After updating her rig for 2026, Kristine Fischer took her new kayak fishing setup out on its maiden voyage on Lake Seminole, Florida. Fischer shared in the video that Lake Seminole is inundated with flooded timber and stumps and that she planned to put her new rig through the wringer to see how her new setup holds up.
Fischer’s 2026 set up’s bones include a Hobie Pro 14 360 paired with Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor. Additionally, Fischer is switching to Garmin forward-facing sonar.
Kristine Fischer tests new motor and rigging on fishing kayak
Fischer hit the water with a friend to test out the new setup. The pro angler, who hadn’t caught a bass since October while busy muskie fishing, proceeded to catch two pickerel before scoring a 14-inch bass.
“So one thing right off the bat is it’s a little bit backwards,” explained Fischer about her new motor rigging. “So if you want to go right you’re actually going to push your left foot down, or you can push your right heel down.”
Fischer added that the setup is very responsive and despite initial confusion it was easy to get the hang of overall. Fischer also noted how quiet and smooth the new motor is.
“I got about 5-4 top speed with that motor,” added Fischer. “From what I’ve been told with my 100 amp 24 volt ProGuide battery… I won’t ever have to worry about running out of battery the entire day, maybe even two days.”
Fischer recommended the foot pedals add-ons to control the motor with your feet rather than just the remote and rechargeable batteries for the remote and pedals. Fischer also noted that you can set a track on the remote, allowing you to run the kayak handsfree while you fish.
Smoothish sailing, still light on bass
On the water it was smooth sailing for Fischer, right up until it came time to load the kayak back into the trailer. Upon loading, Fischer’s kayak slid to the left of the trailer, nearly sending her into the water before ramming into the concrete of the boat launch with Fischer briefly unable to shut the motor off before locating the remote.
“I’m good. I freaking smashed my fingers, it’s okay,” said Fischer. “That was a mess. That is not the way to do a first trip out in a kayak.”
Eager for a redemption arc, Fischer extended her “first trip” out to the next day and headed out to the southern half of Lake Seminole with her motor synched with the Garmin Active Captain app.
With 54 degree Fahrenheit water temperature, Fischer voiced that she felt a lot more optimistic about her bass odds on day two, but ultimately still experienced tough fishing as she broke in her new rig.
“I do think the more I get this figured out, and the more I kind of learn the nuances of it, I think I’m gonna really like it,” Fischer said, making her last casts while the sun set.
