The Minn Kota electric trolling motor began its life in 1934 in Fargo, North Dakota. Mr. O. G. Schmidt, inventor of the first 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 and North DaKOTA border, Mr. Schmidt named the business The Minn Kota Manufacturing Company.

Since its founding, Minn Kota has led the way in product innovation and cutting-edge technology. The long list of Minn Kota “firsts” supports this commitment to trolling motor development and the fishing community.