Can electric propulsion be an absolute boon for fishing kayaks? A far from simple question that finds the right answers in the story (and vision) of the professional Kristine Fischer. The famous fisherwoman shows us how her kayak can become a real fishing machine.
Small spoiler: she equipped it with a Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 that is easy to assemble, super silent and powerful, with a 915Wh lithium-ion battery, and capable of reaching speeds of up to 100km for trolling.
A “walk” with Kristine Fischer
Today there are many options for engines on the market, which have become the best accessories for kayaks. Kristine, a fisherwoman from Weeping Water in Nebraska, has been using the Torqeedo 1103 for 3 years. Firstly, because it adapts to her fishing style, and secondly because it can also guarantee ascent in the event of a strong current, without the need to install a float. She uses it with pedal control, which she considers the best way to move hands-free.
This choice is considered ideal for a person who has the physical characteristics of Kristine, and who appreciates the MirageDrive, a pedal system that allows maximum freedom of movement without constraint or effort. And this factor is important, especially considering the diverse ecosystem of the United States.
Kristine has clear ideas, moreover she is well known in her sector for having also participated in the largest “kayak bass” tournaments in the world. We mention, among the many awards, the victory of the 2021 Hobie Bass Open Series Championship in Eufaula which led her directly into the 2022 World Championship.
She has caught countless numbers of bass in any body of water, from the bayou (typical ecosystem of the Mississippi Delta) to the creeks and rivers of Tennessee, not forgetting the muddy rivers of Pennsylvania.
In short, she is a woman who knows very well what she is doing!
Kayak fishing is an increasingly popular (and green) myth
What Fischer has learned from her first-hand experience on water is that for this type of activity and competition, the kayak’s equipment is essential. There are definite features that can assure a great edge on the water, as well as aiding success in elite kayak fishing tournaments.
One of the real essential advantages is a silent engine to move in the water without being noticed by perch. A skill that is difficult to master, or at least it has always been so until recently. Thanks to a good electric motor, combined with pedaling, it’s possible to deftly move in shallow waters.
The electric engine helps reduce and eliminate noise
Fischer explained that, especially in shallower waters, sound often makes the difference. And it’s for this reason that she has been relying on Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 for some time, capable of offering not only less noise but also an approach that she defines as “less intrusive”. As the fisherwoman pointed out, the main benefits of Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 are:
- The ability to go faster and fish further
- A greater ability to navigate large bodies of water
- Reach speeds of up to 10.5 km/h (with her Hobie Pro Angler 14)
- The use of a distance indicator calculated by the GPS, which allows to know how much is left based on the set speed and battery autonomy
This engine is the first in a series of essential components to structure your kayak in the best way. All this, always considering not only the peculiarities of the fisher (height, body type and level of physical fitness), but also of the area in which you want to fish, and the budget.
When she’s not in her kayak, or when the Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 is switched off and she’s not competing in a tournament, Fischer loves to experiment and be in nature. She finds her balance in rivers like the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania, where in addition to fishing there are also breathtaking landscapes. And this is how she perfects her knowledge and her approach to electric mobility.