Electric Kayak for Redfish: A Customer's First Trip
Labor Day weekend, Russell Weir (Yakmon Outdoors) did what every new kayak owner dreams about: he took his brand-new FluxJet out for the first time and pointed it at fish. His target was redfish, and his arena was the Nueces Bay marsh near Corpus Christi, Texas. Skinny, salty, and full of grass. Exactly the kind of water that punishes anything with a propeller hanging below the hull.
He filmed the whole trip. What you are about to see is a stock FluxJet running very shallow saltwater, covering real distance, staying stable enough to stand and fish from, and punching through a 20 to 25 mph headwind on the way home.
The takeaway before you watch: about 12 miles covered on a 36V 50Ah battery, in water so shallow most boats cannot follow, and redfish caught and released on the kayak's first day out.
Why Nueces Bay Is the Perfect First Test
Redfish live where the water is measured in inches, not feet. The Nueces Bay marsh is a maze of shallow flats, narrow channels, and grass lines. It is beautiful, it is full of fish, and it is hostile to anything with running gear below the hull.
That is why this trip matters. A maiden voyage in deep open water proves very little. A maiden voyage in skinny marsh proves the thing the FluxJet was built for: no prop below the hull, running in as little as 4 inches of water.
The Trip by the Numbers
Distance: about 12 miles
Battery: 36V 50Ah, his own (battery and charger are not included with the kayak)
Headwind on the return: 20 to 25 mph
Water: very shallow Texas saltwater marsh
Fish: redfish, caught and released
Russell ran the setup we recommend: 36V. It is the most common choice among owners and the voltage we suggest for full days on the water. Our battery guide breaks down the 12V, 24V, and 36V options if you are deciding.
Shallow Water Is the Whole Point
The jet drive was built for this. With no propeller or shaft below the hull, the FluxJet is designed to run in as little as 4 inches of water. That opens up flats, marsh drains, and back channels that prop-driven kayaks cannot reach without getting out and dragging.
One honest note, because it matters: the intake is not magic. It is designed to shed vegetation the way a skimmer does, but in heavy weeds you should slow down, and a quick burst of reverse helps clear anything that packs in. Read more about how the jet drive handles shallow water and weeds.
Wind, Distance, and Managing the Battery
The return leg brought a 20 to 25 mph headwind straight off the bay. That is the kind of wind that ends trips early. Russell throttled back and rode it out, slowing down to conserve battery instead of fighting the wind at full speed.
That tradeoff is worth understanding. Range is not one number. It depends on battery size, speed, load, wind, and water. Our controlled 36V full-day lake test covered 14.42 miles with 55 percent of the battery remaining, and we rate up to 14 hours of runtime with a 12V 165Ah battery. Twelve miles of Texas saltwater, headwind included, is a normal day for this setup, not a record attempt.
Redfish on the Maiden Voyage
He found what he came for. Redfish in skinny water, caught from a kayak on its first day out, and released back into the marsh to fight another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use the FluxJet in saltwater?
Yes. Russell's entire maiden voyage ran in Texas saltwater, and the kayak handled it without issue. As with any kayak, give it a freshwater rinse after saltwater trips to keep the hardware and electronics in good shape.
How shallow can the FluxJet go?
It is designed to run in as little as 4 inches of water, with no propeller or shaft below the hull to catch on the bottom. That is what lets it work marsh drains and flats where prop-driven kayaks get stuck or have to be dragged.
What battery setup did Russell use?
He ran a 36V 50Ah battery of his own. The kayak does not include a battery or external charger, so you bring your own marine battery from 12V up to 60V. We recommend 36V for full fishing days.
How far can it go on a charge?
Russell covered about 12 miles on his 36V 50Ah setup, including a windy return leg. Range depends on battery size, speed, load, and conditions. For reference, our controlled 36V lake test covered 14.42 miles with 55 percent of the battery remaining.
Can you stand and fish from the FluxJet?
Yes. Russell fished standing on his first trip out, and the wide, flat hull is designed for stability. Like any kayak, take a trip or two to learn its balance before standing in rough water.
Will weeds clog the jet intake?
The intake is designed to shed vegetation as water flows in, the way a skimmer does, and it took over a year to develop. But it is not weedless: in heavy vegetation, slow down, and use a quick burst of reverse to help flush material out.
Your Turn
Russell's first trip is the trip the FluxJet was designed for: skinny water, real distance, actual fish. If that sounds like your kind of fishing, the next step is simple.
Reserve your FluxJet with a $999 deposit.
The $2,500 balance is due before final assembly. Every kayak is backed by a 2-year warranty.
Reserve NowQuestions about specs, batteries, or delivery? Read the FAQ, check what owners are saying, or find a dealer near you and see one on the water.