Minn Kota
The History of Minn Kota®
Minn Kota is the oldest manufacturer of electric fishing motors in the world with nearly 70 years of hard-earned experience in the lab and on the water. Throughout our history, Minn Kota has led the way in product innovation and cutting-edge technology. Our list of Minn Kota “firsts” supports this commitment to trolling motor development and the fishing community.
| 1934 | First electric gear-driven motor |
| 1935 | First electric flexible cable motor |
| 1965 | First electric motor with reverse switch |
| 1968 | First remote control adaptable to other brand motors |
| 1985 | First electronic speed control, sold as an accessory (Maximizer™) |
| 1986 | First built-in electronic/variable speed control |
| 1987 | First electric steer in commercial quantities |
| 1987 | First low-profile foot pedal in cable steer |
| 1987 | First compact bow-mount, built-in electronic speed control with first automatic electronic battery gauge |
| 1991 | First computer-controlled motor, first self-steering unit (AutoPilot™) |
| 1991 | First composite, energy-absorbing motor tube |
| 1992 | First completely weedless propeller (Weedless Wedge™) |
| 1995 | First all-direction breakaway mounting system (Bowguard 360°™) |
| 1999 | First fully automatic trolling motor (Genesis™) |
| 2001 | First trolling motor with built-in sonar transducer compatible with all major fishfinders (Universal Sonar) |
| 2002 | First wireless remote that allows trolling motor control from fishing rod, wrist or belt (CoPilot™) |
| 2004 | First trolling motor 3:1 ratio articulated steering system (3X™ Steering) |
| 2005 | First trolling motor with gas-charged, spring-assisted stow and deploy (Lift-Assist on Maxxum Pro) |
Celebrating over 70 years of product excellence
Fargo, North Dakota –
The Minn Kota electric trolling motor began its life in 1934 in Fargo, North Dakota. Mr. O. G. Schmidt, inventor of the trolling motor, was known to be a man of many diverse ideas. Prior to the trolling motor, Mr. Schmidt invented, produced and sold a copper soldering torch from his home in Wheatland, North Dakota. Due to its success, manufacturing operations were then moved to Fargo. Because of its proximity to the MINNesota – North DaKOTA border, Mr. Schmidt named the business The Minn Kota Manufacturing Company.