T & L Products Hydrofoils & Trolling Plates
T & L Products Trol-A-Matic: The Fully Automatic Trolling Plate
When serious anglers need precise, hands-free speed control on the water, T & L Products delivers with their flagship Trol-A-Matic Trolling Plate — a long-trusted solution in the hydrofoils & trolling plates category. Made in Michigan, the Trol-A-Matic has built a loyal following among freshwater and saltwater fishermen who demand reliable slow-speed performance without constant manual adjustment.
What Makes the Trol-A-Matic Different
The defining feature of the T & L Products Trol-A-Matic is its fully automatic operation. Unlike manual trolling plates that require the angler to physically raise or lower the plate, the Trol-A-Matic uses a spring-loaded pivot mechanism that causes the plate to swing up automatically as throttle increases — meaning there is no driver intervention required and no risk of forgetting to stow the plate before accelerating. This "set it and forget it" design is a significant practical advantage over fixed-position competitors.
The plate is constructed from glass-filled nylon, a material chosen specifically for its resistance to the harsh marine environment. It will not rust or corrode, making it a durable long-term investment for any boat that sees regular use on fresh or salt water. Stainless steel mounting hardware is included, and installation requires only four drilled holes in the cavitation plate.
Who Is It For?
The Trol-A-Matic is engineered to work with most outboards and inboard/outboard drives rated at 50 HP or higher (with size compatibility checks recommended for smaller outboards), and it is not compatible with Volvo out-drives. It is especially well-suited to modern four-stroke engines, which often cannot achieve the ultra-slow idle speeds that serious trollers require. By creating additional drag at the propeller, the plate allows anglers to maintain crawling speeds — think walleye trollers, salmon fishermen, and anyone targeting finicky fish that require a presentation at under 2 MPH — while the engine runs at a healthy RPM.
Key Features at a Glance
- Fully automatic — swings up as speed increases with no manual input needed
- Glass-filled nylon construction — corrosion-proof and built to last in salt or fresh water
- Stainless steel hardware included — everything needed for a secure, lasting mount
- Quick installation — mounts in minutes with four drilled holes
- Compatible with most outboards and I/O drives 50 HP and up
- Made in the USA by T & L Products of Michigan
A Proven Design, Tested Over Decades
The Trol-A-Matic has earned its reputation through years of real-world use on everything from walleye boats to offshore rigs. Anglers frequently report using the same plate across multiple motors and many seasons, a testament to its straightforward, reliable design. For anyone browsing the full range of hydrofoils & trolling plates, the T & L Products Trol-A-Matic stands out as the go-to choice when hands-free automatic operation is the top priority.