I agree with gehajake about a foot-steering motor. It is a must when YOU are also fishing.
We wore out one of the original Minn-Kota foot pedal motors. Turns out the cable could bulge out of the wrapping and therefore fail to turn the motor. The new motors do not operate in the same fashion. However, I would consider looking at it yourself or taking it into a dealer to see if there is some possible inexpensive repair. Depending on the model, you may just have a set screw that has worked loose or there is a cable adjustment that might bring your motor back into proper functioning.
If not, then maybe buy some of their '22 stock on sale at the end of the year when they are trying to clear the shelf for the new motors.
As for the trespassers, read the fine print on trapping regulations in Texas and hope you find approval for setting a few bear traps.
