Live Bait Available: Shrimp and Worms

Pinecraft Park

Looking for your next kayak spot? How about a secluded, not-so-often used, kayak launch? Try out Pinecraft Park!

PINECRAFT PARK LAUNCH (2) PINECRAFT PARK 1

Pinecraft Park

Pinecraft Park is a well maintained Sarasota county park that is at the northern end of Phillippi Creek.  There is a paved launch ramp on the south end of the park and a good sized paved parking lot.

Phillipi Creek Trail:

Pinecraft park is a little over 3 miles upstream from the Phillippi Estate Park and many people like to paddle from one park to the other. Both host beautiful areas that have nice launch sites. Pinecraft to Phillippi is a nice easy paddle and good for beginners. It’s quiet, residential, shallow, and protected from the wind. However, before you launch check the tide and only go if it’s high or rising. There are parts of the Creek that are very, very shallow.

PINECRAFT PARK LAUNCH (6)  PINECRAFT PARK LAUNCH (4)  PINECRAFT PARK LAUNCH (1)

How to Get There:  

The address is 1420 Gilbert Ave. Sarasota FL 34239
To get to the Park, go east on Bahia Vista, cross Phillippi Creek bridge and go south on Gilbert Ave. Gilbert runs right into the Park.

Remember to paddle safely and respectfully. Phillippi Creek does host local boat traffic and fishermen. Watch out for the lush barnacle beds and make sure to launch only where there are signs to do so. And lastly, have fun!

Recent News

Pedal or Paddle: The Ultimate Kayak Showdown

Kayak fishing and recreational paddling continue to grow in popularity throughout Sarasota and Bradenton. With miles of coastline, shallow flats, mangrove tunnels, and calm bays, the area offers ideal conditions for getting on the water. One of the biggest decisions new buyers face is whether to choose a pedal-drive kayak or a traditional paddle kayak.

At Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports, we help customers understand the differences so they can choose the right kayak for their needs and local conditions.

Key Difference: How You Power the Kayak

The most obvious difference is propulsion. A traditional paddle kayak is powered using a double-bladed paddle. A pedal kayak uses a foot-powered drive system, allowing you to propel the kayak by pedaling.

Pedal kayaks allow you to keep your hands free, which is especially helpful for fishing. Paddle kayaks, on the other hand, offer simplicity and lighter weight.

Speed and Efficiency

In general, pedal kayaks maintain steady speeds with less upper body fatigue. Because your legs are stronger than your arms, pedaling can feel more efficient over longer distances. This is helpful when covering large areas of Sarasota Bay or traveling against current.

Paddle kayaks can still move quickly, especially in shorter bursts. However, longer trips may require more physical effort.

Effort and Physical Demand

Pedal kayaks reduce strain on the shoulders and arms, making them a great choice for anglers who spend hours on the water. They also allow for precise boat positioning while casting or fighting a fish.

Paddle kayaks provide a full upper body workout and are lighter to transport. For recreational paddlers who enjoy a more traditional kayaking experience, paddling offers simplicity and control.

Fishing Performance

For anglers in Sarasota and Bradenton, pedal kayaks offer a major advantage. Hands-free movement allows you to adjust position while actively fishing. This is especially helpful when targeting redfish, snook, or trout along grass flats or mangroves.

Paddle kayaks are still very effective for fishing, particularly in shallow water. They often draft less water and can be easier to maneuver in tight mangrove tunnels or extremely skinny flats.

Cost Considerations

Pedal-drive kayaks typically cost more due to the added drive system. They also require slightly more maintenance. Paddle kayaks are more budget-friendly and have fewer mechanical components.

For many beginners, starting with a paddle kayak can be an affordable entry point into the sport. Serious anglers often see the value in upgrading to a pedal system over time.

Sarasota-Specific Conditions to Consider

Local conditions matter when choosing your kayak. Sarasota’s tides, wind, and shallow grass flats all play a role.

Strong tidal flow in passes and channels can make pedaling easier than paddling against current. Afternoon winds are common in this area, and a pedal drive can help maintain control and steady movement.

However, in extremely shallow flats, a paddle kayak may be easier to maneuver since some pedal drives require slightly deeper water. Many modern pedal systems can be adjusted or lifted in shallow areas, but it is important to consider where you plan to fish most often.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

  • Do you primarily plan to fish or recreationally paddle?
  • How far will you typically travel?
  • Is hands-free control important to you?
  • What is your budget?
  • Will you fish shallow flats or deeper bays more often?

If you want maximum fishing efficiency and hands-free control, a pedal kayak may be the better choice. If you prefer simplicity, lighter weight, and lower cost, a paddle kayak could be perfect for you.

Contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports Today

Choosing between a pedal kayak and a paddle kayak does not have to be complicated. The team at Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports can help you compare models and find the best fit for Sarasota and Bradenton waters. Visit us today or contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports to get expert guidance and get on the water with confidence.

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Beginner’s Guide to Saltwater Fishing Tackle: What You Really Need

Saltwater fishing in Sarasota and Bradenton offers incredible opportunities for beginners. Whether you are casting from a pier, fishing the flats, or heading out in a kayak, the Gulf Coast provides access to species like redfish, snook, trout, and flounder. If you are new to the sport, the wide variety of rods, reels, and tackle can feel overwhelming. The key is starting with the right essentials instead of overloading your tackle box.

At Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports, we help new anglers focus on what truly matters so they can fish confidently from day one.

Start With a Versatile Rod and Reel

For most beginners fishing in the Sarasota and Bradenton area, a 7-foot medium or medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a saltwater-rated spinning reel is a smart choice. Spinning setups are easy to handle and forgiving for new anglers learning to cast.

Make sure your reel is built for saltwater use to prevent corrosion. A reliable rod and reel combo will cover most inshore fishing situations and give you flexibility as you gain experience.

Choose the Right Line and Leader

Fishing line is one of the most important parts of your setup. Many anglers prefer braided line because it is strong, sensitive, and allows for longer casts. A 10 to 20-pound braid works well for targeting common inshore species.

Adding a fluorocarbon leader is essential in saltwater fishing. Fluorocarbon is less visible underwater and provides extra abrasion resistance when fishing around docks, mangroves, or oyster bars.

Keep Terminal Tackle Simple

You do not need every hook size available. Start with a small selection of circle hooks and jig heads that match the bait you plan to use. Circle hooks are great for beginners because they increase hook-up success and are better for catch and release.

Carry a few basic weights like split shot or egg sinkers to adjust for current and depth. Swivels are also helpful for connecting your main line to your leader and reducing line twist.

Live Bait and Artificial Lures

Both live bait and artificial lures are effective in Sarasota and Bradenton waters. Live shrimp and pinfish are reliable options for beginners and consistently attract popular inshore species.

If you prefer artificial lures, start with soft plastic paddle tails, jerk baits, and a topwater lure. These cover different water conditions and are simple to use while you build confidence.

Do Not Overlook Basic Gear

In addition to tackle, a few basic tools will improve your experience. Pliers for hook removal, a small landing net, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a well-organized tackle box are all essential. If you are kayak fishing, Dolphin Paddlesports can help outfit your kayak with rod holders and storage options for a smoother trip.

Get Local Guidance Before You Fish

Fishing conditions in Sarasota and Bradenton change with the seasons, tides, and weather. Stopping by Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports before you head out allows you to get up-to-date advice on what is biting and which setups are working best.

Contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports Today

If you are ready to start saltwater fishing in Sarasota or Bradenton, Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports has the gear, bait, and local expertise you need. Whether you are shopping for your first rod and reel or gearing up for your next trip, our team is here to help. Visit us today or contact Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports to get started on the water.

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Fishing Report-Friday February 13, 2026

The weather has been slightly more consistent this week and it’s finally starting to warm up out there! Off shore/nearshore reports are starting to trickle back in. We had wahoo reported earlier in the week about 50 mi out. Red grouper, mangrove snapper and lane snapper have been pretty steady in about 50′ of water. A few mentions of tripletail this week as well as cobia on nearshore structure. Sheepshead have been non stop nearshore and inshore. Focus on docks and rock for those fish. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs work best. Plenty of pompano inshore with a few smaller permit mixed in. Trout and redfish bite is certainly heating back up quickly! A few chilly snook even came out to play in phillippi creek. The water has been extremely clear in the bay so drop your leader weight down if needed and remember to work your baits slower than usual. Thumpershrimp 3″ gold glitter are working well along with Zman Salty ned shrimp! Rootbeer, golden bream, watermelon red colors work very well this time of year. Just remember to slowwwww it down.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT!!

NOMAD Sumo shrimp

Benchmade Knives

Shimano Vanquish spinning reel

Stop in and see us!!! Tight lines

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Why Local Kayak Shops Matter More Than Buying Online

If you are shopping for a kayak, it can be tempting to click “add to cart” and have one delivered straight to your driveway. Online shopping is quick and convenient, and for many people, it feels like the easiest way to get started. While ordering online can work in some cases, buying from a local kayak shop often makes a bigger difference than most paddlers realize.

For Sarasota kayakers and kayak anglers, visiting a trusted local shop can save you time, money, and frustration while helping you get on the water with confidence.

Expert Advice Makes All the Difference

Kayaks are not one-size-fits-all. The right kayak depends on where you plan to paddle, your experience level, your height and weight, and whether you want to fish, explore, or simply enjoy a relaxing day on Sarasota Bay.

When you shop online, you are usually relying on reviews from strangers who may paddle in completely different conditions. When you shop locally, you get real guidance from people who understand Florida waters and can help match you with the perfect kayak for your goals.

See the Kayak Before You Buy It

Photos and product descriptions can only tell you so much. Comfort, seat support, stability, storage space, and overall feel are things you truly need to experience in person.

Shopping at a local kayak shop allows you to inspect the kayak up close, compare models side by side, and get a better idea of what you are investing in. This is especially important for fishing kayaks, where small details like rod storage and gear space can make a huge difference.

Get Properly Outfitted From the Start

Many people buy a kayak online and then realize they still need the essentials: a paddle, personal flotation device, dry bags, anchor systems, roof racks, or upgraded seating. Suddenly, that “easy” purchase turns into multiple follow-up orders and unexpected costs.

A local shop helps you get everything you need at once so you can hit the water prepared.

Local Knowledge You Cannot Get Online

Paddling in Florida comes with unique challenges, including tides, wind, shallow flats, boat traffic, and sudden weather changes. A local shop can recommend the best kayak styles for Sarasota Bay, mangrove tunnels, the Myakka River, and beyond.

That kind of Sarasota-specific knowledge can help beginners avoid common mistakes and enjoy safer, smoother adventures.

Online Convenience With Local Support

At Economy Tackle / Dolphin Paddlesports, we understand that sometimes ordering online is the most convenient option. That is why many of our products are available online, making it easy to browse kayaks, accessories, and gear from anywhere.

However, coming into the shop is always the best way to ensure you are getting the right fit, the right setup, and the right advice before you buy.

Visit Economy Tackle / Dolphin Paddlesports and Let Us Help You

Economy Tackle / Dolphin Paddlesports has deep roots in Sarasota, evolving over the years into one of the area’s most trusted sources for recreational and fishing kayaks. When you shop with us, you are not just buying a kayak, you are gaining a team that truly cares about your experience on the water.

Whether you shop online or visit in person, we cannot wait to help you find the perfect kayak and get ready for your next adventure. For more information, contact our team today!

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Growth on the Brink:Development Pressures Near Sarasota and Tampa Bay

Over the years, Sarasota has experienced significant change. Many debates have arisen over its growth—from taller high-rises in downtown Sarasota to the size and scale of hotels permitted on Siesta Key. It raises an important question: when does growth become too much?

Pristine waters of Terra Ceia Preserve.

Now, a new development pre-liminary proposal has surfaced. While it is not directly within Sarasota, it hits close to home. The proposal involves a cruise port for Knott-Cowen

Cruise near Rattlesnake Key, the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, and the Tampa Bay watershed—areas known for their natural beauty, ecological importance, and abundance of wildlife.

This proposed port could have serious environmental, social, and economic impacts. From potential damage to sensitive marine ecosystems to increased pollution and strain on surrounding communities, the consequences deserve careful consideration and public discussion.

Lush sea grass beds of Terra Ceia Tampa Bay

A petition opposing the proposed port has been created on both Change.org and the Sun Coast Waterkeeper’s webpage. You can follow the link below to learn more about the project and add your voice by signing the petition.

**Pictures provided by David Robinson of Sarasota.

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Fishing Report-Friday January 30, 2026

Well, this is it! Wintertime fishing at its finest. These past couple weeks we have seen a bit of inconsistent weather and high winds. This makes it tough to get offshore, but if you have the boat it can still be productive. Red grouper are being caught in about 100′. Gag grouper being caught and released in about 40-50′. Hogfish bite has been great on nearshore ledges in about 40′. Cobia have been scattered on nearshore structure and smaller fish being caught in the bay this week. Mangrove snapper have been reported in 50′ as well as some keepers caught in Phillippi Creek. Mangroves seem to be almost always available inshore and off. One of the best eating fish in my opinion. There have also been some decent snook on nearshore structure, the water is warmer the deeper you go. They are down there escaping the cold. A few mentions of tripletail this week as well. Typically the larger fish will surface after a front. Inshore, its a sheepshead and pompano kind of week!! Sheepshead can be found on nearshore structure, inshore structure ( docks, rocks and oyster beds.) Pompano are still going strong off of the beach, big pass and inshore channels. Live shrimp or ‘Silly Willy” jigs have been working great. There are schools of massive jack crevalle in Phillippi Creek this week along with those keeper mangs. We have also seen some very consistant reports of redfish in the bay and even a couple smaller snook! This time of year I like to use a lot of artificials. Work them slow. Mirro-lure Lil Jons in golden brean, new penny, and watermellon red are great colors. The redfish and trout love them! As always, stop in and see us with any questions or if you need any recommendations!

Tight Lines

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Lightweight Kayaks in Sarasota: Why Serious Anglers Are Going Lighter (And Where to Buy)

There’s a moment most kayak anglers hit, usually sometime after the fifth or sixth time struggling to lift a 75-pound polyethylene kayak onto a car roof, or after wrenching a shoulder at the boat ramp, when they start asking: “Is there a better way?” There is. Lightweight kayaks have never been better, more feature-rich, or more widely available than they are right now.

Economy Tackle carries two of the best lightweight kayak brands in the industry, Hurricane and Eddyline, and May is one of the best times to demo and buy before the summer season peaks. This guide covers everything you need to know about going lighter and why it might be the best upgrade you’ve made to your fishing life.

Why Kayak Weight Matters More Than Most Anglers Realize

When people shop for a fishing kayak, they typically focus on features: rod holders, storage, stability, and pedal drive. Weight often gets treated as a footnote. That’s a mistake, especially in Sarasota, where car-topping, beach launches, and solo loading at boat ramps are part of the routine.

  • Solo loading: Every pound you carry onto a roof rack or into a truck bed is a pound you lift, often at awkward angles, often when you’re already tired from a day on the water
  • Carry distance: Sarasota’s best kayak launches — Turtle Beach, Ted Sperling Park, and Bayfront Park- require carrying your kayak from the parking area to the water. Lighter kayaks make this a non-issue.
  • Longevity: The number-one reason experienced kayak anglers sell their boats is weight-related frustration. A kayak you can manage comfortably is a kayak you’ll actually use.

The conventional wisdom used to be that lightweight kayaks meant compromised durability or stripped-down features. That’s no longer true. Thermoformed ABS and composite construction have closed the gap dramatically.

Thermoformed vs. Polyethylene: Understanding the Difference

Most kayaks sold at big-box retailers are made from rotomolded polyethylene (HDPE), a durable, inexpensive plastic that results in heavy, somewhat flexible hulls. It’s a great material for a beginner’s first kayak. But it’s not the only option, and for serious anglers it’s often not the best one.

Thermoformed ABS

Thermoformed kayaks are made by heating sheets of ABS plastic (or ABS/acrylic composite) and forming them over a mold. The result is a stiffer, lighter, more visually refined hull that holds its shape better and performs more like a composite kayak at a fraction of composite pricing.

  • Weight savings: A thermoformed kayak in the same size class is typically 20–35% lighter than its polyethylene equivalent
  • Stiffness: A stiffer hull transfers paddle energy more efficiently 
  • UV resistance: ABS acrylic surfaces hold color and resist UV degradation better than polyethylene
  • Aesthetics: Thermoformed kayaks simply look sharper, relevant if that matters to you

Eddyline Kayaks: Premium Performance, Serious Weight Savings

Eddyline takes thermoformed construction to a higher level with their Carbonlite 2000 material, a carbon-infused ABS composite that delivers rigidity and weight savings approaching fiberglass at a significantly lower price. Eddyline kayaks are premium products; the price reflects it, but so does everything about the on-water experience. At Economy Tackle, we carry the Eddyline Caribbean 12FS, a fishing-specific model loaded with the features serious anglers want.

Eddyline Caribbean 12FS — Fishing-Ready Lightweight

The Caribbean 12FS is Eddyline’s fishing-specific model and the one we stock at Economy Tackle. Built on Carbonlite 2000 thermoformed material, it comes in well under 50 lbs while delivering a feature set that serious inshore anglers will appreciate immediately. It’s designed to fish out of the box, not as an afterthought.

  • Fishing features: Molded-in tracks for accessories, flush-mount rod holder, and standing pads for sight-fishing on the flats
  • Ideal for: Sarasota Bay inshore anglers who want a premium lightweight fishing kayak with fishing-specific rigging ready to go
  • Available at Economy Tackle — stop in to see current colors and discuss rigging options with our staff

Lightweight Kayaks and Sarasota’s Older Angling Community

We want to say this plainly because it matters: lightweight kayaks have genuinely extended fishing careers for anglers in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. The single biggest reason experienced Sarasota anglers stop kayak fishing isn’t skill, interest, or fitness on the water; it’s the weight of the boat at the ramp and on the roof rack.

Hurricane and Eddyline kayaks changed that calculation completely. Pair a lightweight kayak with a small electric motor (see our companion blog on kayak electric motors), and you have a fishing platform that asks almost nothing physically of the person operating it, while delivering every bit of the access, stealth, and experience that makes kayak fishing special.

If you’ve been fishing Sarasota Bay for years and the weight of your current kayak is becoming a barrier, come talk to us. We’ll put you in something lighter and get you back on the water.

Why Buy from Economy Tackle Instead of a Big-Box Retailer

This is a fair question worth answering directly. When you search “lightweight kayaks” online, you’ll see large sporting goods chains and outdoor retailers prominently featured. Here’s what they can’t offer:

  • Local knowledge: Our staff fishes and kayaks in Sarasota Bay. We know which kayaks handle the specific conditions here: the afternoon chop, the skinny flats, the current at the passes. Generic recommendations don’t account for this.
  • Brands they don’t carry: Dick’s and similar retailers don’t stock Hurricane or Eddyline. These are specialty brands available through dealers who know kayaks, not mass-market products.
  • Demo opportunities: We can arrange on-water demos so you paddle before you buy. No big-box retailer does this.
  • Continual support: Rigging your kayak, adding rod holders, sizing your paddle, answering questions mid-season, we’re here for that. A big-box retailer is not.
  • Fishing expertise: Buying a fishing kayak and fishing tackle from the same local expert who fishes the same water is a different experience than a transaction with a chain store.

Visit Economy Tackle This May

May is a perfect time to buy a new kayak in Sarasota. The summer season is approaching, conditions are beautiful, and the current inventory is strong. Come in to see the full selection, ask questions, and get set up right for the season.

Economy Tackle | 6018 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL | Open 7 days a week

For more, visit our complete guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

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Kayak Fishing with an Electric Motor in Sarasota Bay: Everything You Need to Know

May is one of the best months to be on Sarasota Bay. Snook are waking up, cobia are still in the passes, redfish are tailing on warm flats, and the water clarity is excellent. It’s also the month when many anglers start thinking about upgrading their setup, and one of the fastest-growing upgrades in the kayak fishing world right now is the electric motor.

At Economy Tackle, we’ve been watching the electric motor movement gain serious momentum, especially among Sarasota’s experienced anglers and those who want to fish longer days without the physical demands of paddling. If you’ve been curious about adding an electric motor to your kayak or buying a motor-ready kayak, this guide is for you.

For more, visit our complete guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

Why Electric Motors Are Catching On with Kayak Anglers

The core appeal is simple: you get the access and stealth of a kayak with the effortless range of a motorized boat. But the reasons anglers are making the switch go deeper than that.

Covering More Water

Sarasota Bay is roughly 35 miles long. A paddle kayak angler can realistically cover 3–5 miles in a productive fishing morning. With a small electric motor, that range expands to 8–15 miles, letting you reach spots that are too far to paddle to, the far grass flats off Casey Key, the deeper points of Roberts Bay, the mangrove islands south of Midnight Pass, and still have energy to fish them hard.

Hands-Free Fishing

This is the game-changer for most anglers. When you’re fighting current, working into a headwind, or trying to hold position on a moving tide while casting to tailing redfish, paddling and fishing simultaneously is genuinely difficult. An electric motor handles the positioning so your hands stay on the rod. Many anglers describe the first day fishing with a motor as the day kayak fishing “clicked” for them.

Accessibility for All Anglers

This is something we hear often at Economy Tackle, and it matters: electric motors have made serious kayak fishing accessible to anglers who might otherwise be sidelined. Shoulder injuries, knee replacements, back problems, or simply the reality of aging, none of these have to end your fishing career when a small, quiet electric motor can do the paddling for you. The fishing remains every bit as technical and rewarding; you’re just letting technology handle the transportation.

Types of Electric Motor Setups for Kayaks

Customer Favorite Kayak + Motor Combinations

At Economy Tackle, we’ve helped a lot of customers find the right kayak and motor pairing. Here are three setups our customers keep coming back to.

Crescent Crew Tandem + Bixpy Transom Mount

The Crescent Crew tandem paired with the Bixpy transom mount and motor creates a fun and versatile setup for relaxing days on the water. The Crew offers comfortable frame seating, excellent stability, and the flexibility to easily convert from a tandem to a solo kayak. Combined with the simple-to-install Bixpy motor system, paddlers can explore farther, cruise with ease, and spend more time enjoying the adventure with less effort. It’s a particularly popular combo for couples and fishing buddies who want to share a boat without sacrificing comfort or range.

Hobie Kayaks + Bixpy Drivewell Adapter

Hobie kayaks are a great choice for anglers who want to explore the water with ease, offering a smooth, efficient ride and hands-free pedal power that makes every trip more enjoyable. Paired with the Bixpy drivewell adapter, paddlers can swap their pedal drive for quiet motor power in seconds — adding effortless range and versatility without changing boats. It’s an ideal upgrade for Hobie owners who want the option to motor across open water on longer trips to Sarasota Bay’s more distant flats.

Hottest Trending Setup: Bonafide XTR130 + Newport Motor

The Bonafide XTR130 paired with a Newport electric motor is one of the hottest fishing kayak setups we’re seeing right now — and for good reason. Choose between two powerful Newport motor options: the NT300 with traditional tiller steering or the NK300 pedal-drive steering system, depending on your preference. Anglers get a stable, motor-ready fishing kayak built for performance and all-day adventures on the water. Its fully riggable platform even allows for the addition of a tandem swivel seat, making it easy to bring along a friend, partner, or fishing buddy. Newport electric motors also provide a quiet, clean, emission-free alternative to traditional gas-powered motors — a big plus in Sarasota Bay’s manatee-rich waters.

Pedal + Motor Combo: Native LTE 10 + Bixpy

The new Native LTE 10 paired with Bixpy motors offers one of the most versatile setups on the water right now. What makes it unique: the Bixpy motor fits directly into the drive well alongside the pedal system, meaning you can pedal and run the motor at the same time, or switch between the two on the fly, without having to swap either system out. This is a key difference from setups like the Hobie + Bixpy combination, where you have to fully remove the pedal drive before dropping in the motor. On the Native LTE 10, both are always ready. Pedal quietly through tight mangrove creeks and shallow flats, engage the motor to push through a headwind or cruise between spots, or run both together when you need maximum range. It’s the ultimate do-everything kayak setup for serious Sarasota Bay anglers.

What to Know Before You Buy

Battery: The Most Important Decision

Your motor is only as good as your battery. The good news: most of the motors we carry at Economy Tackle are sold in kits that include a lithium battery, so you’re set up right from the start. One important note: the Bixpy motor is a self-contained system and can only be used with the Bixpy battery — it’s not compatible with third-party batteries.

Florida Kayak Motor Regulations

In Florida, a kayak with a motor attached is classified differently from a human-powered kayak. Key rules:

  • Registration: A kayak with any motor (electric or gas) must be registered with the Florida DHSMV as a motorized vessel
  • Lighting: A motorized kayak must display proper navigation lights at night
  • Idle speed zones: Motorized kayaks are subject to the same idle speed and no-wake rules as any other motorized vessel, including manatee protection zones
  • Fishing licenses: No change, same fishing license requirements apply

Stop by Economy Tackle, and we’ll walk you through exactly what’s required for your specific setup before you hit the water.

Weight and Portability

The biggest practical consideration for most kayak anglers is the total weight of the motorized setup. A 12-foot fishing kayak weighs 55–85 lbs. Add a transom-mount motor and battery, and you’re looking at 90–130 lbs total. That’s a significant solo carry for loading and unloading at a ramp.

Lithium batteries reduce this considerably. Kayak carts and wheeled ramp dollies help with the ground transport. Many anglers back a truck or trailer to the water’s edge. It’s worth thinking through your launch routine before committing to a motor setup.

Best Sarasota Bay Spots for Electric Motor Kayak Fishing

The electric motor opens up spots that are simply too far for practical paddle fishing:

  • North Bay Flats (from Ken Thompson Park): Motor north along the ICW to reach the extensive flats north of the Ringling Bridge, a 2-mile paddle becomes a 10-minute motor run
  • Roberts Bay South end: The far southern reaches of Roberts Bay near Casey Key are excellent but require a long paddle; motors make this realistic in the morning
  • Jim Neville Preserve / Midnight Pass area: Launch from Turtle Beach, motor south to the preserve, then cut the motor and drift-fish the flats quietly
  • Myakka River: Launch from the Upper Myakka Lake boat ramp and motor out to target remote waters in search of bass, snook, and tarpon

Come Talk to Us at Economy Tackle

Whether you’re looking to add a motor to your existing kayak, buy a new motor-ready rig, or just want to understand your options, we’re happy to walk through it with you.

Visit Economy Tackle at 6018 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. May is a great time to get set up before the full summer season hits. Come in and let’s talk motors.

For more, visit our ultimate guide to kayak fishing in Sarasota Bay.

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Fishin Report June 11th, 2026 – Video

It’s BACK! The Weekly Fishing Report with Captain Juan Leon.

Listen to Capt Juan give you the lastest happenings in Sarasota Bay and surrounding beaches, near and off shore, for your full fishin report!

 

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