Largemouth bass anglers lead the sport in innovation. Most of the best fishing tackle, tactics and accessories spin off the bass fishing world. And this year, largemouth anglers saw great advancements in their field. To start, motorized fishing kayaks are now easy to rig, own and operate. No more shade-tree engineering with homemade accessories, the latest kayaks are designed for motors and the latest electric motors are designed for kayaks. To take advantage of the most advanced technology, anglers add multiple fish finder displays featuring the latest sonar and GPS systems. Of course, motor-powered kayaks allow anglers to pack a complete selection of tactic-specific rods and reels. This year, there are more choices for pro-level tackle at an entry-level price.
Gear Of The Year: Largemouth Bass
Garmin Echomap Ultra 2
MSRP: $2,499.99
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GARMIN BASS PRO SHOPS ACADEMY SPORTS AMAZON
Live sonar is constantly evolving and Garmin stays ahead of the pack with their LiveScope and Echomap Ultra 2 package. Combining the multi-function display, side-imaging and live sonar with the black box processor, installation is quick and easy. The Echomap touchscreen smooths out the learning curve so I get the most out of the system’s powerful sonar and navigation. On the navigation side, the Ultra 2 comes with Garmin’s Worldwide, Inland or Coastal maps and easy upgrades to more detailed charts. Going with the Garmin Echomap and LiveScope allows me to integrate the electronics with my smartphone and smartwatch app. The system also connects with my Garmin Force Current motor to serve as a hub for all my Garmin electronics.
Railblaza Hexx Live Pole
MSRP: $210
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ACADEMY SPORTS ECO FISHING SHOP AMAZON RAILBLAZA
The live-sonar craze has spawned a cottage industry of mounts and transducer poles. For Kayak Angler’s last two motor-kayak builds, we chose the Railblaza Hexx Live Pole for the important job of deploying and controlling the live-sonar transducer. The Hexx Pole connects to a flat surface or a gear track with a quick release or permanent installation. Turning the handle to direct the sonar beam is second nature and retracting and deploying the pole is super smooth. The Hexx Sonar Pole is also easy to adjust to fit any size kayak. I like how simple the Hexx Live Pole is to remove between trips.
Shimano Armajoint
MSRP: $42.99
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BASS PRO SHOPS AMAZON FISH USA SHIMANO
Custom-built swimbaits cost over $100, but homemade lures can’t touch the tech in Shimano’s Armajoint swimbait. The Armajoint SS model sinks slowly while the SF model floats. To increase casting distance, the 7.5-inch lure folds in half in the air. When the lure lands in the water, the Armajoint body straightens to swim in an S-pattern. My favorite element is Shimano’s Flash Boost, a piece of reflective foil suspended inside the clear body that shimmers and sparkles in the sunlight. When I pause my retrieve and the lure suspends in the water, the shimmering Flash Boost attracts attention.
Shimano Exsence B
MSRP: $649.99
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BASS PRO SHOPS AMAZON FISH USA SHIMANO
One word describes Shimano’s Exsence B: smooth. The Exsence B is Shimano’s new flagship spinning reel with the latest design and technology focused on smooth casts and retrieves.
Working a finesse lure super slow along the bottom requires a precision reel to feel every bump and bite. The MGL Rotor in the Exsence B is asymmetrical to reduce rotating weight and start-up inertia. A titanium bail arm and carbon rotor further reduce weight. The line roller and bail mechanism are positioned to optimize balance. That means I can easily go from pausing the lure to retrieving slowly for the ultimate finesse action.
One of my favorite features is the Rapid Fire Drag. When I’m fishing a small lure with a small hook, I need to produce maximum drag power on the hookset, then back off the drag to prevent pulling the little hook. The Exsence drag allows me to quickly go from tight to light drag with a slight turn of the drag knob.
Whether you are tempting deepwater largemouth bass or skinny water speckled trout, the Exsence B offers control and sensitivity to work a small lure at a super slow speed.
Bonafide PWR129
MSRP: $2049
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Can I put two motors on a kayak? Can I install forward-facing and side-view sonar? Will it work? Will it turn into a royal pain in the ass? To answer these questions, I planned to build the ultimate motorized kayak.
The plan’s foundation is a Bonafide PWR129, a sit-on-top kayak designed for two motors and full electronics. The 12-foot, nine-inch kayak is 35 inches wide with a 500-pound capacity, perfect for motors and still capable of paddling.
For the electric outboard, I installed a Newport Vessels NK300 in the stern. The installation was simple, using the Newport bracket and online installation videos. The Newport system comes with a smart throttle that displays important battery and motor data.
On the bow, I installed a MotorGuide Xi3 trolling motor with a 36-inch shaft and 55 foot-pounds of thrust. I use the handheld remote to control direction, speed and functions like autopilot and anchor lock.
To complete the package, I added a 10-inch Humminbird Helix G4N with Mega Side Imaging and Mega Live Imaging transducers.
After a season fishing the PWR129, I declare the build a success. The Newport NK300 outboard confidently and reliably pushes the boat to the fishing grounds. When I’m fishing, I switch to the MotorGuide trolling motor to maneuver the boat while I search for fish with the sonar. Then, I hit anchor lock to hold the boat in position while I cast and catch fish.
The combination of electric outboard and trolling motor along with live sonar make the PWR129 a compact, efficient and effective fishing machine. The Bonafide PWR129 offers the fishability of the bass boat with the ownability of a kayak, making it a perfect fit in my fishing arsenal.
HUK Pro Series Jacket and Bib
MSRP: $500
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Huk designed their new Pro Series Rainsuit to satisfy professional anglers working the salt and freshwater tournament circuits. Tourney competitors don’t get to choose the days they fish, and comfort in any weather is a competitive advantage. The Huk Pro Series starts with a durable, breathable material that is light enough to wear all summer. The jacket’s large chest pockets are mirrored in the bibs to keep my phone and trolling motor remote in easy reach. Long zippers down each leg allow me to remove the bibs without taking off my boots. The weather changes quickly and I need to go from bundled up to stripped down and back to bundled up over the course of a typical day. The Huk jacket has a removable strap inside that connects to the bibs, so I can peel off the jacket while I’m fishing then quickly don the jacket when I’m on the search.
Bonafide PWR129 has the capacity and space for two motors and full electronics. | Feature photo: Patrick Hayes
