Electric motors have always been a core part of modern lure fishing. Whether you’re working edges for bream, holding on a reef, or creeping along a flat chasing flathead, they’ve gone from a luxury to an essential bit of kit. Over time, as sounders and motors began to integrate, things stepped up again. Spot-lock replaced anchors, GPS control improved boat positioning, and suddenly anglers had a level of precision that just wasn’t possible before.
But for a long time, if you were running Lowrance or Simrad electronics, you were missing that full integration. That gap is now well and truly closed with the release of the Recon electric motor.
I’ve been running a Lowrance Recon on my Stacer 589 Crossfire, paired with twin HDS Pro units – a 12 at the helm and a 16 up front – along with ActiveTarget 2. It’s a fully integrated system, and after putting it through a proper workout chasing flathead and mulloway up at Mallacoota, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what it does well.
SETUP AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The unit I’m running is the 24/36V model, which gives you flexibility depending on how you want to rig your boat. It’s available in multiple shaft lengths to suit different hulls, and once it’s mounted, it feels solid and well thought out straight away.
One of the big things that stands out with the Recon is the build quality. It’s a brushless motor, which means it’s quieter, more efficient, and requires less maintenance than older brushed designs. On the water, that translates to stealth – something that matters more than people realise, especially in shallow estuary systems where fish are easily spooked.
I’ve given it a proper test too. Fishing the flats at Mallacoota, the motor has copped its fair share of bumps on sand, timber and the odd rock, and it’s handled it without any issues. It feels robust, not fragile, which is exactly what you want when you’re fishing hard and not babying your gear.
LOWRANCE INTEGRATION
This is where the Recon really separates itself.
If you’re already running Lowrance, particularly the HDS Pro units, the integration is seamless. The motor links straight into your system, and everything is controlled through the screen. It’s clean, simple, and easy to use.
The autopilot function is a standout. I spent a fair bit of time bait fishing for mulloway at night in Mallacoota, and this is where it really shines. In the dark, on a new moon, being able to select a waypoint and have the motor drive you straight onto it is a game changer.
You can control your speed, adjust your heading, and fine-tune everything from the screen. There’s no guesswork, no messing around – it just does what you tell it to do. It makes moving between spots effortless and lets you focus on fishing instead of driving the boat.
For lure fishing, particularly on the flats, it’s just as valuable. You can set a track, repeat a drift, or follow a contour. Once you find a productive line, you can run it again and again without fighting wind or current. That alone saves time and keeps you in the strike zone longer.
REMOTE CONTROL
The handheld remote is another area where the Recon gets it right.
It’s light, ergonomic, and easy to use. The buttons are well laid out, and navigating through the menus is straightforward. It doesn’t feel clunky or overcomplicated, which is important when you’re trying to make quick adjustments while fishing.
One of the big wins for me is that it runs on standard AA batteries. It sounds simple, but it’s a huge advantage. There’s no charging cables to forget, no downtime waiting for it to recharge, and no stress about it going flat mid-session. I’ve used it heavily and haven’t had to change batteries yet, which tells you it’s pretty efficient.
WIRELESS FOOT PEDAL
The wireless foot pedal is something I didn’t realise I’d appreciate as much as I do.
Traditionally, foot pedals are fixed to the bow, wired into the motor, and you’re stuck using them in that position. The Recon changes that completely.
Because it’s wireless, you can move it anywhere on the deck. That might not sound like a big deal, but in real-world fishing it makes a huge difference. Boats don’t always sit perfectly straight – especially when you’re drifting. More often than not, you’re sitting sideways to the wind or current.
Being able to reposition the pedal so it’s directly in front of you, rather than having to stand up at the bow, is a big advantage. It keeps you comfortable and lets you stay focused on your casting.
I’ve been using it a lot when drifting edges for flathead. You can just bump the motor forward or back to stay in the right depth without overcorrecting. It’s subtle control, but it keeps you in that perfect zone.
There’s also an optional add-on section that gives you left and right buttons instead of the traditional pedal-style steering. Personally, I prefer this. It feels more precise and gives you better control, particularly when making small adjustments.
The pedal itself is quick to connect, and it goes into a sleep mode when not in use to save battery. A simple press wakes it back up, and you’re good to go. Like the remote, it runs on AA batteries, which keeps things simple and reliable.
You can also customise the buttons to suit your preferences, and it comes with stickers so you can label everything clearly. It’s a small detail, but it shows that some thought has gone into how people actually use the product.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE
Power consumption is always a big talking point with electric motors, and the Recon does well here.
Running it on an Enerdrive 36V system, I’ve been getting around three full days of heavy use without needing to recharge. That’s a mix of drifting, spot-locking, and travelling between spots, so it’s not exactly light use.
The efficiency comes down to that brushless design. It draws less power while still delivering strong thrust, which means longer run times and less stress on your battery system.
FEATURES THAT STAND OUT
There are a few smaller features that really add to the overall experience.
One I like is the blue indicator light on the motor head. When the prop is spinning, the light is on. It sounds simple, but at very low speeds it can sometimes be hard to tell if the motor is actually engaged. This removes any guesswork.
There’s also a prop icon on the display, so between the two you always know what the motor is doing.
The interface on the HDS Pro gives you access to different steering patterns as well – things like circles or U-turns. They’re handy in certain situations, but where I find the real value is in being able to record and repeat tracks. Once you dial in a productive drift or path, the motor can follow it exactly, which keeps you fishing efficiently.
SELF-SERVICING AND SUPPORT
Another big tick for the Recon is the focus on serviceability.
Parts are readily available, and the design allows for user servicing where needed. That’s a big deal, particularly for anglers who use their gear hard and don’t want long downtime waiting on repairs.
It’s clear Lowrance has thought about the long-term ownership side of things, not just the initial sale.
ON-WATER PERFORMANCE
All the features in the world don’t mean much if the motor doesn’t perform, but on the water the Recon delivers. It’s quiet, responsive, and powerful. Whether you’re holding position in current, creeping along a flat, or moving between spots, it does exactly what you need it to do.
For me, most of the use has been in estuaries and rivers, and it’s been excellent in that environment. Precise boat control, minimal noise, and seamless integration with the electronics make a real difference. It’s also worth mentioning that it just looks good. That might not matter to everyone, but if you take pride in your boat, it’s a nice bonus.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re already running Lowrance or Simrad electronics, the Recon is an easy recommendation.
The integration alone makes it worthwhile, but when you add in the build quality, battery efficiency, wireless control options, and overall performance, it’s a very complete package.
It’s priced competitively for what it offers, and it fills a gap that’s been there for a long time for Lowrance users.
After putting it through its paces chasing flathead and mulloway at Mallacoota, it’s proven itself as a serious bit of gear. It’s not just an electric motor – it’s a fully integrated boat control system that lets you fish more effectively and spend less time managing the boat.
And that’s really what it’s all about.
