Mounting a trolling motor on a kayak provides much greater range, vastly improved speed, and often substantial cost savings from buying a ‘yak already equipped with a pedal or electric drive.
That range can get you to hot spots you can’t – or won’t – reach with a paddle. That speed cuts your trip time down, getting you fishing sooner. And given a tight economy and high inflation, saving hundreds to even thousands of bucks is always welcome.
We’ve reviewed some of the best trolling motors for kayaks before, explaining the ins and outs of what makes them different, as well as how to pick the right option for you.
If you want the full story, be sure to check out this article:
Best Trolling Motors for Kayak Fishing: 2022 Buying Guide and Reviews
Here at USAngler, we’re avid kayak anglers ourselves, and we know that mounting a trolling motor on your ‘yak might sound like a daunting task.
That’s why we’d like to help you get the job done.
If you want to know more about how to mount a trolling motor to your kayak, keep reading!
Table of Contents (clickable)
Also Read: Fishing Kayak Setup Made Easy: A Quick Rundown of the Essentials
Trolling Motor Mounting Options for Kayaks
The best general approach to mounting a trolling motor on a kayak is probably a transom mount near the stern – or tail – of your kayak.
There are a few good options for accomplishing this.
Wilderness Systems Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount
Many kayaks will provide space for Wilderness System’s universal transom mount, including Perception’sPilot and Outlaw as well as Wilderness Systems’ own RADAR 115/135 and ATAK 120/140.
I like this mount because it’s simple, sturdy, and in line with your kayak’s axis, making your ‘yak easy to steer and control. It’s perfect for trolling motors that weigh less than 45 pounds and that generate less than 70 pounds of thrust.
Wilderness Systems recommends that you back this mount if your motor is near the maximum recommended thrust.
Whether this mount will work for you depends on your kayak’s stern design. You’ll need a flat space that can accommodate a rectangular bolt pattern measuring 3.75” x 4.75”, as well as a total area for the bracket measuring (L) 8.59” x (W) 8.78”.
You’ll also want to ensure that you’ll be able to reach your trolling motor’s tiller handle from your seat.
Measure carefully.
If your kayak can fit this bracket, installation is simple, and of course, this mount comes with full instructions.
Basically, the process involves marking the hole positions, drilling four holes, mounting a backing plate if at all possible, and screwing the mount down securely.
All you’ll need are very basic tools like a Sharpie, drill, screwdriver, and adjustable wrench, and the whole process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Here’s an example of at-home installation:
RAILBLAZA Kayak Motor Mount
RAILBLAZA offers an excellent alternative to a stern mount for kayaks that can’t accommodate products like the Wilderness Systems Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount or YakGadget QuickMountMK.
And the good news is that this trolling motor mount will fit pretty much any kayak, though it does require some basic DIY skills.
This trolling motor mount uses two StarPort rail mounts that you attach to your kayak with a total of eight screws. Then, you simply mate the male-to-male adaptors and lock the mount in place.
The only tricky part is pre-positioning the rail mounts properly, marking the screw positions, and drilling the necessary holes.