Nice video. I have a Hobie Lynx, 180 mirage drive, and all that. Ive recently added a bixpy motor. Mostly to cover more water, keep up with friends who have faster yaks, and save energy. You hit the head on the cons. The big disadvantage is setting it up before launch and the time it takes to do so.
@@badhombrefishing I've got both now! I still prefer the motor for open water, but one of the downsides of having a motor is if you get weeds in it, there is not really a way to remove them without getting back on land, whereas with my pedal drive I can just lift it up through center console and remove the weeds!
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.
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.
I appreciate that, and I couldn't agree more. It is a great kayak! That would not be a bad idea at all. I may have to check that out. The first couple times I went out after adding the trolling motor my back was a bit sore from twisting around so much. Do you find that the handle extension works even when you have rods set into the rod holders in the back? I imagine that might get in the way/prevent it from being able to turn with a full range.
@@theangriestangler Thats actually a good question, and I dont know the answer because I don't have vertical holders behind me (like a Black Pack). I lay my rods down, tips pointing toward bow. If I had to guess, they probably would be in each others way... Or you could only turn in one direction! 😂
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
I don’t fish tournaments, so don’t feel the need to get one, I thought about it, but I do enjoy the exercise of paddling and feel like with the motor I would just rely on it way too much, it would be like fishing a mountain stream, and taking an escalator to the next hole instead of enjoying the hike. Sure I’d catch more fish but miss so much more? I’m 66 and need to keep the body moving
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.
@@theangriestangler NuCanoe has a flint mounting and control kit P/N 1721. It fits more rolling motors than they say it fits. Another option is to get a steering triangle for trolling motor and rig your one ropes and pulleys.
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.
Haha this has been my experience and is the main reason I will be switching to pedal drive soon. However, I have found some ways around it. 1. steering with your pedal instead of turning around 2. you could get a trolling motor that sits on the front of your kayak instead 3. Could also get one w/ autopilot, but at that price you could get a small bass boat
Nice video. I have a Hobie Lynx, 180 mirage drive, and all that. Ive recently added a bixpy motor. Mostly to cover more water, keep up with friends who have faster yaks, and save energy. You hit the head on the cons. The big disadvantage is setting it up before launch and the time it takes to do so.
Sounds like a nice setup! I just got a Native Slayer 10 w/ a drive and I'm loving it. I gotta say I do prefer it over a trolling motor.
@theangriestangler that's interesting. I was wondering if u away from the motor.
@@badhombrefishing I've got both now! I still prefer the motor for open water, but one of the downsides of having a motor is if you get weeds in it, there is not really a way to remove them without getting back on land, whereas with my pedal drive I can just lift it up through center console and remove the weeds!
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.
Sounds like you got a good plan! Please keep us updated on how it goes so others can learn from your experiences as well!
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.
I appreciate that, and I couldn't agree more. It is a great kayak! That would not be a bad idea at all. I may have to check that out. The first couple times I went out after adding the trolling motor my back was a bit sore from twisting around so much.
Do you find that the handle extension works even when you have rods set into the rod holders in the back? I imagine that might get in the way/prevent it from being able to turn with a full range.
I set mine tight so it stays on a relatively straight course then use my paddle to steer by just dipping in a bit on one side to adjust my course
@@theangriestangler Thats actually a good question, and I dont know the answer because I don't have vertical holders behind me (like a Black Pack). I lay my rods down, tips pointing toward bow.
If I had to guess, they probably would be in each others way... Or you could only turn in one direction! 😂
@@_Stetsi I see, thanks for your comment! This is all great info for people to know/consider!
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
I’m loving mine so far!
I wish we had private water here, but I don’t think it’s as common.
I don’t fish tournaments, so don’t feel the need to get one, I thought about it, but I do enjoy the exercise of paddling and feel like with the motor I would just rely on it way too much, it would be like fishing a mountain stream, and taking an escalator to the next hole instead of enjoying the hike. Sure I’d catch more fish but miss so much more? I’m 66 and need to keep the body moving
That's a good point. I just got a pedal drive and feel like I move around more easily but still get plenty of exercise. Might be worth looking into!
What kayak do you use?
I use a NuCanoe Flint. IMO it's the best beginner budget fishing kayak out there
Definitely worth it
$165 to register mine. In Pennsylvania. Was a hassle. Got across the lake in 20 minutes tho
I can’t believe how expensive it is over there! All worth it though when you’re able to cover water that quick!
I have a $200 t-motor & autoboat ($600) for a boat with motor and spotlock, I am fishing out of this kayak (SS127).
That is awesome! I want spotlock so bad. Do you find that it works well with your setup?
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.
Is there a trolling motor setup that lets you steer with your feet? I'd be interested in this.
@@theangriestangler NuCanoe has a flint mounting and control kit P/N 1721. It fits more rolling motors than they say it fits.
Another option is to get a steering triangle for trolling motor and rig your one ropes and pulleys.
@@mumbles1justin Thanks for the info! I'm gonna look into this.
I have both pedal and motor.
What do you prefer? I’m actually upgrading to a pedal drive this weekend hopefully
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.
Haha this has been my experience and is the main reason I will be switching to pedal drive soon. However, I have found some ways around it.
1. steering with your pedal instead of turning around
2. you could get a trolling motor that sits on the front of your kayak instead
3. Could also get one w/ autopilot, but at that price you could get a small bass boat
Dont put a $1000 trolling motor on a $300 Kayak. Just Dont
Why not?
@@mrdavyjones There's nothing wrong with it. There's plenty of people that did exactly that and love it.
If you have a spare $1000 trolling motor for a bass boat and a cheep river kayak laying around why not experiment?
You should only use a trolling motor on your kayak if you are going to fish out of it!