Fishing kayaks are very popular and offer a lot of versatility for fishing. They do not require a trailer and can stay strapped to the top of an SUV or in the back of a pickup for extended periods. They also are relatively light and affordable compared to most fishing boats and even Jon boats.
Fishing kayaks have many accessories available, from paddles to anchors and rod holders. One potential accessory that many people fail to consider is mounting a trolling motor to a fishing kayak. Could you mount a Minn Kota Terrova 80 or another great trolling motor to your fishing kayak? The short answer is: Yes! Here’s a closer look at what it takes.
Suitable Motor Mount
You can’t use a trolling motor if your kayak has no way to attach one. When mounted, you also need to be able to reach its handle so that you can steer effectively. A sit-on-top fishing kayak is relatively easy to convert into a trolling kayak by installing a mount or a transom for a trolling motor.
A sit-in kayak might be a bit more difficult for adding a trolling motor mount, but it also could be done. You also need a place to put the battery and secure it in case you tip your kayak while fishing. Fortunately, many fishing kayaks have room for carrying gear behind the seat, which is an ideal location for securing a battery with bungee cords or a cargo net.
Ample Weight Limit
It is very important to consider the weight limit that your kayak can safely support when adding a trolling motor and battery. The combination of a motor and a battery, plus any related equipment, will add weight to your kayak. If you have a 10-foot kayak with a 275-pound weight limit and you weigh 200 pounds, a trolling motor and battery might overload your kayak. A 12-foot kayak should have more room for error due to a greater weight limit, but a 10-foot kayak might cut it close.
Benefits of a Motorized Kayak
The light weight of a fishing kayak and its relatively shallow draft makes a trolling motor even more effective. A freshly charged battery should have plenty of juice to help you use the trolling motor for several hours and make it much easier and quicker to get to your preferred fishing holes. Once you arrive at your fishing grounds, you can resort to paddling to save some battery power. The paddle is also an ideal backup in case the battery runs low on power — especially if you go trolling for fish.
