Abstract: A trolling motor having current based power management including: an electric motor; a motor controller having an output for providing voltage to the motor; and a current sensor for measuring the electrical current flowing through the motor. Upon determining that the trolling motor has been operating above its continuous duty limit for a predetermined period of time, the motor controller begins reducing the voltage output to the motor until reaching an acceptable output voltage. In another embodiment, the controller is operated in three distinct modes with three distinct sets of operating parameter, namely: a normal mode wherein the output is set to a commanded level; a current limit mode wherein the output is set to a safe, predetermined level; and a transitional mode wherein the output is incrementally changed from the predetermined level to the commanded level.