Do I really need a kicker for musky fishing?

Not required, but highly recommended for serious trolling. A kicker gives precise low speeds, saves main motor hours, and is more fuel efficient during extended trolling sessions.

What about running rivers for musky?

Current and operating conditions matter, but 115 HP is not a universal river minimum. On some Trent boats, 115 HP or more may be worth comparing where the manufacturer limits and planned load support it. Match the setup to the actual hull and conditions.

Tiller or remote for musky fishing?

Most serious musky anglers prefer remote. Boats are larger, and helm position gives better visibility for spotting fish. Kicker can be tiller for trolling control.

How important is Command Thrust for musky?

Command Thrust fit is model- and application-specific. On a typical planing musky V-hull the standard gearcase is usually the right call: CT's taller gear ratio and larger gearcase are built for heavy, slow-planing loads like pontoons and workboats, and on a fast V-hull they add drag and cost top speed. If your rig is unusually heavy or you troll at planing speed with big loads, ask us; that one is a case-by-case fit.

Best Motors for Kawartha Musky Fishing

Running a 9.9 ProKicker (Mercury's dedicated trolling kicker motor) for slow trolls and boatside figure-8s? Details on every 9.9 variant are in our Mercury 9.9 tiller, kicker, and ProKicker guide. ## Musky Fishing in the Kawarthas: Motor Selection Guide Musky boats work...

Angler netting a big fish beside a deep-V boat rigged with a Mercury 175 Pro XS main and a kicker outboard on an overcast Kawartha lake

Last reviewed: 2026-09-07

Mercury Premier Dealer·Gores Landing, ON·Quote builder available

Quick answer: For musky in the Kawarthas, a Mercury 90-150 FourStroke main with a 9.9 ProKicker is an 18-21 ft example for slow trolling big baits. Heavier 19-21 ft boats and dedicated 21 ft+ rigs suit the different example bands below. Boat-control beats top speed on Stoney, Buckhorn, and Pigeon. Stay inside the capacity plate. We package main-plus-kicker setups regularly; quote at mercuryrepower.ca.

Running a 9.9 ProKicker (Mercury's dedicated trolling kicker motor) for slow trolls and boatside figure-8s? Details on every 9.9 variant are in our Mercury 9.9 tiller, kicker, and ProKicker guide.

Musky Fishing in the Kawarthas: Motor Selection Guide

Musky boats work harder than most: long trolling hours, heavy baits, and rough late-fall water on Stoney, Buckhorn, and Pigeon. Here's how we set them up at the shop.

Musky Boat Requirements

Typical Musky Boat:

18-21 feet
Deep-V hull
Stable casting platform
Rod storage
Net storage
Serious trolling capability

Power examples by boat and load

These bands are examples to compare where the exact hull's documented power, transom, and motor-weight limits, steering, usual and heaviest planned load, and use support them.

18ft musky boats:

Mercury 115-150HP FourStroke as an example beside a lighter 90 HP day
Must live inside that hull's rated limits

19-21ft musky boats:

Mercury 150-200HP FourStroke for rough water or long runs
A lighter 19 ft day can still suit the 90-150 band

Dedicated musky rigs (21ft+):

Mercury 200-250HP for larger rigs
Often a bow trolling motor; may add a kicker

Why Power Matters for Musky

Long Runs: Musky spots are scattered. Adequate power means:

Cover more water
Reach distant spots efficiently
Work through river systems

Rough Conditions: Fall musky = rough water:

Need power to handle waves
Safety margin in weather
Confidence when conditions deteriorate

Trolling Demands: Big baits require:

Precise speed control
Ability to adjust for current
Long hours of motor operation

The Kicker Question

Many musky anglers add a kicker motor:

Benefits:

Precise trolling speeds
Saves main motor hours
Better fuel efficiency trolling
Quiet approach

Popular Kickers:

Mercury 9.9HP Pro Kicker
Mercury 15HP
Mercury 20HP

AI-generated editorial scene of two anglers wearing flotation vests in an aluminum fishing boat with a Mercury outboard.

AI-generated editorial scene illustrating a fishing outing. The pictured setup is not a horsepower recommendation or a documented HBW customer boat.

Trolling Motor Integration

Bow-mounted electric trolling motors:

Spot Lock for positioning
Quiet approach to structure
Hands-free operation while fishing

Pair with main motor for complete musky setup.

Our Kawartha Musky Setup Recommendation

Boat: 19-20ft Deep-V Main Motor: Mercury 150HP FourStroke Kicker: Mercury 9.9HP Pro Kicker Trolling Motor: Bow-mount with Spot Lock

That is a 19-20 ft Deep-V example inside the 150-200 band.

Build Your Musky Motor Setup

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a kicker for musky fishing?: Not required, but highly recommended for serious trolling. A kicker gives precise low speeds, saves main motor hours, and is more fuel efficient during extended trolling sessions.
What about running rivers for musky?: Current and operating conditions matter, but 115 HP is not a universal river minimum. On some Trent boats, 115 HP or more may be worth comparing where the manufacturer limits and planned load support it. Match the setup to the actual hull and conditions.
Tiller or remote for musky fishing?: Most serious musky anglers prefer remote. Boats are larger, and helm position gives better visibility for spotting fish. Kicker can be tiller for trolling control.
How important is Command Thrust for musky?: Command Thrust fit is model- and application-specific. On a typical planing musky V-hull the standard gearcase is usually the right call: CT's taller gear ratio and larger gearcase are built for heavy, slow-planing loads like pontoons and workboats, and on a fast V-hull they add drag and cost top speed. If your rig is unusually heavy or you troll at planing speed with big loads, ask us; that one is a case-by-case fit.

Harris Boat Works · 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, ON · (905) 342-2153

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