A steering and speed control mechanism is disclosed for a hand-controlled trolling motor. The mechanism includes a yoke assembly having a first section attached to the trolling motor and a second section hingedly attached to the first section. There is a control arm extension, which includes an axially rotatable shaft that carries a handle. A tubular receptacle operably engages the control arm of the trolling motor. A universal joint pivotably interconnects the receptacle and the shaft. A tubular sleeve interconnects the shaft to the second section of the yoke assembly such that the shaft is pivotable and axially rotatable relative to the second section of the yoke assembly. The trolling motor control arm is operated through the control arm extension to control steering and speed of the trolling motor.