Posted on by

The Effortless Angler: A Guide to Mastering the Minn Kota Ulterra

In the world of angling technology, few innovations have so dramatically reduced physical effort and increased on-the-water efficiency as the Minn Kota Ulterra. This isn’t just a trolling motor; it’s a robotic fishing partner designed to handle the strenuous tasks of deployment, stowage, and depth adjustment with the simple push of a button. For anglers with mobility challenges, those who frequently fish alone, or anyone who values seamless boat control, the Ulterra represents a paradigm shift.

This lengthy, detailed guide will explore every facet of using the Minn Kota Ulterra, from its groundbreaking core features and control options to advanced fishing strategies empowered by its i-Pilot Link integration. By understanding its full capabilities, you can transform your boat control and focus solely on what matters most: catching fish.

Part 1: The Ulterra Revolution – Understanding the Core Features

What sets the Ulterra apart from every other trolling motor on the market are its three signature automated functions. These features eliminate the need to ever physically handle the motor during a fishing trip.

1. Auto Stow and Deploy

This is the feature that defines the Ulterra. Gone are the days of leaning precariously over the bow, heaving a heavy, wet motor out of the water, or wrestling it back onto its mount.

  • Deployment: With a double-tap of the deploy button on your remote or foot pedal, the Ulterra gracefully lifts itself from its horizontal stowed position, pivots vertically, and lowers itself into the water to a pre-set depth.
  • Stowage: A single press of the stow button initiates the reverse sequence. The motor automatically trims up to its highest position, lifts itself vertically out of the water, and powers itself down into its secure cradle on the bow mount, ready for the run back to the dock.

This hands-free operation is a game-changer in rough water, when fishing solo, or when a fish is on the line and you need to quickly stow the motor to move.

2. Power Trim

Traditionally, adjusting the depth of your trolling motor required manually loosening a collar and sliding the heavy shaft up or down. The Ulterra’s Power Trim automates this process entirely.

Using the up and down arrows on the remote or foot pedal, you can raise or lower the motor’s depth with precision. This is invaluable for:

  • Navigating Shallow Water: Instantly raise the motor to clear submerged logs, rocks, or shallow flats without ever leaving the console.
  • Adapting to Chop: In rough conditions, you can lower the motor deeper into the water to prevent the propeller from cavitating (coming out of the water) on wave crests, ensuring consistent thrust.
  • Fine-Tuning Presentation: Maintain the perfect depth for optimal performance of features like MEGA Down Imaging, which is often integrated into the motor’s lower unit.

3. i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link: The GPS Brain

While Auto Stow/Deploy and Power Trim are the physical “muscle,” the i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link system is the “brain.” This GPS-powered navigation system unlocks a suite of automated boat control features that are the cornerstone of modern angling.

  • Spot-Lock: The most revered feature in all of trolling motor technology. When you find a piece of structure or a school of fish, pressing the Spot-Lock button turns your motor into a virtual anchor. The GPS receiver will automatically keep your boat positioned on that exact coordinate, compensating for wind, waves, and current. You can fish with your hands and feet completely free, without ever drifting off your spot. The Ulterra also features “Jog,” which allows you to move your Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction with the simple push of a button.
  • AutoPilot: This function allows you to point the motor in a desired direction and it will automatically maintain that heading, correcting for wind and current. It’s the modern equivalent of a compass heading.
  • Cruise Control: Set a specific speed and the motor will maintain it, automatically adjusting propeller power to compensate for wind or current. This is essential for precise trolling presentations.
  • iTracks: Record a fishing path (up to two miles long) and save it to the system’s memory. You can then command the motor to automatically retrace that path later, perfectly replicating a successful trolling run.

Part 2: Your Command Center – Controlling the Ulterra

You have three primary methods for controlling your Ulterra, each suited to different fishing styles.

1. The Wireless Remote (i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link)

This is your master control. The modern touch-screen i-Pilot Link remote is like a smartphone for your trolling motor. From this remote you can access every function:

  • Stow and Deploy: Dedicated buttons for hands-free operation.
  • Power Trim: Up and down arrows for depth adjustment.
  • Steering: Left and right arrows to manually steer the motor.
  • Prop Speed: Plus and minus buttons to increase or decrease speed.
  • Spot-Lock and AutoPilot: One-touch activation buttons.
  • High Speed Bypass: Instantly puts the prop at full power (level 10) for quick maneuvers.

2. The Wireless Foot Pedal

For the angler who prefers hands-free control while casting from the bow, the wireless foot pedal is indispensable. It offers a unique “heel/toe” steering system and dedicated buttons for critical functions.

  • Heel/Toe Steering: Press the toe down to turn right, the heel down to turn left.
  • Constant On/Momentary: A side button toggles between momentary mode (prop only spins while you have your foot on the pedal) and constant mode (prop stays on at the set speed).
  • Spot-Lock Button: A dedicated button to instantly engage your virtual anchor.
  • Auto Stow/Deploy Button: A user-programmable button that can be set to either stow/deploy the motor or activate AutoPilot.

3. i-Pilot Link and Your Humminbird Fish Finder

This is where the Ulterra reaches its full potential. When you link your motor to a compatible Humminbird fish finder, you unlock a new level of integration and control. You can now command the Ulterra directly from your fish finder’s screen. This opens up revolutionary fishing strategies:

  • Follow the Contour: Select a specific depth contour line from your Humminbird’s LakeMaster or CoastMaster chart. The Ulterra will automatically follow that line, keeping your boat a set distance from it. This is arguably the most powerful tool for structure fishing ever created.
  • Go To: Select a waypoint on your map, or even just touch a spot on the screen, and command the Ulterra to take you there automatically.
  • Circle Mode: Command your boat to circle around a waypoint at a set distance, perfect for repeatedly casting to a specific piece of offshore structure.

Part 3: On-the-Water Scenarios and Strategies

Let’s put it all together. How does the Ulterra enhance a typical day of fishing in Chilliwack, BC?

Scenario 1: Casting for Bass at Cultus Lake You arrive at your first spot, a known underwater point.

  1. Deploy: While still at the console, you double-tap the deploy button on your remote. The Ulterra seamlessly enters the water.
  2. Navigate: Using the foot pedal, you steer the boat towards the point, using the Power Trim to keep the motor high as you cross a shallow flat.
  3. Spot-Lock: You see a school of fish on your Humminbird. You tap the Spot-Lock button on the foot pedal. The boat instantly holds position, fighting the afternoon breeze while you are free to stand on the casting deck and make precise casts to the school.
  4. Jog: After catching a few, you use the “Jog” feature on your remote to move your boat 15 feet to the left to explore the edge of the school, all without ever taking your foot off the pedal or stopping your cast.

Scenario 2: Trolling for Salmon on the Fraser River The powerful current of the Fraser River requires precise boat control to effectively troll for salmon.

  1. Deploy and Trim: You deploy the Ulterra and use Power Trim to lower the motor deep into the water, ensuring it stays engaged in the turbulent current.
  2. Set the Path: You engage AutoPilot to maintain a perfect heading downstream along a current seam.
  3. Set the Speed: You activate Cruise Control and set it to 2.5 mph. The Ulterra will now fight the current, constantly adjusting its propeller output to maintain that exact speed over ground, ensuring your flasher and lure are working perfectly.
  4. Fish On!: When a salmon hits, you need to act fast. You press the Stow button on your remote. The Ulterra automatically lifts and stows itself while you grab the rod, clearing the bow so you can fight the fish without fear of the line tangling in the trolling motor prop.

Part 4: Essential Considerations

  • Battery Power: The Ulterra is a powerful machine, and its automated features draw significant power, especially during stow/deploy cycles. It is critical to pair it with a robust battery system. A 36-volt system using high-quality deep-cycle marine or lithium (LiFePO4) batteries is highly recommended for all-day performance.
  • Proper Setup: During the initial on-land setup, you must teach the Ulterra its proper depth and stow position. This involves manually positioning the motor and telling the system to save those positions. This is a one-time setup outlined clearly in the owner’s manual.
  • Clearing the Deck: Before stowing or deploying, always ensure the area is clear of fishing rods, ropes, life jackets, or anything else that could obstruct the motor’s movement.

The Minn Kota Ulterra is more than a convenience; it is a strategic advantage. It reduces fatigue, allows for unparalleled boat control, enables anglers to fish effectively alone, and opens up automated fishing strategies that were the stuff of science fiction just a few years ago. By taking the time to understand and master its features, you are not just buying a trolling motor—you are investing in a more efficient, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful fishing experience.