Should You Add A Trolling Motor to Your Fishing Kayak? | Pros and Cons 

Loved the surface hit in shot #2. And your comment of maximizing fishing time while on the water makes it real. I had no intention of putting a motor on the pelican C. Mode 110 I got. But yesterday I was trying to get to the spot across the pond, against the wind... I have a spare motor, and a lithium battery for my small out board V-hull. SO yeah thanks, I am gonna figure out a transom so i can keep my skeg, I will just mount high to go over it and the motor will be there when I want to use it on bigger waters (the kayak is great but a bit of a tub to paddle). The higher mount will be fine for the longer neck on the motor.

Very good video with excellent points. I have thought long and hard about putting a trolling motor on a paddle kayak or getting a pedal kayak. For me, a serious auto wreck messed up my back and spine. This means I would either need a extra long tiller handle extension (meaning I couldn't use my crate) or I would have to do a side mount that'd not only impact transportation but also functional usage of my port side. A few kayak companies are finally pulling their head outnof the sand and realizing many kayakers want trolling motors. Unfortunately, most kayak companies have no understanding of kayak angler. For example. Lifetime's new Manta Angler comes with a port side trolling motor mount and an area for a battery. This setup ironically makes it to where you cannot use a ceate and the trolling motor bracket makes it where you cannot use 2 of your 4 back rod holders. For the near $700 they want, and the near $500 you'd have to pay for the trolling motor and setup accessories, you're now reaching pedal kayak money. The best deal I've seen so far is Academy's store brand pedal kayak. It is 10' long, is set up for a fishfinder (i.e., recess in hull with attachment points for a transducer, transducer cover), and is made by Dagger (which is owned by Pelican). At $1k, it is the cheapest, best set up, angling pedal kayak for the money. FeelFree has a model with a relatively lightweight battery insert to turn their pedal drive system into an electric powered motor system. However, you're going to shell out thousands of dollars and their cheaper models lack this ability. Old Town is the first to use technology similar to e-bikes...which is now old technology. For this reason, since this technology is so old, and most of the industry is just copying Hobie's old pedal drive system; I am hoping someone will develop a univeral conversion kit to transform pedal drive systems into a hybrid system similar to an e-bike.

I love mine....only fish on private water in east Texas so no registration needed...gets me where I'm going then I paddle....also great for wind and once I got an arm cramp and saved me from paddling one handed all the way home.. everyone is different but for a 50 yr old absolutely great

Fellow NuCanoe owner! Best open concept platform, IMO. Not sure if you've tried this- but I got a handle extension for my trolling motor. It's minimal, but it was nice not needing to twist my body around every time I wanted to get moving. Keep up the good work.

Man it's so much better if you rig it up Right. Sterling with you feet leaves you hands free to cast. And I like the extra weight of the battery feels more stable to me.

$165 to register mine. In Pennsylvania. Was a hassle. Got across the lake in 20 minutes tho

Definitely worth it

I have a $200 t-motor & autoboat ($600) for a boat with motor and spotlock, I am fishing out of this kayak (SS127).

The number one reason you should not add a trolling motor is because you remain sedentary when sitting there for a prolonged period. It is hard on your back and health. Pro inflammatory. Pro atherosclerosis. The only reason you need a trolling motor is to remain competitive on the tournament scene. Period.

Dont put a $1000 trolling motor on a $300 Kayak. Just Dont

You should only use a trolling motor on your kayak if you are going to fish out of it!