42 install. some just drop in place in the middle of the boat or on the transom, or require some permanent hardware install. others made to fit any kayak might require a bit more work or an accessory kit to install on the transom, but are usually still pretty easy to set up. companies such as Yakattack( yakattack. us), Bassyaks( bassyaks. com) and Kevin dismuke’ s Kayak Motor Mounts( see facebook) manufacture motor mounting kits to fit just about any kayak on the market.
Motor mounts should be designed to be easy to remove for transport, and easy for the user to raise or lower from a seated position, which allows access to very skinny water and prevents damage when beaching the kayak.
Steering
Kayak motors usually steer with foot pedals or a hand control. foot pedals are most convenient for fishing. some anglers into the diY scene have even figured out how to rig remote-operated motors on their kayaks.
Registration
Kayak registration varies from state to state. in ohio, where i live, the law requires all kayaks to be registered, but kayaks with motors must display registration numbers on the hull. Be sure to check local regulations if you’ re thinking about adding a motor to your rig.
Price
You can pay a lot or pay a little, but you generally get what you pay for when it comes to a compact kayak motor. the torqeedo ultralight 403, for instance, costs $ 1,799, but it’ s a complete system, is lightweight and is easy to use without any diY work required to be up and running.
Take Advantage Of More Time
With the limited time that many of us have to actually get out on the water to fish, i believe the motor is the single biggest improvement for maximizing time on the water. Whether you’ re a weekend angler or an avid tournament competitor, the kayak motor is a tool that can increase your fishing success. that’ s an advantage that i will take anytime i can.
AboUt thE AUthor matt ball is a professional kayak angler from Little hocking, ohio. he’ s won more than $ 40,000 in a kayak, and in the last three years has earned 21 top-10 finishes and two wins, including the inaugural Kayak bass Fishing national championship on Kentucky Lake in 2016.
FLWFISHING. COM I MAY-JUNE 2018 phhoto by jEFF LittLE