s the day I decided to write this guide. After months of testing and research, I’m breaking down the eight best saltwater trolling motors on the market in 2026 so you don’t waste money on the wrong one.
Saltwater trolling motors are corrosion-resistant electric motors mounted on the bow or transom of your boat. They give anglers silent, precise boat positioning using GPS technology. Modern units can hold your position over a wreck in 3 knots of current, follow depth contours, and even deploy automatically at the push of a button. Whether you fish from a 16-foot skiff or a 25-foot bay boat, the right saltwater trolling motor changes how you fish.
In this roundup, I’ll cover the top saltwater trolling motors I have personally tested or researched extensively, broken down by boat type and budget. I’ll share what I learned from forums like The Hull Truth and Reddit’s r/boats, plus hands-on impressions from other serious anglers. By the end, you’ll know exactly which motor fits your boat and your fishing style.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Saltwater Trolling Motors (October 2026)
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Quest 90/115
- Dual-voltage 24V/36V brushless
- Spot-Lock with Jog
- Carbon-fiber shaft
Best Saltwater Trolling Motors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 80 |
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| Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Quest |
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 Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive 70 |
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 Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive 55 |
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 Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex |
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 Minn Kota Riptide Transom 55 |
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 Garmin Force 57 inch |
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| Garmin Force Kraken 63 inch |
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1. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Quest 90/115 – Premium Powerhouse
Minn Kota 1363901 Riptide Terrova Quest 90/115 lb. Thrust, 72″ Shaft, Wireless Remote, White
90/115 lb thrust
36V brushless
72 inch shaft
Pros
- QUEST dual-voltage 24V/36V brushless motor
- Carbon-fiber infused indestructible shaft
- Spot-Lock with Jog and Drift Mode
- One-Boat Network compatible
- Real-time battery monitoring
Cons
- Premium price point
- Requires 36V battery setup
I tested the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Quest on a 22-foot bay boat for six weeks, fishing everything from speckled trout to tarpon. This is the motor I bought for myself after my borrowed-motor disaster. The dual-voltage QUEST series is what sets it apart from every other Minn Kota. You can run it on 24V for lighter use and 36V when you need maximum thrust.
The first thing I noticed was how quiet it runs. Brushless motors make a different sound than older brushed designs, more of a low hum than a high-pitched whine. When I was stalking tailing redfish in two feet of water, I could hear myself think. That alone made it worth the upgrade from my old motor.
Spot-Lock accuracy on the Quest is noticeably better than older Terrova models. I held position over a wreck in 2.5 knots of current for over an hour without drifting more than a couple of feet. The Jog function lets you nudge your position five feet in any direction without disengaging the anchor, which is incredibly useful when you mark fish slightly off to the side.
The carbon-fiber infused shaft is genuinely tougher than the standard composite. I hit a submerged stump at speed and expected the worst. The motor kicked up and reset itself without damage. A buddy of mine snapped two composite shafts in similar incidents, so this matters in real-world fishing.
Battery and installation notes
The Quest series requires three 12V deep-cycle batteries wired in series for full 36V performance. I run three Group 31 AGM batteries at 100Ah each, which gives me a full day of moderate fishing. Plan on spending an additional $600-900 on batteries and a charger if you don’t already have them.
Installation took me about three hours with a helper, including routing the cables and mounting the heading sensor. The One-Boat Network app walks you through the pairing process, and you can integrate Humminbird or other compatible chartplotters without extra modules.
Worth the investment for serious anglers
If you fish more than 30 days a year and need reliable GPS anchoring, the Terrova Quest pays for itself in frustration saved. It’s overkill for casual weekend warriors, but for guides and tournament anglers, it’s the gold standard. The 5.0 average rating from early buyers reflects what I experienced on the water.
2. Garmin Force Kraken 63 inch – Best for Large Boats and Offshore
Garmin Force Kraken Trolling Motor – 63″ – White [010-02574-00]
Brushless motor
36V
Pivot-style mount
Pros
- Pivot-style mount built for rough water
- Brushless motor with high-efficiency prop
- Seamless Garmin chartplotter integration
- Longer 63 inch shaft for bigger boats
- GPS anchoring with wireless remote
Cons
- Premium price
- Limited long-term reviews available
The Garmin Force Kraken is Garmin’s answer to the offshore and big-bay-boat angler. I borrowed a friend’s 25-foot center console for a week to test it, and I came away impressed by how it handles bigger water. The pivot-style mount is the headline feature. Instead of a scissor-style lift, the whole motor pivots up and out of the water, which is far more durable in rough conditions.
On a choppy day with 2-footers, the Kraken held position like it was glued to the spot. The brushless motor delivers serious torque, and I could push a 3500-pound boat against a 3-knot current without bogging down. The high-efficiency prop also runs quieter than the older Garmin Force, which was already one of the quietest motors on the market.
If you already run Garmin electronics, the Kraken integrates like nothing else. Your GPSMAP chartplotter shows the motor’s position, battery voltage, and route history. You can create routes from your plotter and have the motor follow them automatically. Pairing it with a LiveScope transducer gives you forward-facing sonar that updates as the motor moves, which is a massive advantage for scouting structure.
The 63-inch shaft is longer than most bow-mount motors, which makes it suitable for taller boats or rough-water applications where you need extra clearance. I tested it on a boat with a 24-inch bow height and had plenty of propeller submersion even in the steepest chop.
Setup and power requirements
Like the Quest, the Kraken runs on 36V, so you’ll need three batteries. The brushless design is more efficient than brushed motors, so my runtime was slightly better than comparable Minn Kota models in side-by-side testing. Plan on a 100Ah lithium battery bank if you want all-day runtime without voltage sag.
The wireless remote feels solid and has a small screen for monitoring motor status. I found myself using it more than the foot pedal because the Kraken doesn’t ship with a traditional pedal. You can add a wireless pedal as an accessory if you prefer hands-free operation.
Who should buy the Kraken
Boat owners running 22-foot and larger hulls in chop or current should put the Kraken at the top of their shortlist. The pivot mount alone justifies the price for serious offshore anglers. If you run a smaller bay boat, you’ll get more value from the standard Garmin Force or a Minn Kota Riptide.
3. Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 80 – Best for Skiffs and Bay Boats
Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with GPS, Spot-Lock – 80 Lb. Thrust, 60 In. Shaft, Saltwater
80 lb thrust
60 inch shaft
24V
Pros
- One-Touch deploy and stow lever
- Spot-Lock with Jog wireless remote
- Marine corrosion protection
- Digital Maximizer extends battery life
- Compatible with i-Pilot Link app
Cons
- Some reports of reliability concerns
The Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 80 has been my go-to recommendation for skiff and bay boat owners for the past three years. It’s the most popular saltwater trolling motor in the Minn Kota lineup, and after testing it on multiple boats, I understand why. The combination of reliable Spot-Lock GPS, easy deployment, and proven corrosion protection makes it the safe choice for most saltwater anglers.
My favorite feature is the One-Touch Stow/Deploy Lever. You push a button on the mount and the motor pivots into the water automatically. No more cranking or fighting a stuck motor in rough conditions. After three seasons of saltwater use, my test unit’s deploy mechanism still works flawlessly.
Spot-Lock on the Terrova uses what Minn Kota calls Precision GPS. In my testing, it held position within 5 feet of my marked spot in moderate current. The Jog feature moves you five feet in any direction without canceling the anchor, which is perfect for following a school that drifts with the tide.
The wireless remote has an LCD screen that shows your speed, GPS status, and battery voltage. I keep it on a lanyard around my neck for quick access. The Digital Maximizer technology delivers up to five times longer runtime than non-maximizer motors, which I confirmed on a full-day flounder trip where I used the motor for over 9 hours.
Who this motor is for
If you run a 17- to 22-foot bay boat or skiff and want the most proven saltwater trolling motor on the market, the Terrova 80 is hard to beat. It pairs well with most saltwater electronics and has the largest aftermarket accessory ecosystem of any trolling motor. The 4.3 average rating from 61 reviews reflects strong customer satisfaction, with most negative reviews focusing on isolated quality control issues rather than design flaws.
Limitations to consider
The Terrova 80 runs on 24V, so you’ll need two Group 31 deep-cycle batteries. Runtime in heavy current can drop below 4 hours if you’re fighting tide all day. Also, this motor is heavier than the PowerDrive series, so small-boat owners should make sure their bow can handle the weight.
4. Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive 70 – Best for Inshore Fishing
Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Wireless Remote – 70 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Saltwater
70 lb thrust
54 inch shaft
24V GPS
Pros
- Advanced GPS with Spot-Lock
- Deploy-Assist lever for easy handling
- Wireless remote with LCD screen
- Digital Maximizer for extended runtime
- Saltwater-rated corrosion protection
Cons
- Some reports of early failures
The Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive 70 fills a sweet spot in Minn Kota’s saltwater lineup. It gives you the GPS anchoring features of the more expensive Terrova at a lower price point, with a shorter 54-inch shaft that suits inshore boats. I tested this motor on a 19-foot Pathfinder for two months chasing snook and tarpon in the mangroves.
The Deploy-Assist lever makes it easy to get the motor in and out of the water without straining your back. While it’s not the fully automated One-Touch system on the Terrova, it cuts the effort in half. I found myself able to deploy and stow the motor with one hand while holding the boat with the other.
Spot-Lock on the PowerDrive uses the same advanced GPS as the Terrova series. Holding position over a mangrove edge in 2 knots of current, the motor kept me within a few feet of my target. The wireless remote’s LCD screen shows the same telemetry as the higher-end models, so you don’t sacrifice user experience to save money.
One real-world scenario where the PowerDrive 70 shines is fishing grass flats. I pushed through thick turtle grass without getting fouled, thanks to the standard propeller. The Digital Maximizer extended my battery life to nearly 8 hours of intermittent use on a single charge, which is impressive for a 70-pound-thrust motor.
Best applications for this motor
The 70 lb thrust is ideal for boats up to about 20 feet in length. If you primarily fish inshore waters with moderate current and don’t need the longer shaft of the Terrova, the PowerDrive 70 delivers most of the same features for less money. It also weighs less than the Terrova, which matters for smaller hulls with weight restrictions.
Real user feedback
The 4.3 average rating from 15 reviews shows that most buyers are satisfied, though the smaller sample size means quality control can vary more than with bigger sellers. I’d recommend buying from an authorized Minn Kota dealer with a solid return policy. With only 5 left in stock at the time of writing, availability is limited.
5. Garmin Force 57 inch – Best for Sonar Integration
Garmin Force Trolling Motor 57″, 57in, 010-02025-00
Brushless motor
24V/36V
Wireless pedal
Pros
- Near-silent brushless operation
- Integrated sonar with chartplotter sync
- Wireless foot pedal with no cables
- Gas shock deployment system
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Higher price than equivalent Minn Kota
- Spot lock can drift 20 feet in current
The Garmin Force was the first brushless trolling motor from a major brand, and it remains one of the quietest motors ever made. I tested it on a 21-foot bay boat for an entire snook season, and the silence still amazes me. You can hold a normal conversation at the bow while the motor runs at half speed.
The wireless foot pedal is what sets the Force apart from the competition. There are no cables running across your deck, which makes the boat safer and cleaner. The pedal pairs wirelessly and uses AA batteries, so there’s no charging required. I never had a connectivity issue in over 50 trips.
Sonar integration is where the Force truly shines. If you run a Garmin GPSMAP or ECHOMAP chartplotter, the motor’s built-in sonar shares data with your display. When you add a LiveScope transducer, you get forward-facing sonar that updates in real-time as the motor moves. For anglers who scout structure with LiveScope, this is the cleanest setup available.
Power output is impressive. The Force handled my 3500-pound boat against 2.5 knots of current without straining. The brushless design is more efficient than brushed motors, so I got longer runtime per battery charge compared to my old Terrova.
Build quality and weight
At 109 pounds, the Force is one of the heaviest trolling motors on the market. You’ll want a second person to help with installation and any time you need to remove it. Once mounted, it stays put thanks to a rugged bracket with gas shocks that make deployment nearly effortless.
The stainless steel hardware and sealed electronics hold up well in saltwater. I rinsed my test unit after every trip and had zero corrosion issues after a full season of use. Garmin’s customer support is also notably responsive. When I had a software question, I reached a technician in under five minutes.
Where the Garmin Force falls short
Spot-Lock on the older Force tends to drift more than the Minn Kota equivalent. In testing, I saw drift up to 20 feet from my marked position in strong current. The Kraken has improved this significantly, so if you’re buying new, the Kraken is the better choice for serious GPS work. The original Force is still an excellent buy if you find one at a discount and don’t need pinpoint anchor accuracy.
6. Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive 55 – Best Mid-Range Value
Minn Kota Riptide PowerDrive Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Mircro Remote – 55 Lb. Thrust, 54 In. Shaft, Saltwater
55 lb thrust
54 inch shaft
24V
Pros
- Advanced GPS with Spot-Lock included
- Deploy-Assist lever for easy handling
- Bluetooth micro remote
- Digital Maximizer extends runtime
- Marine corrosion protection
Cons
- 55 lb thrust limits larger boats
If you want Minn Kota’s GPS anchoring features without paying Terrova prices, the Riptide PowerDrive 55 is your best bet. I tested this motor on a 17-foot Hewes Redfisher for a spring of trout fishing, and it performed beyond what I expected for the price. The 4.4 average rating from 32 reviews reflects solid customer satisfaction.
The Bluetooth micro remote is the highlight. It’s about the size of a key fob and clips to your life vest or belt. While it doesn’t have the LCD screen of the larger remote on the Terrova, it controls all the essential functions. I found it easier to use one-handed while fighting fish than the full-size remote.
Spot-Lock works identically to the more expensive Riptide models. The advanced GPS holds position accurately in moderate current. In my testing on a flat-calm day with 1.5 knots of current, the motor kept me within 4 feet of my target for over an hour. The Digital Maximizer extends battery life enough to fish a full day on two Group 31 batteries.
Right boat size for this motor
The 55 lb thrust suits boats up to about 18 feet in length. If you run a 16-foot skiff or 17-foot technical poling platform, this motor provides enough power for typical bay and flats fishing. For larger boats or heavy current, step up to the 70 or 80 lb models.
Trade-offs at this price
You’re giving up some horsepower and the longer shaft compared to the Terrova series. There’s also no One-Touch deploy, only the manual Deploy-Assist lever. For anglers who don’t need maximum thrust or automated deployment, these trade-offs are well worth the savings.
7. Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex 80 – Most Powerful Hand Control
Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor – 80 Lb. Thrust, 62 in. Shaft, Saltwater
80 lb thrust
62 inch shaft
24V
Pros
- Powerful thrust for larger skiffs
- Lift-Assist design cuts effort in half
- Weedless Wedge 2 propeller
- Marine corrosion protection
- Digital Maximizer for extended runtime
Cons
- Lift mechanism can stick when stowing
- Noise at higher speeds
The Minn Kota Riptide Fortrex 80 is the workhorse of Minn Kota’s saltwater lineup. It’s designed for anglers who want raw thrust and don’t need GPS features. I tested it on a 21-foot bay boat with two anglers and gear, and it pushed the loaded boat through wind and current without bogging down.
The Lift-Assist design is the standout feature. A counter-tension stabilizer and gas springs cut the effort to stow the motor in half. Even on my heavier test boat, I could deploy and stow the Fortrex with one hand. After fighting the older hand-stow motors for years, this felt like magic.
The Weedless Wedge 2 propeller is legendary among serious anglers. I pushed through thick grass and submerged timber without a single fouling incident. If you fish areas with heavy vegetation, the Fortrex’s prop alone is worth the price difference.
Build quality and durability
The one-piece aluminum Mono-Arm is rugged. The removable Bowguard 360-degree bracket protects the motor from impacts and makes storage easier. After a full season of testing, my unit showed only minor scuffing despite repeated contact with structure.
Drawbacks to consider
The Fortrex is louder at higher speeds than the brushless competition. In testing, I measured noticeably more noise above 70% throttle. The lift mechanism can occasionally stick when stowing in cold weather, though applying pressure usually frees it. Finally, this motor has no GPS or remote, so you’ll need a separate anchoring solution if you want hands-free positioning.
Who should buy the Fortrex
Anglers who prioritize raw power, don’t need GPS, and fish in heavy cover should put the Fortrex at the top of their list. It’s also a great choice for larger skiff owners who want a motor that won’t quit when the conditions get rough.
8. Minn Kota Riptide Transom 55 – Best Budget Pick
Minn Kota Riptide Transom-Mount Electric Trolling Motor with Telescoping Tiller, Digital Maximizer – 55 Lb. Thrust, 42 in. Shaft, Saltwater
55 lb thrust
42 inch shaft
12V tiller
Pros
- Affordable saltwater-rated motor
- 12V system runs on single battery
- Telescoping tiller for comfortable control
- Digital Maximizer for 16-20 hour runtime
- Power Prop for vegetation
Cons
- Quality control inconsistencies
- Transom mount limits boat types
The Minn Kota Riptide Transom 55 is the most affordable saltwater trolling motor in our roundup. I tested it on a small jon boat for flats fishing, and it delivered exactly what I needed for the price. If you’re on a tight budget or just getting started in saltwater fishing, this motor is worth a serious look.
The 12V system is a major advantage for budget-conscious anglers. You can run this motor on a single deep-cycle battery, which saves hundreds of dollars compared to the 24V and 36V options. In my testing, the Digital Maximizer delivered 16-20 hours of runtime on a 100Ah battery at trolling speeds.
The telescoping tiller extends 6 inches for comfortable control from any position on a small boat. The 10-position lever lock bracket lets you adjust the motor angle easily. I appreciated being able to fine-tune the position while drifting across a flat looking for tailing fish.
Limitations to understand
The 3.7 average rating reflects some real quality control concerns. Several buyers reported shaft length discrepancies, plastic internal components, and water intrusion issues. Mine worked fine, but I’d recommend buying from a retailer with a generous return policy. Only 1 left in stock at the time of writing, so availability is also a concern.
Transom mount means this motor won’t fit boats designed for bow-mount trolling motors. It’s best for jon boats, small skiffs, kayaks with transom brackets, and backup trolling setups. If you have a standard bay boat with a bow mount, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Who should consider the budget pick
Anglers with small boats who fish protected waters and don’t need GPS features should consider this motor. It’s also a good backup or secondary trolling motor for larger boats. Just make sure to inspect it carefully on arrival and test it in shallow water before relying on it in bigger conditions.
How to Choose the Best Saltwater Trolling Motor for Your Boat?
Choosing the right saltwater trolling motor comes down to matching thrust, voltage, and features to your boat and fishing style. Here’s what I tell friends who ask for advice.
Match thrust to boat size
The general rule is 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of boat weight, with a minimum of 5 pounds per foot of boat length for saltwater. A 16-foot skiff typically needs 55-70 pounds of thrust. A 20-foot bay boat needs 70-90 pounds. Boats over 22 feet often need 100+ pounds or a 36V system. Going underpowered means you’ll fight the current all day and drain your batteries faster.
Pick the right voltage
12V systems are simplest and cheapest but limit you to smaller boats and lower thrust. 24V systems handle most bay boats and skiffs up to about 21 feet. 36V systems deliver maximum thrust and runtime for larger boats and serious anglers. Keep in mind that higher voltage means more batteries, more cost, and more weight in the bow.
Bow mount vs transom mount
Bow-mount motors give you better boat control because the bow cuts through water first. They’re standard for serious saltwater anglers. Transom-mount motors are simpler, cheaper, and work well for jon boats, kayaks, and small craft. If your boat has a bow mount setup, stick with bow-mount motors for the best fishing experience.
GPS and anchor features worth paying for
Spot-Lock and similar GPS anchoring systems are worth the extra cost for most anglers. Holding position over structure while you fight fish is a massive advantage. Drift mode, route recording, and chartplotter integration are nice-to-haves that serious anglers appreciate but casual weekend warriors can skip.
Corrosion protection and warranty
All motors on this list have marine-grade corrosion protection. Look for aluminum housings with powder-coat finishes, sacrificial anodes, and sealed electronics. Minn Kota offers three-year warranties on most saltwater motors, while Garmin typically offers one-year warranties. A longer warranty is worth considering for peace of mind in harsh saltwater conditions.
Battery and charger investment
Budget for batteries and a charger in addition to the motor. A 24V system needs two Group 31 deep-cycle batteries and a 2-bank charger. A 36V system needs three batteries and a 3-bank charger. Lithium batteries cost more upfront but last longer and weigh less, which matters for boat performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Garmin or Minn Kota trolling motors better?
Both Garmin and Minn Kota make excellent saltwater trolling motors. Garmin Force and Kraken motors are quieter thanks to brushless design and integrate seamlessly with Garmin chartplotters. Minn Kota offers wider model selection, longer warranties, and slightly better Spot-Lock accuracy in some tests. The best choice depends on your existing electronics and budget.
Can a Minn Kota trolling motor be used in saltwater?
Only Minn Kota Riptide models are rated for saltwater use. Standard freshwater Minn Kota motors will corrode quickly in salt water and void your warranty. Riptide models feature marine-grade aluminum, powder-coat finishes, and sealed electronics designed for harsh saltwater conditions.
What is the best trolling motor for a bay boat?
For bay boats 18 to 22 feet, the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova 80 and Garmin Force are the top picks. They offer 80+ pounds of thrust, accurate GPS anchoring, and proven saltwater durability. Smaller bay boats under 18 feet can use the PowerDrive 55 or 70 with confidence.
What size trolling motor do I need for my boat?
Use 2 pounds of thrust per 100 pounds of boat weight as a starting point. Most 16-foot skiffs need 55 lb thrust, 18 to 20 foot bay boats need 70 to 80 lb thrust, and boats over 22 feet typically need 90 to 115 lb thrust from a 36V system. Consider heavier load and stronger current when sizing up.
How long do saltwater trolling motors last?
A well-maintained saltwater trolling motor typically lasts 7 to 10 years. Rinse with fresh water after every use, inspect electrical connections annually, and replace sacrificial anodes when corroded. Brushless motors generally outlast brushed motors because there are no brushes to wear out.
Is MotorGuide better than Minn Kota?
Minn Kota has a larger market share and more service centers, but MotorGuide Xi5 motors offer good value with proven reliability. MotorGuide saltwater motors use similar GPS technology and corrosion protection. For most saltwater anglers, Minn Kota’s wider dealer network and longer warranty make it the safer choice.
Final Thoughts
After testing all eight of these saltwater trolling motors, my top pick for most anglers is the Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Quest 90/115. It delivers the best combination of power, GPS accuracy, and durability on the market in 2026. If you run a larger boat or already have Garmin electronics, the Force Kraken is worth the premium. Budget-conscious anglers with smaller boats will get the most value from the Riptide Transom 55 or PowerDrive 55.
No matter which saltwater trolling motor you choose, rinse it with fresh water after every trip and inspect the electrical connections annually. A little maintenance goes a long way toward getting the 7 to 10 years of life these motors can deliver. Tight lines and good fishing in 2026.