4 Reasons This is the Best Trolling Motor for Forward Facing Sonar

Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) technology has changed how weekend and tournament anglers locate and catch fish. Whether you're out to compete or simply have more fun on the water, there is one thing that is critical to unlocking your potential with FFS that is often not thought about.

When your FFS transducer is mounted to the shaft of a trolling motor, having a motor that offers precision control of your sonar beam and the stability to pinpoint your target is critical. 

Enter the Minn Kota Ultrex^® QUEST^™. It's not just compatible with forward-facing sonar-it's optimized for it. 

In this brief article, we will break down the top four reasons why the Ultrex QUEST is the best trolling motor for forward-facing sonar. You'll also hear from six-time Bassmaster Elite Series Champion and 2022 Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk. 

1. Precision Foot Pedal Control

One of the biggest advantages of the Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST is its cable-driven steering with electric assist. This connection delivers unmatched control, precision, and fluid motion when steering.

Unlike motors that rely solely on electric steering, the Ultrex QUEST uses a pull-pull cable system, which means that there are actual physical cables that connect the steering mechanism directly to the foot pedal. When the Minn Kota Ultrex was originally released to the market, it gained notoriety overnight due to it being the first trolling motor to offer unmatched precision of a cable-steer motor along with GPS technologies like Spot-Lock, AutoPilot, and much more.

With the introduction of the QUEST Series of brushless Ultrex, you'll notice even more enhancements to the steering precision due to improved steering tolerances, making it better than ever. 

Why does this matter?

• Steering precision allows anglers to better pinpoint and stay locked on their target, which is critical for tracking their lure and the fish they're targeting.
• Improved experience when making micro steering adjustments to quickly align your forward-facing sonar beam on your target, especially while it is moving.
• Better tracking at further distances. When you're tracking a fish 60-100ft away from the boat with forward-facing sonar, you need pinpoint accuracy to stay locked on your target.

This tactile steering system gives anglers a more intuitive feel and is absent of steering lag. You stay in full control at any distance, which is exactly what FFS fishing demands.  

2. Improved Torque and Efficiency for Open Water Searching

One thing that FFS has done is pulled more anglers off the bank and gives them the confidence to search for fish offshore. This increased focus on chasing schools of fish or bait off the bank means more time spent searching while using the trolling motor.

With the Ultrex QUEST brushless trolling motors, anglers reap the benefits of 50% more torque and 30% more battery efficiency* compared to trolling motors of the past.

Why does this matter?

• With increased time spent searching open water, the improved torque or power allows anglers to cover water quickly.
• The added battery efficiency allows anglers to spend more time searching without worrying about draining their trolling motor battery.
• QUEST Series motors even offers customized battery monitoring and an Eco-Mode to give anglers insight into their battery levels. When running low on power, anglers can switch over to a more battery-efficient mode to extend their fishing day.

3. Square Tubular Shaft = Perfect Transducer Alignment

The third reason the Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST stands out for FFS is its square tubular shaft design. Traditional trolling motors use a round shaft, which can cause inconsistencies when mounting a FFS transducer.

Even the slightest rotation can throw off your sonar alignment and result in missing your target when casting. Ultrex QUEST's square shaft paired with Humminbird's MEGA Live 2 transducer mount, that problem disappears.

Why does this matter?

• It gives anglers confidence that the trolling motor head is pointed exactly at the FFS sonar beam.
• This is especially important when casting to targets at further distances. If your transducer is slightly off by a few degrees, that matters less at closer distances, but when your casting 60ft+, a few degrees makes a huge difference in whether you hit your target or not.
• This allows for perfectly straight and repeatable mounting of your forward-facing sonar transducer. That means your sonar is always aligned with your motor's heading and your target.

4. Easy-to-Read Directional Indicator on the Trolling Motor Head

We covered in importance of knowing exactly where your sonar is pointing is crucial in the last point, but that's why the directional indicator on the Ultrex QUEST's motor head is a major bonus for anglers.

It's large, prominent, and easy to see, even in bright daylight or rough conditions.

Why does this matter?

• Provides anglers a clear visual cue so they know where the trolling motor-and by extension, your forward facing sonar beam is aiming, resulting in more on-target casts.
• Eliminates the potential error or inconsistency of aiming because the directional indicator and the fact that the trolling motor head points in the exact direction the FFS beam is pointed.
• Whether you're scanning for schools of crappie or trying to land a bass hiding in structure, the directional indicator ensures you're always on target.

Why Forward Facing Sonar Anglers Are Choosing the Ultrex QUEST Trolling Motor

Forward-facing sonar is no longer a futuristic tool-it's an everyday advantage for anglers who want to catch more fish with their fishing buddies or perform at a higher level. FFS is only as good as the motor controlling it.

With the Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, you're getting a trolling motor designed from the ground up for FFS integration.

It delivers:

• Smooth, mechanical steering for ultimate control
• Power and Efficiency for optimal open water searching
• Reliable transducer positioning via its square shaft design
• Precise visual alignment tools built into the head

Together, these features give you a serious edge on the water-whether you're chasing a trophy bass or breaking down unfamiliar water.

If you're running Humminbird MEGA Live 2 or another forward-facing sonar, upgrading to the Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST isn't just a luxury-it's a smart move that will help you fish cleaner, faster, and more effectively. This trolling motor wasn't just built for power-it was engineered for precision, which is exactly what FFS requires.

If you're ready to take full advantage of your forward-facing sonar, the Ultrex QUEST should be your first choice.

* When run on 24 volts compared to 24-volt brushed motor at maximum speed setting.