POSITIONKEEPING TECHNOLOGY

Abow-mounted electric trolling motor using variable speeds and 360-degree swivel capability can keep a small to midsize vessel on the mark without the need to anchor. Want to hold your boat in position and pointed in a specific direction along a rip or a weed line? -Tom Schlichter

Score more fish with trolling-motor station-keeping.

We asked Rhode Island charter skipper B.J. Silvia (flippinout charters.com) about his use of a trolling motor to capture bruiser stripers, bulldog blackfish and behemoth tuna.

"Push a button on the wireless remote or MFD," Silvia says, "and the Minn Kota keeps you anchored.' I run Spot-Lock through my Humminbird Apex system."

Here are five ways Silvia uses the automated position-keeping technology of trolling motors to up his scores with saltwater gamefish.

MUD OR ROCKY BOTTOM

Sticky bottom poses a challenge to conventional anchoring. Using a trolling motor and locking your position without dropping the hook means your anchor never pulls or gets stuck. "I use Spot-Lock to set up over snag-infested and soft-bottom areas

I couldn't fish before to work lunkers that rarely see a hook," Silvia says.