Best Trolling Motor Batteries for Ice Fishing
Ice fishing demands reliable power to keep your trolling motor running in extreme cold. The right battery ensures consistent performance, longer run times, and durability in freezing temperatures. Choosing a high-quality battery means fewer worries about power loss while navigating through thick ice.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best trolling motor batteries for ice fishing, key features to consider, and expert recommendations.
What to Look for in a Trolling Motor Battery for Ice Fishing
1. Battery Type
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries – Best for ice fishing due to lightweight design, fast charging, and long lifespan.
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Trolling Motor Battery – More affordable, but heavier and with a shorter lifespan than lithium.
- Lead-Acid Batteries – Budget-friendly but bulky and unreliable in extreme cold.
2. Cold Weather Performance
- Lithium batteries perform well in cold conditions but should have a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent freezing damage.
- AGM batteries handle cold better than standard lead-acid but degrade faster.
3. Amp-Hour (Ah) Rating
- 50Ah – Light use, short trips.
- 100Ah – Ideal for full-day fishing.
- 200Ah+ – Best for multi-day trips or high-thrust motors.
4. Weight & Portability
- Lithium batteries are up to 70% lighter than AGM or lead-acid batteries, making transport easier.
5. Charging Speed
- Lithium batteries charge 3-5X faster than lead-acid, reducing downtime.
Top 5 Trolling Motor Batteries for Ice Fishing
1. Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah LiFePO4
⭐ Best Overall
✅ Pros:
- Cold-resistant with a built-in BMS
- Lightweight (only 31 lbs)
- 2000+ cycles (10-year lifespan)
- 11-year warranty
❌ Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
🔋 Why It’s Great for Ice Fishing:
Dakota Lithium’s BMS prevents freezing damage, making it one of the most reliable choices for ice fishing.
2. Battle Born 12V 100Ah LiFePO4
⭐ Best Premium Choice
✅ Pros:
- Top-tier build quality and safety features
- Ultra-lightweight (31 lbs)
- 3500+ cycles (up to 10 years)
- Excellent performance in extreme temperatures
❌ Cons:
- Expensive
- Needs a LiFePO4 charger for best results
🔋 Why It’s Great for Ice Fishing:
If you want the longest-lasting and highest-performing battery, Battle Born is a solid investment.
3. Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4
⭐ Best Budget Lithium Option
✅ Pros:
- Affordable for a lithium battery
- Built-in BMS for cold-weather protection
- Ultra-light (24.2 lbs)
- 4000+ charge cycles
❌ Cons:
- Not as well-known as Dakota Lithium or Battle Born
- Shorter warranty (5 years)
🔋 Why It’s Great for Ice Fishing:
A cost-effective lithium option that still delivers excellent cold-weather performance.
4. VMAXTANKS MR137-120 AGM Deep Cycle Battery
⭐ Best AGM Battery for Ice Fishing
✅ Pros:
- More affordable than lithium
- Spill-proof and maintenance-free
- Reliable cold-weather performance
❌ Cons:
- Heavier (75 lbs)
- Shorter lifespan than lithium (3-5 years)
🔋 Why It’s Great for Ice Fishing:
If you need an AGM battery for ice fishing, VMAXTANKS provides great durability and power in freezing conditions.
5. Optima BlueTop 34M AGM Marine Battery
⭐ Best Dual-Purpose Battery
✅ Pros:
- Works as both a starting and deep-cycle battery
- Cold-resistant design
- Shock and vibration-resistant
❌ Cons:
- Lower Ah capacity (55Ah)
- Heavier than lithium options
🔋 Why It’s Great for Ice Fishing:
Great for smaller trolling motors or anglers needing a dual-purpose battery for starting electronics and running a trolling motor.
Final Verdict: Which Battery Should You Choose?
| Battery | Best For | Type | Weight | Cold Resistance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah | Best Overall | Lithium | 31 lbs | ✅✅✅ | 10+ years |
| Battle Born 12V 100Ah | Premium Choice | Lithium | 31 lbs | ✅✅✅ | 10+ years |
| Ampere Time 12V 100Ah | Best Budget Lithium | Lithium | 24 lbs | ✅✅ | 7-10 years |
| VMAXTANKS MR137-120 AGM | Best AGM Battery | AGM | 75 lbs | ✅✅ | 3-5 years |
| Optima BlueTop 34M AGM | Best Dual-Purpose | AGM | 43 lbs | ✅✅ | 3-5 years |
Pro Tips for Using Trolling Motor Batteries in Cold Weather
🔹 Keep Batteries Insulated: Extreme cold can affect battery efficiency. Use an insulated battery box or wrap your battery in an insulating blanket.
🔹 Charge Indoors Before Use: Cold batteries charge slower. Store and charge them in a warm environment before heading out.
🔹 Use a Smart Charger: Lithium batteries require specific LiFePO4 chargers. Using a lead-acid charger can damage lithium cells.
🔹 Avoid Over-Discharging: Lithium batteries can handle deep discharges, but keeping them above 20% charge extends lifespan.
Conclusion: The Best Battery for Ice Fishing
For serious ice anglers, a 12V 100Ah lithium battery (like Dakota Lithium or Battle Born) is the best investment. It delivers longer runtime, better cold-weather durability, and faster charging compared to AGM or lead-acid batteries.
However, if you’re on a budget, the Ampere Time 100Ah LiFePO4 provides great lithium performance at a lower price. For those who prefer AGM, VMAXTANKS is a reliable option.
Need help choosing the right battery for your specific trolling motor? Let me know your motor specs, and I’ll guide you to the best option! 🚤🔋